bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single mode excitation, attenuation, and backscatter in shallow water
Authors: Gingras Donald F.
Published: July 2002

In shallow water, bottom interaction may have a negative effect on the performance of active sonars. In this paper it is shown that a vertical array of weighted sources driven in an appropriate frequency band can be used to minimize the deleterious effects of bottom interaction, i.e., attenuation and backscatter. Simulation results (based on two-dimensional cw field calculations) are presented for three canonical geoacoustic models using both a winter and summer sound speed profile. It is shown through selective excitation of only mode one there exists a favorable frequency band providing both minimum attenuation and bottom generated backscatter.
Ocean acoustic inversion with estimation of a posteriori probability distributions
Authors: Gerstoft Peter , Mecklenbräuker Christoph F.
Published: July 2002

Inversion methods are applied in ocean acoustics to infer parameters which characterize the environment. The objective of this paper is to provide such estimates, and means of evaluating the inherent uncertainty of the parameter estimates. In a Bayesian approach, the result of inversion is the a posteriori probability density for the estimated parameters, from which all information such as mean, higher moments, and marginal distributions can be extracted. These are multidimensional integrals of the a posteriori probability density, which are complicated to evaluate for many parameters. Various sampling options are examined and it is suggested that “importance sampling” based on a directed Monte Carlo method, such as genetic algorithms, is the preferred method. The formulation of likelihood functions and maximum-likelihood objective functions for multifrequency data on a vertical array is discussed. A priori information about the parameters may be used in the formulation. Shallow-water acoustic data obtained at several frequencies using a vertical array is used to illustrate the applicability of the technique.
The influence of frequency-shaped cost functionals on the structural acoustic control performance of static, output feedback controllers
Authors: Smith G. Clark , Clark Robert L.
Published: July 2002

This paper investigates the level of modeling necessary to design static, output feedback controllers for structural acoustic control. The acoustic performance of three active control techniques is compared: active structural acoustic control (ASAC); active vibration control (AVC); and discrete active vibration control. The ASAC cost functional is created by the use of frequency-dependent models, which relate the structural response to radiated acoustic energy. A broadband measure of control signal power is developed and compensators are designed such that their power requirements are equal. These investigations are conducted on three different transducer arrangements. Results demonstrate that frequency-shaped cost functionals influence the design of frequency-independent controllers when the order of the control system is greater than one. With more than one sensor-actuator pair, the control energy bandwidth is shifted by the ASAC cost functional to provide increased low-frequency performance.
Using tone similarity judgments in tests of intertranscriber reliability
Authors: McGory Julia , Herman Rebecca , Syrdal Ann
Published: July 2002

An important, albeit often neglected, aspect of intonational labeling is testing the consistency between labelers. When reliability among different labelers has been tested, two aspects in which transcribers differ from each other is in placement and choice of tone labels. Only identical labels count as ‘‘agreement’’ between transcriptions. This can be problematic given that some tone categories are perceived to be similar, making the choice between labels at times difficult. This work suggests a refinement of existing tests of intertranscriber reliability. Previous intertranscriber reliability tests did not take into account each labeler’s perceived similarity between pitch accent categories. We examined a set of ToBI transcriptions of a single speaker corpus labeled independently by four experienced intonation labelers. The proposed method incorporates each transcriber’s tone similarity judgments, which were elicited for the purposes of this experiment. The labelers judged the similarity of pitch accent pairs using a rating scale of 1–7. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) of similarity judgements resulted in quantifiable measures of degree of similarity among tones. Euclidean distances between pairs of tones were calculated from the MDS results. We used these values as the weights in calculating mean weighted agreements. [This work is supported by AT&T Labs.–Research.]
Level discrimination of sinusoids as a function of duration and level for fixed-level, roving-level, and across-frequency conditions
Authors: Oxenham Andrew J. , Buus Søren
Published: July 2002

The ability of listeners to detect level differences between two sinusoidal stimuli in a two-interval forced-choice procedure was measured as a function of duration and level in three conditions: (1) the pedestal was fixed in level and the stimuli in the two intervals had the same frequency of either 1 or 2 kHz (fixed-level condition); (2) the pedestal was roved in level over a 20-dB range from trial to trial, but the stimuli still had the same frequency of either 1 or 2 kHz (roving-level condition); and (3) the pedestal was roved in level over a 20-dB range and the two stimuli differed in frequency, such that one was around 1 kHz while the other was around 2 kHz (across-frequency condition). In the fixed-level conditions, difference limens decreased (improved) with both increasing duration and level, as found in previous studies. In the roving-level conditions, difference limens increased and the dependence on duration and level decreased. Difference limens in the across-frequency conditions were generally highest and showed very little dependence on either stimulus duration or level. The results may be understood in terms of different internal noise components with additive variances: In the fixed-level conditions, sensation noise, which is dependent on stimulus attributes such as duration and level, is dominant. In more difficult conditions, where trace-memory and/or across-channel comparisons are required, a more central, stimulus-independent noise dominates.
Profile analysis of harmonic complexes: Effects of mistuning the target
Authors: Hill Nicholas I. , Bailey Peter J.
Published: July 2002

