bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unique liquid chromatography technique for the determination of mirabegron in the presence of polymers; robustness by Design Expert in the light of Quality by Design
Authors: Konduru Naresh , Kowtharapu Leela Prasad , Gundla Rambabu
Published: July 2022

The current study is designed to estimate mirabegron in the presence of high molecular weight polymers using a unique liquid chromatography method and sample preparation technique. The proposed method is significant because of the many analytical issues faced during the development studies. Based on the experimental results, we finally achieved the stability‐indicating power of the method. The adequately prepared mobile phase was in the ratio of pH 2.0 buffer and acetonitrile (80:20) v/v, and the buffer pH 2.0 was prepared as follows: 8.7 ml of perchloric acid, 2 ml of triethylamine and 3.0 g sodium hydroxide into 1 L of water mixed well. The system suitability parameters were achieved using a Waters X‐Bridge C18 (4.6 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) column and mobile phase. The optimized chromatographic conditions included a column temperature of 45°C, a flow rate of 1.0 ml min−1; an injection volume of 5 μl, UV 247 nm, and 15 min runtime. The method was validated and transferred to quality control as per International Conference on Harmonization Q2(R1) and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition <9101> and <9100>. The recovery and linearity results were obtained between 99.0 and 101.0%; the value of r2 was 0.9998. The method robustness study was established by utilizing the Design of Experiments part of the Quality by Design concept. The method’s stability‐indicating nature was proved by a forced degradation study; all of the conditions for analyte peak purity were passed, and mass balance was achieved. The method was used to determine mirabegron assay, as well as content uniformity, blend uniformity and cleaning samples. It is a user‐friendly and cost‐effective method.
Plant‐based dietary patterns and cognitive function: A prospective cohort analysis of elderly individuals in China (2008–2018)
Authors: Zhu Anna , Yuan Changzheng , Pretty Jules , Ji John S.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Plant‐based diets confer health benefits, especially on the prevention of noncommunicable diseases. The relationship between plant‐based dietary patterns on cognitive function as a neurological outcome needs more evidence. We aimed to assess the associations between plant‐based dietary patterns and cognitive function among Chinese older adults.

Methods

We used four waves (2008–2018) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. We included 6136 participants aged 65 years and older with normal cognition at baseline. We constructed an overall plant‐based diet index (PDI), healthful plant‐based diet index (hPDI), and unhealthful plant‐based diet index (uPDI) from questionnaires. We used the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess cognitive function. We used the multivariable‐adjusted generalized estimating equation to explore the corresponding associations.

Results

The multivariable‐adjusted models showed inverse associations between plant‐based dietary patterns and cognitive function. The highest quartiles of PDI and hPDI were associated with a 55% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.52) decrease and a 39% (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.70) decrease in the odds of cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24), compared with the lowest quartile. In contrast, the highest quartile of uPDI was associated with an increased risk (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.31) of cognitive impairment. We did not observe pronounced differences by selected socioeconomic status, physical activity, residential greenness, and APOE ε4 status.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that adherence to healthy plant‐based dietary patterns was associated with lower risks of cognitive impairment among older adults, and unhealthy plant‐based dietary patterns were related to higher risks of cognitive impairment.
REverSe TRanscrIptase chain termination (RESTRICT) for selective measurement of nucleotide analogs used in HIV care and prevention
Authors: Olanrewaju Ayokunle O. , Sullivan Benjamin P. , Gim Alicia H. , Craig Cosette A. , Sevenler Derin , Bender Andrew T. , Drain Paul K. , Posner Jonathan D.
Published: July 2022

Sufficient drug concentrations are required for efficacy of antiretroviral drugs used in HIV care and prevention. Measurement of nucleotide analogs, included in most HIV medication regimens, enables monitoring of short‐ and long‐term adherence and the risk of treatment failure. The REverSe TRanscrIptase Chain Termination (RESTRICT) assay rapidly infers the concentration of intracellular nucleotide analogs based on the inhibition of DNA synthesis by HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme. Here, we introduce a probabilistic model for RESTRICT and demonstrate selective measurement of multiple nucleotide analogs using DNA templates designed according to the chemical structure of each drug. We measure clinically relevant concentrations of tenofovir diphosphate, emtricitabine triphosphate, lamivudine triphosphate, and azidothymidine triphosphate with agreement between experiment and theory. RESTRICT represents a new class of activity‐based assays for therapeutic drug monitoring in HIV care and could be extended to other diseases treated with nucleotide analogs.
Study on the Chemical Profile of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and the Evaluation of the Similarities and Differences between Different Cultivars
Authors: Ouyang Huizi , Fan Yuqi , Wei Shujie , Chang Yanxu , He Jun
Published: July 2022

