bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DOAC Dosing Discordance Using Different Estimates of Kidney Function and Outcomes
Authors: Bhalodia Nauka J. , White Evan M. , Achanta Archita , Cheng Jesse , Deri Connor R. , Stahl Kelsey , Heiney Heather , Marchionda Olivia , Iasella Carlo J. , Coons James C.
Published: May 2023

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are indicated for the prevention of stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Although Food and Drug Administration labeling for DOACs uses estimated creatinine clearance according to the Cockcroft–Gault (C‐G) equation, estimated glomerular filtration rate according to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation is often reported. The objectives of this study were to evaluate DOAC dosing discordance and to determine whether discordance based on various estimates of kidney function is associated with bleeding or thromboembolism. The study was an institutional review board approved retrospective analysis of patients at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital from January 1, 2010, to December 12, 2016. Data were obtained through electronic medical records. Adults who received a medication charge for rivaroxaban or dabigatran, had a diagnosis code for atrial fibrillation, and had a serum creatinine within 3 days of DOAC initiation were included. Doses were considered discordant if the calculated dose based on CKD‐EPI did not match the patient's dose during index admission, if dosed correctly using C‐G. Association of discordance with dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and clinical outcomes was determined using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Rivaroxaban discordance was present among 49 of the 644 (8%) patients who were dosed correctly with C‐G. Dabigatran discordance was present among 17 of the 590 (3%) patients who were dosed correctly. Discordance with rivaroxaban was found to increase the risk of thromboembolism when using CKD‐EPI (odds ratio, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.02–7.79, P = .045) versus C‐G. Our findings emphasize the need to dose DOACs, specifically rivaroxaban, appropriately in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
Multi‐factorial investigation of the effect of biochar of the secondary medicinal residue of snow lotus on the adsorption of two azo dyes, methyl red and methyl orange
Authors: Zhang Sha , Yao Yanna , Li Junlong , Wang Linyang , Wang Xinyu , Tian Shuge
Published: May 2023

Azo dye residues pollute water, which are difficult to decompose, and posing a major threat to the ecological environment. The residues of Chinese medicine still have many possibilities for use after its medicinal value has been brought into play. In this study, secondary residue biochar activation (Na2CO3‐modified, SBA) and secondary residue biochar (unmodified, SBC) were prepared from the secondary residue of snow lotus at 200–600°C. Surface features were obtained by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller N2 method and combined with scanning electron microscopy, and their structures were analyzed by x‐ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier infrared and near‐infrared spectroscopy. The effects of five factors, including initial concentration, contact time and adsorption temperature and so forth, on the adsorption of methyl red (MR) and methyl orange (MO) solutions were investigated. Results showed that the biochar yield, specific surface area, and pore size increased after modification. modification promoted the formation of the internal structure aromatization and oxygen‐containing functional groups. Adsorption experiments showed that the surroundings pH = 8, the dyes adsorption concentration of 8 mg/L, adsorption temperature of 20–40°C and time of about 1 h were more stable. Under the condition, the removal of MO by SBA could reach approximately 60%–80% (480–640 mg/g), while the removal of MR could reach more than 90% (>720 mg/g).The charcoal prepared and modified under high temperature conditions was more effective for MO adsorption, while MR relied on low temperature effectively. This study provides a new choice of adsorbent for MR and MO and finds a new direction for the utilization of snow lotus residues.
The potential risk associated with foodborne pathogens in a watershed: Escherichia coli O157:H7 in dairy cattle
Authors: Mohammed Hussni O. , McDonough Patrick L. , Chang Yung‐fu
Published: May 2023

We carried out an investigation to determine the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in dairy herds in the Delaware County watershed and to identify the factors that play a role in the likelihood of presence of this organism among animals on these farms. The pathogen poses risk of environmental degradation and health to the inhabitants. A total of 2162 fecal samples were collected per rectum from a representative sample of cattle on 27 dairy farms. The samples were investigated for the presence of E. coli O157:H by initially enriching using a bacteriological media and detection of the pathogen using real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique. Escherichia coli O157:H7 was detected in 74% of the herds in the target population and in 3.7% of samples collected. An additional 54 animals were identified that were infected with O157 non‐H7 strains of E. coli among 15 farms. Several putative risk factors were associated with the detection of the pathogen on the enrolled farms included age, housing calves indoors, group housing for calves, housing calves in the calf barn, presence of dogs on the farm, and housing post‐weaned calves in a cow barn or heifer barn versus a greenhouse. In conclusion, E. coli O157:H7 was present on the dairy farms of Delaware County and may pose a threat to the people that live and work there. The risk associated with the detection of this pathogen could be reduced by adjusting management factors that were identified in this study.
Overlapping neurological phenotypes in two extended consanguineous families with novel variants in the CNTNAP1 and ADGRG1 genes
Authors: Khan Shazia , Umair Muhammad , Abbas Safdar , Ali Uroba , Zaman Gohar , Ansar Muhammad , Wang Rongrong , Zhang Xue , Houlden Henry , Harlalka Gaurav V. , Gul Asma
Published: May 2023

Background

Population diversity is important and rare disease isolates can frequently reveal novel homozygous or biallelic mutations that lead to expanded clinical heterogeneity, with diverse clinical presentations.

