bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deeply supervised maximum response texton basedSegNetfor simultaneous multi retinal lesion segmentation
Authors: Pappu Geetha Pavani , Krishna Talabhakthula , Biswal Birendra , Karn Prakash Kumar , Biswal Pradyut Kumar. , Hasan Shazia , Nayak Debasish
Published: March 2022

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a diabetic mellitus complication that causes vision impairment and may lead to permanent blindness. The early signs of DR that appear on the retinal surface are microaneurysms, hemorrhages, hard exudates, and soft exudates. Hence the automatic detection of these retinal lesions assists in the early diagnosis of DR. This paper presents a novel deep learning model, MRT‐SegNet (Maximum Response Texton – Segmentation Network) for the automatic segmentation of different retinal lesions simultaneously along with the optic disc. In the proposed MRT‐SegNet, each encoder block consists of an MRT filter bank that extracts the textural feature maps of the retinal images and then fuses them with the local feature maps that are extracted from the traditional encoder block of the network. This fusion enables the network to segment the minute lesions from the retinal surface. The proposed model is evaluated on the IDRiD dataset and achieves a mean Area Under the Precision & Recall Curve (mAUC_PR) of 0.698 and AUC_PR scores of 0.495, 0.706, 0.823, 0.769 for microaneurysms, hemorrhages, hard exudates, and soft exudates respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that the MRT‐SegNet outperformed other multi retinal lesion segmentation models by achieving superior performance.
A model for professional counselors to integrate multiculturalism and social justice into correctional settings
Authors: Rio Jennifer L. , Laux John M. , Clark Madeline , Walker Tanesha , Goodlin‐Fahncke Wendi , Heckman Lindsay , DelRe Jessica
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model for how counselors integrate multicultural and social justice competency into their work with persons who have offended. A qualitative grounded theory tradition was used to generate an inductive theoretical model for integrating the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC) into correctional settings. Participants (n = 16) were professional counselors recruited through counseling listservs and snowball sampling who work in prison, residential, jail, private practice, and community mental health settings. The findings revealed the need for ongoing training, multicultural and social justice awareness, and knowledge about structural barriers and systemic oppression.
Endogenous humoral determinants of vascular endothelial dysfunction as triggers of acute poisoning complications
Authors: Ivnitsky Jury Ju. , Schäfer Timur V. , Rejniuk Vladimir L. , Golovko Alexandr I.
Published: March 2022

The vascular endothelium is not only the semipermeable membrane that separates tissue from blood but also an organ that regulates inflammation, vascular tone, blood clotting, angiogenesis and synthesis of connective tissue proteins. It is susceptible to the direct cytotoxic action of numerous xenobiotics and to the acute hypoxia that accompanies acute poisoning. This damage is superimposed on the preformed state of the vascular endothelium, which, in turn, depends on many humoral factors. The probability that an exogenous toxicant will cause life‐threatening dysfunction of the vascular endothelium, thereby complicating the course of acute poisoning, increases with an increase in the content of endogenous substances in the blood that disrupt endothelial function. These include ammonia, bacterial endotoxin, indoxyl sulfate,para‐cresyl sulfate, trimethylamineN‐oxide, asymmetric dimethylarginine, glucose, homocysteine, low‐density and very‐low‐density lipoproteins, free fatty acids and products of intravascular haemolysis. Some other endogenous substances (albumin, haptoglobin, haemopexin, biliverdin, bilirubin, tetrahydrobiopterin) or food‐derived compounds (ascorbic acid, rutin, omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, etc.) reduce the risk of lethal vascular endothelial dysfunction. The individual variability of the content of these substances in the blood contributes to the stochasticity of the complications of acute poisoning and is a promising target for the risk reduction measures. Another feasible option may be the repositioning of drugs that affect the function of the vascular endothelium while being currently used for other indications.
A study of the moving rate of positive results for use in a patient‐based real‐time quality control program on a procalcitonin point‐of‐care testing analyzer
Authors: He Yili , Gu Daqing , Kong Xiangzhi , Feng Zhiqiang , Lin Weishang , Cai Yunfeng
Published: March 2022

Objective

To establish an applicable and highly sensitive patient‐based real‐time quality control (PBRTQC) program based on a data model constructed with patients’ results of a procalcitonin point‐of‐care testing (POCT) analyzer.

Methods

Patients’ results were retrospectively collected within one year. The Excel software was used to establish quality control (QC) programs of the moving average (MA) and the moving rate of positive results (MR). A Monte Carlo simulation was used to introduce positive and negative biases between 0.01 and 1 ng/ml at random points of the testing data set. Different parameters were used to detect the biases, and the detection efficiency was expressed using the median number of patient samples affected until error detection (MNPed). After comparing the MNPeds of different programs, MA and MR programs with appropriate parameters were selected, and validation plots were generated using MNPeds and maximum number of the patient samples affected (MAX). β curves were generated using the power function of the programs, the performances were compared with that of the conventional QC program.

Results

Neither the conventional QC nor MA program was sensitive to small bias, While MR program can detect the minimum positive bias of 0.06 ng/ml and negative of 0.4 ng/ml at an average daily run size of 10 specimens, with FRs < 1.0%, βs < 1%.