Chrysanthemum originates in China and has been cultivated for tea and food utilizations over two thousand years. According to differences in origin and processing methods, Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. can be categorized into many cultivars. This study aims to investigate the chemical components in chrysanthemum and clarify similarities and differences between different chrysanthemum varieties. A total of 55 non‐volatile components and 66 volatile components in chrysanthemum were identified by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS) and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods, respectively. A rapid UPLC–MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 13 active components in 30 batches chrysanthemum samples of ten different cultivars. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied to analyze the samples. The result indicated that Boju, Huaiju and Chuju were more similar in terms of the ingredient content and Qiju, Jinsihuangju, Huangju, Hangju, Gongju, Fubaiju, Baiju have a high degree of similarity. Furthermore, isochlorogenic acid C, luteolin, apigenin‐7‐glucoside, chlorogenic acid, apigenin and cryptochlorogenic acid plays an important role in distinguishing different varieties of chrysanthemum. The established strategy explains the similarities and differences between different varieties of chrysanthemums to some extent, and provides certain reference value for the choice of chrysanthemums for eating or medicinal purposes in daily life.
Plasma cell leukemia presenting as spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome with hypercalcemia
Authors: Shafie Mahan , Issaiy Mahbod , Barkhori Mahdi , Parsa Samaneh
Published: July 2022

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency in which tumor cells undergo lysis either spontaneously or due to the initiation of cancer therapy typically presenting with hypocalcemia. We described a 62‐year‐old male patient with spontaneous TLS and hypercalcemia without a known malignancy, who is later discovered to have plasma cell leukemia.
Subdural empyema due to mixed infections successfully treated medically: A case report with review literature
Authors: Meshref Mostafa , Nourelden Anas Zakarya , Elshanbary Alaa Ahmed , AbdelQadir Yossef Hassan , Zaazouee Mohamed Sayed , Ragab Khaled Mohamed , Ahmed Eman Mohammed Sharif , Swed Sarya
Published: July 2022

Subdural empyema is a rare intracranial infection with an accumulation of purulent material between the dura and arachnoid matter. We report a case of 17 years old presented with an altered conscious level. CSF analysis showed increased WBCs. His situation has improved after treating by acyclovir, ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and dexamethasone.
First Investigation of Nonlinear Optical Oxychalcogenide with Three‐Dimensional Anionic Framework and Special Windmill‐Like Functional Motifs†
Authors: Li Jia‐Nuo , Li Xiao‐Hui , Xu Ying‐Xuan , Liu Wenlong , Guo Sheng‐Ping
Published: July 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Oxychalcogenides have been drawn much attention to be explored as nonlinear optical (NLO) materials in recent years. To date, all the NLO oxychalcogenides crystallize in low dimensional structures. Herein, a new oxysulfide K2Ba0.5Ga9O2S13 was obtained via three‐dimensional (3D) {[Ga9O2S13]3–}∞ polyanionic framework. As the first oxychalcogenide with 3D NLO‐acitve polyanionic framework, K2Ba0.5Ga9O2S13 has a wide band gap of 3.72 eV, and exhibits a high laser‐induced damage threshold (LIDT, 17 × AgGaS2). It presents moderate phase‐matchable NLO response of 0.5 × AgGaS2 at 2.1 μm and 2 × KH2PO4 at 1.064 μm. The theoretical calculation results indicate that the NLO response is mainly contributed from [Ga(2)S4] unit‐built [Ga(2)3S10] windmill‐like motif. This work may stimulate the exploration of more NLO oxychalcogenides with balanced performances.
D. A. S. Fraser: From structural inference to asymptotics
Authors: Reid Nancy
Published: July 2022

Don Fraser was my collaborator and life partner, so I had a uniquely close view of his life in research. This note describes how his early work in the structure of models informed our work in asymptotic theory.
Neuronal density and expression of calcium‐binding proteins across the layers of the superior colliculus in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Chong Melissa H. Y. , Worthy Katrina H. , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Atapour Nafiseh
Published: July 2022

The superior colliculus (SC) is a layered midbrain structure with functions that include polysensory and sensorimotor integration. Here, we describe the distribution of different immunohistochemically identified classes of neurons in the SC of adult marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus). Neuronal nuclei (NeuN) staining was used to determine the overall neuronal density in the different SC layers. In addition, we studied the distribution of neurons expressing different calcium‐binding proteins (calbindin [CB], parvalbumin [PV] and calretinin [CR]). Our results indicate that neuronal density in the SC decreases from superficial to deep layers. Although the neuronal density within the same layer varies little across the mediolateral axis, it tends to be lower at rostral levels, compared to caudal levels. Cells expressing different calcium‐binding proteins display differential gradients of density according to depth. Both CB‐ and CR‐expressing neurons show markedly higher densities in the stratum griseum superficiale (SGS), compared to the stratum opticum and intermediate and deep layers. However, CR‐expressing neurons are twice as common as CB‐expressing neurons outside the SGS. The distribution of PV‐expressing cells follows a shallow density gradient from superficial to deep layers. When normalized relative to total neuronal density, the proportion of CR‐expressing neurons increases between the superficial and intermediate layers, whereas that of CB‐expressing neurons declines toward the deep layers. The proportion of PV‐expressing neurons remains constant across layers. Our data provide layer‐specific and accurate estimates of neuronal density, which may be important for the generation of biophysical models of how the primate SC transforms sensory inputs into motor signals.
Bio‐oil upgrading via ketonization of carboxylic acids on Na promoted Ca/AlOx catalysts
Authors: Wang Zichun , Arstad Bjørnar , Wang Leizhi , Ling Huajuan , Shi Jeffrey , Stampfl Catherine , Jiang Yijiao , Huang Jun
Published: July 2022

