bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of 67 denoising filters in ultrasound images: A systematic comparison analysis
Authors: Ardakani Ali Abbasian , Mohammadi Afshin , Faeghi Fariborz , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: January 2023

Noise corrupts ultrasound images and degrades spatial and contrast resolutions. Hence, it is challenging to characterize the lesions precisely using ultrasound images. The present study aims to evaluate 67 denoising filters and select the best one for ultrasound image denoising. Seven test images were synthesized to evaluate the performance of filters at three different noise levels. Eleven full‐reference quantitative image quality metrics (IQMs) were employed to evaluate the performance of the filters. A new filter evaluation method, Rank Analysis, was introduced and utilized at each noise level. The ten best filters with the smallest mean rank in all noise levels were defined for further analysis on real ultrasound images. The Rank Analysis was also employed for real ultrasound images, and filters were evaluated based on 14 IQMs (11 full‐reference and three no‐reference). Finally, the best filter was defined using the repeated measures analysis statistical test. According to the Rank Analysis results, the Spatial correlation (SCorr) filter obtained the best results with the mean rank scores±SD of 1 ± 0, which was significantly better than the other nine filters (p < 0.001). The second‐best results were achieved by three filters, Bitonic, most homogeneous neighborhood, and Lee diffusion (p < 0.05). We concluded that SCorr is the best filter for ultrasound image denoising. It can be used in the pre‐processing step before segmentation and diagnostic procedures. In addition, a new filter evaluation method, Rank Analysis, was introduced in this study, which is easy to use, fast, and provides reliable results. So, it can be used to evaluate newly developed filters in the future studies.
Validation study for in vitro skin irritation test using reconstructed human skin equivalents constructed by layer‐by‐layer cell coating technology
Authors: Akagi Takami , Yamada Tomomi , Miyazaki Hiromi , Taguchi Hiroyuki , Ikeda Hidefumi , Katoh Masakazu , Mura Simona , Couvreur Patrick , Chetprayoon Paninee , Maniratanachote Rawiwan , Yoshida Hiroaki , Ajiro Hiroharu , Hashimoto Koji , Ashikaga Takao , Kojima Hajime , Akashi Mitsuru
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study is to validate an in vitro skin irritation test (SIT) using three‐dimensional reconstructed human epidermal (RhE) skin equivalents prepared by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) method (LbL‐3D Skin) in a series of interlaboratory studies. The goal of these validation studies is to evaluate the ability of this in vitro test to reliably discriminate skin irritant from nonirritant chemicals, as defined by OECD and UN GHS. This me‐too validation study is to assess the within‐ and between‐laboratory reproducibility, as well as the predictive capacity, of the LbL‐3D Skin SIT in accordance with performance standards for OECD TG 439. The developed skin model, LbL‐3D Skin had a highly differentiated epidermis and dermis, similar to the validated reference methods (VRM) and native human skin. The quality parameters (cell survival in controls, tissue integrity, and barrier function) were similar to VRM and in accordance with OECD TG 439. The LbL‐3D Skin SIT validation study was performed by three participating laboratories and consisted of three independent tests using 20 reference chemicals. The results obtained with the LbL‐3D Skin demonstrated high within‐laboratory and between‐laboratory reproducibility, as well as high accuracy for use as a stand‐alone assay to distinguish skin irritants from nonirritants. The predictive potency of LbL‐3D Skin SIT using total 54 test chemicals were comparable to those in other RhE models in OECD TG 439. The validation study demonstrated that LbL‐3D Skin has proven to be a robust and reliable method for predicting skin irritation.
Identification of GNAS Variants in Circulating Cell‐Free DNA from Patients with Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune Albright Syndrome
Authors: Roszko Kelly L. , Guthrie Lori , Li Xiaobai , Collins Michael T. , de Castro Luis F. , Boyce Alison M.
Published: January 2023

