bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BRGraph: An efficient graph neural network training system by reusing batch data on GPU
Authors: Ge Keshi , Ran Zhejiang , Lai Zhiquan , Zhang Lizhi , Li Dongsheng
Published: April 2022

With the increasing adoption of graph neural networks (GNNs) in the community, various GPU‐based graph programming systems have been developed to improve the productivity of GNNs. However, sampling‐based GNN training is still inefficient, and we observe that the main bottleneck comes from the data transferring, where vertex features are transferred from host memory to GPU through limited bandwidth. In this article, we propose BRGraph, a sampling‐based GNN training system that supports efficient data transferring. BRGraph leverages the duplicate vertices between mini‐batches by batch reusing (BR) strategy to avoid duplicate data transmission. Furthermore, to reduce the overhead of detecting duplicate vertices, we design an efficient parallel batch reusing algorithm based on GPU. BRGraph also exploits the data reusing potential of the non‐duplicate vertex features by the two‐level batch reusing (two‐level BR) strategy. Comprehensive evaluations on three representative GNN models show that BRGraph reduces data transferring time by up to 60% and delivers up to 1.79

GNN training speedup over the state‐of‐the‐art baselines. Besides, it can save GPU memory by up to 40% while reaching the same training time compared with the static cache strategy. When applying the two‐level BR, BRGraph further reduces 20% of the data transferring time compared with the BR.
GPU‐accelerated and mixed norm regularized online extreme learning machine
Authors: Polat Önder , Kayhan Sema Koç
Published: April 2022

Extreme learning machine (ELM) is a prominent example of neural network with its fast training speed, and good prediction performance. An online version of ELM called online sequential extreme learning machine (OS‐ELM) has also been proposed for the sequential training. Combined with the need for regularization to prevent over‐fitting in addition to the large number of neurons required in the hidden layer, OS‐ELM demands huge amount of computation power for the large‐scale data. In this article, a mixed norm () regularized online machine learning algorithm (MRO‐ELM) that is based on alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) is proposed. A linear combination of the mixed norm and the Frobenius norm regularization is applied using the ADMM framework and update formulas are derived. Graphics processing unit (GPU) accelerated version of MRO‐ELM (GPU‐MRO‐ELM) is also proposed to reduce the training time by processing appropriate parts in parallel using the implemented custom kernels. In addition, a novel automatic hyper‐parameter tuning method is incorporated to GPU‐MRO‐ELM using progressive validation with GPU acceleration. The experimental results show that the MRO‐ELM algorithm and its GPU version outperform OS‐ELM in terms of training speed, and testing accuracy. Also, compared to the cross validation, the proposed automatic hyper‐parameter tuning demonstrates dramatical reduction in the tuning time.
A Magnetocaloric Glass from an Ionic‐Liquid Gadolinium Complex
Authors: Kartal Seda , Rogez Guillaume , Robert Jérôme , Heinrich Benoît , Boudalis Athanassios K.
Published: April 2022

[Gd5(L)16(H2O)8](Tf2N)15 was obtained from reaction of Gd2O3 with 1‐carboxymethyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium chloride (LHCl). The material was found to be an ionic liquid that freezes to glassy state on cooling to −30 °C. Variable‐temperature magnetic studies reveal the presence of weak magnetic intramolecular interactions in the glass. Isothermal variable‐field magnetization demonstrates a magnetocaloric effect (MCE), which is the first finding of such an effect in a molecular glass. This MCE is explainable by an uncoupled representation, with a magnetic entropy change of −11.36 J K−1 kg−1 at 1.8 K for a 0–7 T magnetic field change, and with a refrigerant capacity of 125.9 J kg−1, in the 1.8‐50 K interval.
Boosting the Photovoltaic Performance and Thermal Stability of Organic Solar Cells via an Insulating Fluoropolymer Additive
Authors: Zeng Hang , Hu Cetao , Wu Di , Xia Jianlong
Published: April 2022

The use of processing additives is one of the most widely used approaches to optimizing the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) morphology for boosting the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Recently, insulating polymer‐based additives have drawn great attention owing to the merits of good morphology‐directing abilities, simple post treatments, rich functionality and enhanced device stabilities. In this contribution, a known fluoropolymer poly‐p‐trifluoromethylstyrene (PTFS) is selected as a solid additive. Employing PTB7‐Th:PDI2 (ethylene‐annulated perylene diimide dimer) as the prototype active layer, the devices processed with PTFS shows a best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.64 %, which is the highest efficiency for nude PDI2‐based OSCs. For comparison, the photovoltaic performance OSCs processed with polystyrene (PS) or without additive were investigated, PCEs of 5.29 % and 5.76 % were obtained, respectively. It is worth noting that the utilization of PTFS can also improve the thermal stability of the devices pronouncedly. Moreover, PTFS based additive also displays enhanced performance in other devices with different active layers, illustrating a good universality in OSCs. The enhancement of the PCE and thermal stability may result from the relatively lower surface energy of PTFS, which can boost the light absorbance capability as well as promote a favorable phase separation of the active layer.
Metal Oxide Based Photoelectrodes in Photoelectrocatalysis: Advances and Challenges
Authors: Wu Heng , Zhang Ding , Lei Bing‐Xin , Liu Zhao‐Qing
Published: April 2022