Ketonization of carboxylic acids is valuable for bio‐oil upgrading and producing bio‐derived chemicals. Ca/AlOx metal oxides with various Ca/Al ratios have been prepared by the low‐cost and natural abundant metals in the process. The addition of alkaline or alkaline‐earth metals could significantly improve the activity of Ca/AlOx catalysts by base‐catalyzed ketonization of carboxylic acids. However, the active sites on alkaline‐metal‐doped Ca/AlOx catalysts are still under debate, and the commercialization of these catalysts often suffers from deactivation in long‐term use. Here Ca(Na)/AlOx catalysts with various Ca/Al molar ratios were prepared and evaluated for the ketonization of acetic acid. Sodium addition resulting in the formation of NaAlO2 has higher basicity than CaO. These strong basic sites could significantly promote the ketonization of acetic acid via the thermal decomposition of carboxylates. The Ca(Na)/AlOx catalyst with NaAlO2 populated on the surface could provide 100% acetone selectivity at the complete conversion of acetic acid at 400°C and exhibit no activity loss after a 400 h reaction, which is the most active and stable catalyst for ketonization reaction hitherto. These Ca(Na)/AlOx catalysts are also stable by adding major bio‐oil model compounds (e.g., phenol) into the reaction mixture, which are promising for future bio‐oil upgrading applications.
Parallel computational tree logic model‐checking on pushdown systems
Authors: Ye Xin , Shi Jianqi , Huang Yanhong , Li Qin , Wei Hansheng , Chen Xinyu
Published: July 2022

Model checking and static analysis have been well studied for program verification. Because of the ability to describe the stack, the pushdown system (PDS) has become a perfect model that is able to accurately model procedure calls and mimic the program's stack. Thus, it is not only a good model for sequential programs but for malware detection as well. However, with the increase of the complexity of programs, the size of models becomes huge as well. Thus, the model‐checking problem is expensive to solve. The computational tree logic (CTL) is a widely used logic and its model checking problem of PDSs can be reduced to the emptiness analysis of an alternating Büchi pushdown system (ABPDS) by determining whether there is an accepting run. When the size of a PDS is huge, the computations can be time‐consuming. To overcome this limitation, we propose a parallel solution. We propose a parallel framework based on the Compute Unified Device Architecture and the corresponding parallel algorithms to solve the emptiness problem of ABPDSs. Moreover, in order to effectively utilize the graphics processing unit, we design a new data structure of variables and an algorithm of management of thread scheduling for the parallel model. We implement our algorithms in a tool and compare our tool to a CTL model checker for PDS as a benchmark. The comparison results indicate an encouraging performance speedup.
Environmental, social and governance ratings and firm performance: The moderating role of internal control quality
Authors: Boulhaga Mounia , Bouri Abdelfettah , Elamer Ahmed A. , Ibrahim Bassam A.
Published: July 2022

Despite the burgeoning interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings, current results regarding ESG rating‐performance relationship are inconclusive. Since what affects this disagreement is ambiguous, we examine how internal control weaknesses (ICW) may affect the relationship between ESG rating and a firm's performance. In fact, employing a sample of French listed firms during the period between 2012 and 2018, we predicted and found that both ICW and ESG ratings have a positive and significant influence on a firm's performance. In addition, the results indicate that ICW negatively and significantly moderates the relationship between ESG ratings and corporate performance. Moreover, the robustness of the results is checked through the generalized method of moments regression. We also offer theoretical and practical implications to drive policymakers and businesses to assure sustainable development. We expect that our study can help managers to strengthen their internal resources, such as the internal control (IC) and ESG ratings to improve a firm's performance.
Therapeutic induction of Bcl2‐associated athanogene 3‐mediated autophagy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Chillappagari Shashipavan , Schwarz Julian , Kesireddy Vidyasagar , Knoell Jessica , Korfei Martina , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Schmitz M. Lienhard , Behl Christian , Bellusci Saverio , Guenther Andreas , Mahavadi Poornima
Published: July 2022

Background

Exaggerated fibroblast proliferation is a well‐known feature in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) which may be – in part – due to insufficient autophagy, a lysosome dependent cellular surveillance pathway. Bcl2‐associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is a pivotal co‐chaperone of the autophagy pathway. Here, we studied whether therapeutic modulation of BAG3‐mediated autophagy can rescue insufficient autophagy and impact IPF fibroblast proliferation.

Methods

Primary interstitial fibroblasts or precision cut lung slices (PCLS) of IPF lungs were treated with (1) the antifibrotic drug pirfenidone (Pirf), (2) the demethylating agent 5‐azacytidine (Aza), (3) the BAG3 modulator cantharidin (Ctd). Autophagy flux was measured following pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitors or by GFP‐RFP‐LC3B transfection followed by drug treatments. Proliferation was measured by 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay. BAG3, filamin C (FLNC), proliferating‐cell‐nuclear‐antigen (PCNA), collagen1A1 (COL1A1) and autophagy proteins were assessed by immunoblotting or immunofluorescence. Loss of function experiments were performed by siRNA mediated knockdown of BAG3.

