bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A behavioral model for the linear variable gain amplifier
Authors: Li Hao , Jin Binjie , Wu Yunqiu , Yu Yiming , Liu Huihua
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a behavioral model for the variable gain amplifiers working in the liner region is proposed. An iterative least‐square algorithm for complex curve fitting is proposed to model the variable gain amplifiers as an infinite impulse response filter. The polynomial fittings are used to obtain the coefficient matrix for the gain response and phase response to the frequency at different control voltages. The relationship between gain and control voltage is fitted by a hyperbolic tangent function. The modeling flow is given in this paper. Comparing the frequency response of the behavioral model and circuit model, the simulation results are similar at the operating frequency. Finally, an application is given, which is used to compare the effect of the nonlinear phase system with two different band signals modulated by 4QAM. This application proves that the model can be used in the simulation of large‐scale systems.
Broadband circularly polarized filtering patch antenna based on metasurface
Authors: Ding Kang , Li Yujian , Wu Yanjie
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a single‐fed broadband circularly polarized (CP) filtering patch antenna based on metasurface is proposed. It consists of a corner‐truncated square patch, a nonuniform metasurface, and a U‐shaped strip. By placing the metasurface above the driven patch antenna, a radiation null is realized at the upper band, and an additional axial ratio (AR) minimum is simultaneously generated to enhance the CP bandwidth. Besides, two more radiation nulls are achieved at each side of the band edges by introducing a U‐shaped strip underneath the patch and embedding a shorting pin into the patch, which further improves the frequency selectivity and suppresses the radiation level. Measured results show that the designed antenna has a wide impedance bandwidth of 19.7% (4.8–5.85 GHz), a CP bandwidth of 19.9% (4.75–5.8 GHz), and an in‐band average gain of 7 dBic with suppression level of more than 18 dB at out of band.
Positive predictive value of myositis antibody line blot testing in patients with suspected idiopathic inflammatory myopathy
Authors: Chang Yiu‐Chia , Yang Liju , Budhram Adrian
Published: February 2024

Introduction/Aims

Line blot (LB) is in widespread use for myositis antibody detection. Yet, studies of its positive predictive value (PPV) in patients with suspected idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), which would be of particular relevance to neuromuscular clinicians, are lacking. We aimed to determine the PPV of myositis antibody LB testing in patients with suspected IIM, and examine whether PPV was significantly impacted by intensity of antibody positivity.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent myositis antibody LB testing for suspected IIM between March 2019 and August 2022.

Results

Of 70 patients who underwent testing for suspected IIM and had positive myositis antibody LB results, 43 (61%) were female and the median age was 61 years (range: 10–83 years). Forty‐four were classified as true‐positives, yielding a PPV of 63%. The PPV of patients with weak‐positive myositis antibody results (14/30, 47%) was significantly lower than the PPV of patients with moderate‐positive or strong‐positive myositis antibody results (30/40, 75%) (p = .02).

Discussion

Our study found that myositis antibody LB testing in patients with suspected IIM had a modest PPV, underscoring the need for antibody interpretation in the context of all available clinical and ancillary test data to avoid misdiagnosis. The significantly lower PPV in patients with weak‐positive results emphasizes the particular importance of clinical correlation in such patients. Further study into the diagnostic performance of various LBs for myositis antibody detection is needed to inform their interpretation in clinical practice.
The effect of the COVID‐19 lockdown on women presenting with pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Ghandour Rachan , Courtepatte Alexa , Plummer Melissa , Minassian Vatche A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To determine whether there is a difference in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stage at time of presentation after lifting coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) lockdown restrictions, as compared to before the lockdown. Enhancing our understanding of how healthcare utilization for pelvic floor disorders may be affected by limited accessibility, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, could prove invaluable for similar future circumstances.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of women with POP at their initial visit. Patients were grouped into two cohorts based on their initial presentation time: pre‐COVID‐19 lockdown (before March 2020) and post‐COVID‐19 lockdown (after December 2020). The cohorts were compared using demographic, clinical, and surgical variables. A logistic regression controlling for confounders was used to evaluate the influence of the COVID‐19 lockdown on prolapse stage.

Results

There were 656 (50.3%) patients in the pre‐COVID‐19 lockdown cohort and 648 (49.7%) in the post‐COVID‐19 lockdown cohort. All baseline characteristics were similar between both cohorts except for race (p = 0.015). Treatment choices differed with the post‐COVID‐19 lockdown cohort having a lower proportion (26.5%) opting for surgery and a higher proportion (50.5%) of patients opting for nonsurgical interventions compared to the pre‐COVID‐19 lockdown cohort (p = 0.0005). A higher proportion of women presented with stages I and II prolapse in the post‐COVID‐19 lockdown (70.4%) cohort as compared to the pre‐COVID‐19 lockdown (62.5%) cohort (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Women in the post‐COVID‐19 lockdown cohort presented with early stage prolapse with preference for more conservative treatment options.
A versatile look‐up algorithm for mapping pH values and magnesium ion content using 31P MRSI
Authors: Franke Vanessa L. , Breitling Johannes , Boyd Philip S. , Feignier Antoine , Bangert Renate , Weckesser Nina , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Ladd Mark E. , Bachert Peter , Paech Daniel , Korzowski Andreas
Published: February 2024