Methods

The present study describes two consanguineous families with a total of seven affected individuals suffering from a clinically similar severe syndromic neurological disorder, with abnormal development and central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) abnormalities. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing followed by 3D protein modeling was performed to identify the disease‐causing gene. RNA was extracted from the fresh blood of both families affected and healthy individuals.

Results

The families were clinically assessed in the field in different regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Magnetic resonance imagining was obtained in the probands and blood was collected for DNA extraction and WES was performed. Sanger sequencing confirmed a homozygous, likely pathogenic mutation (GRCh38: chr17:42684199G>C; (NM_003632.3): c.333G>C);(NP_003623.1): p.(Trp111Cys) in the CNTNAP1 gene in family A, previously associated with Congenital Hypo myelinating Neuropathy 3 (CHN3; OMIM # 618186) and a novel nonsense variant in family B, (GRCh38: chr16: 57654086C>T; NC_000016.10 (NM_001370440.1): c.721C>T); (NP_001357369.1): p.(Gln241Ter) in the ADGRG1 gene previously associated with bilateral frontoparietal polymicrogyria (OMIM # 606854); both families have extended CNS and PNS clinical manifestations. In addition, 3D protein modeling was performed for the missense variant, p.(Trp111Cys), identified in the CNTNAP1, suggesting extensive secondary structure changes that might lead to improper function or downstream signaling. No RNA expression was observed in both families affected and healthy individuals hence showing that these genes are not expressed in blood.

Conclusions

In the present study, two novel biallelic variants in the CNTNAP1 and ADGRG1 genes in two different consanguineous families with a clinical overlap in the phenotype were identified. Thus, the clinical and mutation spectrum is expanded to provide further evidence that CNTNAP1 and ADGRG1 are very important for widespread neurological development.
The book history of Rona M. Fields's A Society on the Run (1973): A case study in the alleged suppression of psychological research on Northern Ireland
Authors: Miller Gavin
Published: May 2023

The US psychologist Rona M. Field's book A Society on the Run (1973) offered a psychological account of the nature and effects of the Northern Irish Troubles at their peak in the early 1970s. The book was withdrawn shortly after publication by its publisher, Penguin Books Limited, and never reissued. Fields alleged publicly that the book had been suppressed by the British state, a claim that has often been treated uncritically. Local Northern Irish psychologists suggested that the book was taken off the market because of its scientific deficiencies. Rigorous book‐historical investigation using Penguin editorial fields reveals, however, that what might appear to be a case of state suppression, or an instance of disciplinary boundary work, can be explained instead by the commercial interests and professional standards of a publisher keen to preserve its reputation for quality and reliability.
Synthesis and antiviral activity of 2‐substituted 4‐aminoquinoline and its analogous derivatives
Authors: Chirra Nagaraju , Udigala Govinda , Sinegubova Ekaterina O. , Nagineni Devendra , Bollikanda Rakesh Kumar , Esaulkova Yana L. , Muryleva Anna A. , Zarubaev Vladimir V. , Kantevari Srinivas
Published: May 2023

Herein we describe an efficient Lewis acid‐mediated one‐pot synthesis of 2‐substituted 4‐aminoquinolines from commercially available anthranilonitriles and substituted acetophenones via a Friedlander type annulation reaction. The protocol avoids any transition metal catalysts, has a wide substrate scope, and exclusively produces 4‐aminoquinolines in excellent yields. Screening of all the new compounds for in vitro antiviral activity against influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) in MDCK cells revealed nine analogues with good virus‐inhibiting activity and a favorable toxicity profile. Among them, two compounds, 3a (IC50: 1.7 μM, SI = 30) and 3l (IC50: 4.0 μM, SI = 25) with higher potency are the best anti‐influenza hit analogues for further structural optimization.
A source of funding for illicit activities or a solution to crime? Evidence from remittance inflows to Jamaica
Authors: Kufuor Nana Kwabena , Williams Kevin
Published: May 2023

Crime and remittance inflows are high in Jamaica, and there is a general anecdote that foreign‐based masterminds use remittances to fund crime. Yet, remittances represent a significant source of foreign income to alleviate financial constraints, which may pose a dilemma to policymakers. We find that remittances significantly reduce rape and carnal abuse and property crimes such as larceny and break‐ins but have no significant effect on armed crimes such as shooting, murder and robbery. Remittances decrease crime by raising consumption and employment, but also they increase crime by weakening democratic institutions. Overall, remittances reduce incidents of crime significantly.
Efficient synthesis of carbon‐14 labeled metabolites of the strobilurin fungicide mandestrobin using biomimetic iron‐porphyrin catalyzed oxidation
Authors: Murata Shuichi , Kurosawa Motohiro , Fujisawa Takuo
Published: May 2023

Biomimetic oxidation using synthetic iron‐porphyrin (F20TPPFeCl) as a catalyst eliminated a xylene moiety of the fungicide mandestrobin, uniformly labeled with carbon‐14 at the benzyl ring, to produce the corresponding radiolabeled metabolite 1. This reaction mechanism was investigated by identifying chemical structures of intermediate 5 and p‐xyloquinone derivatives 6 and 7, as by‐products. Optimization of reaction factors based on the mechanism improved the yield of 1 from mandestrobin up to 87%. Finally, various carbon‐14 labeled metabolites of mandestrobin were prepared from 1.
A Cox Nomogram for Assessing Recurrence Free Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Surgical Resection Using Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI Radiomics
Authors: Cao Xinshan , Yang Haoran , Luo Xin , Zou Linxuan , Zhang Qiang , Li Qilin , Zhang Juntao , Li Xiangfeng , Shi Yan , Jin Chenwang
Published: May 2023

Background

The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult to predict and carries high mortality. This study utilized radiomic techniques with clinical examinations to assess recurrence in HCC.