Results

In comparison with healthy donors, increased BAG3 protein was observed in IPF lung homogenates and IPF fibroblasts. In addition, the substrate of BAG3‐mediated autophagy, FLNC, was increased in IPF fibroblasts, implying insufficient activation of BAG3‐dependent autophagy. Therapeutic modulation of this pathway using Aza and Ctd alone or in combination with the IPF therapy drug Pirf rescued the insufficient BAG3‐mediated autophagy and decreased fibroblast proliferation. Such effects were observed upon therapeutic modulation of BAG3 but not upon knock down of BAG3 per se in IPF fibroblasts. Similarly, PCLS of IPF patients showed a significant decrease in collagen deposition in response to these drugs, either alone or in a more potent form in combination with Pirf.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that repurposing drugs that modulate autophagy regulating proteins render therapeutic benefits in IPF. Fine tuning of this pathway may hence signify a promising therapeutic strategy to ameliorate antifibrotic properties and augment the efficacy of current IPF therapy.
Ex‐vivo investigation of radiofrequency ablation in pancreatic adenocarcinoma after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Rossi Gemma , Petrone Maria Chiara , Schiavo Lena Marco , Albarello Luca , Palumbo Diego , Testoni Sabrina Gloria Giulia , Archibugi Livia , Tacelli Matteo , Zaccari Piera , Vanella Giuseppe , Apadula Laura , Crippa Stefano , Belfiori Giulio , Reni Michele , Falconi Massimo , Doglioni Claudio , De Cobelli Francesco , Healey Andrew J , Capurso Gabriele , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio
Published: July 2022

Objective

Endoscopic ultrasound (US)‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been investigated for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) but studies are limited and heterogeneous. Computed tomography (CT) scan features may predict RFA response after chemotherapy but their role is unexplored. The primary aim was to investigate the efficacy of ex‐vivo application of a dedicated RFA system at three power on surgically resected PDAC in patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The secondary aim was to explore the association between pre‐treatment CT‐based quantitative features and RFA response.

Methods

Fifteen ex‐vivo PDAC samples were treated by RFA under US control at three power groups (10, 30, and 50 W). Short axis necrosis diameter was measured by two expert blinded pathologists as the primary outcome. Two radiologists independently reviewed preoperative CT images.

Results

Eighty percent of specimens showed coagulative necrosis consisting of few millimeters: 5.7 ± 3.9 mm at 10 W, 3.7 ± 2.2 mm at 30 W, and 3.5 ± 2.4 mm at 50 W (p = 0.3), without a significant correlation between power setting and mean necrosis short axis (rho = –0.28; p = 0.30). Good agreement was seen between pathologists (k = 0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.55–0.98). Logistic regression analysis did not show associations between CT features and RFA response.

Conclusions

RFA causes histologically evident damage with coagulative necrosis of a few millimeters in 80% of ex‐vivo PDAC samples after chemotherapy and no clinical or pre‐operative CT features can predict efficacy. Power settings do not correlate with the histological ablation area. These results are of relevance when employing RFA in vivo and planning clinical trials on its role in PDAC patients.
Perovskite semiconductors for ionizing radiation detection
Authors: Hu Hao , Niu Guangda , Zheng Zhiping , Xu Ling , Liu Linyue , Tang Jiang
Published: July 2022

The detection of ionizing radiation such as X‐ray, γ‐ray, α‐particle, and neutrons has been widely required in medical and industrial areas. Perovskite semiconductor detectors are arousing widespread interest and achieving significant progresses in this area. Unique material strengths, such as large attenuation coefficient, defect tolerant nature, balanced carrier mobilities, and feasible preparation techniques, make perovskite semiconductor detector a strong competitor to existing commercial products. Inspired by the booming development of this area, we review the current achievements of ionizing radiation detection with perovskite semiconductors. Firstly, a comprehensive summary of the device preparation techniques is provided, followed by a profound discussion of the detector physics. Then, the broad applications of perovskite semiconductor detectors are illustrated. Finally, we give an outlook of the current challenges pending to be tackled for commercialized applications. We believe the perovskite semiconductor detectors will be new blood to the current ionizing radiation detection market.

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Partial deoxygenation of pyrolysis intermediates toward fossil fuel miscible bioliquids
Authors: Santander José A. , Diez Alejandra , Gutierrez Victoria , Volpe María Alicia
Published: July 2022

Catalytic fast pyrolysis of sunflower seed shells was performed using a two‐stage fixed bed reactor to produce partially deoxygenated bio‐oils. Ketonization and aldol condensation reactions were performed in a dual bed reactor using a CeO2 catalyst followed by a bifunctional Cu/Ni/ZrO2 catalyst. An ethanol‐saturated N2 stream was supplied to increase the H/C ratio of the pyrolysis intermediates. The oxygen content decreased from 23 to 13 wt % over the CeO2 fixed‐bed due to the almost complete conversion of methoxy phenols and the formation of ketones and alkyl‐substituted phenols. The Cu/Ni/ZrO2 catalyst in the presence of ethanol vapor increased the fraction of alkanes in the condensed product and favored the formation of larger ketones and higher molecular weight species. Miscibility tests showed that the partially upgraded bio‐oil could be homogeneously blended with fossil fuel oil in a 1:4 mass ratio. The oily fraction of the non‐catalytic pyrolysis bioliquid (oxygen content up to 23 wt %) was also partially miscible with the petroleum‐derived fuel.
The age‐related changes in 40 Hz Auditory Steady‐State Response and sustained Event‐Related Fields to the same amplitude‐modulated tones in typically developing children: A magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Arutiunian Vardan , Arcara Giorgio , Buyanova Irina , Gomozova Militina , Dragoy Olga
Published: July 2022