Fibrous dysplasia/McCune‐Albright syndrome (FD/MAS) is a rare mosaic bone and endocrine disorder. Although most variants affect the GNAS R201 codon, obtaining a genetic diagnosis is difficult because not all cells harbor the variant, and an invasive biopsy may be required. We explored the presence of GNAS p.R201 variants in blood circulating cell free DNA (ccfDNA) using sensitive techniques of digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (ddPCR) and competitive allele‐specific TaqMan PCR (castPCR) in an effort to improve the genetic diagnosis of FD/MAS. We isolated ccfDNA from the plasma of 66 patients with a wide range of disease severity and performed both ddPCR and castPCR mutation analysis to search for GNAS p.R201H or R201C variants. We detected R201 variants in ccfDNA samples of 41 of 66 (62.1%) patients by either castPCR or ddPCR, and 45 of 66 (68.2%) of patients if the techniques were combined. Variant detection was more likely in patients with more severe disease. Skeletal disease burden score (SBS) was significantly higher in patients who had detectable variants, and SBS was a predictor of variant allele frequency. By ddPCR analysis, patients aged ≤30 years had higher detection rates, and higher variant allele frequencies, independent of disease burden. We detected variant DNA in only one patient with monostotic FD by ddPCR only. In summary, we have demonstrated that ccfDNA containing variant GNAS can be isolated from the plasma of patients with FD/MAS and that ddPCR and castPCR methods have similar variant detection rates. This methodology represents an important potential advancement in diagnosis for patients with FD/MAS, especially those younger than 30 years or with more severe disease. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Protocatechuic acid reverses myocardial infarction mediated by β‐adrenergic agonist via regulation of Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway, inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic events
Authors: Li Li , Ma Hua , Zhang Yichong , Jiang Haitao , Xia Bihua , Sberi Hassan Al , Elhefny Mohamed A. , Lokman Maha S. , Kassab Rami B.
Published: January 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an instant ischemic death of cardiomyocytes that remains a major global cause of mortalities. MI is accompanied by oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, and fibrotic insults. Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a polyphenolic compound with various potent biological activities. In this study, we explored the possible cardioprotective role of PCA against isoproterenol (ISO)‐mediated MI. Rats were either injected with ISO (85 mg/kg, subcutaneously) or pretreated with PCA (100 or 200 mg/kg, orally). PCA supplementation markedly normalized ISO‐induced disturbed cardiac function markers (creatine kinase‐MB, lactate dehydrogenase, and troponin T). Notably, PCA administration exerted remarkable increases in glutathione and its derived enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, as well as decreases in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in the injured cardiac tissue. The molecular findings validated the augmented cellular antioxidative capacity by PCA via increasing the gene expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 and heme oxygenase‐1. The cardioprotective efficacy of PCA extended to suppress cardiac inflammation as demonstrated by the decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐1 beta, and nuclear factor kappa B. Additionally, PCA prevented cardiomyocyte loss and fibrosis by decreasing Bax, caspase‐3, transforming growth factor‐β1 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and enhancing B‐cell lymphoma 2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐3. The cardiac histological screening further confirmed the PCA's protective action. The obtained data recommend PCA as an alternative therapeutic agent to attenuate the molecular, biochemical, and histological alterations associated with MI development.
Synthesis and characterization of ternary nanocomposites of TiO2/rGO/CdS as an efficient catalyst for photo‐degradation of methyl orange
Authors: Ramesh Subramanian , Punithamoorthy Kaliaperumal
Published: January 2023

Novel ternary composite photocatalysts have been successfully prepared by TiO₂ nanofibers, reduced graphene oxide, and CdS nanoparticles (TiO₂/rGO/CdS) by using electrospinning technique with easy chemical methods. The structures and their properties are examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The structural characterization of the composite reveals that pure TiO₂ NFs and CdS NPs crystalline very well and the reduced graphene oxide is tightly composed with TiO₂ NFs and CdS Nps. The photodegradation of methyl orange (MO) under UV light illumination is significantly enhanced compared with that of bare materials. This ternary composite degrades methyl orange within 75 min. The enhanced photocatalytic degradation performance resulted from effective separation of e–h pairs with rGO sheets and also contributed for high rate degradation efficiency. This novel ternary composite has a potential application of wastewater purification and utilization for energy conversions.
Genetic variations of antioxidant genes and their association with male infertility in Vietnamese men
Authors: Bach Huy Anh , Vu Phuong Nhung , Ma Thi Huyen Thuong , Nguyen Hai Ha , Tran Duc Phan , Bui Minh Duc , Nong Van Hai , Nguyen Dang Ton
Published: January 2023

Background

Antioxidant genes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), play critical roles in spermatogenesis and sperm functions. Polymorphisms of antioxidant genes have been shown to be strongly associated with sperm quality which affects male fertility.