Purpose

To develop a Cox nomogram to assess the risk of postoperative recurrence in HCC using radiomic features of three volumes of interest (VOIs) in preoperative dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI), along with clinical findings.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

249 patients with pathologically proven HCCs undergoing surgical resection at three institutions were selected.

Field Strength/Sequence

Fat saturated T2‐weighted, Fat saturated T1‐weighted, and DCE‐MRI performed at 1.5 T and 3.0 T.

Assessment

Three VOIs were generated; the tumor VOI corresponds to the area from the tumor core to the outer perimeter of the tumor, the tumor +10 mm VOI represents the area from the tumor perimeter to 10 mm distal to the tumor in all directions, finally, the background liver parenchyma VOI represents the hepatic tissue outside the tumor. Three models were generated. The total radiomic model combined information from the three listed VOI's above. The clinical–radiological model combines physical examination findings with imaging characteristics such as tumor size, margin features, and metastasis. The combined radiomic model includes features from both models listed above and showed the highest reliability for assessing 24‐month survival for HCC.

Statistical Tests

The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression, univariable, and multivariable Cox regression, Kmeans clustering, and Kaplan–Meier analysis. The discrimination performance of each model was quantified by the C‐index. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The combined radiomic model, which included features from the radiomic VOI's and clinical imaging provided the highest performance (C‐index: training cohort = 0.893, test cohort = 0.851, external cohort = 0.797) in assessing the survival of HCC.

Conclusion

The combined radiomic model provides superior ability to discern the possibility of recurrence‐free survival in HCC over the total radiomic and the clinical–radiological models.

Evidence Level

4.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Evaluation of the late presentation and associated factors of people living with HIV in Turkey
Authors: Sevgi Dilek Yildiz , Demirbas Nazife Duygu , Genc Yaman Irem , Derin Okan , Oncul Ahsen , Atasoy Tahtasakal Ceren , Gul Ozlem , Diktas Husrev , Dokmetas Ilyas
Published: May 2023

To identify the frequency of late presentation and late presentation with advanced disease, and associated factors in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Data from PLHIV diagnosed between 2008 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Time of diagnosis (categorized based on key events affecting HIV care continuum e.g., national strategies, HIV guidelines, COVID‐19 pandemic) and characteristics of late presenters (LP: CD4 ≤350 cells/mm³ or an AIDS defining event) and late presenters with advanced disease (LPAD: CD4 <200 cells/mm³) were describe. Associations between dependent (LP, LPAD) and independent variables were assessed using univariate/multivariate regression tests and presented as odds ratios (95% confidential interval). Of 1585 individuals (93.7% men), 42.5% were LPs and 19.3% were LPADs. Most common route of transmission was sex between men (54.3%). Non‐LPs were younger (30 vs. 34 and 36 years; p < 0.001) and included more men who have sex with men (60.3% vs. 46.3% and 39.5%; p < 0.001). Factors associated with being LP and LPAD were age >30 years, heterosexual/unknown route of transmission (vs. sex between men), diagnosis in 2008−2013 or 2020−2021, (vs. 2014−2019). With reference to Turkish subjects, migrants from Africa had higher odds of being LPAD. LP is still an important health issue in HIV care. Heterosexuality, older age (>30 years), migration from Africa, and the COVID‐19 pandemic are associated with delays in HIV presentation in Turkey. These factors need to be considered when developing and implementing policies to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of PLHIV to achieve UNAIDS 95‐95‐95 targets.
Sensitivity of rapid antigen tests for Omicron subvariants of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Sakai‐Tagawa Yuko , Yamayoshi Seiya , Halfmann Peter J. , Wilson Nancy , Bobholz Max , Vuyk William C. , Wei Wanting , Ries Hunter , O'Connor David H. , Friedrich Thomas C. , Sordillo Emilia M. , van Bakel Harm , Simon Viviana , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: May 2023

Diagnosis by rapid antigen tests (RATs) is useful for early initiation of antiviral treatment. Because RATs are easy to use, they can be adapted for self‐testing. Several kinds of RATs approved for such use by the Japanese regulatory authority are available from drug stores and websites. Most RATs for COVID‐19 are based on antibody detection of the SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein. Since Omicron and its subvariants have accumulated several amino acid substitutions in the N protein, such amino acid changes might affect the sensitivity of RATs. Here, we investigated the sensitivity of seven RATs available in Japan, six of which are approved for public use and one of which is approved for clinical use, for the detection of BA.5, BA.2.75, BF.7, XBB.1, and BQ.1.1, as well as the delta variant (B.1.627.2). All tested RATs detected the delta variant with a detection level between 7500 and 75 000 pfu per test, and all tested RATs showed similar sensitivity to the Omicron variant and its subvariants (BA.5, BA.2.75, BF.7, XBB.1, and BQ.1.1). Human saliva did not reduce the sensitivity of the RATs tested. Espline SARS‐CoV‐2 N showed the highest sensitivity followed by Inspecter KOWA SARS‐CoV‐2 and V Trust SARS‐CoV‐2 Ag. Since the RATs failed to detect low levels of infectious virus, individuals whose specimens contained less infectious virus than the detection limit would be considered negative. Therefore, it is important to note that RATs may miss individuals shedding low levels of infectious virus.
Using a novel convolutional neural network for plant pests detection and disease classification
Authors: Shafik Wasswa , Tufail Ali , Liyanage Chandratilak De Silva , Apong Rosyzie Anna Awg Haji Mohd
Published: May 2023

Background

Early plant diseases and pests identification reduces social, economic, and environmental deficiencies entailing toxic chemical utilization on agricultural farms, thus posing a threat to global food security.