31P MRSI allows for the non‐invasive mapping of pH and magnesium ion content (Mg) in vivo, by translating the chemical shifts of inorganic phosphate and adenosine‐5′‐triphosphate (ATP) to pH and Mg via suitable calibration equations, such as the modified Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. However, the required constants in these calibration equations are typically only determined for physiological conditions, posing a particular challenge for their application to diseased tissue, where the biochemical conditions might change manyfold. In this article, we propose a multi‐parametric look‐up algorithm aiming at the condition‐independent determination of pH and Mg by employing multiple quantifiable 31P spectral properties simultaneously. To generate entries for an initial look‐up table, measurements from 114 model solutions prepared with varying chemical properties were made at 9.4 T. The number of look‐up table entries was increased by inter‐ and extrapolation using a multi‐dimensional function developed based on the Hill equation. The assignment of biochemical parameters, that is, pH and Mg, is realized using probability distributions incorporating specific measurement uncertainties on the quantified spectral parameters, allowing for an estimation of most plausible output values. As proof of concept, we applied a version of the look‐up algorithm employing only the chemical shifts of γ‐ and β‐ATP for the determination of pH and Mg to in vivo 3D 31P MRSI data acquired at 7 T from (i) the lower leg muscles of healthy volunteers and (ii) the brains of patients with glioblastoma. The resulting volumetric maps showed plausible values for pH and Mg, partly revealing differences from maps generated using the conventional calibration equations.
Adaptation and validation of a patient‐reported compassion measure in the Spanish population: The Spanish version of the Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQesp)
Authors: Soto‐Rubio Ana , Andreu Yolanda , Gil‐Juliá Beatriz , Picazo Carmen , Murgui Sergio , MacInnis Cara C. , Sinclair Shane
Published: February 2024

International practice guidelines and policies recognize compassion as a fundamental dimension of quality care. A key element in enhancing compassion in healthcare settings is having reliable patient‐reported experience measures. In the Spanish context, there is a need for a valid Spanish patient‐reported compassion measure for use in both research and clinical practice. The Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQ) represents the gold standard for patient‐reported compassion measures in English‐speaking settings. The primary aim of this study is to culturally adapt and validate the SCQ in a Spanish population. A Spanish version of the SCQ (SCQesp) was used to collect data from 303 Spanish patients (in two contexts: hospitalized and medical visit). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a one‐factor solution in the 15‐item (SCQesp) and five‐item (SCQesp‐SF) short form version. The SCQesp showed excellent values of reliability: Cronbach'sα = 0.98; composite variance = 0.98 (0.905–0.854); and stratified variance = 0.78. The SCQesp‐SF showed similar values of reliability. The SCQesp has excellent psychometric properties, making it a valid and reliable measure for assessing compassion in healthcare research and clinical care. This scientifically rigorous and psychometrically robust compassion measure in Spanish could allow healthcare providers, researchers, and leaders to routinely assess compassion.
Adipose Tissue Analysis Toolkit (ATAT) for automated analysis of adipocyte size and extracellular matrix in white adipose tissue
Authors: Robino Jacob J. , Plekhanov Alexander P. , Zhu Qingzhang , Jensen Michael D. , Scherer Philipp E. , Roberts Charles T. , Varlamov Oleg
Published: February 2024

Objective

The pathological expansion of white adipose tissue (WAT) in obesity involves adipocyte hypertrophy accompanied by expansion of the collagen‐rich pericellular extracellular matrix (ECM) and development of crown‐like structures (CLS). Traditionally, WAT morphology is assessed through immunohistochemical analysis of WAT sections. However, manual analysis of large histological sections is time‐consuming, and the available digital tools for analyzing adipocyte size and pericellular ECM are limited. To address this gap, the authors developed the Adipose Tissue Analysis Toolkit (ATAT), an ImageJ plugin facilitating analysis of adipocyte size, WAT ECM, and CLS.

Methods and Results

ATAT utilizes local and image‐level differentials in pixel intensity to independently threshold image background, distinguishing adipocyte‐free tissue without user input. It accurately captures adipocytes in histological sections stained with common dyes and automates the analysis of adipocyte cross‐sectional area, total‐field, and localized region‐of‐interest ECM. ATAT allows fully automated batch analysis of histological images using default or user‐defined adipocyte detection parameters.

Conclusions

ATAT provides several advantages over existing WAT image analysis tools, enabling high‐throughput analyses of adipocyte‐specific parameters and facilitating the assessment of ECM changes associated with WAT remodeling due to weight changes and other pathophysiological alterations that affect WAT function.
Gender Differences in Adults With Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Behnke John , Dundervill Caroline , Al‐Asadi Zayd , Shahid Michel , Ramadan Hassan H. , Makary Chadi A.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Gender differences in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have been demonstrated in many studies over the last 15 years. The purpose of this scoping review is to investigate the current knowledge on gender differences in CRS and to analyze the gaps in the literature.