Metal oxide materials show promise for application in photoelectrocatalytic conversion due to their inherent advantages involving positive reactive surface, improved light absorption capability, efficient charge separation yield, and fast charge transport channels. The unique electrical and optical properties of metal oxide based photoelectrodes have a great effect on their performance in solar cells, photoelectrocatalysis, and photocatalysis. It has been reported that the presence of defects on grain boundaries, oxygen vacancy, doping strategy, and heterojunction play a vital role in both the efficiency and durability of their photoelectric application. However, the intrinsic mechanisms at the atomic level remained unclear, which require more in‐depth understanding in terms of theoretical analysis. In this Review, we emphatically introduce the recent advances and current challenges of metal oxide‐based photoelectrodes for photoelectrocatalytic application, beneath the structure‐activity relationship of metal oxide catalysts. Then, we give a summary of the state‐of‐the‐art research in the preparation and application for the metal oxide based composite materials. Finally, we discuss key aspects, which should be addressed for design and construction.
Deep‐Red Luminescent Molybdenum(0) Complexes with Bi‐ and Tridentate Isocyanide Chelate Ligands
Authors: Herr Patrick , Schwab Alexander , Kupfer Stephan , Wenger Oliver S.
Published: April 2022

In octahedral complexes, molybdenum(0) has the same 4d6 valence electron configuration as ruthenium(II), which is beneficial for establishing energetically low‐lying metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states. Those MLCT states often show luminescence, and they can furthermore undergo photoinduced electron and energy transfer reactions that are of interest in the context of solar energy conversion, sensing, or photocatalysis. Molybdenum is roughly 100 times more abundant than ruthenium, and it seems desirable to increase our fundamental understanding of the photophysical properties of complexes made from non‐precious metals. We report here on the luminescence behavior of two new homoleptic molybdenum(0) isocyanide complexes, one with three bidentate, the other with two tridentate chelate ligands. The key novelty is the incorporation of thiophene units into the ligand backbones, causing strongly red‐shifted photoluminescence with respect to comparable molybdenum(0) isocyanides with phenylene units in the ligand backbones. Combined experimental and computational studies provide detailed insight into the photophysical properties of this compound class. This work is relevant for the development of new luminescent compounds with possible applications in lighting and sensing, and it complements current research efforts on photoactive complexes with other abundant transition metal and main group elements.
The Dawn of Plant Molecular Biology: How Three Key Methodologies Paved the Way
Authors: Somssich Marc
Published: April 2022

The adoption of Arabidopsis thaliana in the 1980s as a universal plant model finally enabled researchers to adopt and take full advantage of the molecular biology tools and methods developed in the bacterial and animal fields since the early 1970s. It further brought the plant sciences up to speed with other research fields, which had been employing widely accepted model organisms for decades. In parallel with this major development, the concurrent establishment of the plant transformation methodology and the description of the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter enabled scientists to create robust transgenic plant lines for the first time, thereby providing a valuable tool for studying gene function. The ability to create transgenic plants launched the plant biotechnology sector, with Monsanto and Plant Genetic Systems developing the first herbicide‐ and pest‐tolerant plants, initiating a revolution in the agricultural industry. Here I review the major developments over a less than 10‐year span and demonstrate how they complemented each other to trigger a revolution in plant molecular biology and launch an era of unprecedented progress for the whole plant field. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

[Correction added on May 16, 2022, after first online publication: CAUL funding statement has been added.]
Long‐Term Biocatalyst Performance: Mechanistic Prediction and Continuous Non‐Isothermal Testing
Authors: Rogers Thomas A. , Encarnación‐Gómez Luis G. , Bommarius Andreas S.
Published: April 2022

The assessment of the operational stability of biocatalysts by conventional direct determination of the total turnover number (TTN), a useful indicator of lifetime biocatalyst productivity, via continuous isothermal experiments tends to be time‐consuming, material‐intensive, and prone to disturbances, especially in case of rather stable catalysts. In the present work, we present and validate two alternative methods for estimating the TTN of a biocatalyst for any desired operating temperature. The first method is a mechanistic approach, built upon mathematical derivation of enzyme deactivation models derived from first principles, in which TTN can be calculated from two straightforward isothermal biochemical batch measurements. The second method relies on a few non‐isothermal, continuous‐mode experiments in conjunction with mathematical modeling to determine the intrinsic deactivation parameters of the biocatalyst. We verify both methods on the test case of TEM‐1 β‐lactamase‐catalyzed penicillin G (Pen G) hydrolysis. Both alternative methods provide estimates of TTN which are typically within a factor of two to five or less of the values measured directly via lengthy, costly, and error‐prone conventional isothermal aging tests. Therefore, both the mechanistic approach and the non‐isothermal continuous approach are extremely valuable tools to enable calculation of catalyst cost contribution in continuous processing and to eliminate underperforming candidates in search of the most stable biocatalyst.
Accidental epiphytes: Ecological insights and evolutionary implications
Authors: Hoeber Vincent , Zotz Gerhard
Published: April 2022