Conclusion

The MR program, which is more sensitive to small biases than conventional QC and MA programs, with low FR and β. As such, it can be used as a PBRTQC program with high performance.
Selective separation and recovery of vanadium from acid leaching solution of polymetallic black shale as function of aminophosphonic acid
Authors: Wang Luyao , Xue Nannan , Zhang Yimin , Zheng Qiushi
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Acid leaching is an effective method to extract vanadium from polymetallic black shale. However, a large amount of metal impurities, especially iron and aluminum, which accompany V, are released during this process.

RESULTS

In this study, a aminophosphonic acid chelating resin was used for the differential adsorption and desorption of vanadium, iron and aluminum ions to achieve deep separation and concentration of vanadium ions present in the acid leaching solution of polymetallic black shale. Results showed that vanadium adsorption efficiency reached 90.17% at a pH of 1.8. After differential adsorption and desorption, the V:Fe and V:Al concentration ratios increased from 1.84 to 64.53 and from 0.24 to 37.92, respectively. When a 2.5 mol L−1 NaOH solution was used as desorbent, the separation factors β(V/Fe) and β(V/Al) reached values of 694.22 and 452.29, realizing the selective separation and concentration of vanadium.

CONCLUSION

It was found that the vanadium, iron and aluminum ions were selectively adsorbed onto the phosphonic acid functional groups (PO(OH)2) and amino functional groups (NH). The vanadium ions existed in the form of the polyvanadate (), which can be directionally adsorbed onto PO(OH)2 under POH bond cleavage and coordination of to the unsaturated phosphorus atom and then desorbed through the exchange between hydroxide anions OH− and . The iron and aluminum ions cannot be desorbed by OH− because the iron and aluminum sulfate moieties and were capable of coordinating to the nitrogen atom of the NH group via its lone electron pair. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Machine learning to predict progression of non‐alcoholic fatty liver to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis or fibrosis
Authors: Ghandian Sina , Thapa Rahul , Garikipati Anurag , Barnes Gina , Green‐Saxena Abigail , Calvert Jacob , Mao Qingqing , Das Ritankar
Published: March 2022

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) can progress to the severe subtype non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and/or fibrosis, which are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Current machine learning studies detect NASH; however, this study is unique in predicting the progression of NAFL patients to NASH or fibrosis.

Aim

To utilize clinical information from NAFL‐diagnosed patients to predict the likelihood of progression to NASH or fibrosis.

Methods

Data were collected from electronic health records of patients receiving a first‐time NAFL diagnosis. A gradient boosted machine learning algorithm (XGBoost) as well as logistic regression (LR) and multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) models were developed. A five‐fold cross‐validation grid search was utilized for hyperparameter optimization of variables, including maximum tree depth, learning rate, and number of estimators. Predictions of patients likely to progress to NASH or fibrosis within 4 years of initial NAFL diagnosis were made using demographic features, vital signs, and laboratory measurements.

Results

The XGBoost algorithm achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) values of 0.79 for prediction of progression to NASH and 0.87 for fibrosis on both hold‐out and external validation test sets. The XGBoost algorithm outperformed the LR and MLP models for both NASH and fibrosis prediction on all metrics.

Conclusion

It is possible to accurately identify newly diagnosed NAFL patients at high risk of progression to NASH or fibrosis. Early identification of these patients may allow for increased clinical monitoring, more aggressive preventative measures to slow the progression of NAFL and fibrosis, and efficient clinical trial enrollment.
ETS2 repressor factor (ERF) is involved in T lymphocyte maturation acting as regulator of thymocyte lineage commitment
Authors: Tsiomita Spyridoula , Liveri Effrosyni Maria , Vardaka Panagiota , Vogiatzi Angeliki , Skiadaresis Argyris , Saridis George , Tsigkas Ioannis , Michaelidis Theologos M , Mavrothalassitis George , Thyphronitis George
Published: March 2022

Thymocyte differentiation and lineage commitment is regulated by an extensive network of transcription factors and signaling molecules among which Erk plays a central role. However, Erk effectors as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying this network are not well understood. Erf is a ubiquitously expressed transcriptional repressor regulated by Erk-dependent phosphorylation. Here, we investigated the role of Erf in T cell maturation and lineage commitment, using a double-fluorescent Erf-floxed mouse to produce thymus-specific Erf knockouts. We observed significant accumulation of thymocytes in the CD4/CD8 DP stage, followed by a significant reduction in CD4SP cells, a trend for lower CD8SP cell frequency, and an elevated percentage of γδ expressing thymocytes in Erf-deficient mice. Also, an elevated number of CD69+TCRβ+ cells indicates that thymocytes undergoing positive selection accumulate at this stage. The expression of transcription factors Gata3, ThPOK, and Socs1 that promote CD4+ cell commitment was significantly decreased in Erf-deficient mice. These findings suggest that Erf is involved in T cell maturation, acting as a positive regulator during CD4 and eventually CD8 lineage commitment, while negatively regulates the production of γδ T cells. In addition, Erf-deficient mice displayed decreased percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ splenocytes and elevated levels of IL-4 indicating that Erf may have an additional role in the homeostasis, differentiation, and immunologic response of helper and cytotoxic T cells in the periphery. Overall, our results show, for the first time, Erf's involvement in T cell biology suggesting that Erf acts as a potential regulator during thymocyte maturation and thymocyte lineage commitment, in γδ T cell generation, as well as in Th cell differentiation.
Landscape of T Cells in NK-AML(M4/M5) Revealed by Single-Cell Sequencing
Authors: Wu Wenqi , Liang Xiaolin , Li Huiqun , Huang Xiaoke , Wan Chengyao , Xie Qiongni , Liu Zhenfang
Published: March 2022

Normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (NK-AML) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy that resides within a complex immune microenvironment, complicating efforts to reveal the interaction between leukemia cells and immune cells. Understanding tumor-infiltrating T cells is crucial to the advancement of immune therapies and the improvement of the prognosis for NK-AML patients. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on bone marrow cells from 5 NK-AML (M4/M5) patients and 1 normal donor and paired single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on single T cells. As a result, we identified 8 T cell clusters based on the gene expression characteristics of each subset in NK-AML and described their developmental trajectories. In NK-AML patients, specific clusters, such as mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), were preferentially enriched and potentially clonally expanded. These transcriptome and TCR data analyses provide valuable insights and rich resources for understanding the immune environment of NK-AML.
SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA Vaccination Causes Prolonged Increased Cortical Thickening and Vascularity in Ipsilateral Axillary Lymph Nodes
Authors: Teefey Sharlene A. , Middleton William D. , Turner Jackson S. , Ellebedy Ali H. , Suessen Teresa , Wallendorf Michael , O'Halloran Jane A. , Presti Rachel
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To describe the serial grey‐scale and color Doppler appearance of ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy in response to the Pfizer‐BioNTech Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine over 24 to 28 weeks.

Methods

The data for this study were collected during an observational study to determine whether mRNA vaccination induced a germinal center B cell reaction in blood and draining axillary lymph nodes. The current study evaluated the serial color Doppler and grey‐scale sonographic appearance of these lymph nodes. Ten participants who each underwent 6 sonograms and FNAs over 24 to 28 weeks were included in the study. A total of 11 lateral lymph nodes were identified. Cortical thickness was measured and absence or presence of color Doppler flow in the hilum and lymph node cortex was graded (scale: 0–2).

Results

Eleven lateral axillary lymph nodes were biopsied over 24 to 28 weeks. Mean thickness varied through time (P < .001) and was greater weeks 2 to 7 compared to weeks 24 to 28 (mean differences of 2.6 to 1.3; P < .006), but weeks 14 to 17 mean thickness was not different from weeks 24 to 28 (0.57; P = .15). Cortical vascularity was increased in all 11 lymph nodes by week 5. Mean vascularity varied through time (P < .001) and was greater weeks 2 to 14 compared to weeks 24 to 28; mean differences ranged from 1.7 to 0.83 (P < .001).

Conclusions

Serial grey‐scale and color Doppler appearance of ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes after mRNA vaccination manifest as increased and prolonged cortical thickening and vascularity that diminishes and approaches normal by 24 to 28 weeks.
Long noncoding RNA ZFPM2‐AS1 regulates renal cell carcinoma progression via miR‐130a‐3p/ESCO2
Authors: Zhang Gang , Liu Song‐Lin , Yi Wen‐Ting , Dong Yu‐Ping , Wan Yin‐Xu
Published: March 2022

Previous studies reported that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ZFPM2‐AS1 is upregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the biological role of lncRNA ZFPM2‐AS1 in RCC has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA ZFPM2‐AS1 in the progression of RCC. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used for gene expression analysis, and functional assays including Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry‐based apoptosis assay and transwell migration assays were performed to examine the malignant phenotypes. The functional interaction between ZFPM2‐AS1 or miR‐130A‐3P and their targets was detected by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. We found that the expressions of ZFPM2‐AS1 and ESCO2 were upregulated in RCC tissues and cells, whereas miR‐130a‐3p was downregulated. The expression level of ZFPM2‐AS1 is significantly associated with advanced TNM, distant metastasis, lymphatic metastasis, and a poor overall survival in RCC patients. Silencing ZFPM2‐AS1 in RCC cells suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and induced cell apoptosis. ZFPM2‐AS1 interacted with miR‐130A‐3P and negatively regulated its expression in RCC cells. We further showed that ESCO2 was a downstream target of miR‐130a‐3p. Both miR‐130a‐3p inhibitor and ESCO2 overexpression could rescue the inhibitory effects of ZFPM2‐AS1 knockdown in RCC cells. Together, our study demonstrates that ZFPM2‐AS1 plays an oncogenic role in RCC progression via the miR‐130a‐3p/ESCO2 axis.
Laryngeal and Esophageal Mucosal Protection Using the Angico Gum Biopolymer in a Mouse Model of Reflux
Authors: Sales Thiago Meneses Araújo Leite , do Nascimento Renata Rocha , do Carmo Neto João Pedro , da Costa Filho Humberto Barbosa , Paula Suliana Mesquita , Sousa Maria Klayre Araújo de , de Melo Nogueira Kerolayne , Junior Genílson José Dias , da Silva Durcilene Alves , Soares Pedro Marcos Gomes , Medeiros Jand Venes Rolim , Nicolau Lucas Antonio Duarte , Sifrim Daniel , de Souza Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo protective effect of the angico gum biopolymer in reducing the inflammatory response and preserving the integrity of the laryngeal and esophageal mucosa.