Data Sources

A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases was performed.

Review Methods

This scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines. Studies that evaluated gender differences in CRS were included in the review.

Results

Of the 523 abstracts reviewed, a total of 23 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Articles consisted of retrospective and prospective cohort studies. They were divided into 3 categories based on whether they evaluated gender differences in (1) presentation and baseline quality of life, (2) pathophysiology, and/or (3) outcomes of treatment. Eleven studies addressed differences in presentation, 5 addressed differences in pathophysiology, and 10 dealt with differences in outcomes after surgical or medical management. Most of the studies showed worse baseline QoL secondary to CRS in women, with outcome of treatment being similar in both genders.

Conclusion

The experience of CRS appears to vary between genders, with women experiencing a greater subjective burden of disease than men, though with similar outcomes after treatment. Further research is indicated, particularly involving the pathophysiology of CRS, to fully understand the underlying causes of these discrepancies.
Characterization of the Binding Properties of Ten Aptamers Using the Intrinsic Fluorescence of Oxytetracycline
Authors: Zhao Yichen , Gao Biwen , Liu Juewen
Published: February 2024

Tetracyclines are a class of commonly used four‐ringed antibiotics. A series of DNA aptamers were recently obtained using the capture‐SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) method to bind to oxytetracycline, and one of the aptamers can bind to a few other tetracycline antibiotics as well. Upon binding to the aptamers, the intrinsic fluorescence of tetracycline antibiotics can be enhanced. At least 10 different DNA aptamers were isolated from the previous selection experiment. In this work, a systematic characterization of these ten aptamers was performed. Each of these aptamers shows a different degree of fluorescence enhancement ranging from around 1‐fold to over 20‐fold. Fluorescence enhancement was boosted in the presence of Mg2+. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) studies were done and showed a great variety in dissociation constant (Kd) from 62 nM to 1.6 μM. Steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime studies showed a correlation between fluorescence lifetime and degree of fluorescence enhancement. A few aptamers showed slow binding kinetics, although no correlation was found between the kinetics of fluorescence change and degree of fluorescence enhancement. This is the first study of ten different aptamers for the same target, providing fundamental insights into aptamer binding and bioanalytical applications.
Patterns and factors associated with the prescription of psychotropic medications after diagnosis of cancer in Chinese patients: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lam Chun Sing , Lee Chui Ping , Chan Joey Wing Yan , Cheung Yin Ting
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Patients with cancer may be prescribed psychotropic medications to address their psychiatric symptoms and disorders. This study examined the patterns and factors associated with the prescription of psychotropics after cancer diagnosis using a population‐based database in Hong Kong.

Methods

Patients who were diagnosed with malignant cancer and had no documented psychiatric diagnosis or psychotropic medications prior to cancer diagnosis, were included. Multivariable log‐binomial models were used to explore the associations between predictive factors and psychotropic medications use.

Results

Among 9337 patients, 1868 patients (20.0%) were newly prescribed with psychotropic medications after cancer diagnoses, most commonly hypnotics (50.3%) and antidepressants (32.8%). About one‐third (31.4%) were prescribed chronic psychotropics (≥90 days). Approximately 48.3% of patients who were prescribed psychotropic medications received their prescriptions within 1 year after diagnosed with cancer. Only 18.6% of those prescribed psychotropic medications had a registered psychiatric diagnosis. Patients with multiple comorbidities (adjusted risk ratio[aRR] = 2.74; CI = 2.46–3.05) and diagnosed with oral (aRR = 1.89; CI = 1.52–2.35) or respiratory cancers (aRR = 1.62; CI = 1.36–1.93) were more likely to be prescribed psychotropics.

Conclusions

The use of psychotropic medication is common (20%) among patients with cancer. Our findings highlight the importance of identification and documentation of psychiatric needs among patients with cancer.
Modern pollen rain reveals differences across forests, open and mosaic landscapes in Madagascar
Authors: Razafimanantsoa Andriantsilavo Hery Isandratana , Razanatsoa Estelle
Published: February 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Palaeoecological investigations are crucial in understanding millennial to centennial land use and land cover change. By analysing the modern pollen rain from four main vegetation types across Madagascar, this research provides baselines for improving the interpretation of pollen records in palaeoecological studies. This study determines the modern pollen‐vegetation relationship in Madagascar and gives a better understanding of the island's landscapes. Despite some spatial limitations, this approach contributes to resolving the debated topic related to the origin of Madagascar's open ecosystems. Knowing the vegetation history prior to and after human settlement would help guide biodiversity management and its associated ecosystem services.

Modern pollen rain contributes to calibrating and defining palaeo‐records relative to the current vegetation of diverse landscapes. Quantifying past vegetation change is important to better frame sustainable and resilient management methods of biodiversity considering human needs. In this paper, we aim to assess modern pollen assemblages in different vegetation types in Madagascar and inform how these could contribute to the interpretation of palaeo‐records.