Vascular epiphytes are an important component of many ecosystems and constitute a substantial part of global plant diversity. In this context, accidental epiphytism, that is, the opportunistic epiphytic growth of typically terrestrial species, deserves special attention because it provides crucial insights into the global distribution of vascular epiphytes and the initial evolution of epiphytic lineages. Even though accidental epiphytes have been mentioned in the literature for more than a century, they have been neglected in most epiphyte studies. Only recently has accidental epiphytism been investigated more thoroughly. Therefore, the aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the ecological basis and evolutionary relevance of this common but largely neglected phenomenon and to highlight open questions and promising research directions. Our central statement—that any species has the potential to grow epiphytically given the availability of suitable microhabitats and successful dispersal—is backed up by a compilation of observations of accidental epiphytes from numerous ecosystems with diverse climates, even including semiarid Mediterranean ones. A variety of arboreal microhabitats and environmental conditions conform to the ecological niche of typical terrestrial species, with the availability of such microhabitats depending on the interaction of local climate conditions, host tree age, and host species identity. Whenever suitable microhabitats are available in tree crowns, accidental epiphytism is limited primarily by dispersal. In an evolutionary context, the conquest of forest canopy represents an ecological opportunity where accidental epiphytes act as links between terrestrial and epiphytic life forms. We discuss two fundamental scenarios with sympatric speciation, selective pressure, autopolyploidy, and allopatric speciation as underlying mechanisms in the transition from terrestrial to epiphytic growth. In conclusion, we argue that accidental epiphytism is a substrate and dispersal‐dependent phenomenon and that, both from an individual perspective and an evolutionary perspective, epiphytism reflects the occupation of suitable but previously unexploited arboreal microhabitats. Acknowledging the fundamental principles that plant growth is opportunistic and that dispersal is a stochastic process can decisively improve our understanding of species distributions and other ecological patterns, as in the case of accidental epiphytism.
A Copper(II)‐Nitrite Complex Hydrogen‐Bonded to a Protonated Amine in the Second‐Coordination‐Sphere
Authors: Gupta Shourya , Arora Sumangla , Mondal Aditesh , Stieber S. Chantal E. , Gupta Puneet , Kundu Subrata
Published: April 2022

Nitrous acid (HONO) plays pivotal roles in various metal‐free as well as metal‐mediated routes relevant to biogeochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and mammalian physiology. While the metastable nature of HONO hinders the detailed investigations into its reactivity at a transition metal site, this report herein utilizes a heteroditopic copper(II) cryptate [oC]CuII featuring a proton‐responsive second‐coordination‐sphere located at a suitable distance from a [CuII](ONO) core, thereby enabling isolation of a [CuII](κ1‐ONO⋅⋅⋅H+) complex (2H‐NO2). A set of complementary analytical studies (UV‐vis, 14N/15N FTIR, 15N NMR, HRMS, EPR, and CHN) on 2H‐NO2 and its 15N‐isotopomer (2H‐15NO2) reveals the formulation of 2H‐NO2 as {[oCH]CuII(κ1‐ONO)}(ClO4)2. Non‐covalent interaction index (NCI) based on reduced density gradient (RDG) analysis on {[oCH]CuII(κ1‐ONO)}2+ discloses a H‐bonding interaction between the apical 3° ammonium site and the nitrite anion bound to the copper(II) site. The FTIR spectra of [CuII](κ1‐ONO⋅⋅⋅H+) species (2H‐NO2) shows a shift of ammonium NH vibrational feature to a lower wavenumber due to the H‐bonding interaction with nitrite. The reactivity profile of [CuII](κ1‐ONO⋅⋅⋅H+) species (2H‐NO2) towards anaerobic nitration of substituted phenol (2,4‐DTBP) is distinctly different relative to that of the closely related tripodal [CuII]‐nitrite complexes (1‐NO2/3‐NO2/4‐NO2).
Cooperative Tertiary Phosphine/Palladium Catalyzed Nucleophilic Allylation between Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman Carbonates and Alkenes
Authors: Li Yue , Chen Peng , Chen Zhi‐Chao , Du Wei , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: April 2022

In this work, we report an unusual nucleophilic allylation reaction between isatin‐derived Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates and simple alkenes synergistically catalyzed by tertiary phosphines and palladium complexes, through chemoselective assemblies of in situ formed onium salts and η1‐allylpalladium species, respectively. A range of 3,3‐disubstituted oxindoles were easily constructed in moderate to good yields with exclusive linear regioselectivity. Moreover, a number of control and deuterium experiments have been conducted to elucidate the catalytic mechanism.
Exploring pain mechanisms in hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome: A case–control study
Authors: De Wandele Inge , Colman Marlies , Hermans Linda , Van Oosterwijck Jessica , Meeus Mira , Rombaut Lies , Brusselmans Griet , Syx Delfien , Calders Patrick , Malfait Fransiska
Published: April 2022

Background

The hypermobile type of Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder, associated with joint hypermobility and prominent chronic pain. Because experimental pain testing in hEDS is scarce, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood.