The effect of mistuning a single target component of a harmonic complex on listeners’ ability to detect an increment in the relative level of the target was investigated. In the baseline condition, the complex consisted of the first 20 harmonics of 200 Hz, with harmonic 3 designated the target. In the mistuned condition, the third harmonic was shifted down in frequency by 8%. To control for possible within-channel cues, versions of the above stimuli were also included in which harmonics 2 and 4 were removed. The results suggest that mistuning the target component does not impair across-frequency intensity comparisons.
New models and measurements concerning sound attenuation in concentrated airborne suspensions
Authors: Attenborough Keith , Wang Qiang , Woodhead Steve
Published: July 2002

In the inertial regime of frequency-radius space, irregularity and aggregation of particles can result in values of acoustic attenuation that are significantly different from those predicted by assuming separated smooth spherical particles. Data obtained previously from suspensions of alumina particles and olivine sand in air at audio frequencies, together with new data obtained at low ultrasonic frequencies in suspensions of glass beads and silica flour, are compared with predictions. It is shown that neither a coupled-phase theory modified to allow for nonspherical shapes nor effective radius theories are able to account for these data. Qian [Phys. Rev. E 53(3), 2304–2306 (1996)] has suggested that suspensions may be treated as fractal media and used the acoustic Reynolds number as the fractal dimension in modifying scattering theory. A new fractal modification of multiple scattering theory for acoustic attenuation is derived. The theory uses ωτv (ω is the angular acoustic frequency, τv is the dynamic relaxation time of the particles) as a fractal scale. Fitted values of fractal dimension obtained at a single frequency are found to enable fits with data at other frequencies. Moreover, the fractal approach is found to enable discrimination between the effects of particle irregularity and aggregation. [Work supported by EPSRC (UK).]
Particle statistics and whole-pattern methods in quantitative X-ray powder diffraction analysis
Authors: Smith Deane K.
Published: July 2002

Modern powder diffraction employing computer-controlled diffractometers now allows quantitative analytical methods to use the whole diffraction trace rather than only individual peaks. Two such methods are in common use: the Rietveld method, which refines the crystal structures of the component phases as part of the matching calculation, and the pattern-fitting method, which uses reference patterns from a database. Potential accuracies of these methods seems to be around 1% absolute. The most severe limitation on the potential accuracy of these methods is particle statistics, which has been reviewed in considerable detail.
Dynamic signals in instructional videos support students to navigate through complex representations: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Rodemer Marc , Lindner Marlit A. , Eckhard Julia , Graulich Nicole , Bernholt Sascha
Published: June 2022

In this eye‐tracking experiment, we compared instructional videos with static signals, dynamic signals and no signaling in a within‐subject design. We tracked eye movements from 28 undergraduate chemistry students while they were watching instructional videos about reaction mechanisms in the different signaling conditions. Further, we assessed students' cognitive load, as well as retention performance. We employed a Latin square design to control for sequencing and content effects of the instructional videos. Our data showed that dynamic signals helped students to better focus their attention to the relevant features of the representations virtually across the entire time of the video presentation. Furthermore, dynamic signals increased retention performance while they decreased extraneous cognitive load. Overall, our findings show the crucial role of pairing the signaling principle with the temporal contiguity principle in instructional videos to help students navigate through complex symbolic representations and improve their learning success.
In Situ Exsolution of Core‐Shell Structured NiFe/FeOx Nanoparticles on Pr0.4Sr1.6(NiFe)1.5Mo0.5O6‐δ for CO2 Electrolysis
Authors: Tan Ting , Wang Ziming , Qin Mingxia , Zhong Wentao , Hu Junhua , Yang Chenghao , Liu Meilin
Published: June 2022

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) have potential for efficient conversion of CO2 to valuable chemical fuels at low cost. However, the performance and commercial viability of the existing SOECs is still hindered by the poor durability and electro‐catalytic activity of the cathode for CO2 electrolysis. Here, the findings in preparation and characterization of a Ni‐free SOEC cathode materials composed of a Pr0.4Sr1.6(NiFe)1.5Mo0.5O6‐δ (PSNFM) double perovskite matrix decorated with exsolved core‐shell structured NiFe/FeOx (NFA@FeO) nanoparticles are reported. A single cell with the PSNFM‐NFA@FeO cathode demonstrates a high current density of 1.58 A cm−2 for CO2 electrolysis at a cell voltage of 1.4 V at 800 °C. The excellent electro‐catalytic activity of PSNFM‐NFA@FeO is attributed to the in situ exsolved NFA@FeO nanoparticles and the additional oxygen vacancies generated within the PSNFM substrate, creating plentiful NFA@FeO/PSNFM interfaces active for CO2 adsorption and electrolysis. Moreover, the FeO shell on the NFA also contains a lot of oxygen vacancies, which can effectively extend the active sites from the NFA@FeO/PSNFM interfaces to the entire surface of the NFA@FeO nanoparticles, greatly enhancing the kinetics of adsorption, dissociation, and reduction of CO2.
All‐Aqueous Freeform Fabrication of Perfusable Self‐Standing Soft Compartments
Authors: Gonçalves Raquel C. , Vilabril Sara , Neves Catarina M. S. S. , Freire Mara G. , Coutinho João A. P. , Oliveira Mariana B. , Mano João F.
Published: June 2022