We identified modern pollen assemblages from 21 samples across four major vegetation types in Madagascar, including seven (N = 7) newly generated samples from the tropical dry forest in the Northwest region and 14 datasets downloaded from the African Pollen Database website. The downloaded datasets are from core tops representing modern vegetation previously analysed in the tropical dry forests and spiny thickets, the wooded grassland–bushland mosaic and the littoral humid forest. We evaluated the frequency of different taxa in the samples and conducted multivariate analyses to evaluate the similarities and ecological affinities between samples.

Pollen rain reflected the main vegetation types across Madagascar and provided information on the current structure and state of the landscape. Regarding the interpretation of pollen records, pollen rain samples revealed that: (i) Open mosaic ecosystems should contain a percentage of at least 40% grass pollen, informing on the origin of the vegetation in older samples and the state of degradation in more recent vegetation reconstructions; and (ii) Anthropogenic vegetation such as plantations are marked by the abundance of pioneer taxa such as Pinus and/or Eucalyptus spp. with a frequency >20%.

Our findings improve the interpretations of pollen records and help differentiate past distribution of forest, open and mosaic vegetation, in Madagascar. It will contribute to further research on human practices, land use and into scenarios of conservation planning not only in Madagascar but also across the tropics.
Managing ergonomic risk assessment among assembly operators in the small‐scale fabrication sector
Authors: Mohd Nizan Nor Izliana , Ali Nina Fatma , Hussain Siti Aslina
Published: February 2024

In the small‐scale fabrication sector, employee health and safety are the most important aspects for improving productivity and quality. There is a lack of risk assessment and limited information on human handling and ergonomic approaches in the working environment of the small‐scale fabrication sector. This study aims to analyze the association of human handling risk factors with work‐related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) symptoms among assembly operators and to evaluate the proposed ergonomic intervention for a high‐risk work task using ergonomic risk assessment tools such as Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). A questionnaire survey and observation were conducted across seven work categories. The analysis using RULA and REBA revealed that cleaning, fitting, and assembling have a high‐risk level that requires ergonomic intervention. The virtual design of the proposed ergonomic workstation for high‐risk work tasks was created using CATIA software and evaluated using RULA and REBA analyses. Job and organizational factors were found to be the main contributors to WMSD, while individual factors, awareness levels, and ergonomic risk assessment had insignificant effects on WMSD. Based on RULA and REBA scores, the proposed ergonomic intervention significantly reduces risk by 30%–47%, improving overall health and safety for operators in diverse work activities.
Application of ultra‐low‐volume spray for the control of vegetable disease in greenhouse: Investigation of formulation performance and potential dermal exposure
Authors: Ma Jiayi , Xiang Sheng , Shi Yanxia , Xie Xuewen , Chai Ali , Li Lei , Li Baoju , Fan Tengfei
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The use of pesticides in greenhouse vegetable cultivation is necessary and significant. However, traditional pesticide application methods such as the use of backpack sprayers with water‐diluted pesticides have certain drawbacks, e.g., uneven distribution, high labor intensity, and safety risks.

RESULTS

In this work, fluazinam ultra‐low‐volume liquids (Flu‐ULVs) were prepared using oily solvents as carriers. The effects of different oils on the physical properties of the preparations were investigated. The Flu‐ULV can be sprayed directly using a hand‐held ultra‐low‐volume (ULV) sprayer without dilution with water. Compared with commercial water‐based suspension concentrates of fluazinam, the Flu‐ULV samples showed better wetting of tomato leaves, better atomization, and more uniform droplet distribution. At a dosage of 300 mL/ha, the coverage rate of tomato leaves ranged from 32.47% to 79.3%, with a droplet deposition density of 556 to 2017 droplets/cm2. Application of Flu‐ULVs provided 70.86% control efficacy against gray mold in tomatoes, which was higher than those achieved with reference products. Dermal exposure to Flu‐ULVs was also evaluated in greenhouse experiments. The coverage rates for all parts of the operator's body ranged from 0.02% to 0.07%, with deposition volumes of 2.23 to 12.26 μg/cm2.

CONCLUSION

Ground ULV spraying of fluazinam was proved to be an effective and safe management option for the control of tomato gray mold in greenhouses. This study laid a foundation for the use of ultra‐low volume spray to control vegetable diseases in greenhouse, especially those induced by high humidity environment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Estimation of wiener nonlinear systems with measurement noises utilizing correlation analysis and Kalman filter
Authors: Li Feng , Qian Shengyi , He Naibao , Li Bo
Published: February 2024