Methodology

An enhanced convolutional neural network (CNN) along with long short‐term memory (LSTM) using a majority voting ensemble classifier has been proposed to tackle plant pest and disease identification and classification. Within pre‐trained models, deep feature extractions have been obtained from connected layers. Deep features have been extracted and are sent to the LSTM layer to build a robust, enhanced LSTM‐CNN model for detecting plant pests and diseases. Experiments were carried out using a Turkey dataset, with 4447 apple pests and diseases categorized into 15 different classes.

Results

The study was evaluated in different CNNs using logistic regression (LR), LSTM, and extreme learning machine (ELM), focusing on plant disease detection problems. The ensemble majority voting classifier was used at the LSTM layer to detect and classify plant disease labels. Furthermore, an autonomous selection of the optimal LSTM layer network parameters was applied. Finally, the performance was validated based on sensitivity,F1score, accuracy, and specificity using LSTM, ELM, and LR classifiers.

Conclusion

The presented model attained 99.2% accuracy compared to the cutting‐edge models on different classifiers such as LSTM, LR, and ELM, and performed better compared to transfer learning. Pre‐trained models, such as VGG19, VGG18, and AlexNet, demonstrated better accuracy when the fc6 layer was compared with other layers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Preparation of fat replacer utilizing gluten and barley β‐glucan and the interaction between them
Authors: Huang Ze‐Hua , Zhao Yang , Hu Zhe‐Xin , Ma Liang , Geng Shi‐Zhao , Chen Ke‐Ying , Zhou Hui‐Ming
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Fat replacers prepared from polysaccharides and proteins possess functional properties of both polysaccharides and proteins. In this study, an aqueous system of barley β‐glucan (BBG) and gluten was prepared. The interactions between BBG and gluten (with/without extrusion modification) were studied. Triple analysis methods, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR), were utilized to analyze the freezing–thawing and thermal evaporation process, as well as the distribution state of water. Meanwhile, fluorescence microscopic analysis, dynamic rheological analysis and electrophoresis analysis were used to study the structure and rheological properties of the system.

RESULTS

The results showed that BBG significantly increased the water‐holding capacity of gluten, regardless of extrusion treatment, with the water absorption reaching about 4.8 to 6.4 times of its weight, which was 1 to 2.5 times higher than that without BBG. The triple analysis results suggested that BBG increased the binding capacity of the system to weakly bound water, hindered the aggregation of gluten and reduced the thermal decomposition temperature of the BBG and gluten composite system. After the gluten was extruded and homogenized with the BBG solution, the appearance of the composite system was more uniform and delicate.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, BBG increased the water‐holding capacity of the BBG and gluten composite system. With these changes, the composite system presented great potential for the preparation of polysaccharide–gluten fat replacer. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fine root and soil nutrients pool in the ecosystem following two scenarios of reconstruction—post‐fire and post‐mining large‐scale disturbance
Authors: Świątek Bartłomiej , Gruba Piotr , Pietrzykowski Marcin
Published: May 2023

This study compares the concentration and quantitative ratios of macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium) in the litter and fine roots of various species stands, comprising Scots pine, Common birch, and European larch, in the context of nutrient pool formation and nutrient uptake efficiency in various regeneration scenarios and the reconstruction of forest ecosystems. The control plots were located on podzols in the natural habitats. The performed experiments showed that in all species scenarios, the nitrogen pool supplied to the soil with fine roots was equivalent to the pool supplied with the leaves; furthermore, in the case of phosphorus, the pool was even higher than the one reaching the soil through under‐canopy litterfall. However, the total amount of nutrients supplied to the soil by the birch, larch, and pine in different afforestation scenarios varied. Scots pine was the species that supplied the largest amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the reconstructed forest ecosystems, while birch was the species that provided the largest amounts of total nitrogen and phosphorus in the regenerated and control forest ecosystems.
Exogenous tetracosahexaenoic acid modifies the fatty acid composition of human primary T lymphocytes and Jurkat T cell leukemia cells contingent on cell type
Authors: Irvine Nicola A. , West Annette L. , Von Gerichten Johanna , Miles Elizabeth A. , Lillycrop Karen A. , Calder Philip C. , Fielding Barbara A. , Burdge Graham C.
Published: May 2023