Compartmentalized structures obtained in all‐aqueous settings have shown promising properties as cell encapsulation devices, as well as reactors for trans‐membrane chemical reactions. While most approaches focus on the preparation of spherical devices, advances on the production of complex architectures have been enabled by the interfacial stability conferred by emulsion systems, namely mild aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS), or non‐equilibrated analogues. However, the application of non‐spherical structures has mostly been reported while keeping the fabricated materials at a stable interface, limiting the free‐standing character, mobility and transposition of the obtained structures to different setups. Here, the fabrication of self‐standing, malleable and perfusable tubular systems through all‐aqueous interfacial assembly is shown, culminating in the preparation of independent objects with stability and homogeneity after disruption of the polymer‐based aqueous separating system. Those hollow structures can be fabricated with a variety of widths, and rapidly printed as long structures at flow rates of 15 mm s−1. The materials are used as compartments for cell culture, showcasing high cytocompatibility, and can be tailored to promote cell adhesion. Such structures may find application in fields that benefit from freeform tubular structures, including the biomedical field with, for example, cell encapsulation, and benchtop preparation of microfluidic devices.
Crystal Prediction and Design of Tunable Light Emission in BTB‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Rimsza Jessica M. , Henkelis Susan E. , Rohwer Lauren E. S. , Sava Gallis Dorina F. , Nenoff Tina M.
Published: June 2022

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently been shown to exhibit unique mechanisms of luminescence based on charge transfer between structural units in the framework. These MOFs have the potential to be structural tuned for targeted emission with little or no metal participation. A computationally led, material design and synthesis methodology is presented here that elucidates the mechanisms of light emission in interpenetrated structures comprised of metal centers (M = In, Ga, InGa, InEu) and BTB (1,3,5‐Tris(4‐carboxyphenyl)benzene) linkers, forming unique luminescent M‐BTB MOF frameworks. Gas phase and periodic electronic structure calculations indicate that the intensity of the emission and the wavelength are overwhelmingly controlled by a combination of the number of interacting stacked linkers and their interatomic spacings, respectively. In the MOF, the ionic radii of the metal centers primarily control the expansion or shrinkage of the linker stacking distances. Experimentally, multiple M‐BTB‐based MOFs are synthesized and their photoluminescence was tested. Experiments validated the modeling by confirming that shifts in the crystal structure result in variations in light emission. Through this material design method, the mechanisms of tuning luminescence properties in interpenetrated M‐BTB MOFs have been identified and applied to the design of MOFs with specific wavelength emission based on their structure.
High‐Performance Broadband Visible−Near Infrared Photodetector Enabled by Atomic Capping Layer
Authors: Huang Yixuan , Zhou Xiangyu , Luo Lingzhi , Zou Jihua , Liu Hezhuang , Li Xiao , Ren Aobo , Shen Kai , Wu Jiang
Published: June 2022

This study employs an effective oxygen (O2) plasma treatment to fabricate multilayer molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) photodetectors for visible and near‐infrared (NIR) detection. With the introduction of O2 plasma treatment, the atomic oxidized layer is generated to prevent direct interaction from O2 and water (H20) molecules in air, leading to an improved environmental stability. Meanwhile, bonded O atoms provide an electron‐rich atmosphere, which can effectively reduce the intrinsic Se vacancies and generate a strong built‐in electric field to suppress the recombination of photocarriers. As a result, the O2‐modified MoSe2 photodetector exhibits an excellent photoresponse, including a high responsivity of 889 mA W−1, a fast response time of 52 µs, and a high specific detectivity approaching 3.37 × 1014 Jones under 520 nm illumination with a light intensity of 2.02 mW cm−2 at 0.5 V. Moreover, the response spectra of MoSe2‐O2 photodetectors can be further extended to NIR region (λ = 980 nm), owing to perturbation of O atoms in the Se−Mo sublattice. Ultimately, a turbidity detection system based on the optimized photodetector is demonstrated, which illustrates an accurate turbidity measurement with the concentration ranging from 0 to 4000 NTU.
Fabrication of Microlens Arrays with High Quality and High Fill Factor by Inkjet Printing
Authors: Zhang Qiaoshuang , Schambach Maximilian , Schlisske Stefan , Jin Qihao , Mertens Adrian , Rainer Christian , Hernandez‐Sosa Gerardo , Heizmann Michael , Lemmer Uli
Published: June 2022

Microlens arrays (MLAs) have a variety of applications in, e.g., display systems, projection optics, and sensors. They can be manufactured by various fabrication methods. Among all, inkjet printing stands out because it offers a straightforward, versatile, and low‐cost fabrication route. However, extra manufacturing steps such as photolithography are so far involved to pre‐structure the substrate in order to improve the uniformity of the printed MLAs and achieve a high fill factor (FF). In this study, the fabrication of MLAs is reported on unstructured substrates by inkjet printing using an optimized UV‐curable ink on top of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs). The latter allows for tuning the surface free energy and thus the aspect ratio of the microlenses. The high uniformity of the printed MLAs is demonstrated by the automatic quantitative evaluations, where the standard deviations of the radii are below 2.5% and of the sag heights are less than 3.9%. An unprecedented FF of 88% amongst all inkjet‐printed MLAs on unstructured substrates is achieved. Digitally controlled large area fabrication is demonstrated, both, on rigid as well as on flexible substrates, opening a pathway for customized microoptics by additive manufacturing.
Dynamic Co(µ‐O)2Ru Moiety Endowed Efficiently Catalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Tung Ching‐Wei , Kuo Tsung‐Rong , Huang Yu‐Ping , Chu You‐Chiuan , Hou Cheng‐Hung , Li Yanan , Suen Nian‐Tzu , Han Jie , Chen Hao Ming
Published: June 2022