This paper is concerned with parameter estimation of Wiener systems with measurement noises employing correlation analysis method and adaptive Kalman filter. The presented Wiener system consists of two series blocks, that is, a dynamic block represented by auto‐regressive moving average (ARMA) model, and static nonlinear block established by neural fuzzy model. Aim at estimating separately the two blocks, the separable signals are introduced. First, applying the separable signals to decouple the identification of linear dynamic block from that of static nonlinear block, then ARMA model parameters are estimated employing correlation function‐based least squares principle. Moreover, aiming at handle with error caused by colored measurement noise, adaptive Kalman filter technique and cluster method are introduced to estimate parameter of the nonlinear block and noises model, enhancing parameter estimation precision. The accuracy and applicability of estimated scheme presented are verified through numerical simulation and nonlinear process, the results demonstrate that it is feasible for estimating the Wiener systems in the presence of colored measurement noises.
4‐Furfuryloxymethyl‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl‐acetohydrazide Hybrids as Cholinesterase and Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: Synthesis, Characterization and Comprehensive Biological Activity Studies
Authors: Şenol Halil
Published: February 2024

This study focused on the synthesis and evaluation of the biological activity of ten novel acetohydrazide hybrid derivatives, having furfuryloxy‐1,2,3‐triazole ring. All the target compounds were tested in vitro and in silico for their inhibitory potential against key enzymes: hAChE, hBChE, hCAI, and hCAII, all involved in significant physiological processes. Remarkably, two compounds, namely (E)‐2‐(4‐((furan‐2‐ylmethoxy)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)‐N′‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)acetohydrazide (9) and (E)‐N′‐(4‐chlorobenzylidene)‐2‐(4‐((furan‐2‐ylmethoxy)methyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐1‐yl)acetohydrazide (11), exhibited strong inhibitory activity. Compound 9 emerged as the top‐performing inhibitor for both hAChE (IC50 of 0.23 μM) and hBChE (IC50 of 0.74 μM). Additionally, compounds 9 and 11 displayed potent inhibitory effects on hCAI and hCAII, with IC50 values of 0.18 μM and 0.15 μM, respectively. Furthermore, in silico studies provided valuable insights into the interaction mechanisms and stability of the ligand‐protein complexes. Compound 9 demonstrated strong binding scores of −12.063 kcal/mol for hAChE and −9.359 kcal/mol for hBChE, while Compound 11 exhibited substantial scores of −7.040 kcal/mol for hCAI and −8.216 kcal/mol for hCAII. In conclusion, they stand out as promising inhibitors of hAChE, hBChE, hCAI and hCAII enzymes. Their inhibitory activity, supported by low IC50 values, indicated their potential to inhibit enzymes associated with neurological and metabolic processes.
Bird's Nest‐Shaped Sb2WO6/D‐Fru Composite for Multi‐Stage Evaporator and Tandem Solar Light‐Heat‐Electricity Generators
Authors: Wan Yanfen , Hu Yingfei , Tu Hongyu , Zhuang Wenbo , Geng Xuemin , Zhang Tian , Zhang Jinghao , Wen Ming , Yang Peng
Published: February 2024

Herein, an integrated solar‐thermal‐power protocol is presented at a micro‐nanoscopic level to maximize the energy utilization efficiency involving utilization period and utilization patterns, and the nexus of freshwater production and nanogeneration is realized. This sophisticated vaporization device is constructed with the merits of thermally confined evaporation space in favor of recycling latent heat of condensation and optimizing light absorption based on the local sunlight angle of incidence. Inspired by a bird's nest, Sb2WO6/D‐Fructose composites are prepared as photothermal absorbers to achieve a superior water evaporation rate of 2.78 kg m−2 h−1 in the Multi‐stage evaporator. In addition, a synergistic tandem photo thermal‐electric device with a combination of solar‐driven water evaporation and further waterflow‐driven hydrovoltaic generation, which can output a stable voltage of up to 360.8 mV with effective utilization of steam energy and a limited water source, is exploited. Such integrated configurations pave a pathway for clean water production and renewable power generation simultaneously toward energy issues.
Highly Sensitive Wearable Sensor Based on (001)‐Orientated TiO2 for Real‐Time Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine, Tyrosine, and Paracetamol
Authors: Zhang Tianyao , Zhu Jia , Xie Maowen , Meng Ke , Yao Guang , Pan Taisong , Gao Min , Cheng Huanyu , Lin Yuan
Published: February 2024

The concentration of dopamine (DA) and tyrosine (Tyr) reflects the condition of patients with Parkinson's disease, whereas moderate paracetamol (PA) can help relieve their pain. Therefore, real‐time measurements of these bioanalytes have important clinical implications for patients with Parkinson's disease. However, previous sensors suffer from either limited sensitivity or complex fabrication and integration processes. This work introduces a simple and cost‐effective method to prepare high‐quality, flexible titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films with highly reactive (001)‐facets. The as‐fabricated TiO2 film supported by a carbon cloth electrode (i.e., TiO2–CC) allows excellent electrochemical specificity and sensitivity to DA (1.390 µA µM−1 cm−2), Tyr (0.126 µA µM−1 cm−2), and PA (0.0841 µA µM−1 cm−2). More importantly, accurate DA concentration in varied pH conditions can be obtained by decoupling them within a single differential pulse voltammetry measurement without additional sensing units. The TiO2–CC electrochemical sensor can be integrated into a smart diaper to detect the trace amount of DA or an integrated skin‐interfaced patch with microfluidic sampling and wireless transmission units for real‐time detection of the sweat Try and PA concentration. The wearable sensor based on TiO2–CC prepared by facile manufacturing methods holds great potential in the daily health monitoring and care of patients with neurological disorders.
Certifiably employable? Occupational regulation and unemployment duration
Authors: Kukaev Ilya , Timmons Edward J.
Published: February 2024