Tetracosahexaenoic acid (24:6ω‐3) is an intermediate in the conversion of 18:3ω‐3 to 22:6ω‐3 in mammals. There is limited information about whether cells can assimilate and metabolize exogenous 24:6ω‐3. This study compared the effect of incubation with 24:6ω‐3 on the fatty acid composition of two related cell types, primary CD3+ T lymphocytes and Jurkat T cell leukemia, which differ in the integrity of the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) biosynthesis pathway. 24:6ω‐3 was only detected in either cell type when cells were incubated with 24:6ω‐3. Incubation with 24:6ω‐3 induced similar increments in the amount of 22:6ω‐3 in both cell types and modified the homeoviscous adaptations fatty acid composition induced by activation of T lymphocytes. The effect of incubation with 18:3ω‐3 compared to 24:6ω‐3 on the increment in 22:6ω‐3 was tested in Jurkat cells because primary T cells cannot convert 18:3ω‐3 to 22:6ω‐3. The increment in the 22:6ω‐3 content of Jurkat cells incubated with 24:6ω‐3 was 19.5‐fold greater than that of cells incubated with 18:3ω‐3. Acyl‐coA oxidase siRNA knockdown decreased the amount of 22:6ω‐3 and increased the amount of 24:6ω‐3 in Jurkat cells. These findings show exogenous 24:6ω‐3 can be incorporated into primary human T lymphocytes and Jurkat cells and induces changes in fatty acid composition consistent with its conversion to 22:6ω‐3 via a mechanism involving peroxisomal β‐oxidation that is regulated independently from the integrity of the upstream PUFA synthesis pathway. One further implication is that consuming 24:6ω‐3 may be an effective alternative means of achieving health benefits attributed to 20:5ω‐3 and 22:6ω‐3.
Anisotropic Thermo‐Optic Mach–Zehnder Interferometer on LNOI for Polarization Handling and Multiplexing
Authors: Song Lijia , Liu Weixi , Guo Zehao , Li Hanwen , Xie Yiwei , Yu Zejie , Li Huan , Shi Yaocheng , Dai Daoxin
Published: May 2023

Thin‐film lithium niobate (LN) on insulator (LNOI) is emerging as a promising integrated photonic platform. Thermo‐optic (TO) Mach–Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) on LNOI are demonstrated to be a viable and often preferred alternative to their electro‐optic counterparts for low‐speed and static applications, where stability and repeatability are crucial. Harnessing the unique and strong anisotropic TO effect of LN, a novel and versatile anisotropic TO MZI on x‐cut LNOI for polarization handling and multiplexing is proposed and experimentally implemented. Each MZI arm consists of a two‐section anisotropic TO phase shifter along the y‐ and z‐directions of the LN crystal, leading to anisotropic temperature dependence of the effective refractive indices for the transverse‐electric (TE) and transverse‐magnetic (TM) polarizations. A polarization‐insensitive switch and a polarization beam splitter are implemented with the MZI device, which features low excess loss of ≈0.2–1.8 dB and a high extinction ratio of ≈20–45 dB in the telecom C‐band (1530–1565 nm). More intriguingly, arbitrary splitting ratios and even arbitrary combinations of unitary transmission matrices can be further implemented for both polarizations simultaneously. The versatile configurations of this anisotropic TO MZI have important implications for large‐scale photonic computing and interconnect.
Polystyrene/Polyolefin Elastomer Blends Loaded with Halloysite Nanotubes: Morphological, Mechanical, and Gas Barrier Properties
Authors: Tayouri Mohammad Iman , Estaji Sara , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Yazdanbakhsh Amirhosein , Nouranian Sasan , Ruckdäschel Holger , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: May 2023

Herein, a simple melt‐blending method is utilized to disperse of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) in polystyrene/polyolefin elastomer (PS/POE) blends. Based on morphological studies, the PS/POE/HNT nanocomposite containing up to 3 phr HNTs shows excellent nanofiller dispersion, while those filled with 5 phr HNTs exhibit nanofiller aggregation. To overcome the nanofiller aggregation issue, the polypropylene‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) compatibilizer is added to the PS/POE/HNT nanocomposite, which results in improved mechanical properties for the nanocomposite sheets. Furthermore, the addition of compatibilized HNTs to the PS/POE blends leads to decreased O2and N2gas permeabilities. Besides, incorporating POE, HNTs, and PP‐g‐MA leads to a decrease in water vapor transmission of PS. In the end, the experimentally‐determined mechanical properties and gas permeabilities of the nanocomposite sheets are compared to those predicted by prevalent theoretical models, revealing a good agreement between the experimental and theoretical results. Molecular‐dynamics simulations are also carried out to calculate the gas diffusion coefficients in the different sheets to further support the experimental findings in this study. Overall, the PS/POE/HNT/PP‐g‐MA nanocomposite sheets fabricated in this work demonstrate excellent mechanical and gas barrier properties; and hence, can be used as candidate packaging materials. However, the strength of the resulting PS/POE blend may be inferior to that of the virgin PS.
The application of neuromarketing tools in communication research: A comprehensive review of trends
Authors: Casado‐Aranda Luis‐Alberto , Sánchez‐Fernández Juan , Bigne Enrique , Smidts Ale
Published: May 2023