A large number of highly active Ru‐based electrocatalysts have been reported for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The utilization of synergistic effects for promoting HER performance remains inadequate, especially for corresponding potential‐driven reactive sites at the atomic level. Herein, a Co‐substituted RuRu2P structure is employed as a model system to reveal the synergistic effect on Ru‐based electrocatalysts and to realize the potential‐driven reactive sites during the HER. Optimized RuRu2P @ Co0.6 exhibits a superior catalytic performance in alkaline electrolytes, achieving a low overpotential of 9 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm–2. To precisely describe the geometrical nature of surface moiety of Co(µ‐O)2Ru, an indicator (β) is established to quantify the strain of Co(µ‐O)2Ru moieties through calculating the LCoL (L = P or O) angles through employing in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Both bond strain and corresponding metal‐metal distance of CoRu in Co(µ‐O)2Ru moiety can significantly affect the structural tolerance and facilitate the coupling of adsorbed hydrogen atoms during HER. It is believed that the perspective raised in the present work will provide a new avenue to the design of highly active HER catalysts at the atomic scale.
Decoupling the Dynamics of Zinc Hydroxide Sulfate Precipitation/Dissolution in Aqueous Zn–MnO2 Batteries by Operando Optical Microscopy: A Missing Piece of the Mechanistic Puzzle
Authors: Godeffroy Louis , Aguilar Ivette , Médard Jérôme , Larcher Dominique , Tarascon Jean‐Marie , Kanoufi Frédéric
Published: June 2022

Energy storage provides flexibility to an energy system and is therefore key for the incorporation of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar into the grid. Aqueous Zn–MnO2 batteries are promising candidates for grid‐scale applications due to their high theoretical capacity (616 mAh g–1) and the abundance of their components in the Earth's crust. However, they suffer from low cyclability, which is probably linked to the dramatic pH variations induced by the electrochemical conversion of MnO2. These pH variations are known to trigger the precipitation/dissolution of zinc hydroxide sulfate (Zn4(OH)6SO4 . xH2O, (ZHS)), which might have an influence on the conversion of MnO2. Herein, optical reflectometry is used to image and quantitatively monitor the MnO2 electrode's charge and discharge in situ and under operation. It emphasizes how solid‐phase ZHS rules the dynamics of both charge and discharge, providing a comprehensive picture of the mechanism at play in aqueous Zn–MnO2 batteries. If the precipitation of ZHS might impede the MnO2 electrode's discharge, it is a crucial pH buffer delaying the occurrence of the competing oxidation of water on charge.
Modular Origami Soft Robot with the Perception of Interaction Force and Body Configuration
Authors: Huang Junda , Zhou Jianshu , Wang Zhengyan , Law Jones , Cao Hanwen , Li Yichuan , Wang Hongbo , Liu Yunhui
Published: June 2022

Bio‐inspired soft robots provide a promising solution for robots working in human‐centered scenarios and interacting with unstructured environments. However, the functional versatility and multimodal sensing of soft robots still need improvements. On one hand, the configuration of a soft robot is predefined during manufacturing; on the other hand, the multimodal perception of the deformable soft actuator is challenging. In this work, a reconfigurable and proprioceptive soft origami module is presented, where two kinds of basic actuation modes (i.e., extension and bending) are realized, and multimodal perception is enabled using a novel foldable self‐inductance sensor. As a result, the origami module can be reconfigured to assemble multifunctional robots that can measure interaction force, body configuration, and other environmental information. Dedicated experiments are performed to validate the performance of the proposed origami module. An intelligent gripper assembled using three origami modules is designed with the capabilities of grasping mode adjustment, grasping force measurement, and the grasping target's size measurement. An intelligent jellyfish is assembled using five origami modules, and equipped with buoyancy adjustment and underwater grasping capabilities. The proposed proprioceptive modular soft origami provides an effective solution for versatile and intelligent soft robot design.
Human leukocyte antigen‐haploidentical transplantation for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia: Better leukemia‐free survival with bone marrow than with peripheral blood stem cells in patients ≥55 years of age
Authors: Baron Frédéric , Labopin Myriam , Tischer Johanna , Ciceri Fabio , Raiola Anna Maria , Blaise Didier , Sica Simona , Vydra Jan , Fanin Renato , Stölzel Friedrich , Busca Alessandro , Diez‐Martin Jose Luis , Koc Yener , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad
Published: June 2022