Recent studies have revealed that gamma‐band oscillatory and transient evoked potentials may change with age during childhood. It is hypothesized that these changes can be associated with a maturation of GABAergic neurotransmission and, subsequently, the age‐related changes of excitation–inhibition balance in the neural circuits. One of the reliable paradigms for investigating these effects in the auditory cortex is 40 Hz Auditory Steady‐State Response (ASSR), where participants are presented with the periodic auditory stimuli. It is known that such stimuli evoke two types of responses in magnetoencephalography (MEG)—40 Hz steady‐state gamma response (or 40 Hz ASSR) and auditory evoked response called sustained Event‐Related Field (ERF). Although several studies have been conducted in children, focusing on the changes of 40 Hz ASSR with age, almost nothing is known about the age‐related changes of the sustained ERF to the same periodic stimuli and their relationships with changes in the gamma strength. Using MEG, we investigated the association between 40 Hz steady‐state gamma response and sustained ERF response to the same stimuli and also their age‐related changes in the group of 30 typically developing 7‐to‐12‐year‐old children. The results revealed a tight relationship between 40 Hz ASSR and ERF, indicating that the age‐related increase in strength of 40 Hz ASSR was associated with the age‐related decrease of the amplitude of ERF. These effects were discussed in the light of the maturation of the GABAergic system and excitation–inhibition balance development, which may contribute to the changes in ASSR and ERF.
Hepatic patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 levels are increased in I148M risk allele carriers and correlate with NAFLD in humans
Authors: Ericson Elke , Bergenholm Linnéa , Andréasson Anne‐Christine , Dix Carly I. , Knöchel Jane , Hansson Sara F. , Lee Richard , Schumi Jennifer , Antonsson Madeleine , Fjellström Ola , Nasr Patrik , Liljeblad Mathias , Carlsson Björn , Kechagias Stergios , Lindén Daniel , Ekstedt Mattias
Published: July 2022

In nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) the patatin‐like phospholipase domain‐containing 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 variant is a contributor. In mice, the Pnpla3 148M variant accumulates on lipid droplets and probably leads to sequestration of a lipase cofactor leading to impaired mobilization of triglycerides. To advance our understanding of the localization and abundance of PNPLA3 protein in humans, we used liver biopsies from patients with NAFLD to investigate the link to NAFLD and the PNPLA3 148M genotype. We experimentally qualified an antibody against human PNPLA3. Hepatic PNPLA3 protein fractional area and localization were determined by immunohistochemistry in biopsies from a well‐characterized NAFLD cohort of 67 patients. Potential differences in hepatic PNPLA3 protein levels among patients related to degree of steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis, and PNPLA3 I148M gene variants were assessed. Immunohistochemistry staining in biopsies from patients with NAFLD showed that hepatic PNPLA3 protein was predominantly localized to the membranes of small and large lipid droplets in hepatocytes. PNPLA3 protein levels correlated strongly with steatosis grade (p = 0.000027) and were also significantly higher in patients with lobular inflammation (p = 0.009), ballooning (p = 0.022), and significant fibrosis (stage 2–4, p = 0.014). In addition, PNPLA3 levels were higher in PNPLA3 rs738409 148M (CG, GG) risk allele carriers compared to 148I (CC) nonrisk allele carriers (p = 0.0029). Conclusion: PNPLA3 protein levels were associated with increased hepatic lipid content and disease severity in patients with NAFLD and were higher in PNPLA3 rs738409 (148M) risk allele carriers. Our hypothesis that increased hepatic levels of PNPLA3 may be part of the pathophysiological mechanism of NAFLD is supported.
Toward a non‐organizational theory of human resource management? A complex adaptive systems perspective on the human resource management ecosystem in (con)temporary organizing
Authors: Burke Catriona M. , Morley Michael J.
Published: July 2022

The emergence of the temporary organization has ushered in a new logic of organizing accompanied by paradigm‐shifting challenges with respect to how the evolving nature of work, workers, and collective effort are to be understood. To capture the complexity inherent in this new order, and to broaden our focus from the organization to the enfolding ecosystem within which temporary organizing must be situated and understood, we engage in problematization to develop a multi‐level framework for theorizing the contemporary human resource management ecosystem. Curating insights from complexity science, we conceptualize this ecosystem as a complex adaptive one and we propose a framework that integrates key structural (open boundaries and relational constitution), emergent (contextual and complex causality), and temporal (dynamic and adaptive) properties. To deepen lines of inquiry around these defining elements, we advance a series of propositions for testing, and we outline a range of theoretical, methodological, and practical implications that arise from our work.
The advanced lung cancer inflammation index is the optimal inflammatory biomarker of overall survival in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Song Mengmeng , Zhang Qi , Song Chunhua , Liu Tong , Zhang Xi , Ruan Guotian , Tang Meng , Xie Hailun , Zhang Heyang , Ge Yizhong , Li Xiangrui , Zhang Kangping , Yang Ming , Li Qinqin , Liu Xiaoyue , Lin Shiqi , Xu Yu , Xu Hongxia , Wang Kunhua , Li Wei , Shi Hanping
Published: July 2022

Backgrounds

Malnutrition and systemic inflammatory responses are associated with poor overall survival (OS) in lung cancer patients, but it remains unclear which biomarkers are better for predicting their prognosis. This study tried to determine the best one among the existing common nutrition/inflammation‐based indicators of OS for patients with lung cancer.