Objective

The present study assesses endogenous pain facilitation and pain inhibition in hEDS, using a protocol for temporal summation of pain (TSP), conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and exercise‐induced hypoalgesia (EIH).

Methods

Twenty women with hEDS and 20 age‐matched healthy controls participated. After evaluating thermal and mechanical pain thresholds (PPT), TSP was assessed using 10 repetitive painful pressure stimuli. CPM was provoked using pressure as the test stimulus and hand immersion in hot water (46°) as the conditioning stimulus. EIH was assessed after a submaximal cycling protocol.

Results

The hEDS group demonstrated reduced PPTs and showed significantly more TSP after repeated painful stimuli than the control group. In comparison to the healthy control group, the hEDS group demonstrated significantly less EIH at the quadriceps test location. At the trapezius, EIH did not significantly differ between groups. No significant differences were found between the hEDS group and control group in the CPM response.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate increased TSP in hEDS, suggesting increased central pain facilitation. EIH should be studied more extensively but may be disturbed when evaluated in the muscles that are activated during exercise. The CPM results are inconclusive and require more research.

Significance

Studies regarding the mechanisms that underlie pain in hEDS are scarce, although it is the most prevalent and disabling symptom in this patient population. This study demonstrates increased temporal summation in hEDS and suggests that exercise‐induced hypoalgesia may be reduced. Because exercise is a cornerstone in the multidisciplinary treatment of heritable connective tissue disorders, gaining knowledge in this field is important. Pressure stimuli were used to facilitate the international usability of the protocols, allowing for future data acquisition in large cohorts.
Pricing cancellable American put options on the finite time horizon
Authors: Zaevski Tsvetelin S.
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical approach for pricing cancellable American put options, also known as game or Israeli options, on the finite time horizon. These options generalize the concept of American derivatives adding an early exercise right for the option's writer to the existing holder's right. The writer has to pay a penalty amount above the usual option payment to use this right. We first obtain the shape of the optimal regions for both participants. Then we approximate the optimal exercise boundaries maximizing the option's writer and holder financial expectations using some first exit properties of the Brownian motion. We also construct an efficient pricing algorithm based on these boundaries. A semiclosed form formula is derived when the underlying asset starts above the strike.
Potential Adverse Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) on Bisphosphonate Efficacy: An Exploratory Post Hoc Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial of Clodronate
Authors: Zheng Zhangan , Johansson Helena , Harvey Nicholas C. , Lorentzon Mattias , Vandenput Liesbeth , Liu Enwu , Kanis John A. , McCloskey Eugene V.
Published: April 2022

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been reported to have weak but beneficial effects on bone health, including fracture risk, but many epidemiological studies are likely confounded. We explored the relationship between NSAIDs and fracture risk in a post hoc analysis of a well-documented, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the bisphosphonate, clodronate, in which treatment reduced osteoporotic fracture risk by 23%. Concurrent medication use at baseline was used to identify those prescribed oral NSAIDs. Only verified, incident fractures were included in the analysis. A total of 1082 (20.8%) women reported use of NSAIDs at baseline. They were slightly, but significantly, younger (mean 79 versus 80 years, p = 0.004), heavier (mean 66.7 versus 64.7 kg, p < 0.001) than nonusers, with slightly higher femoral neck bone mineral density (FN-BMD, 0.66 versus 0.64 g/cm2, p < 0.001). In an adjusted model, NSAID use was associated with a significant increase in osteoporotic fracture risk over the 3-year study period (hazard ratio [HR] 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.62; p = 0.039). However, this increase in risk was not statistically significant in the placebo group (HR 1.11; 95% CI, 0.81–1.52). In women receiving clodronate, the effect of the bisphosphonate to reduce osteoporotic fracture risk was not observed in those receiving NSAIDs (HR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.65–1.41; p = 0.81) in contrast to those not using NSAIDs (HR 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58–0.89; p = 0.002). In a subset with hip BMD repeated at 3 years, BMD loss during clodronate therapy was greater in those women receiving NSAIDs than in nonusers (eg, total hip −2.75% versus −1.27%, p = 0.078; femoral neck −3.06% versus −1.12%, p = 0.028), and was not significantly different from that observed in women receiving placebo. The efficacy of the bisphosphonate, clodronate, to reduce fracture risk was largely negated in those receiving NSAIDs. Although the mechanism is unclear, this clinically significant observation requires exploration in studies of commonly used bisphosphonates. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Bone morphogenetic protein 13 in hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Peschl Vanessa , Seitz Tatjana , Sommer Judith , Thasler Wolfgang , Bosserhoff Anja , Hellerbrand Claus
Published: April 2022