Methods

To investigate the association of antioxidant gene polymorphisms to male infertility in Vietnamese men, in this case–control study, using Sanger sequencing, we genotyped four variants SOD1:7958G>A, SOD2:c.47T>C, CAT:‐262C>T, and NOS3:‐786C>T.

Results and Conclusions

We identified SOD1:7958GA genotype and NOS3:‐786CT genotype in the infertility group were significantly higher than in the control with OR = 2.191 (95% CI: 1.226–3.915, p = 0.004) and OR = 3.135 (95% CI: 1.591–6.180, p < 0.001), respectively. We also detected that the frequency of the SOD2:c.47TC genotype was significantly higher in the male infertility group than in fertile men (OR = 1.941, 95% CI: 1.063–3.595, p = 0.029). Gene–gene interactions between the SNPs of SOD1, SOD2, and CAT might increase the risk of male infertility patients. In particular, patients carrying the SOD1:GA+AA, SOD2:TC+CC, and CAT:CT/TT genotype pattern have an increased risk of male infertility (OR = 7.614, p = 0.007). To our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the association between the SOD1:7958G>A polymorphism and male infertility. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more genes are needed to better assess the association between variants of antioxidant genes and male infertility.
Dynamic release of neuronal extracellular vesicles containing miR‐21a‐5p is induced by hypoxia
Authors: Korvenlaita Nea , Gómez‐Budia Mireia , Scoyni Flavia , Pistono Cristiana , Giudice Luca , Eamen Shaila , Loppi Sanna , de Sande Ana Hernández , Huremagic Benjamin , Bouvy‐Liivrand Maria , Heinäniemi Merja , Kaikkonen Minna U. , Cheng Lesley , Hill Andrew F. , Kanninen Katja M. , Jenster Guido W. , van Royen Martin E. , Ramiro Laura , Montaner Joan , Batkova Tereza , Mikulik Robert , Giugno Rosalba , Jolkkonen Jukka , Korhonen Paula , Malm Tarja
Published: January 2023

Hypoxia induces changes in the secretion of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in several non‐neuronal cells and pathological conditions. EVs are packed with biomolecules, such as microRNA(miR)‐21‐5p, which respond to hypoxia. However, the true EV association of miR‐21‐5p, and its functional or biomarker relevance, are inadequately characterised. Neurons are extremely sensitive cells, and it is not known whether the secretion of neuronal EVs and miR‐21‐5p are altered upon hypoxia. Here, we characterised the temporal EV secretion profile and cell viability of neurons under hypoxia. Hypoxia induced a rapid increase of miR‐21a‐5p secretion in the EVs, which preceded the elevation of hypoxia‐induced tissue or cellular miR‐21a‐5p. Prolonged hypoxia induced cell death and the release of morphologically distinct EVs. The EVs protected miR‐21a‐5p from enzymatic degradation but a remarkable fraction of miR‐21a‐5p remained fragile and non‐EV associated. The increase in miR‐21a‐5p secretion may have biomarker potential, as high blood levels of miR‐21‐5p in stroke patients were associated with significant disability at hospital discharge. Our data provides an understanding of the dynamic regulation of EV secretion from neurons under hypoxia and provides a candidate for the prediction of recovery from ischemic stroke.
The foaming properties of sweet potato protein hydrolysates produced by Alcalase and Ficin
Authors: Gao Jingrong , Tang Zhong‐Sheng , He Shan , Powell Warwick , Brennan Charles S
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

The processing of sweet potatoes generates a waste by‐product rich in sweet potato protein (SPP).