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

A murine surgical model of gastroesophageal reflux disease was accomplished and subsequently treated with angico gum or omeprazole. On days 3 and 7 post surgery, samples of the larynx and esophagus, respectively, were collected to measure the level of inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance and mucosal permeability to fluorescein).

Results

Angico gum and omeprazole decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and dramatically improved the integrity of the laryngeal mucosa. It also reduced inflammation (decreased wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) of the esophagus and preserved the barrier function (inferred by assessing the integrity of the mucosa).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the protective effect of angico gum in an experimental gastroesophageal reflux disease model. Angico gum attenuates inflammation and impairment of the mucosal barrier function not only in the larynx but also in the esophagus.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:162–168, 2023
Cooperative Metal Ion Coordination to the Short Self‐Assembling Peptide Promotes Hydrogelation and Cellular Proliferation
Authors: Pal Vijay Kumar , Roy Sangita
Published: March 2022

Noncovalent interactions among short peptides and proteins lead to their molecular self‐assembly into supramolecular packaging, which provides the fundamental basis of life. These biomolecular assemblies are highly susceptible to the environmental conditions, including temperature, light, pH, and ionic concentration, and thus inspiring the fabrication of a new class of stimuli‐responsive biomaterials. Here, for the first time the cooperative effect of the divalent metal ions to promote hydrogelation in the short collagen inspired self‐assembling peptide for developing advanced biomaterials is reported. Introduction of the biologically relevant metal ions (Ca2+/Mg2+) to the peptide surpasses its limitation to self‐assemble into a multiscale structure at physiological pH. In particular, in presence of metal ions, the negatively charged peptide shows a distinct shift in its equilibrium point of gelation and demonstrates conversion from sol to gel and thus enabling the scope of fabricating an advanced biomaterial for controlling cellular behavior. Interestingly, tunable mechanical strength and improved cellular response are observed within ion‐coordinated peptide hydrogels compared to the peptide gelator. Microscopic analyses, rheological assessment, and biological studies establish the importance of utilizing a novel strategy by simply using metal ions to modulate the physical and biological attributes of collagen inspired peptide (CIPs) to construct next‐generation biomaterials.
Microfluidic Synthesis of Block Copolymer Micelles: Application as Drug Nanocarriers and as Photothermal Transductors When Loading Pd Nanosheets
Authors: Abad Miriam , Mendoza Gracia , Usón Laura , Arruebo Manuel , Piñol Milagros , Sebastián Víctor , Oriol Luis
Published: March 2022

The synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles from a block copolymer based on poly(ethylene glycol) and a polymethacrylate containing the nucleobase analog 2,6‐diacylaminopyridine is optimized by microfluidics to obtain homogeneous spherical micelles. Loading and delivery properties are studied using naproxen as a model. The incorporation of a Pd precursor in the polymer organic solution fed into the micromixer allows the preparation of Pd(II) precursor‐polymer hybrid systems and the subsequent reduction with CO leads to the in situ synthesis of Pd nanosheets inside of the hydrophobic core of the polymeric micelles. This methodology is highly efficient to yield all polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Pd nanosheets as detected by electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The cell viability of these Pd nanosheets‐containing polymeric nanoparticles is evaluated using five cell lines, showing a high cytocompatibility at the tested concentrations without detrimental effects in cell membrane and nuclei. Furthermore, the use of these hybrid polymeric nanoparticles as photothermal transductors is evaluated using near infrared as irradiation source as well as its application in photothermal therapy using different cell lines demonstrating a high efficiency in all cell cultures.
Multiregulation of Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) via a Competitive Host–Guest Recognition and α‐Amylase Hydrolyzing
Authors: Cai Lili , Lin Jiawei , Qiao Mingyu , Guo Jianwei , Zhang Huatang , Liu Sa , Jia Yong‐Guang
Published: March 2022