This study provides an overview of the evolution of the body of knowledge, current research streams, potential new domains, and theoretical models of interest for neuromarketing research developed in the field of communication. Neuromarketing is defined here as research applying psychophysiological or neuroscience methods in communication. We particularly implemented a comprehensive analysis of 861 publications using keyword cooccurrence analysis and science mapping tools. The performance analysis shows a strong growth in the number of publications over the last decade, with a slight declining impact in terms of citations after reaching a peak around the turn of the century. Contributions published in journals in business and communication fields (and not psychology or neuroimaging) are those with the largest average citations per year. The evolution diagrams highlight that the use of brain imaging tools to study ad persuasion in virtual environments and social marketing contexts (e.g., health or sustainable communication), as well as the employment of novel metrics (neural synchronization) and deep learning methods to analyze data, constitute fruitful research streams in the application of neuromarketing tools in communication research. These results offer communication scholars an accurate insight on recent scientific research applying neuromarketing that can shape further studies.
Dynamics of a diffusion dispersal viral epidemic model with age infection in a spatially heterogeneous environment with general nonlinear function
Authors: Mahroug Fatima , Bentout Soufiane
Published: May 2023

We propose a generalization of a model with age of infection in a heterogeneous environment. Firstly, we give the well‐posedness of the model and prove that the solutions are bounded and positive. The difficult mathematical issue in this research is that the model is partially degenerate, and the solution map is not compact. In addition, we construct a global attractor of a bounded set to establish the existence of total trajectory. Moreover, we define the principal eigenvalue associated with a principal eigenvalue problem to give a relation with the basic reproduction number
and this value. By assuming that
, then the infection‐free steady‐states
is globally asymptotically stable. Furthermore, for
and by using the persistence results, we prove the existence of endemic steady‐states
, and by constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function, we show that
is globally asymptotically stable. Lastly, we validate our theoretical analysis by giving some numerical graphics.
Love‐like wave dispersion in a highly non‐homogeneous viscoelastic orthotropic layer under the effect of non‐local elasticity
Authors: Pramanik Dipendu , Manna Santanu
Published: May 2023

This paper examines the effects of non‐local elasticity on the propagation of Love‐like waves in a Voigt‐type viscoelastic layer over an elastic half‐space. The model's geometry is considered orthotropic, highly non‐homogeneous, and initially stressed media in the context of non‐local continuum mechanics. The non‐homogeneity functions are regarded as binomial functions with a positive real exponent. Two different non‐local parameters have been defined by considering different internal characteristic lengths for the layer and half‐space. Modified Bessel functions of the first and second kinds are used to determine displacement functions. Asymptotic representations of derivatives of modified Bessel's functions have been derived to get the compact form of the dispersion equation. A comparison of phase velocity equations with classical Love wave equations has demonstrated the validity of our model. It is found that different modes of Love‐like waves are dispersive and highly affected by the attenuation coefficient. Additionally, non‐local parameters significantly influence the limitation of phase velocity modes of Love‐like waves. The phase and damped velocity versus non‐local parameters have been depicted with the effect of different parameters in the model. It has been found that the non‐local parameters decrease the particle displacement amplitude in elastic half‐space and rapidly eliminate waves with depth.
Astaxanthin Supplementation Assists Sorafenib in Slowing Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in H22 Tumor‐Bearing Mice via Reversing Abnormal Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Ren Pengfei , Yu Xinyue , Tang Qingjuan , Huan Yuchen , Xu Jie , Wang Yuming , Xue Changhu
Published: May 2023

Scope

Cachexia, which is often marked by skeletal muscular atrophy, is one of the leading causes of death in cancer patients. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid obtained from marine organisms that can aid in the prevention and treatment of a variety of disorders. In this study, to assess whether astaxanthin ameliorates weight loss and skeletal muscle atrophy in sorafenib‐treated hepatocellular carcinoma mice is aimed.

Methods and results

H22 mice are treated with 30 mg kg−1 day−1 of sorafenib and 60 mg kg−1 day−1 of astaxanthin by gavage lasted for 18 days. Sorafenib does not delay skeletal muscle atrophy and weight loss, although it does not reduce tumor burden. Astaxanthin dramatically delays weight loss and skeletal muscle atrophy in sorafenib‐treating mice, without affecting the food intake. Astaxanthin inhibits the tumor glycolysis, slows down gluconeogenesis, and improves insulin resistance in tumor‐bearing mice. Astaxanthin increases glucose competition in skeletal muscle by targeting the PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathway, and enhances glucose utilization efficiency in skeletal muscle, thereby slowing skeletal muscle atrophy.

Conclusion

The findings show the significant potential of astaxanthin as nutritional supplements for cancer patients, as well as the notion that nutritional interventions should be implemented at the initiation of cancer treatment, as instead of waiting until cachexia sets in.
Improved accuracy of the biodistribution and internal radiation dosimetry of 13N‐ammonia using a total‐body PET/CT scanner
Authors: Yu Xiaofeng , Sun Hongyan , Xu Lian , Han Yuan , Wang Cheng , Li Lianghua , Ng Yee Ling , Shi Fuxiao , Qiu Ju , Huang Gang , Zhou Yun , Chen Yumei , Liu Jianjun
Published: May 2023

Background

Conventional short‐axis PET typically utilizes multi‐bed multi‐pass acquisition to produce quantitative whole‐body dynamic images and cannot record all the uptake information simultaneously, resulting in errors when fitting the time‐activity curves (TACs) and calculating radiation doses.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the 13N‐ammonia biodistribution and the internal radiation doses using a 194 cm long total‐body PET/CT scanner (uEXPLORER), and make a comparison with the previous short‐axis PET results.