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the effects of the concentrations of Alcalase and Ficin, hydrolysis time and pH value on the foaming properties of SPP hydrolysates (SPPHs) determined via gas sparging method were investigated.

RESULTS

The results showed that SPPH prepared by Alcalase exhibited a significantly higher foaming expansion (the highest of 576%) than that of the SPP (462%) but displayed a weaker liquid volume stability compared with SPPH hydrolyzed by Ficin. The molecular weight of SPPH prepared by Alcalase was distributed in 10–30 kDa. A good microbiological quality of the SPPH prepared by Alcalase in pH 13 has been confirmed, and it is suitable for food application with respect to its microbiological safety profile.

CONCLUSIONS

SPPH (pH 13) could be further safely applied in food, especially as a food additive at low concentrations to create a better organic plant‐based foaming agent for the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The journey back to normality: Support systems and posttrauma needs following exposure to single‐incident trauma among children and adolescents
Authors: Haag Katharina , Hiller Rachel , McGuire Rosie , Lyttle Mark , Halligan Sarah L.
Published: January 2023

Social support has been linked to posttrauma adjustment in children and adolescents, but the components of good support remain poorly defined. We conducted qualitative interviews with 30 youths aged 7–16 years after being admitted to a hospital following a single‐incident trauma, predominantly injury or illness. The aim was to identify youths’ support needs and examine the support they received across different recovery stages. Thematic analysis revealed that although participants appreciated increased attention and warm support during their hospital stay, most wanted their lives to return to normal soon afterward and were frustrated by barriers to achieving this. Participants received support from different sources, but parents and peers were the most important providers of emotional support and the people with whom these individuals most frequently engaged in trauma‐related conversations. Furthermore, although it was important that schools were sensitive to the youths’ potential limitations regarding their ability to engage with lessons, emotional support from teachers was less valued. Overall, this study implies that ecological models incorporating multiple interacting layers capture the structure of youths’ posttrauma support systems well. These findings may be used to tailor posttrauma interventions more closely to child and adolescent needs at different recovery stages and highlight the importance of having parents and, where possible, peers involved in posttrauma interventions or prevention programs.
Applications of scanning ion conductance microscope in biomedical fields
Authors: Gong Xinrui , Fan Xinyuan , Huang Yiming , Du Yuqi , Wang Xiaoyu , Liu Xiaoyu , He Zhiyao
Published: January 2023

Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) is a scanning probe technique to reflect the surface morphology of the sample with the probe's motion trajectory through measuring the current between the probe and the surface of the sample. Since the surface of the sample can be scanned noncontact and the morphological characteristics of the living cell can be obtained under physiological conditions, SICM is particularly important in the field of biomedicine. SICM has strong potentials in various applications, such as the real‐time and high‐resolution imaging of living cells, monitoring the volume and movements of living cells. In addition, SICM combines with various technologies such as patch clamp and nanopipette to study the physical properties of cells. Furthermore, using SICM to observe cell and tissue structure provides more directions for studying the mechanism of disease. This review briefly introduces the principles and imaging modes of SICM and outlines the recent applications and development of SICM in biomedical research. We also introduce the limitations of the existing SICM technology and make a perspective on its future development.
Vascular calcification: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Pan Wei , Jie Wei , Huang Hui
Published: January 2023

Vascular calcification (VC) is recognized as a pathological vascular disorder associated with various diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, aortic valve stenosis, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, as well as chronic kidney disease. Therefore, it is a life‐threatening state for human health. There were several studies targeting mechanisms of VC that revealed the importance of vascular smooth muscle cells transdifferentiating, phosphorous and calcium milieu, as well as matrix vesicles on the progress of VC. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of VC need to be elucidated. Though there is no acknowledged effective therapeutic strategy to reverse or cure VC clinically, recent evidence has proved that VC is not a passive irreversible comorbidity but an active process regulated by many factors. Some available approaches targeting the underlying molecular mechanism provide promising prospects for the therapy of VC. This review aims to summarize the novel findings on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions of VC, including the role of inflammatory responses, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, iron homeostasis, metabolic imbalance, and some related signaling pathways on VC progression. We also conclude some recent studies on controversial interventions in the clinical practice of VC, such as calcium channel blockers, renin–angiotensin system inhibitions, statins, bisphosphonates, denosumab, vitamins, and ion conditioning agents.
Inverted Sierpinski Carpet fractal‐inspired dielectric resonator antenna for wideband applications
Authors: Huda Shabana , Saha Anuradha , Karmakar Anirban
Published: January 2023