Materials and methods

There were 16 nutrition or systemic inflammation‐based indicators included in this study. The cut‐off points for the indicators were calculated using maximally selected rank statistics. The OS was evaluated using the Kaplan–Meier estimator, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the relationship between the indicators and OS. A time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves (time‐ROC) and C‐index were calculated to assess the predictive ability of the different indicators.

Results

There were 1772 patients with lung cancer included in this study. In univariate analysis, all 16 indicators were significantly associated with OS of the patients (all P < 0.001). Except for platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, all other indicators were independent predictors of OS in multivariate analysis (all P < 0.05). Low advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) was associated with higher mortality risk of lung cancer [hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–1.49]. The results of the time‐AUC and C‐index analyses indicated that the ALI (C‐index: 0.611) had the best predictive ability on the OS in patients with lung cancer. In different sub‐groups, the ALI was the best indicator for predicting the OS of lung cancer patients regardless of sex (C‐index, 0.609 for men and 0.613 for women) or smoking status (C‐index, 0.629 for non‐smoker and 0.601 for smoker) and in patients aged <65 years (C‐index, 0.613). However, the modified Glasgow prognostic score was superior to the other indicators in non‐small cell lung cancer patients (C‐index, 0.639) or patients aged ≥65 years (C‐index, 0.610), and the glucose‐to‐lymphocyte ratio performed better prognostic ability in patients with small cell lung cancer (C‐index, 0.601).

Conclusions

The prognostic ability of the ALI is superior to the other inflammation/nutrition‐based indicators for all patients with lung cancer.
Toward understanding the regioselectivity of the one‐pot reaction of phenylene diamines with aldehydes and cyclopentadiene (Povarov reaction). Combined experimental and theoretical approaches
Authors: Savchenko Rimma G. , Limantceva Regina M. , Khursan Sergey L. , Mesheriakova Kathetine S. , Tolstikov Alexander G. , Odinokov Victor N.
Published: July 2022

Three‐component acid‐catalyzed cyclocondensation of isomeric phenylenediamines with aldehydes and cyclopentadiene (CPD) was studied. In the M06‐2X//B3LYP/6–311 + G(d,p) + IEFPCM(SMD) approximation, a quantum chemical model was developed, energies of the PES stationary points were determined, and activation barriers were found for the CPD addition to the protonated Schiff base (rate‐limiting step) and for electrophilic carbocation cyclization to give endo, endo (syn)‐ or endo, exo (anti)‐cyclopentene‐annulated octahydropyridoquinoline‐ and octahydrophenanthroline‐based cycloadducts. The calculation results are in full agreement with the experimental data, which indicate that the cyclocondensation involving p‐phenylenediamine affords both types of cycloadducts, whereas the reactions of o‐ or m‐phenylenediamine lead to regioselective formation of octahydro‐1,10‐phenanthroline‐ or octahydropyridoquinoline‐based product, respectively. According to homo‐ and heteronuclear correlation 1Н and 13С NMR experiments and X‐ray diffraction data, the newly formed asymmetric centers of the cyclopentene‐annulated tetrahydroquinoline moiety in the polycyclic products have exo (endo)‐cis‐orientation.
Image‐Guided Surgical Device Failures in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A MAUDE Analysis
Authors: Hassanin Samir W. , Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Eide Jacob G. , Chang Jeremy , Liang Jonathan , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Image‐guided surgery (IGS) devices have become widely used for anatomic localization during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). However, there are no studies that analyze the post‐market complications associated with IGS device use during FESS. The objective of this study was to better characterize post‐market complications associated with the use of IGS devices during sinus surgery.

Methods

The US Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for event reports associated with neurological stereotaxic devices utilized in IGS between the dates of January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. Medical device reports that were analyzed for this study pertained strictly to FESS.

Results

There were 1873 reports involving IGS devices for FESS included in this study. Fifty‐five reports involved adverse events to patients (2.9%) and 1818 (97.1%) involved device malfunctions. Of the adverse events to patients, the most common included cerebrospinal fluid leakage (45.6%), tissue damage (12.7%), and nervous system injury (3.6%). The most commonly reported device malfunction was imprecision (21.1%).

Conclusion

IGS devices are widely utilized in FESS. Of the medical device reports between 2016 and 2020, less than 3% resulted in adverse events. Further studies of the infrequent post‐market complications of IGS devices used in FESS can help guide surgeons on the risks of their clinical use.