Occupational regulation is a labor market institution that has received a growing amount of attention. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the relationship between occupational credentials and unemployment duration in the United States. Thus, we propose a random search model to explain differences in unemployment duration resulting from heterogeneous effects from licenses and certification. Our model predicts that an occupational credential with a stronger signaling/human capital effect results in a shorter individual unemployment duration. To estimate the relationship between occupational credentials and spells of unemployment, we perform a survival analysis using panel data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) for the years 2013–2019. We find that both licensing and certification are associated with reductions in unemployment spells for Black males that are similar in magnitude. Our results provide some suggestive guidance to policymakers since certification is less costly and not mandatory like occupational licensing.
Effect of Carbon on Sintering Behavior of Chromite‐Based Ladle Filler Sands
Authors: Yuan Kang , Deng Zhiyin , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: February 2024

To investigate the effect of carbon on the sintering behavior of ladle filler sands, laboratory experiments are carried out using chromite‐based filler sands and carbon (graphite) powders as well as liquid steel in an inert atmosphere at 1600 °C. It is found that the fine carbon powders result in an increase in angle of repose before sintering. After sintering, the apparent porosity increases with the carbon content in the sands, while the bulk density declines. During sintering with and without liquid steel, the carbon powders in the sands will react with the sand grains, leading to the generation of some gases (CO and CO2) and the increase of liquid phase in the sands. The acceleration of the formation of the liquid phase in the sands would enhance the sintering of the sands. The generated gases can result in many large holes in the sands, and liquid steel is very possible to infiltrate into the sands. To obtain a higher ladle free opening rate, special attention should be paid to carbon addition in ladle filler sands.
Optimization of Synthesis of Cassava Starch Phosphates by Response Surface Methodology and Characterization of the Modified Starches
Authors: Joseph Divya , Jyothi Alummoottil N. , Sreekumar Janardanan
Published: February 2024

Cassava starch has not been widely exploited in modified starch sector, despite its beneficial and peculiar properties including bland taste and flavor, easy extractability, and good paste clarity. In this study, cassava starch is phosphorylated using sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) at different pH levels according to a central composite design and optimized reaction conditions for maximum phosphorus content. The granule morphology, crystalline pattern, pasting properties, physicochemical properties, and in vitro starch digestibility of the modified starches are determined. The reaction conditions have significant effects on the P content. The highest P content (0.160%) is obtained for the sample synthesized using 8% of STMP and 4% of STPP (based on starch dry weight) at a pH of 9.0. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed no noticeable change in crystalline properties of the modified starches in comparison to native starch. Samples with lower %P have similar granule morphology as the native starch, whereas at higher levels of P, granule rupture and agglomeration are noticed. Wide differences in the pasting and swelling properties are observed among the modified starches. Crosslinked starches formed at higher levels of pH show highly reduced paste viscosity and restricted in vitro starch digestibility.
Report of the Nomenclature Committee for Fossils: 17
Authors: Herendeen Patrick S.
Published: February 2024

The following four generic names are recommended for conservation: Dipterocarpoxylon with a conserved type against Hippocrateoxylon, Dryobalanoxylon against Naucleoxylon, Shoreoxylon against Bredaea and Grewioxylon, and Myrtophyllum Heer (fossil Angiosperms) with a conserved type against Myrtophyllum Turcz. The following one species name is recommended for conservation: Quercus pacifica Nixon & C.H. Mull. against Q. pacifica Knowlt.
Inclusive learning communities: An English learner framework for all educators
Authors: Teemant Annela , Upton Thomas , Sherman Brandon J.
Published: February 2024

Educators in many countries must meet the educational needs of students who are not fluent in the language of instruction. Professional learning focused on incremental or individual teacher change has failed to improve student learning trajectories (Cuban, 2013; Gorski & Zenkov, 2014). This article explores Brookfield's (2012) critical articulation of Mezirow's (2012) adult learning theory to support the complex and radical transformation needed from all educators—not just language specialists—to improve classroom learning and schooling. We present the inclusive learning communities framework, with conceptual and pedagogical growth targets, guiding a seven‐course English as a New Language Certification program for PreK‐12 preservice and in‐service teachers working with English learners (ELs) in general education and EL specialist classrooms. The conceptual and pedagogical elements leverage critical transformative learning theory to reframe educators' individual beliefs and practices while developing their collective capacity to challenge oppressive ideologies and systems in pursuit of equity. We conclude that radical improvement in EL outcomes requires all EL teacher educators to plan and evaluate university coursework programmatically in ways that demonstrate real‐world change.
Baicalein targets STMN1 to inhibit the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Li Zheng , Cai Xiaohang
Published: February 2024