The best stem cell source for T‐cell replete human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐haploidentical transplantation with post‐transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) remains to be determined. In this European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation retrospective study, we analyzed the impact of stem cell source on leukemia‐free survival (LFS) in adult patients with primary refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) given grafts from HLA‐haploidentical donors with PTCy as graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. A total of 668 patients (249 bone marrow [BM] and 419 peripheral blood stem cells [PBSC] recipients) met the inclusion criteria. The use of PBSC was associated with a higher incidence of grade II–IV (HR = 1.59, p = .029) and grade III–IV (HR = 2.08, p = .013) acute GVHD. There was a statistical interaction between patient age and the impact of stem cell source for LFS (p < .01). In multivariate Cox models, among patients <55 years, the use of PBSC versus BM resulted in comparable LFS (HR = 0.82, p = .2). In contrast, in patients ≥55 years of age, the use of PBSC versus BM was associated with higher non‐relapse mortality (NRM) (HR = 1.7, p = .01), lower LFS (HR = 1.37, p = .026) and lower overall survival (HR = 1.33, p = .044). In conclusions, our data suggest that in patients ≥55 years of age with active AML at HLA‐haploidentical transplantation, the use of BM instead of PBSC as stem cell source results in lower NRM and better LFS. In contrast among younger patients, the use of PBSC results in at least a comparable LFS.
Efficient Protein–Protein Couplings Mediated by Small Molecules under Mild Conditions
Authors: Su Xun‐Cheng , Zhang Ling‐Yang , Zhao Li‐Na , Pan Bin‐Bin , Chen Ben‐Guang , Chen Jia‐Liang , Zhai Cheng‐Liang , Li Bin
Published: June 2022

Protein–protein coupling reactions under physiological conditions that do not impact the three‐dimensional structures of the proteins are in high demand. Owing to the combination of phenylsulfonyl and aldehyde groups in 5‐fluoro‐4‐(phenylsulfonyl)picolinaldehyde (FPPA), the fluorine substituent shows high reactivity toward free thiols. In FPPA, the fluorine is more reactive than phenylsulfonyl for free thiols. Thus the first quantitative nucleophilic substitution can be followed by selective substitution of phenylsulfonyl by an additional thiol or cyclization of aldehyde with a 1,2‐aminothiol molecule. The FPPA mediated protein–protein coupling proceeds efficiently under mild conditions, resulting in stable protein conjugates. This coupling method has negligible 3D structural perturbations on the target proteins, and it produces overall intact, nearly traceless, and native structural folds of proteins. It is highly suitable for reconstruction of proteins that are difficult to make and segmental isotopic labeling of multidomain proteins.
Cloning and expression analysis of HY5 transcription factor gene of safflower in response to light signal
Authors: Xian Bin , Chen Chao , Wang Jie , Chen Jiang , Wu Qinghua , Ren Chaoxiang , Pei Jin
Published: June 2022

The flower of the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a traditional Chinese medicine that can improve cerebral blood flow due to its enrichment in flavonoids. Light is one of the main environmental factors that affects safflower growth and flavonoid synthesis. Elongated hypocotyl 5 (HY5) plays an important role in plants’ light signal transduction. However, no study of HY5 in safflower has been conducted. In this study, a 462‐bp sequence of CtHY5 was successfully cloned. The expression pattern of CtHY5 in different safflower tissues and the expression patterns of CtHY5 and CtCHS1 in full‐blooming flowers that were treated under different light intensities were studied. The subcellular localization and the overexpression of CtHY5 were carried out as well. CtHY5 has a DNA‐binding region belonging to the basic leucine zipper transcription factor family. CtHY5 was specifically expressed in flowers. The expression level of CtHY5 first increased and then decreased with increasing light intensity, which was similar to the expression pattern of CtCHS1. The subcellular localization study was implemented in safflower protoplasts and the YFP fluorescence was observed in nucleus. The overexpression analysis initially verified the promotion effect of CtHY5 to the expression of CtCHS1 and the content of flavonoids.
Prognostic utility of preoperative inflammatory markers in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after hepatic resection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cui Hongxia , Li Yarong , Li Su , Liu Guangxuan
Published: June 2022

Background

The prognostic value of preoperative systemic inflammatory markers, including the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte‐to‐monocyte ratio (LMR), remains controversial in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Therefore, this meta‐analysis aimed to investigate the prognostic value of preoperative NLR, PLR, and LMR in patients with ICC who underwent hepatic resection.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of four electronic databases. Two researchers assessed the quality of the available data using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. We selected overall survival (OS) as the primary outcome and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) as secondary outcomes. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were merged to evaluate the associations between inflammatory markers and ICC patient prognosis.

Results

Fifteen studies (18 cohorts) with 4123 cases were included in this meta‐analysis. The results revealed that a high preoperative NLR was associated with short OS and RFS (HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07, and HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04–1.60, respectively) in patients with ICC. However, the association between PLR or LMR and ICC prognosis was not statistically significant. In addition, the publication bias and sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the results were reliable and stable.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis revealed that preoperative NLR may be a useful prognostic predictor for patients with ICC.
TiO2 Deposited on Activated Sewage Sludge for Effective Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Hanh Nguyen Thi , Khai Nguyen Manh , Anh Tran Nam , Vinh Le Thi , Huan Nguyen Huu , Pham Thanh-Dong
Published: June 2022