The multiregulation of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) that responds to external stimuli to finish multifunctions has become a focus of interest in biodiagnosis. Host–guest‐ recognition is an efficient strategy to introduce switchable, reversible, and other functional properties into AIE molecules. Herein, an amphiphilic tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivative TPE‐PEG is prepared via the simple amidation reaction and chosen as an AIE‐based guest polymer. The aggregated state of TPE‐PEG is altered and the fluorescence of TPE‐PEG can be turned off in the presence of γ‐cyclodextrins (γ‐CDs) due to the formation of host–guest complex between TPE units and γ‐CDs. TPE units in the cavities of γ‐CDs are released free and an aggregated state of TPE‐PEG is restored via the guest competition epistasis of bile acid. Meanwhile, α‐amylase can hydrolyze the host molecules of γ‐CDs, resulting in an aggregated state of TPE‐PEG again and turning the fluorescence on subtly. This reversible multiregulation of fluorescence may meet the multirequirements for the diagnosis in vivo due to the biological nature of α‐amylase and bile acid.
Does corporate social responsibility solve the chicken‐and‐egg problem for a two‐sided platform?
Authors: Aloui Chokri , Jebsi Khaïreddine
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we determine which of the two distinct and interdependent markets (or sides) a monopoly platform assigns the greatest social importance when hybrid network expectations matter. We solve a two‐stage program. In the first stage, the platform chooses the profit‐maximizing social concern levels. In the second stage, it sets the prices that maximize the ala Goering payoff function. In the pricing equilibrium, we define social externalities, that is, the CSR‐related empathy of one side drives the platform to lower the price on that side, thereby improving consumer welfare. In the social concern equilibrium, we establish a CSR cost recovery condition according to which the benefit foregone by the platform on one side, because of CSR, is fully compensated by the revenue it earns from the participation of uninformed agents on the other side. In addition, we deduce that the platform uses its optimal CSR policy on one side as a strategic tool to reduce opacity on the other side. In this regard, the platform designs a divide‐and‐conquer CSR strategy in order to achieve its first‐best outcome, get both groups on board, and thus solve the chicken‐and‐egg problem. Appropriately, by comparing the optimal social concern levels to each other, we interestingly figure out that the platform is more socially concerned on the money side although the subsidy side involves the highest fraction of uninformed consumers.
Learning‐based motion artifact removal networks for quantitative R2∗ mapping
Authors: Xu Xiaojian , Kothapalli Satya V. V. N. , Liu Jiaming , Kahali Sayan , Gan Weijie , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. , Kamilov Ulugbek S.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To introduce two novel learning‐based motion artifact removal networks (LEARN) for the estimation of quantitative motion‐ and ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected maps from motion‐corrupted multi‐Gradient‐Recalled Echo (mGRE) MRI data.

Methods

We train two convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to correct motion artifacts for high‐quality estimation of quantitative ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected maps from mGRE sequences. The first CNN, LEARN‐IMG, performs motion correction on complex mGRE images, to enable the subsequent computation of high‐quality motion‐free quantitative (and any other mGRE‐enabled) maps using the standard voxel‐wise analysis or machine learning‐based analysis. The second CNN, LEARN‐BIO, is trained to directly generate motion‐ and ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected quantitative maps from motion‐corrupted magnitude‐only mGRE images by taking advantage of the biophysical model describing the mGRE signal decay.

Results

We show that both CNNs trained on synthetic MR images are capable of suppressing motion artifacts while preserving details in the predicted quantitative maps. Significant reduction of motion artifacts on experimental in vivo motion‐corrupted data has also been achieved by using our trained models.

Conclusion

Both LEARN‐IMG and LEARN‐BIO can enable the computation of high‐quality motion‐ and ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected maps. LEARN‐IMG performs motion correction on mGRE images and relies on the subsequent analysis for the estimation of maps, while LEARN‐BIO directly performs motion‐ and ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected estimation. Both LEARN‐IMG and LEARN‐BIO jointly process all the available gradient echoes, which enables them to exploit spatial patterns available in the data. The high computational speed of LEARN‐BIO is an advantage that can lead to a broader clinical application.
On necessary optimality conditions and exact penalization for a constrained fractional optimal control problem
Authors: Wang Song , Li Wen , Liu Chongyang
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this article is twofold. We first develop the first‐order necessary optimality conditions for a general constrained fractional optimal control problem using calculus of variation. These conditions are of the form of fractional ordinary differential equations which reduce to the conventional Euler–Lagrange equations when the dynamical system becomes a first‐order one. Then, we prove, via the optimality conditions established, that a popular penalty method used for conventional constrained optimal control and optimization is an “exact” penalty method for the fractional control problem by showing that an optimal solution to the penalized problem satisfies the optimality conditions of the original one when the penalty parameter is sufficiently large. An example is also provided to verify the necessary optimality conditions.
Consider Multimodal Forms of Communication After the Pandemic
Authors: Gutierrez Robert
Published: March 2022

The familiar conveniences of information technology—time savings, mobility, economy, and flexibility—have become necessities for working and communicating during the COVID‐19 pandemic. How can the water industry apply this new phase of technology to its best practices long after the pandemic has passed?
Operators Need to Know Conventional Treatment Processes
Authors: Adams Hunter , Ash Steve , Southard Mark
Published: March 2022

Qualified, dedicated, and capable water treatment plant operators are responsible for providing potable, palatable water to the public 24 hours each day and 365 days each year. To do so requires operators to understand basic conventional treatment processes that are key to ensuring drinking water quality and preventing waterborne disease.
Should Water Age Be Regulated?
Authors: Burlingame Gary A.
Published: March 2022

Understanding and limiting water age in a distribution system are important tasks for all water utilities.
Does Activated Carbon Affect Dosing of Flocculation Chemicals?
Authors: Ho Stephen , Delaney James , Milosevic Milan
Published: March 2022

A recent study determined powdered activated carbon treatment didn't significantly affect chemical dosing.
An Answer to the Question about the Energetic Performance of TKX‐50
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Cudziło Stanisław , Trzciński Waldemar A.
Published: March 2022