Backgrounds

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a common malignancy in the head and neck. Baicalein has been reported to exert the anticancer effects on various cancers. In this study, our aim was to explore the function of baicalein in the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and further investigate the potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Cell Counting Kit (CCK)‐8 assay, EdU assay, sphere formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell invasion assay were conducted to determine cell proliferation, stemness, apoptosis, and invasion, respectively. Western blot was performed to examine the protein levels of PCNA, MMP9, STMN1, β‐catenin, and Wnt3A. The mRNA level of STMN1 was assessed using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Xenograft tumor model was carried out to evaluate the effects of baicalein on tumor growth in vivo. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay was used to detect the levels of PCNA, MMP9, and STMN1 in tumor tissues from mice.

Results

Baicalein significantly induced cell apoptosis and impeded cell proliferation, invasion, and stemness of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. STMN1 was highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and baicalein could directly downregulate STMN1 expression. STMN1 knockdown hampered the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Moreover, the effects of baicalein on cell proliferation, stemness, invasion, and apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells were harbored by STMN1 overexpression. Baicalein regulated STMN1 to inhibit the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. SKL2001, an agonist of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, could reverse the effects of STMN1 knockdown on the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In addition, baicalein markedly impeded tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

Baicalein regulated the STMN1/Wnt/β‐catenin pathway to restrain the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
BDNF specifically expressed in hippocampal neurons is involved in methylmercury neurotoxicity resistance
Authors: Fujimura Masatake , Unoki Takamitsu
Published: February 2024

Methylmercury (MeHg) causes selective neuronal damage to cerebrocortical neurons (CCNs) in the central nervous system, but not to hippocampal neurons (HiNs), which are highly vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases. In our previous study using cultured rat neurons, we performed a comprehensive gene expression analysis and found that the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin (NT), was specifically expressed in HiNs. Therefore, to elucidate the causal factors of MeHg toxicity resistance in HiNs, we conducted a comparative study of the protein expression and function of several NTs, including BDNF, using CCNs showing vulnerability to MeHg toxicity and HiNs showing resistance. BDNF was specifically expressed in HiNs, whereas nerve growth factor was barely detectable in either neuron type. In addition, other NTs, NT3 and NT4/5, were expressed in small but nearly equal amounts in both neuron types. Furthermore, among the various pathways involved in MeHg neurotoxicity, the p44/42 MAPK pathway was specifically activated in HiNs, even without MeHg treatment. siRNAs were used to reduce NTs in both neuron types. Only a specific reduction in BDNF attenuated the resistance to MeHg toxicity and p44/42 MAPK activation in HiNs. In addition, the external addition of BDNF and NT4/5, which act on the same tyrosine receptor kinase (Trk), TrkB, suppressed MeHg neurotoxicity in both neuron types. These results suggest that BDNF, expressed specifically in HiNs, is involved in the resistance to MeHg neurotoxicity via TrkB. Additionally, the activation of the p44/42 MAPK pathway may contribute to the inhibitory effect of BDNF on MeHg neurotoxicity.
Fludioxonil induces cardiotoxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in two cardiomyocyte models
Authors: Seong Su‐Min , Go Ryeo‐Eun , Lee Hong Kyu , Choi Kyung‐Chul
Published: February 2024

Fludioxonil (Flu) is a phenylpyrrole fungicide and is currently used in over 900 agricultural products globally. Flu possesses endocrine‐disrupting chemical‐like properties and has been shown to mediate various physiological and pathological changes, such as apoptosis and differentiation, in diverse cell lines. However, the effects of Flu on cardiomyocytes have not been studied so far. The present study investigated the effects of Flu on mitochondria in AC16 human cardiomyocytes and H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. Flu decreased cell viability in a water‐soluble tetrazolium assay and mediated morphological changes suggestive of apoptosis in AC16 and H9c2 cells. We confirmed that annexin V positive cells were increased by Flu through annexin V/propidium iodide staining. This suggests that the decrease in cell viability due to Flu may be associated with increased apoptotic changes. Flu consistently increased the expression of pro‐apoptotic markers such as Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved‐caspase 3. Further, Flu reduced the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in AC16 and H9c2 cells, which is associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as observed through JC‐1 staining. In addition, Flu augmented the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, which can trigger oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Taken together, these results indicate that Flu induces mitochondrial dysregulation in cardiomyocytes via the downregulation of the OCR and MMP and upregulation of the oxidative stress, consequently resulting in the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. This study provides evidence of the risk of Flu toxicity on cardiomyocytes leading to the development of cardiovascular diseases and suggests that the use of Flu in agriculture should be done with caution and awareness of the probable health consequences of exposure to Flu.
Thermodynamics with conformal Killing vector in the charged Vaidya metric
Authors: Koh Seoktae , Park Miok , Sherif Abbas M.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We investigate the charged Vaidya spacetime with conformal symmetry by classifying the horizons and finding its connection to Hawking temperature. We find a conformal Killing vector whose existence requires the mass and electric charge functions to be proportional, as well as linear in time. Solving the Killing equations for the conformally transformed metric from the linear charged Vaidya metric yields the required form of the conformal factor. From the vanishing of the norm of the conformal Killing vector, we find three conformal Killing horizons which, under the transformation, are mapped to the Killing horizons of the associated static spacetime, if the spherical symmetry is maintained. We find that the conformal factor is not uniquely determined, but can take any function of the ratio of the radial coordinate to the dynamical mass. As an example, we illustrate a static spacetime with our choice of the conformal factor and explicitly show that the surface gravity of the conformal Killing horizons, which is conformally invariant, yield the expected Hawking temperature in the static spacetime. This static black hole spacetime contains a cosmological horizon, but it is not asymptotically de Sitter. We also investigate the case when the mass parameter is equal to the constant electric charge. While in this case the standard pair of horizons, the loci of the time component of the metric, degenerate, the conformal Killing horizons do not degenerate. This therefore leads to a non-zero Hawking temperature in the associated static spacetime.
Association of SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin with risks of acute kidney injury and all-cause mortality in acute myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Cai Dabei , Chen Qianwen , Mao Lipeng , Xiao Tingting , Wang Yu , Gu Qingqing , Wang Qingjie , Ji Yuan , Sun Ling
Published: February 2024