Hepatic fibrosis can be considered as a deregulated wound healing process in response to chronic liver injury. Bone morphogenetic protein 13 (BMP13) has been described to promote bone and tendon repair. In this study, we aimed to analyze the expression and function of BMP13 in hepatic fibrosis. We found increased BMP13 expression during the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which is known as the key event of hepatic fibrosis. Fitting to this, BMP13 was elevated in murine models of hepatic fibrosis, and immunofluorescence staining showed colocalization of BMP13 and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), a marker for activated HSC, in cirrhotic human liver tissue. BMP13 depletion in activated human HSC reduced the phosphorylation of smad1/5/9 and the expression of the transcription factor inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1), a known BMP target gene and profibrogenic factor. Furthermore, BMP13‐depletion led to reduced proliferation and downregulation of collagen I α1 (COL1A1) and α‐SMA, and, interestingly, also reduced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK). Conversely, stimulation with recombinant BMP13 induced the phosphorylation of smad1/5/9 and ERK, as well as the proliferation and the expression of ID1, COL1A1, and α‐SMA in HSCs. These stimulatory effects were inhibited by dorsomorphin 1, a small‐molecule inhibitor of the BMP‐type I receptors activin receptor‐like kinase‐2 and ‐3, which are both expressed by HSC. In summary, these data indicate increased BMP13 expression in hepatic fibrosis as a profibrogenic factor. Thus, this soluble growth factor might have the potential as a new fibrosis marker and antifibrogenic therapeutic target in patients with chronic liver disease.
Selective fluorescent detection of Zn2+ by a rhodanine‐based chemosensor
Authors: Kim Hyeongjin , Gil Dongkyun , Kim Cheal
Published: April 2022

A rhodanine‐based fluorescent chemosensor DHM, 3‐[(E)‐{[4‐(diethylamino)‐2‐ hydroxyphenyl]methylidene}amino]‐2‐sulfanylidene‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐4‐one, has been designed and synthesized. Sensor DHM showed unique optical properties with large fluorescence change on detecting Zn2+. Most cations did not disturb the binding of DHM with Zn2+, while Co2+ and Cu2+ displayed fluorescence quenching and Fe2+, Fe3+, and Ni2+ did some interference. With outcomes of Job plot and electrospray ionization (ESI)‐mass data, the binding ratio of DHM to Zn2+ was determined as a 1:1. Moreover, DHM could detect Zn2+ with a low detection limit (1.33 μM). DHM could efficiently analyze Zn2+ in a real environment with positive recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) and be recyclable reliably with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). DHM‐doped test kits can be readily used for recognizing Zn2+. The binding feature of DHM to Zn2+ was illustrated by ESI‐mass, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) titration, and calculations.
Differential expression and analysis of extrachromosomal circular DNAs as serum biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Gang , Shi Wenjing , Ling Liqun , Li Changhong , Shao Fanggui , Chen Jie , Wang Yumin
Published: April 2022

Background

Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) increase the number of proto‐oncogenes by enhancing oncogene expression to promote tumorigenesis. However, there are limited reports on differential eccDNA expression and analysis in lung cancer, especially in lung adenocarcinoma (LAD).

Methods

Three LAD and three corresponding NT tissues samples were used for eccDNA next‐generation sequencing analysis, and an additional 20 were used for quantitative PCR (qPCR) evaluations. We further performed qPCR amplification using serum samples from LAD patients and healthy medical examiners.

Results

eccDNAs from LAD samples were mainly 200–1000 bp in length. Gene annotation analysis revealed that most eccDNAs were derived from chromosomes 1 and 2. The top‐ten increased and top‐ten decreased eccDNAs in LAD tissues were CircD‐ARPC1B, CircD‐ARPC1A, CircD‐FAM49B, CircD‐SDK1, CircD‐KCNG1, CircD‐POLR2F, CircD‐SS18L1, CircD‐SLC16A3, CircD‐CSNK1D, CircD‐KCTD1, and CircD‐TMIGD2, CircD‐PDIA5, CircD‐VAV2, CircD‐GATAD2A, CircD‐CAB39L, CircD‐KHDC1, CircD‐FOXN3, CircD‐SULT2B1, CircD‐DPP9, and CircD‐CSNK1D. qPCR demonstrated that the expression of CircD‐DZRN3 was higher in LAD tissues than in normal lung tissues, whereas CircD‐LGR6 and CircD‐UMODL1 expression levels were lower in LAD than in normal lung tissues. Furthermore, the serum CircD‐PDZRN3 level increased, while CircD‐LGR6 decreased in LAD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that area under curve (AUC) of serum CircD‐PDZRN3 (0.991), CircD‐LGR6 (0.916) was higher than that of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (0.825), CY211 (cytokeratin 19 fragment) (0.842), SCCA(squamous cell carcinoma antigen) (0.857) for the diagnosis of LAD.