Some of the relevant detonation performance parameters of TKX‐50 were re‐determined. The enthalpy of formation was obtained from the measured heat of combustion to be ΔH°f (TKX‐50(s))=+213.4±1.2 kJ mol−1. The heat of detonation was measured to be 4650±50 kJ kg−1. The detonation velocity of a TKX‐50/wax mixture (97 : 3) at a density of 1.74 g cm−3 was found experimentally to be 9190 m s−1. Using the experimentally obtained enthalpy of formation for TKX‐50 of +213.4 kJ mol−1 and the experimentally determined solid‐state density at room temperature of 1.887 g cm−3 (TMD), the computed performance parameters for TKX‐50 at its theoretical maximum density at room temperature was calculated to be as follows: VoD=9642 m s−1, pC‐J=37.0 GPa and Qdet=4770 kJ kg−1.
Manipulation of the In Situ Nitrogen‐Vacancy Doping Efficiency in CVD‐Grown Diamond
Authors: Langer Julia , Cimalla Volker , Lebedev Vadim , Kirste Lutz , Prescher Mario , Luo Tingpeng , Jeske Jan , Ambacher Oliver
Published: March 2022

Herein, the in situ generation of nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers in diamond during chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is investigated depending on the electric‐field strength at the sample position. The alteration of the electric‐field strength is induced by changing the resonance conditions within the resonator cavity while keeping the growth input variables constant. The electric‐field strength distribution is obtained by simulation results. During the growth experiments, optical‐emission spectroscopy data is collected, which shows the impact of the electric‐field strength on the radical concentrations within the plasma and the gas temperature. Through the reduction of the electric‐field strength, the synthesis of thick, high‐quality, nitrogen‐doped diamond without the formation of a polycrystalline rim around the sample edges and the twinning‐induced growth of polycrystalline grains was accomplished. Therefore, a reduced internal and more homogeneous stress distribution is achieved. Furthermore, significant influences on the in situ NV doping are discovered. In addition to a considerable gain of the in situ NV generation, also a major enhancement of the in situ incorporation efficiency of NV centers in comparison to centers up to almost 3% is observed. Depending on the application, this makes posttreatment processes for additional NV generation dispensable.
From propolis to nanopropolis: An exemplary journey and a paradigm shift of a resinous substance produced by bees
Authors: Javed Shamama , Mangla Bharti , Ahsan Waquar
Published: March 2022

Propolis, a natural resinous mixture produced by honey bees is poised with diverse biological activities. Owing to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and sesquiterpenes, propolis has garnered versatile applications in pharmaceutical industry. The biopharmaceutical issues associated with propolis often beset its use as being too hydrophobic in nature; it is not absorbed in the body well. To combat the problem, various nanotechnological approaches for the development of novel drug delivery systems are generally applied to improve its bioavailability. This paradigm shift and transition of conventional propolis to nanopropolis are evident from the literature wherein a multitude of studies are available on nanopropolis with improved bioavailability profile. These approaches include preparation of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, liposomes, liquid crystalline formulations, solid lipid nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, etc. Nanopropolis has further been explored to assess the potential benefits of propolis for the development of futuristic useful products such as sunscreens, creams, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and nutritional supplements with improved solubility, bioavailability, and penetration profiles. However, more high‐quality clinical studies assessing the effects of propolis either alone or in combination with synthetic drugs as well as natural products are warranted and its safety needs to be firmly established.
CuO‐doped TiO2 Supported on Graphitic Carbon Nitride for the Photodegradation of Ketoprofen in Drinking and Groundwater: Process Optimization and Energy Consumption evaluation
Authors: Mofokeng Lethula E. , Hlekelele Lerato , Tetana Zikhona N. , Moma John , Chauke Vongani P.
Published: March 2022

In this study, graphitic carbon nitride was used as a support for CuO/TiO2 nanocomposite and was used for the photodegradation of ketoprofen (KP) in various water qualities. The formation of the CuO/TiO2@GCN nanocomposites was proven using different characterization methods. PXRD and Raman analyses of TiO2 and CuO/TiO2 showed that the composite peaks shifted relative to those of TiO2, showing interactions between the two materials. The morphology of CuO/TiO2@GCN consisted of CuO/TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of the mat‐like GCN. CuO/TiO2@GCN had a narrower band gap and its photoluminescence emission peak was lower than of TiO2. CuO/TiO2@GCN was found to be the best performing photocatalyst that could be used over 3 cycles without major loss in activity. Also, the material was shown to be able to photocatalyze KP in groundwater. The by‐products of the photodegradation were identified by LC–MS. The electrical energy consumed for this process was 2.66E5 kWh/m3. The superior photocatalytic efficiency of CuO/TiO2@GCN relative to TiO2 was attributed to the increased charged separation and that light of higher wavelength was harvested.
Study on the One‐Step Synthesis of Oxides by Cationic Membrane Electrolysis of Ni and Co Chloride
Authors: Lin Shengnan , Zhang Tingan , Zhang Junjie , Han Xiuxiu
Published: March 2022

This contribution investigates whether cobalt(II) and nickel(II) chlorides can, in one step, be converted to their corresponding oxides in aqueous solutions by electrodeposition. We use the chemical precipitation method as a blank experiment, and the electrodeposition is carried out directly in a self‐made electrolytic cell with CoCl2 ⋅ 6H2O or NiCl2 ⋅ 6H2O as raw material. The crystal structure, morphology, and specific surface area of the product are characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) measurements. The results show that the existence of an electric field has an obvious influence on the performance of the product. CoCl2 can realize the one‐step preparation of Co3O4 in an aqueous solution, but the product prepared with NiCl2 as the raw material is Ni(OH)2, which needs to be further calcined to obtain NiO. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the prerequisites for the one‐step preparation of oxides from metal chloride in an aqueous solution.
NiS Nanospheres Anchored onto a Graphene Oxide Substrate (NiS@GO) for Efficient Electrochemical Sensing of Trace Amounts of Silver Ions
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyu , Gongsun Kangwei , Liu Zhen , Zhang Xueting , Feng Jing , Chen Xiao , Hu Lei , Yao Wenli , Yan Zhengquan
Published: March 2022