Level of Evidence

4—Retrospective database survey without controls Laryngoscope, 133:1310–1314, 2023
Water depth and transparency drive the quantity and quality of organic matter in sediments of Alpine Lakes on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Du YingXun , Luo ChunYan , Chen FeiZhou , Zhang QiaoYing , Zhou YongQiang , Jang Kyoung‐Soon , Zhang YiBo , Song ChunQiao , Zhang YongDong , Zhang YunLin , Lu YueHan
Published: July 2022

Identifying primary environmental drivers mediating the quantity and quality of sedimentary organic matter (OM) in climate‐sensitive alpine lakes is crucial to understanding the role of alpine lakes in greenhouse gas emissions and Earth's climate system. Here, we characterized various pools of OM of 20 alpine lakes across the Tibetan Plateau, including bulk OM, water‐soluble OM and alkaline‐extracted OM from surface sediments, and dissolved OM (DOM) from surface water. The total organic carbon (TOC) content in sediments was low (< 3%), and δ13C of TOC and C : N ratios indicated limited allochthonous carbon inputs. Sedimentary water‐soluble OM and alkaline‐extracted OM were both dominated by low‐molecular‐weight, low‐aromaticity compounds with low contributions of terrestrial humic substances, suggesting that sedimentary leachable OM was primarily regulated by in‐lake sources and processes. Redundancy analysis showed that water depth, water transparency, and total phosphorus concentration in water column explained ~ 50% variance of sedimentary bulk and leachable OM, substantiating the importance of autochthonous sources and primary productivity in regulating the quantity and quality of sedimentary OM. Compared with lake surface water DOM, water‐soluble OM and alkaline‐extracted OM from sediments had higher proportions of terrestrial humic‐like substances, suggesting preferential preservation of allochthonous materials in sediments. Our results are the first to demonstrate a clear link between physical attributes and sedimentary OM in Tibetan lakes. The associated relations predict that the amount of total OM and autochthonous carbon preserved in sediments would increase due to the lake enlargement under the scenarios of climate warming and precipitation enhancement, which may amplify greenhouse gas emissions from Tibetan lakes.
Deep learning‐based synthetization of real‐time in‐treatment 4D images using surface motion and pretreatment images: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Huang Yuliang , Dong Zhengkun , Wu Hao , Li Chenguang , Liu Hongjia , Zhang Yibao
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To develop a deep learning model that maps body surface motion to internal anatomy deformation, which is potentially applicable to dose‐free real‐time 4D virtual image‐guided radiotherapy based on skin surface data.

Methods

Body contours were segmented out of 4DCT images. Deformable image registration algorithm was used to register the end‐of‐exhalation (EOE) phase to other phases. Deformation vector field was dimension‐reduced to the first two principal components (PCs). A deep learning model was trained to predict the two PC scores of each phase from surface displacement. The instant deformation field can then be reconstructed, warping EOE image to obtain real‐time CT image. This approach was validated on 4D XCAT phantom, the public DIR‐Lab, and 4D‐Lung dataset respectively, with and without simulated noise.

Results

Validation accuracy of the tumor centroid trajectory was observed as 0.04 ± 0.02 mm on XCAT phantom. For the DIR‐Lab dataset, 300 landmarks were annotated on the end‐of‐inhalation (EOI) images of each patient, and the mean displacements between their predicted and reference positions were below 2 mm for all studied cases. For the 4D‐Lung dataset, the average dice coefficients ± std between predicted and reference tumor contours at EOI phase were 0.835 ± 0.092 for all studied cases.

Conclusions

A deep learning‐based approach was proposed and validated to predict internal anatomy deformation from the surface motion, which is potentially applicable to on‐line target navigation for accurate radiotherapy based on real‐time 4D skin surface data and pretreatment images.
A pathway towards a two‐dimensional, bore‐mounted, volume body coil concept for ultra high‐field magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Gokyar Sayim , Voss Henning U. , Taracila Victor , Robb Fraser J. L. , Bernico Michael , Kelley Douglas , Ballon Douglas J. , Winkler Simone Angela
Published: July 2022

Lack of a body‐sized, bore‐mounted, radiofrequency (RF) body coil for ultrahigh field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the major drawbacks of UHF, hampering the clinical potential of the technology. Transmit field (B1) nonuniformity and low specific absorption rate (SAR) efficiencies in UHF MRI are two challenges to be overcome. To address these problems, and ultimately provide a pathway for the full clinical potential of the modality, we have designed and simulated two‐dimensional cylindrical high‐pass ladder (2D c‐HPL) architectures for clinical bore‐size dimensions, and demonstrated a simplified proof of concept with a head‐sized prototype at 7 T. A new dispersion relation has been derived and electromagnetic simulations were used to verify coil modes. The coefficient of variation (CV) for brain, cerebellum, heart, and prostate tissues after B1+ shimming in silico is reported and compared with previous works. Three prototypes were designed in simulation: a head‐sized, body‐sized, and long body‐sized coil. The head‐sized coil showed a CV of 12.3%, a B1+ efficiency of 1.33 μT/√W, and a SAR efficiency of 2.14 μT/√(W/kg) for brain simulations. The body‐sized 2D c‐HPL coil was compared with same‐sized transverse electromagnetic (TEM) and birdcage coils in silico with a four‐port circularly polarized mode excitation. Improved B1+ uniformity (26.9%) and SAR efficiency (16% and 50% better than birdcage and TEM coils, respectively) in spherical phantoms was observed. We achieved a CV of 12.3%, 4.9%, 16.7%, and 2.8% for the brain, cerebellum, heart, and prostate, respectively. Preliminary imaging results for the head‐sized coil show good agreement between simulation and experiment. Extending the 1D birdcage coil concept to 2D c‐HPLs provides improved B1+ uniformity and SAR efficiency.
Parametric model order reduction for acoustic boundary element method systems through a multiparameter Krylov subspaces recycling strategy
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Dionysios , Desmet Wim , Deckers Elke
Published: July 2022