Conclusions

Our study first showed that several eccDNAs were aberrantly expressed in LAD, among which CircD‐PDZRN3 and CircD‐LGR6 clearly distinguished LAD patients from healthy controls, indicating their potential as biomarkers.
COVID‐19‐related anxiety: How do coping and optimism relate to substance use in African–American young adults?
Authors: Singleton Gwendolyn , Johnson Leona , Singleton Nkosi , Li Huijun
Published: April 2022

The COVID–19 pandemic has greatly affected college students nationwide. Recent research suggests that the COVID–19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted African–American young adults. The infection case rates, hospitalizations, and death rates in African–American populations are 2–5 times higher than among White populations. The intergenerational trauma and systemic racism that African–Americans have faced in past and present times have fomented conditions that lead to vulnerability within this historically resilient community. These stresses and losses increase the risks of anxiety and substance use. This study examined the relationship between COVID‐19‐related anxiety and substance use, and how adaptive coping and optimism influence this relationship in African–Americans young adults. Results reveal that COVID‐related anxiety predicts alcohol and drug use. Optimism and adaptive coping are related to lower pandemic‐related anxiety, alcohol, and drug use among African–American young adults.
COVID‐19 shines a light on health inequities in communities of color: A youth‐driven photovoice inquiry
Authors: Augsberger Astraea , Toraif Noor , Young Adrienne , Dimitri Noelle C. , Bautista Rosaylin , Pierre Ja'Karri , Le Catherine , Idahor Osasenaga , Jusme Calvin , Gergen Barnett Katherine A.
Published: April 2022

This manuscript reports on a youth‐driven health assessment engaging youth of color in identifying community health priorities during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Photovoice, a participatory visual ethnographic health assessment strategy, was used to explore the question: What does health or healthiness mean to you and/or your community? Youth captured images that represented their priorities. The photos were discussed using the SHOWed framework and analyzed thematically. Four themes related to community health were identified. Additionally, youth captured their narrative of COVID‐19 as “a revealing force that highlights systemic inequities, driving individuals and communities to both cultivate their resilience and take healthcare into their own hands in response to government and policy level failures.” Youth are acutely aware of the historical and structural inequities that create multi‐level barriers to healthcare access. Health inequities existed long before the pandemic, but the current crisis requires us to examine ways to transform the healthcare landscape moving forward.
Risk factors for local atypical fibroxanthoma recurrence and progression to pleomorphic dermal sarcoma: A meta‐analysis of individualized participant data
Authors: Ørholt Mathias , Aaberg Frederik L. , Abebe Kiya , Walsh S. , Roenigk Randall K. , Venzo Alessandro , Schmidt Grethe , Klyver Helle , Jensen David H. , Herly Mikkel , Vester‐Glowinski Peter V.
Published: April 2022

Background

Risk factors for local atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) recurrence and progression to pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) have not previously been identified.

Objective

To identify risk factors and provide follow‐up suggestions for local AFX recurrence and progression to PDS.

Methods and Materials

A literature search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. The PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines were followed. The risks of local AFX recurrence and progression to PDS were presented as Kaplan–Meier plots and risk factors were presented as hazard ratios (HRs) calculated with univariate and multivariate Cox regression.

Results

Five hundred and ninety‐eight patients with AFX from 14 studies were included. Age >74 years and male sex significantly increased the risk of local recurrence (HR: 7.31 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.78–30.0], p < 0.01 and HR: 2.89 [95% CI: 1.04–8.01], p < 0.05, respectively). There was no difference when comparing wide local excision and Mohs' micrographic surgery (p = 0.89). The risks of local AFX recurrence and progression to PDS after 2 years were <1%.

Conclusion

A more intensive follow‐up regimen could be considered in patients >74 years old and males due to the higher risk of local AFX recurrence.
The effects of a dividing line in a product assortment on perceived quantity, willingness to buy, and choice satisfaction
Authors: Ouyang Jun , Jia Yanli , Guo Zhaoyang
Published: April 2022

Many retailers use seemingly innocuous dividing lines to separate product alternatives on their websites or product catalogs. Although previous research on advertising design has focused on the impact of dividing lines on symbolic meanings or perceived categorization, the present research argues that, beyond symbolic or categorical functions, a dividing line can influence consumers' perceived quantity of the product alternatives displayed. Across 10 studies (including an eye‐tracking study and three additional studies reported in the Supporting Information Appendix), our results show that consumers perceive a smaller number of products displayed on a page when these products are separated by a dividing line compared to when they are not. This effect occurs because the dividing line separates the products into top versus bottom (or left vs. right) segments, such that participants' visual attention is largely drawn to the top (or the left) where their eyes first fixate. Consequently, participants tend to estimate the total number of items based on the subset they pay attention to. In addition, the effect is attenuated when participants' attention is directly drawn to the segment they have previously neglected and can hold regardless of line orientation. Finally, it can have several marketing outcomes, such as higher willingness to buy and lower post‐choice satisfaction.
Monte Carlo characterization of high atomic number inorganic scintillators for in vivo dosimetry in 192Ir brachytherapy
Authors: Kaveckyte Vaiva , Jørgensen Erik B. , Kertzscher Gustavo , Johansen Jacob G. , Carlsson Tedgren Åsa
Published: April 2022

Background

There is increased interest in in vivo dosimetry for 192Ir brachytherapy (BT) treatments using high atomic number (Z) inorganic scintillators. Their high light output enables construction of small detectors with negligible stem effect and simple readout electronics. Experimental determination of absorbed‐dose energy dependence of detectors relative to water is prevalent, but it can be prone to high detector positioning uncertainties and does not allow for decoupling of absorbed‐dose energy dependence from other factors affecting detector response .