Electrochemical analysis is a promising method among all the common analytical technologies reported, due to its considerable sensitivity, inherent portability and low‐cost requirements. To accurately monitor the contamination of heavy metal Ag+, NiS nanospheres anchored onto graphene oxide substrate (NiS@GO) were successfully constructed as a electrochemical sensor, by one‐pot precipitation‐co‐self‐assembly method. Under the optimized conditions, the obtained NiS@GO exhibited a synergistic electrochemical performance for exclusive cyclic‐voltammetry sensing of ultra‐trace Ag+ with a nice linear range of 6.67–160×10−9 mol/L and a low detection limit of 1.76×10−10 mol/L. When applied for electrochemical detection of Ag+ in real environmental water and fruit juice samples, the recoveries were between 95.8 and 102.4 % with relative standard deviations less than 3.4 %. The recognition mechanism for NiS@GO to Ag+ was illustrated in detail.
Use of Non‐Aromatic Hydrophobic α‐Amino Acids (α‐AA) and Non‐Amino Acid Derived Synthons: Comparative Studies Towards Total Syntheses of Selected Bioactive Natural Alkaloids
Authors: Kumar Amit , Bhattacherjee Sandeep , Ganesher Asha , Manda Srinivas Lavanya Kumar , Banerjee Arpita , Panda Gautam
Published: March 2022

Enantiomerically pure non‐aromatic α‐amino acids having hydrophobic side chains (Isoleucine, Valine, Leucine, Methionine and Alanine) have been acknowledged as an important chiral pool. The wide range of chemical and biological applications associated with these α‐amino acids has encouraged organic chemists to develop new synthetic methodologies for the total synthesis of bioactive molecules. In this review, the synthetic routes of10bioactive natural alkaloids have been covered. The present article is an attempt to discuss various synthetic approaches of therapeutically active natural alkaloids and related diversity from non‐aromatic hydrophobic α‐amino acids and non‐amino acid derived synthetic approaches to present a comparative study between the methods. The synthetic steps and the key strategies involved in the total synthesis of selected natural alkaloids have been compared based on atom economy, overall chemical yield, stereoselectivity and sustainability with cost effective manner by using inexpensive commercially available starting materials but the source of chiral pool mainly α‐amino acids to target natural alkaloids in chiral synthesis will be playing an important role. In selected cases of alkaloids synthesized from non‐amino acid route, an external chiral source of induction like metal and organometallic catalysts to generate chirality in the molecule are used.
Synthesis of Fused pyrazolo[4,3‐c]quinolines through KI‐Promoted Cyclization of Pyrazole‐arylamines and Benzyl Bromide
Authors: Mu Yangxiu , Iqbal Zafar , Jiang Rui , Hou Jing , Yang Zhixiang , Li Hongjun , Tang Dong
Published: March 2022

A simple and highly efficient protocol was developed for the formation of pyrazolo[4,3‐c]quinolines starting from 2‐(1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)anilines and benzyl bromide in the presence of KI, affording desired products in moderate to good yields. The reaction showed good tolerance for a range of substrates with variable substituents. In this methodolgy, benzyl bromide proved to be an available C1 synthon in organic synthesis. Moreover, benzyl bromide can be replaced with benzyl iodide to synthesize pyrazolo[4,3‐c]quinoline derivatives, and benzyl chloride could not apply in this reaction system.
Aza‐Michael Mono‐ and Bis‐Addition of Primary and Secondary Amines Promoted by Silica‐Supported Polyphosphoric Acid, PPA/SiO2
Authors: Bosica Giovanna , Saliba Ryan
Published: March 2022

The development of new protocols using non‐toxic, low cost, eco‐friendly, recyclable catalyst systems which give high productivity under mild reaction conditions has received much attention in organic synthesis in the last couple of years. A collection of structurally diverse β‐amino carbonyl compounds was successfully synthesized by aza‐Michael mono‐ and double‐additions using silica‐supported polyphosphoric acid as catalyst under solventless conditions. Highlighted advantages of this particular catalyst include ease of preparation and long‐term stability under storage.
Ultrasmall Manganese Ferrites for In Vivo Catalase Mimicking Activity and Multimodal Bioimaging
Authors: Carregal‐Romero Susana , Miguel‐Coello Ana Beatriz , Martínez‐Parra Lydia , Martí‐Mateo Yolanda , Hernansanz‐Agustín Pablo , Fernández‐Afonso Yilian , Plaza‐García Sandra , Gutiérrez Lucía , Muñoz‐Hernández María del Mar , Carrillo‐Romero Juliana , Piñol‐Cancer Marina , Lecante Pierre , Blasco‐Iturri Zuriñe , Fadón Lucía , Almansa‐García Ana C. , Möller Marco , Otaegui Dorleta , Enríquez Jose Antonio , Groult Hugo , Ruíz‐Cabello Jesús
Published: March 2022