The recently introduced framework enabling model order reduction (MOR) for systems arising within the acoustic boundary element method (BEM), allows for fast frequency sweeps to obtain the detailed response of an acoustic system. Nevertheless, in many cases it is desirable to include additional parameters in the MOR scheme to facilitate iterations among different configurations of a specific design. In that context, this work proposes a multiparameter Krylov subspaces recycling scheme, based on the algorithms proposed in Reference 23 for a single parameter, aiming at the parametric MOR of acoustic BEM systems. The proposed scheme allows to include multiple parameters along with the non‐affine wavenumber kernel dependency and thus facilitates the fast solution of parametric acoustic systems. The article distinguishes among three different parametrizations of BEM systems: (i) a right‐hand side parametrization, (ii) an affine, and (iii) a non‐affine parametrization of the system matrix. The two former cases allow for the construction of a cheap residual error estimator and thus facilitate the deployment of a greedy sampling strategy. This work proposes the employment of such a greedy strategy in the context of Krylov subspaces recycling, which combined with the automatic Krylov subspaces recycling (AKR) algorithm, enables the construction of a global reduction basis incorporating such parametric variations. On the contrary, since in case of non‐affine parametrizations a cheap residual error estimator is not directly available, a multiparameter AKR algorithm is deployed to ensure the predefined residual level. The performance of the proposed methods is benchmarked against a reduced basis method‐type approach, which follows the same assumptions as the AKR for the case of non‐affine systems. The potential of the algorithms is demonstrated on academic BEM examples including source position, material, and shape parametrizations and significant reductions in the sampling required for the construction of the respective reduction bases are reported.
Performance evaluation ofGRNNandANFIScontrolledDVRusing machine learning in distribution network
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Arya Sabha Raj , Mistry Khyati D. , Babu B. Chitti
Published: July 2022

A machine learning based generalized neural network estimator (GRNNE) and Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy control system is implemented to accelerate the functional performance indices of dynamic voltage restorer (DVR). The GRNNE predictive model is recommended for the fast estimation of the reference load voltage under the distorted power supply. The fruit fly optimization learning strategy is employed to optimize the weights and smoothing parameters for the extraction of the reference voltage signals as well as unit vectors, resulting in the required sinusoidal load component. The dynamics in the DC‐link voltage are optimized by the metaheuristic‐based gray wolf optimization algorithm. The coefficients of the adaptive controller are updated automatically to achieve the best fitted adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system predictive model with the least tracking voltage deviation error even in the presence of voltage disturbances. In comparison to classical techniques, the recommended neural‐based approach offers a faster convergence speed with fewer parameters to tune, shorter training time, and lower risks of local entrapment. The performance metrics such as mean square error, root mean square error, mean absolute error, mean absolute percent error, coefficients of correlational and determination (RandR2) are used to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed controller and hence enhance the DVR performance. Finally, the simulation results of the hybrid approach confirm that the NN‐based DVR estimator has proven its ability to alleviate voltage sensible issues at critical loads and outperform others in reducing power quality issues.
Dynamics of governance, gross capital formation, and growth: Evidence from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
Authors: Kesar Ashmita , Bandi Kamaiah , Jena Pabitra Kumar , Yadav Miklesh Prasad
Published: July 2022

This study investigates the impact of governance index and gross fixed capital formation on the economic growth of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) using annual data from 2002 to 2019. This study employs Fixed Effect Model, Driscoll and Kraay standard error with fixed effect, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square, Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) and Panel Dumitrescu Hurlin Causality test. The study has divided the variables into two models where model I includes the impact of governance index (jointly) on economic growth while model II examines the impact of governance index on economic growth individually. The findings demonstrate that the governance index, gross fixed capital formation, population, control of corruption, and governance effectiveness have a positive and significant impact on economic growth, whereas regulatory quality showed a significant and negative impact on economic growth. Furthermore, regarding the Panel test, we notice the presence of unidirectional causality among the constituent variables. Therefore, this study suggests that the government should encourage economic development in the BRICS countries and move away from outdated ideas and poor institutional quality in favor of a new comprehensive reform to achieve excellent governance, population growth control, labor law changes, and corruption control.
A review on polymeric insulation for high‐voltage application under various stress conditions
Authors: Angalane Sendil Kumar , Kasinathan Elanseralathan
Published: July 2022

Polymeric material draws a great attraction in the development of insulation for High Votage Direct Current (HVDC) applications. Insulation material is the deciding key factor to increase the operating voltage and to transmit the bulk power with minimized power loss. Premature breakdown, high withstanding temperature, and impacts of space charge accumulation are all issues faced by the insulation material. Material qualities such as dielectric, electrical, structural, and mechanical properties are directly affected by the issues. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of the dielectric properties of polymeric materials and their composites under various stress conditions. The stress includes AC, DC, superimpose and combined (AC and DC) stress under which the dielectric constant, dielectric losses, electrical strength, and space charge distribution of polymeric insulating materials such as low‐density polyethylene, high‐density polyethylene, cross‐linked polyethylene, polypropylene, and random copolymer (RCP), as well as their composites, are explored. Polypropylene and RCP outperform all other polymers in terms of breakdown strength and space charge suppression under various stress conditions. RCP is a developing material that also has the potential to be an effective thermoplastic insulation material in the future.