Purpose

To investigate which measurement conditions and detector properties could affect their absorbed‐dose energy dependence in BT in vivo dosimetry.

Methods

We used a general‐purpose Monte Carlo (MC) code PENELOPE for the characterization of high‐Z inorganic scintillators with the focus on ZnSe () Z. Two other promising media CsI () and Al2O3 () were included for comparison in selected scenarios. We determined absorbed‐dose energy dependence of crystals relative to water under different scatter conditions (calibration phantom 12 × 12 × 30 cm3, characterization phantoms 20 × 20 × 20 cm3, 30 × 30 × 30 cm3, 40 × 40 × 40 cm3, and patient‐like elliptic phantom 40 × 30 × 25 cm3). To mimic irradiation conditions during prostate treatments, we evaluated whether the presence of pelvic bones and calcifications affect ZnSe response. ZnSe detector design influence was also investigated.

Results

In contrast to low‐Z organic and medium‐Z inorganic scintillators, ZnSe and CsI media have substantially greater absorbed‐dose energy dependence relative to water. The response was phantom‐size dependent and changed by 11% between limited‐ and full‐scatter conditions for ZnSe, but not for Al2O3. For a given phantom size, a part of the absorbed‐dose energy dependence of ZnSe is caused not due to in‐phantom scatter but due to source anisotropy. Thus, the absorbed‐dose energy dependence of high‐Z scintillators is a function of not only the radial distance but also the polar angle. Pelvic bones did not affect ZnSe response, whereas large and intermediate size calcifications reduced it by 9% and 5%, respectively, when placed midway between the source and the detector.

Conclusions

Unlike currently prevalent low‐ and medium‐Z scintillators, high‐Z crystals are sensitive to characterization and in vivo measurement conditions. However, good agreement between MC data for ZnSe in the present study and experimental data for ZnSe:O by Jørgensen et al. (2021) suggests that detector signal is proportional to the average absorbed dose to the detector cavity. This enables an easy correction for non‐TG43‐like scenarios (e.g., patient sizes and calcifications) through MC simulations. Such information should be provided to the clinic by the detector vendors.
Multi‐eXpert fusion: An ensemble learning framework to segment 3D TRUS prostate images
Authors: Beitone Clément , Troccaz Jocelyne
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Prostate segmentation of 3D TRUS images is a prerequisite for several diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Unfortunately, this difficult task suffers from high intra and interobserver variability, even for experienced urologists/radiologists. This is why automatic segmentation algorithms could have a significant clinical added‐value.

Methods

This paper introduces a new deep segmentation architecture consisting of two main phases: view‐specific segmentations of 2D slices and their fusion. The segmentation phase is based on three segmentation networks trained in parallel on specific slice viewing directions: axial, coronal, and sagittal. The proposed fusion network is then fed with the output of the segmentation networks and trained to produce three confidence maps. These maps correspond to the local trust granted by the fusion network to each view‐specific segmentation network. Finally, for a given slice, the segmentation is computed by combining these confidence maps with their corresponding segmentations. The 3D segmentation of the prostate is obtained by restacking all the segmented slices to form a volume.

Results

This approach was evaluated on a database of 100 patients with several combinations of network architectures (for both the segmentation phase and the fusion phase) to show the flexibility and reliability of the framework. The proposed approach was also compared to STAPLE, to the majority voting strategy, and to a direct 3D approach tested on the same database. The new method outperforms these three approaches on all evaluation criteria. Finally, the results of the multi‐eXpert fusion (MXF) framework compare favorably with other state‐of‐the‐art methods, while these methods typically work on smaller databases.

Conclusions

We proposed a novel MXF framework to segment 3D TRUS images of the prostate. The main feature of this approach is the fusion of expert network results at the pixel level using computed confidence maps. Experiments conducted on a clinical database have shown the robustness and flexibility of this approach and its superiority over state‐of‐the‐art approaches. Finally, the MXF framework demonstrated its ability to capture and preserve the underlying gland structures, particularly in the base and apex regions.
Effect of heat treatment with alternating tension on microstructure and elastic recovery of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) fibers
Authors: Sun Jun , Zhang Weiwei , Li Fengyu , Zhuo Qiqi , Qin Chuanxiang , Wang Jianjun , Dai Lixing
Published: April 2022

Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) fibers have drawn much attention due to their excellent elastic recovery. Currently, PTT fibers with higher elasticity are in high demand in some special applications. In this article, in order to further improve the elasticity of PTT fibers, heat treatment with alternating tension and relaxation (AlterTR) was carried out, and as a comparison, heat treatments under the conditions of tension or relaxation were performed simultaneously. The relationships of conformation transition, crystallinity, and orientation with elastic recovery of heat treated PTT fibers were investigated. With the increase of crystallinity during the treatment, part of the higher‐energy trans conformation of the heat treated PTT fibers was converted to a lower‐energy gauche conformation, which is a primary cause of elastic recovery. AlterTR heat treated PTT fibers had both high crystallinity and high orientation, which resulted in a high elastic recovery of 79% at 30% fixed elongation after 5 cycles of stretching testing, 7% higher than untreated PTT fibers. The elastic recovery was also obviously higher than the PTT fibers heat treated under the conditions of tension or relaxation.
Survey of the use of traditional and complementary medicine among children with cancer at three hospitals in Cameroon
Authors: Afungchwi Glenn M. , Kruger Mariana , Hesseling Peter , van Elsland Sabine , Ladas Elena J. , Marjerrison Stacey
Published: April 2022

Introduction

There is lack of diagnostic and treatment resources with variable access to childhood cancer treatment in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), which may lead to subsequent poor survival. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) used in Cameroon. Secondarily, we explored determinants of T&CM use, associated costs, perceived benefits and harm, and disclosure of T&CM use to medical team.