Methods

Ten subjects (age 40–74 years) received 13N‐NH3 injection (418.1‐670.81 MBq) and were under a dynamic scan for about 60 min with using a 3‐dimensional whole‐body protocol. ROIs were drawn visually on 11 major organs (brain, thyroid, gallbladder, heart wall, kidneys, liver, pancreas, spleen, lungs, bone marrow, and urinary bladder content) for each subject. TACs were generated using Pmod and the absorbed radiation doses were calculated using Olinda 2.2. To compare with the conventional PET/CT, five points were sampled on uEXPLORER's TACs to mimic the result of a short‐axis PET/CT (15 cm axial FOV, consisted of 9 or 10 bed positions). Then the TACs were obtained using the multi‐exponential fitting method, and the residence time and radiation dose were also calculated and compared with uEXPLORER.

Results

The highest absorbed organ doses were the pancreas, thyroid, spleen, heart wall, and kidneys for the male. For the female, the first five highest absorbed organ dose coefficients were the pancreas, heart wall, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. The lowest absorbed dose was found in red marrow both for male and female. The simulated short‐axis PET can fit TACs well for the gradually‐changed uptake organs but typically underestimated for the rapid‐uptake organs during the first‐10 min, resulting in errors in the calculated radiation dose.

Conclusion

uEXPLORER PET/CT can measure 13N‐ammonia's TACs simultaneously in all organs of the whole body, which can provide more accurate biodistribution and radiation dose estimation compared with the conventional short‐axis scanners.
Beyond the Z‐score: A novel measure of bank stability for effective policymaking
Authors: Gulati Rachita
Published: May 2023

This article looks beyond Z‐score and proposes a novel methodological framework to build an all‐encompassing indicator of bank stability for individual banks using the optimisation‐based ‘benefit‐of‐the‐doubt (BoD)’ approach. Unlike other available approaches, this approach is totally data‐driven and generates endogenous weights to aggregate sub‐indicators of bank stability and dimensions. Further, the final outcomes are not limited to a scalar measure of bank stability. The unique optimal weights offer valuable policy‐relevant insights and highlight the most precarious areas of stability, which demand the immediate attention of the bank's management and the industry regulators for both micro‐and macro‐level policymaking. Using the data of Indian public sector banks operating in the year 2018, the study illustrates the proposed framework to obtain a holistic indicator of bank stability, defined on 14 ratio sub‐indicators and 5 broad dimensions (soundness, asset quality, profitability, management efficiency, and liquidity) of bank stability.
‘Sense of place’ and conservation: Toponym diversity helps to maintain vegetation naturalness
Authors: Valkó Orsolya , Bede Ádám , Rádai Zoltán , Deák Balázs
Published: May 2023

Place names are an important but vanishing part of cultural diversity, and their relevance for environmental sciences is increasingly acknowledged. Still little is known about whether the diversity of toponyms affects human–nature relationships and the decisions of humans on how to use certain parts of the landscape.

To investigate this question, we combined approaches from social sciences and ecology in a comprehensive multidisciplinary survey of 1521 cultural landscape features in Hungary. The landscape features studied were ancient millennia‐old burial earthen mounds built by nomadic steppic tribes, that often hold the last remnants of grassland vegetation and provide safe havens for grassland specialist plant and animal species in the intensively used agricultural landscapes of Eurasia. In our research, we (i) compiled a comprehensive database of the mounds in the 5150 km2‐sized study region, (ii) collected all toponyms of the mounds recorded since the 18th century, (iii) derived the height and distance from settlements for each mound and (iv) visited all the mounds in a field survey, and evaluated their vegetation naturalness.

We found that despite the intensive landscape transformation in the region, and independently of topographical factors, a higher number of toponyms was associated with a higher degree of naturalness of the vegetation on the landscape features. Independently of the protective effect of the height of the mound against ploughing, and the distance from settlements that reflects to decreasing land use intensity, we found that the vegetation on the mounds with more names had a higher degree of naturalness.

Synthesis and applications. Cultural recognition of these places has eroded considerably in the past centuries, but its effect is still noticeable, suggesting an extinction delay of culture‐driven biodiversity patterns. Our results suggest that reestablishment of the lost cultural connections between people and nature can contribute to reversing the deterioration.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Treatment of breakthrough and prevention of refractory chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients: Clinical practice guideline update
Authors: Patel Priya , Robinson Paula D. , Phillips Robert , Baggott Christina , Devine Katie , Gibson Paul , Guilcher Gregory M. T. , Holdsworth Mark T. , Neumann Eloise , Orsey Andrea D. , Spinelli Daniela , Thackray Jennifer , van de Wetering Marianne , Cabral Sandra , Sung Lillian , Dupuis L. Lee
Published: May 2023

This clinical practice guideline update provides recommendations for treating breakthrough chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and preventing refractory CINV in pediatric patients. Two systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials in adult and pediatric patients informed the recommendations. In patients with breakthrough CINV, escalation of antiemetic agents to those recommended for chemotherapy of the next higher level of emetogenic risk is strongly recommended. A similar recommendation to escalate therapy is made to prevent refractory CINV in patients who did not experience complete breakthrough CINV control and are receiving minimally or low emetogenic chemotherapy. A strong recommendation to use antiemetic agents that controlled breakthrough CINV for the prevention of refractory CINV is also made.
Candle soot nanoparticle embedded nanofibrous membrane for separation of miscible and immiscible oil/water mixtures
Authors: Thota Kamala , Donthula Kiran , Shekhar Chandra , Vooradi Ramsagar , Sabapathy Manigandan , Kakunuri Manohar
Published: May 2023