Manganese ferrite nanoparticles display interesting features in bioimaging and catalytic therapies. They have been recently used in theranostics as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and as catalase‐mimicking nanozymes for hypoxia alleviation. These promising applications encourage the development of novel synthetic procedures to enhance the bioimaging and catalytic properties of these nanomaterials simultaneously. Herein, a cost‐efficient synthetic microwave method is developed to manufacture ultrasmall manganese ferrite nanoparticles as advanced multimodal contrast agents in MRI and positron emission tomography (PET), and improved nanozymes. Such a synthetic method allows doping ferrites with Mn in a wide stoichiometric range (MnxFe3‐xO4, 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 2.4), affording a library of nanoparticles with different magnetic relaxivities and catalytic properties. These tuned magnetic properties give rise to either positive or dual‐mode MRI contrast agents. On the other hand, higher levels of Mn doping enhance the catalytic efficiency of the resulting nanozymes. Finally, through their intracellular catalase‐mimicking activity, these ultrasmall manganese ferrite nanoparticles induce an unprecedented tumor growth inhibition in a breast cancer murine model. All of these results show the robust characteristics of these nanoparticles for nanobiotechnological applications.
History Dependence in a Chemical Reaction Network Enables Dynamic Switching
Authors: Kriukov Dmitrii V. , Koyuncu A. Hazal , Wong Albert S. Y.
Published: March 2022

This work describes an enzymatic autocatalytic network capable of dynamic switching under out‐of‐equilibrium conditions. The network, wherein a molecular fuel (trypsinogen) and an inhibitor (soybean trypsin inhibitor) compete for a catalyst (trypsin), is kept from reaching equilibria using a continuous flow stirred tank reactor. A so‐called ‘linear inhibition sweep’ is developed (i.e., a molecular analogue of linear sweep voltammetry) to intentionally perturb the competition between autocatalysis and inhibition, and used to demonstrate that a simple molecular system, comprising only three components, is already capable of a variety of essential neuromorphic behaviors (hysteresis, synchronization, resonance, and adaptation). This research provides the first steps in the development of a strategy that uses the principles in systems chemistry to transform chemical reaction networks into platforms capable of neural network computing.
Enabling High Loading in Single‐Atom Catalysts on Bare Substrate with Chemical Scissors by Saturating the Anchoring Sites
Authors: Li Ang , Kan Erjun , Chen Shuangming , Du Zhengwei , Liu Xuan , Wang Tongyu , Zhu Wenjin , Huo Hailing , Ma Jingjing , Liu Dong , Song Li , Feng Hao , Antonietti Markus , Gong Jinlong
Published: March 2022

Atomically dispersed metal catalysts often exhibit high catalytic performances, but the metal loading density must be kept low to avoid the formation of metal nanoparticles, making it difficult to improve the overall activity. Diverse strategies based on creating more anchoring sites (ASs) have been adopted to elevate the loading density. One problem of such traditional methods is that the single atoms always gather together before the saturation of all ASs. Here, a chemical scissors strategy is developed by selectively removing unwanted metallic materials after excessive loading. Different from traditional ways, the chemical scissors strategy places more emphasis on the accurate matching between the strength of etching agent and the bond energies of metal‐metal/metal‐substrate, thus enabling a higher loading up to 2.02 wt% even on bare substrate without any pre‐treatment (the bare substrate without any pre‐treatment generally only has a few ASs for single atom loading). It can be inferred that by combining with other traditional methods which can create more ASs, the loading could be further increased by saturating ASs. When used for CH3OH generation via photocatalytic CO2 reduction, the as‐made single‐atom catalyst exhibits impressive catalytic activity of 597.8 ± 144.6 µmol h−1 g−1 and selectivity of 81.3 ± 3.8%.
Unraveling the Role of Energy Band Alignment and Mobile Ions on Interfacial Recombination in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Mozaffari Naeimeh , Walter Daniel , White Thomas P. , Bui Anh D. , Tabi Grace Dansoa , Weber Klaus , Catchpole Kylie R.
Published: March 2022

A key limitation in perovskite solar cell (PSC) performance is suboptimal electronic properties at the perovskite–transport layer (TL) interfaces, which result in parasitic nonradiative recombination. Interface recombination depends on the concentration of recombination‐active defects, but as a recombination event requires both an electron and a hole, the magnitude and sign of charge accumulation at the perovskite–TL heterojunctions are also critical. Here, we employ a well‐established numerical ion‐electron drift‐diffusion model of PSCs to illustrate how the work function of the transport layer is an important factor in determining the total recombination activity at the perovskite interfaces. We show that the equilibrium electrostatics of the perovskite–TL heterojunctions, which are determined by the work function difference between the two materials, can result in increased recombination rates for any given concentration of interface defects. As a case study, we compare PSCs incorporating a NiOX hole transport layer with those with a spiro‐OMeTAD. We show that the work function of NiOX can induce greater electron accumulation at the perovskite–NiOX interface, which leads to increased interface recombination. Finally, a higher ion concentration is found to be beneficial to overall device performance by displacing accumulated electrons or holes at the TL interfaces and thus reducing recombination rates.