Methods

A prospective, cross‐sectional survey among parents and carers of children younger than 15 years of age who had a cancer diagnosis and received cancer treatment at three Baptist Mission hospitals between November 2017 and February 2019.

Results

Eighty participants completed the survey. Median patient age was 8.1 years (IQR4.1‐11.1). There was significant availability (90%) and use (67.5%) of T&CM, whereas 24% thought T&CM would be good for cancer treatment. Common T&CM remedies included herbs and other plant remedies or teas taken by mouth, prayer for healing purposes and skin cutting. Living more than five hours away from the treatment center (P = 0.030), anticipated costs (0.028), and a habit of consulting a traditional healer when sick (P = 0.006) were associated with the use of T&CM. T&CM was mostly paid for in cash (53.7%) or provided free of charge (29.6%). Of importance was the fact that nearly half (44%) did not want to disclose the use of TM to their doctor.

Conclusion

Pediatric oncology patients used T&CM before and during treatment but were unlikely to disclose its use to the child's health care team.
A 5‐year‐old child presenting with tumor‐like primary angiitis of the central nervous system
Authors: Zhuo Xiuwei , Feng Weixing , Zhou Ji , Zhang Weihua , Gong Shuai , Fang Fang , Li Jiuwei
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a vasculitis confined to the CNS. A small proportion of the lesions may present as a tumor‐like mass, which is rarely seen in children.

Case presentation

A 5‐year‐old girl was admitted to our hospital because of an intermittent headache. Brain imaging suggested a space‐occupying lesion in the right cerebral hemisphere. The final diagnosis was PACNS with a lymphocytic pattern by stereotactic brain biopsy. Her condition improved after immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Pediatricians should consider the possibility of PACNS when encountering intracranial tumor‐like lesions. Early diagnosis of tumor‐like PACNS and prompt immunotherapy could improve the long‐term prognosis and avoid surgery.
Development of efficient RNAi methods in the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis, a promising application for pest control
Authors: Dalaisón‐Fuentes Lucía Inés , Pascual Agustina , Gazza Elías , Welchen Elina , Rivera‐Pomar Rolando , Catalano María Inés
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is the main vector of important stunting pathogens that affect maize production. Currently, there are no effective methods available to manage this pest without adverse impact on the environment. In this context, genomic‐based technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) provide a more environmentally friendly pest control strategy. Therefore, we aimed to assess the application of RNAi in D. maidis and determine the function of a candidate gene related to insect reproduction and propagation.

RESULTS

We have characterized the core RNAi genes and evaluated the functionality of the RNAi machinery. We assessed the potential of RNAi technology in D. maidis via injection or ingestion of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) to adult females. We chose Bicaudal C (BicC) as a target gene due to its important role during insect oogenesis. Administration of dsRNABicC caused significant reductions in the transcript levels (fold changes up to 170 times) and ovipositions. Phenotypic analysis of the ovaries revealed alterations in oocyte development, providing additional confirmation for our results and supporting the idea that Dmai‐BicC is a key player of D. maidis oogenesis.

CONCLUSION

This is, to our knowledge, the first report of efficient RNAi in D. maidis. We believe our findings provide a starting point for future control strategies against one of the most important maize pests in the Americas. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sensing properties of nonmetal doped blue phosphorene toward NO and NO2 molecules: A first‐principles study
Authors: Chen Guo‐Xiang , Wang Rui‐Xue , Li Han‐Xiao , Chen Xiao‐Na , An Guo , Zhang Jian‐Min
Published: April 2022

First‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT‐D2 method) are adopted to systematically investigate the structure stability and sensing properties of NO and NO2 adsorbed on single nonmetals (B, C, and Si) and double nonmetals (1B1C, 1C1Si, and 1B1Si) doped blue phosphorene. The results show the chemisorption of the gas molecules absorbed on single nonmetal doped blue phosphorene with large adsorption energy, charge transfer, and small adsorption distance. Similarly, for gas molecules absorbed on double nonmetal doped blue phosphorene, while NO interaction with 1C1Si co‐doped blue phosphorene is weak. There is a strong hybridization between gas molecules and doped substrates due to the enhancing interaction, resulting in an increasing adsorption ability for gas molecules. We find that the conductivity and work function change caused by nonmetal doping is the main reason for improving the sensitivity of gas molecules, which shows more possibilities for practical gas sensor applications. Therefore, nonmetal doped blue phosphorene provides a new direction for detecting NO and NO2 in the gas sensing field.