Titanium isopropoxide and sewage sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant were used as precursors to synthesize TiO2 deposited on activated sludge (TiO2/AS) using the sol‐gel method. The sewage sludge acted as a novel substrate to increase the surface area and as source of metals and non‐metals, which doped into the TiO2 lattice to enhance its photocatalytic activity. Thus, the synthesized TiO2/AS exhibited a narrow bandgap energy (2.61 eV) and a high surface area (138.7 m2g−1) for increased photocatalytic degradation with high mineralization of tetracycline in an aqueous environment. The study also demonstrates that the kinetics of photocatalytic tetracycline degradation by TiO2/AS follows a pseudo‐first‐order model. The optimized pH for the photocatalysis by TiO2/AS was 8.
Phosphate Removal with pH‐Responsive Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles
Authors: Aziz Hafiz Gadafi Abdul , Ooi Boon Seng , Ahmad Abdul Latif , Ahmad Zainal , Ahmad Mohd Azmier , Leo Choe Peng
Published: June 2022

Increasing use and excessive release of phosphate cause eutrophication. In this work, calcium carbonate nanoparticles were produced and modified to remove phosphate from water. The calcium carbonate nanoparticles were synthesized through wet carbonation with polyethylene glycol and sodium dodecyl sulfate added to limit particle size. Iron was incorporated into the calcium carbonate nanoparticles to improve phosphate removal. The BET surface area of CaCO3 was significantly improved after Fe incorporation. Phosphate removal was enhanced from 50 to 90 % within minutes. More importantly, the adsorption behavior of CaCO3‐Fe was different from that of the pH‐responsive CaCO3 material. Phosphate adsorption was reduced in alkaline solution due to the decreased positive surface charge of CaCO3‐Fe for interaction with phosphate.
A new improved projection algorithms of virtual reality panoramic video and application in physical education
Authors: Guo Shuang , Chen Zhijun
Published: June 2022

Data storage and transmission have become the two biggest challenges it currently faces. In our study, we proposed an improved octahedral projection layout method. Performing an equivalent process on every patch to rework into an isosceles right‐angled triangle, combine into varied squares based on varied needs, and finally combine into a completely continuous interior and a facet magnitude relation of 2:1 flat parallelogram. Furthermore, the area‐preserving uniform projection method is also proposed. Moreover, applying virtual reality technology to Tai Chi teaching using research methods such as literature, expert interviews, questionnaires, teaching experiments, and mathematical statistics, the data of the basic physical quality test of the students in the experimental group and the control group were compared and analyzed to verify the scientific hypothesis that the VR technology could improve the teaching effect of Tai Chi. Results show that different from the compact layout of the initial octahedral projection, the approach proposed in our study has removed the inner discontinuous borderlines and possessed top boundary continuity. Students gain a good situational experience while deepening their understanding and memory of the details of Tai Chi movements, and the learning process is interesting and impressive.
Combined treatment with anti‐PSMA CAR NK‐92 cell and anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody enhances the antitumour efficacy against castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Fangming , Wu Liyuan , Yin Le , Shi Hui , Gu Yuchun , Xing Nianzeng
Published: June 2022

Background

The chimeric antigen receptor NK‐92 (CAR NK‐92) cell targeting the prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has shown antitumour effects in castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the expression changes of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and its mechanisms on CAR NK‐92 and CRPC cells and the effect of the anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) on PD‐L1 expressed on CAR NK‐92 cells remain unknown.

Methods

Human dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells were acquired from blood samples of healthy donors and cocultured with C4‐2 cells. Changes in PD‐L1 expression were detected by flow cytometry. Differential gene expressions were investigated by RNA sequence analysis, while the regulation of PD‐L1 molecular signaling was explored using western blotting. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay and the bioluminescent intensity (BLI) of green fluorescent protein‐labelled C4‐2 cells. CRPC growth in vivo was monitored using callipers and BLI in male NOD/SCID mice subcutaneously injected with C4‐2 cells and treated intravenously with anti‐PD‐L1/PD‐1 mAb, CAR NK‐92 or cocultured CD8+ T cells.

Results

Significantly upregulated expression of PD‐L1k was observed in cocultured C4‐2 and CAR NK‐92 cells. In addition, upregulation of PD‐L1 expression was dependent on interferon‐γ in C4‐2 cells, while it was dependent on direct cell‐to‐cell interaction via the NK group 2 member D/ phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/AKT pathway in CAR NK‐92 cells. The anti‐PD‐L1 mAb directly acted on PD‐L1 expressed on CAR NK‐92 cells and augmented the cytotoxicity of CAR NK‐92 cells against C4‐2 and CRPC cells from one patient in vitro. Anti‐PD‐L1 mAb significantly enhanced the antitumour effect of CAR NK‐92 cells against CRPC cells in vivo when compared to treatment with CAR NK‐92 cells or combined with anti‐PD‐1 mAb in the absence or presence of cocultured CD8+ T cells.