Objective

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have well-documented effects in reducing hospitalization or cardiovascular mortality, while the association of SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin (DAPA) and the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients has not been comprehensively investigated. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association between DAPA and AKI risk in AMI patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) therapy.

Methods

Using the Changzhou Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry database, we retrospectively included AMI patients from January 2017 to August 2021 and analyzed the risk of AKI and all-cause mortality after PCI therapy. The patients were divided into two groups according to the use of DAPA (DAPA group and Ctrl group). Patients in the DAPA group started to use DAPA after admission and continued its use during hospitalization and follow-up period. Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two groups with a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. The outcome was AKI within 7 days after PCI and all-cause mortality during a follow-up of 2 years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between DAPA and AKI risk.

Results

A total of 1839 AMI patients undergoing PCI were enrolled. DAPA was used in 278 (15.1%) patients. Postoperative AKI occurred in 351 (19.1%) cases. A 1:1 PSM analysis was used to reduce confounding factors. The multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that DAPA (odds ratio, OR 0.66; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.44–0.97; P = 0.036) was an independent protective factor in the entire cohort. After matching, the use of DAPA in AMI patients was independently associated with a decline of AKI risk (OR 0.32; 95% CI, 0.19–0.53; P < 0.001) after hospital admission. Meanwhile, there were significant differences in mortality between the DAPA group and Ctrl group (2.5% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.012).

Conclusion

SGLT2 inhibitor DAPA was associated with lower risks of incident AKI and all-cause mortality in AMI patients after PCI therapy.
Antibacterial and antifungal activities of natural deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Bedair Hadeer M. , Samir Tamer M. , Mansour Fotouh R.
Published: February 2024

The increasing antibiotic resistance towards a panel of microorganisms is one of the public health concerns. For this reason, the search for alternatives to the widely used antibiotic has been undertaken. In the era of sustainable chemistry, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents. These solvents possess several advantages such as low volatility, low flammability, ease of preparation, and typically low cost of production. These properties make DES suitable for various applications, including extraction of biomolecules and preparation of cosmetics. Natural DESs (NADESs) are special category of DESs prepared from natural sources, which matched the recent trends of leaning back to nature, and decreasing dependence on synthetic precursors. NADES can be prepared by heating and stirring, freeze-drying, evaporation, grinding, and ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted synthesis. Utilizing NADESs as an alternative to traditional antibiotics, which become ineffective over time due to bacterial resistance, holds great promise for these reasons. This review aims to discuss the antimicrobial properties of multiple NADESs, including antibacterial and antifungal activities. To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first literature survey of the antimicrobial activities of NADESs.

Key points

• Natural deep eutectic solvents are promising antimicrobial alternative to antibiotics

• NADES holds high potential for their activity against bacterial resistance

• NADES have also substantial antifungal activities
Lattice Path Bicircular Matroids
Authors: Guzmán-Pro Santiago , Hochstättler Winfried
Published: February 2024

Lattice path matroids and bicircular matroids are two well-known classes of transversal matroids. In the seminal work of Bonin and de Mier about structural properties of lattice path matroids, the authors claimed that lattice path matroids significantly differ from bicircular matroids. Recently, it was proved that all cosimple lattice path matroids have positive double circuits, while it was shown that there is a large class of cosimple bicircular matroids with no positive double circuits. These observations support Bonin and de Miers’ claim. Finally, Sivaraman and Slilaty suggested studying the intersection of lattice path matroids and bicircular matroids as a possibly interesting research topic. In this work, we exhibit the excluded bicircular matroids for the class of lattice path matroids, and we propose a characterization of the graph family whose bicircular matroids are lattice path matroids. As an application of this characterization, we propose a geometric description of 2-connected lattice path bicircular matroids.