Candle soot (CS) nanoparticles exhibit excellent superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties, making them an ideal absorbent for separating oil and oil/water mixtures. Although their cost‐effectiveness is attractive, the challenges associated with recovering soot nanoparticles after oil absorption and producing secondary pollutants have limited their attention. Our study demonstrates the synthesis of CS nanoparticles embedded polystyrene (PS) nanofibrous membranes with excellent stability, surface‐to‐volume ratios, and flexibility. CS‐incorporated composite membrane with a rough surface showed a water contact angle (WCA) of 156° ± 1.5°, about 20% higher than the smooth pristine PS membrane. The CS‐based composite membrane also demonstrated improved performance as an absorbent, owing to its hydrophobic characteristics linked with surface roughness when employed for separating oil from oil/water mixtures. Furthermore, when exposed to four different oils, the CS‐based membrane displayed a higher absorption capacity (up to ≈120 g oil/g membrane) than the pristine membrane. Using a gravity‐assisted continuous oil/water separation setup, we measured the oil permeate flux using nanofiber mats as a membrane. Compared to the original membrane, the modified membrane showed enhanced oil permeate flux of ~2873 ± 122 L m−2 h−1 and separation efficiency of over 99%.
Likely pathogenic variant in the BICD2 gene in fetus presenting with non‐immune hydrops
Authors: Chandler Natalie , Brace Poppy , Roberts Rowenna , Mellis Rhiannon
Published: May 2023

Trio exome sequencing was performed on a fetus presenting with severe hydrops fetalis at 21 + 0 weeks gestation. A novel de novo BICD2 missense variant was identified in the fetus. Pathogenic variants in the BICD2 gene are associated with lower extremity‐predominant spinal muscular atrophy. The variant was initially classified as a variant of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) as at the time of analysis and initial report, pathogenic variants in the BICD2 gene specifically had not been associated with fetal hydrops and no other abnormalities had been detected. It was agreed in multidisciplinary team discussions to include the variant in the report as a VUS recommending phenotypic follow‐up. The pregnancy was terminated and post‐mortem findings were in keeping with a BICD2‐pathogenic variant. In addition, a paper was published reporting another case with a pathogenic BICD2 variant presenting with fetal hydrops. The variant classification was then upgraded to class 4 likely pathogenic and reported as consistent with the diagnosis. This case demonstrates the importance of reporting these new gene/phenotypes in enabling others in the classification of variants, staying up‐to‐date with literature and following up phenotype for class 3 variants of interest.
Steno‐sphere: Navigating the enigmatic world of emerging multidrug‐resistantStenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Kunz Coyne Ashlan J. , Herbin Shelbye , Caniff Kaylee , Rybak Michael J.
Published: May 2023

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen and frequent cause of serious nosocomial infections. Patient populations at greatest risk for these infections include the immunocompromised and those with chronic respiratory illnesses and prior antibiotic exposure, notably to carbapenems. Its complex virulence and resistance profile drastically limit available antibiotics, and incomplete breakpoint and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data to inform dose optimization further complicates therapeutic approaches. Clinical comparison data of first‐line agents, including trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX), quinolones, and minocycline, are limited to conflicting observational data with no clear benefit of a single agent or combination therapy. Newer antibiotic approaches, including cefiderocol and aztreonam‐ avibactam, are promising alternatives for extensively drug‐resistant isolates; however, clinical outcomes data are needed. The potential clinical utility of bacteriophage for compassionate use in treating S. maltophilia infections remains to be determined since data is limited to in‐vitro and sparse in‐vivo work. This article provides a review of available literature for S. maltophilia infection management focused on related epidemiology, resistance mechanisms, identification, susceptibility testing, antimicrobial PK/PD, and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Performance evaluation of procedures used to correct measured I‐V characteristics of photovoltaic modules for temperature and irradiance
Authors: Xu Wenhao , Monokroussos Christos , Müllejans Harald , Herrmann Werner
Published: May 2023

IEC 60891 ed.3 published in 2021 has defined four standard I‐V characteristics correction procedures numbered 1 through 4. The aim of this work is to evaluate these four I‐V translation methods. The results show that correction procedure 1 (CP1) and 2 (CP2) work well over a broad range of irradiances and temperatures. However, CP1 requires I‐V curves being measured adequately down to negative current regime at low‐irradiance levels and CP2 is not so suitable for low shunt‐resistance modules; both also require a set of correction parameters. Based on our performance analysis, a new method based on CP2 is introduced to improve the correction performance for low shunt‐resistance modules; the mean bias error (MBE) value of maximum power (PMAX) improved from −10.26% to −1.32%. Correction procedure 3 (CP3) employs a drastically different correction procedure as compared with the other CPs. This work shows that CP3 works well over a broad range of irradiances and temperatures, but significant distortion of the corrected I‐V curves may occur when extrapolation is required. Correction procedure 4 (CP4) requires only a single I‐V curve and shows generally good results in short‐circuit current (ISC) but worse agreement in open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and PMAX.