Conclusion

Combined treatment with CAR NK‐92 and anti‐PD‐L1 mAb improved the antitumour efficacy against CRPC, which is of extraordinary translational value in the clinical treatment of CRPC.
Assembly‐In‐Foam Approach to Construct Nanodiamond/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Monolithic Carbocatalysts for Direct Dehydrogenation of Ethylbenzene to Styrene
Authors: Ge Guifang , Wei Xiaojing , Guo Hongchen , Zhao Zhongkui
Published: June 2022

Sustainable nanocarbon catalysts have made measurable progress in ethylbenzene direct dehydrogenation (DDH). Thanks for the distinctive physical and chemical properties of Nanodiamond (ND), the considerable attention have been paid to diverse catalytic transform processes involving the DDH reaction. However, the powder‐form carbon cannot be directly used in fixed‐bed reactors owing to the resulting huge pressure drop. Herein, inspired by the ship‐in‐boat strategy, we present an ingenious assembly‐in‐foam approach for the preparation of a novel hybrid structured monolithic catalyst featuring an aerogel of sulfur‐doped nanodiamonds/carbon nanotubes hybrid within the macropores of SiC foam (ND−CNT−SDS/SiC) by heating the freeze‐dried macroporous hybrid gels composed of CNT, ND, and SDS in N2 atmosphere. Owing to the promoted NDs dispersion, strengthened mass transfer, and sulfur‐doping, the nanodiamonds/carbon nanotube hybrid foam monolithic catalyst exhibits a terrific catalytic performance with high stability for energy‐saving styrene production from DDH of ethylbenzene reaction, as well as overcoming the shortcomings of application of powder‐formed nanocarbon in heterogeneous catalysis. Furthermore, the emerging Assembly‐in‐Foam way for preparing nanocarbons‐based foam monolithic catalyst towards diverse chemical processes has been paved.
Low complexity multichannel spectrum prediction algorithm based on optimized neural network for spectrum allocation in cognitive radio internet of things
Authors: Tidjani Sayhia , Hammoudi Zoheir , Moad Mohammed Essayah
Published: June 2022

Cognitive radio has been nominated as a key technology for the internet of things (IoT), due to its intelligent functionalities ensuring continuous connectivity for IoT objects. Spectrum prediction, as one of the core CR functions, has emerged as a leading tool to alleviate the spectrum scarcity problem. Spectrum prediction minimizes sensing and decision‐making delays, and thereby it reduces collisions with primary users and guarantees safe access for secondary users (SUs). Thus, it became an inseparable part of many new spectrum allocation and mobility methods. In this work, the proposed cognitive radio IoT model consists of local sensors (LS) that perform sensing instead of SUs, and a cognitive base station that receives sensing results from different LSs to predict the next occupancy information and allocate frequencies for SUs. The predictor is followed by a channel extraction block for efficient spectrum allocation. Then, a low complexity spectrum prediction and preallocation system based on optimized neural network architecture is presented. Two nonlinear neural network models, time delay neural network and nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input, that are trained on a real spectral occupancy dataset, are optimized using the Bayesian optimization algorithm then compared. The best predictor forecasts the next occupancy rate of multiple channels simultaneously based on three dimensions, area, time, and frequency. Performance evaluation was conducted through accuracy, mean squared error (MSE), and regression fit. The highest prediction accuracy was93.5%, the regression coefficient was0.98, and a reduced MSE of0.0013obtained. Results show that the considered scheme is efficient in forecasting the spectrum availability of different bands within the IoT spectrum resources.
Complications of second‐trimester medical termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies compared with intrauterine fetal demise
Authors: Testani Erica , Latta Kristen , Barker Emily , York Sloane L. , Laursen Laura
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess complication rates of patients undergoing a second‐trimester medical termination for intrauterine fetal demise compared with fetal anomalies.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing patients undergoing medical termination for a fetal anomaly versus medical termination for intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) before 24 weeks of gestation. Data were collected from two urban academic medical centers from 2009 to 2019. Institutional review board approval was obtained from both institutions and patient consent was not required. We included singleton gestations between 14.0 weeks and 23.6 weeks undergoing induction with mifepristone and misoprostol or misoprostol alone. Groups were matched based on gestational age with a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome was composite complication rate (retained placenta requiring dilation and curettage, suspected infection, hemorrhage, failed induction requiring dilation and evacuation, intensive care unit admission, and readmission).

Results

Ninety‐five patients were in each group. The groups differed in patient mean age (fetal anomaly 34 years versus 31 years for IUFD, P = 0.005) and mifepristone pretreatment (fetal anomaly 55% versus IUFD 5%, P < 0.001). Composite complication rate was similar (fetal anomaly 14% versus IUFD 17%), and specific complications did not differ.

Conclusion

Second‐trimester medical termination for IUFDs have similar complication rates as those undergoing induction terminations for fetal anomalies.
Improvement of diagnostic efficiency in fetal congenital heart disease using fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography by less‐experienced operators
Authors: Chen Ran , Tao Xiaoying , Wu Xia , Sun Lihua , Ma Mingming , Zhao Bowen
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study investigated the feasibility and accuracy of fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography (FINE) for the prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) by inexperienced and experienced operators.

Method

In this prospective study, all volume data sets from 120 fetuses with a broad spectrum of CHD were acquired using spatiotemporal image correlation technology. The prenatal diagnostic procedures were performed by two operators with different experience (beginner: 1 year and expert: 15 years) using FINE and traditional fetal echocardiography. Data were analyzed on the time of examination and acquisition of results.

Results

Diagnoses made by FINE and traditional echocardiography were completely consistent with the final diagnosis of CHD in 98 (81.66%) versus 20 (16.66%) (P < 0.001) beginners and 87.50% (n = 105) versus 101 (84.16%) experts, respectively. On the contrary, there was significant difference using traditional echocardiography (16.66% versus 84.16%, P < 0.001) by two examiners. Furthermore, the examination time decreased when using FINE compared with using traditional echocardiography (beginner operators: 4.54 ± 1.03 min versus 20.58 ± 3.36 min, P < 0.001; expert operators: 3.89 ± 0.96 min versus 12.73 ± 1.62 min, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Based on our results, a prenatal diagnosis of CHD can be made with high feasibility and accuracy using FINE compared with traditional fetal echocardiography for beginner operators.
Cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 2 promotes hypoxic pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation through the Wnt3α‐β‐catenin/lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 pathway
Authors: Tang Liyu , Wang Nan , Wei Xiaozhen , Huang Sirui , Wang Pan , Zheng Yameng , Chen Liangwan , Zhang Li
Published: June 2022

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is mainly characterized by abnormal pulmonary vascular hyperplasia and vascular remodeling, but its mechanism is complicated and currently unclear. Cysteine and glycine‐rich protein 2 (Csrp2) has been reported to promote cell proliferation and migration, and affect cell cycle progression. As a new invasive actin‐binding factor, Csrp2 increased the invasion and even metastasis of some cancer cells. It was associated with tumor recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. However, the role of Csrp2 in PH remains unknown. We found that Csrp2 expression was increased both in pulmonary arteries (PAs) and smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in PH. Csrp2 enhanced PASMC proliferation and phenotypic transition. The Wnt3α‐β‐catenin/lymphoid enhancer‐binding factor 1 (LEF1) pathway is involved in cell proliferation and phenotypic transition regulated by Csrp2 expression. These results suggest that hypoxia downregulates YinYang‐1 (YY1) and then increases Csrp2 expression. Increased Csrp2 promotes PASMC proliferation and phenotypic transition by activating the Wnt3α‐β‐catenin/LEF1 pathways, which leads to pulmonary vascular remodeling and even provides a new theoretical basis for studying the pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of PH.
NO reduction mechanism in microreactor with cantor fractal structure
Authors: Yuan Zhanpeng , Chen Xueye
Published: June 2022

With the rising emission of NO and particulate matter in vehicle exhaust, the atmosphere is gradually deteriorating and human health is being impacted. In order to reduce the NO emission in automobile exhaust devices, a tubular microreactor with a Cantor structure was studied in this paper. The NO conversion rate and concentration were evaluated by considering the fractal principle, reactant concentration ratio, inlet velocity and channel temperature. Increasing the fractal dimension could promote the mixing of reactants and make the distribution of species concentration in the channel more uniform. When the NO flux at the inlet of the microreactor channel was a constant, increasing the concentration of NH3 could significantly improve the reaction efficiency. Results show that the effect on the reaction results was best when the NO inlet velocity was lower and the NH3 inlet velocity higher. For example, when =0.025 m s−1 and =0.05 m s−1, the conversion rate of NO was as high as 98%. Porosity had little effect on the reaction results. Through comparison of the NO concentration at the outlet at different channel temperatures, it was concluded that increasing the temperature in the channel is most helpful in improving the reaction efficiency. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Epidemiological trends and clinical features of the ongoing monkeypox epidemic: A preliminary pooled data analysis and literature review
Authors: Bragazzi Nicola L. , Kong Jude D. , Mahroum Naim , Tsigalou Christina , Khamisy‐Farah Rola , Converti Manlio , Wu Jianhong
Published: June 2022

An emerging outbreak of monkeypox infection is quickly spreading worldwide, being currently reported in more than 30 countries, with slightly less than 1000 cases. In the present preliminary report, we collected and synthesized early data concerning epidemiological trends and clinical features of the ongoing outbreak and we compared them with those of previous outbreaks. Data were pooled from six clusters in Italy, Australia, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, totaling 124 cases (for 35 of which it was possible to retrieve detailed information). The ongoing epidemic differs from previous outbreaks in terms of age (54.29% of individuals in their thirties), sex/gender (most cases being males), risk factors, and transmission route, with sexual transmission being highly likely. Also, the clinical presentation is atypical and unusual, being characterized by anogenital lesions and rashes that relatively spare the face and extremities. The most prevalent sign/symptom reported was fever (in 54.29% of cases) followed by inguinal lymphadenopathy (45.71%) and exanthema (40.00%). Asthenia, fatigue, and headache were described in 22.86% and 25.71% of the subjects, respectively. Myalgia was present in 17.14% of the cases. Both genital and anal lesions (ulcers and vesicles) were reported in 31.43% of the cases. Finally, cervical lymphadenopathy was described in 11.43% of the sample, while the least commonly reported symptoms were diarrhea and axillary lymphadenopathy (5.71% of the case series for both symptoms). Some preliminary risk factors can be identified (being a young male, having sex with other men, engaging in risky behaviors and activities, including condomless sex, human immunodeficiency virus positivity (54.29% of the sample analyzed), and a story of previous sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis). On the other hand, being fully virally suppressed and undetectable may protect against a more severe infectious course. However, further research in the field is urgently needed.