This communication explains a novel approach for attaining wideband inverted Sierpinski Carpet fractal geometry with a rectangular shape dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). Dielectric Resonators (DRs) have advantages, like, high gain, efficiency, wide bandwidth, low conduction loss, and minimum surface waves. Rectangular shape DR (εrdr = 9.8, 14 × 12 × 8 mm3) made from alumina (Al2O3) is mounted on top of a primary square patch. Inverted Sierpinski fractal geometry provides the benefit to decrease the volume to the surface area without removing elements from the patch. The proposed fractal DRA is printed on an FR4 substrate (εr = 4.4), fed with a 50‐Ω microstrip feed line, and has a compact size of 38 × 38 × 9 mm3. At the backside of the antenna, an extended stub from the partial ground plane enhances impedance matching from 4 to 5 GHz. The prototype of the proposed DRA is fabricated and measured. The antenna functions with an impedance bandwidth of 98.84% for S11 < − 10 dB, covering 3.5–10.34 GHz of the ultrawideband range. The proposed DRA offers a stable omnidirectional radiation pattern, maximum measured gain of 7.01 dBi, and has an average efficiency above 97% over the region of operation. These features make the proposed DRA applicable for cellular communication repeaters, local area networks, and vehicular communication applications.
HaN‐Seg: The head and neck organ‐at‐risk CT and MR segmentation dataset
Authors: Podobnik Gašper , Strojan Primož , Peterlin Primož , Ibragimov Bulat , Vrtovec Tomaž
Published: January 2023

Purpose

For the cancer in the head and neck (HaN), radiotherapy (RT) represents an important treatment modality. Segmentation of organs‐at‐risk (OARs) is the starting point of RT planning, however, existing approaches are focused on either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) images, while multimodal segmentation has not been thoroughly explored yet. We present a dataset of CT and MR images of the same patients with curated reference HaN OAR segmentations for an objective evaluation of segmentation methods.

Acquisition and validation methods

The cohort consists of HaN images of 56 patients that underwent both CT and T1‐weighted MR imaging for image‐guided RT. For each patient, reference segmentations of up to 30 OARs were obtained by experts performing manual pixel‐wise image annotation. By maintaining the distribution of patient age and gender, and annotation type, the patients were randomly split into training Set 1 (42 cases or 75%) and test Set 2 (14 cases or 25%). Baseline auto‐segmentation results are also provided by training the publicly available deep nnU‐Net architecture on Set 1, and evaluating its performance on Set 2.

Data format and usage notes

The data are publicly available through an open‐access repository under the name HaN‐Seg: The Head and Neck Organ‐at‐Risk CT & MR Segmentation Dataset. Images and reference segmentations are stored in the NRRD file format, where the OAR filenames correspond to the nomenclature recommended by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, and OAR and demographics information is stored in separate comma‐separated value  files.

Potential applications

The HaN‐Seg: The Head and Neck Organ‐at‐Risk CT & MR Segmentation Challenge is launched in parallel with the dataset release to promote the development of automated techniques for OAR segmentation in the HaN. Other potential applications include out‐of‐challenge algorithm development and benchmarking, as well as external validation of the developed algorithms.
On minimizing flow monitoring costs in large‐scale software‐defined network networks
Authors: Yahyaoui Haythem , Zhani Mohamed Faten , Bouachir Ouns , Aloqaily Moayad
Published: January 2023

Recent years have witnessed the rise of novel network applications such as telesurgery, telepresence, and holoportation. As such applications have stringent performance requirements, timely and accurate traffic monitoring becomes of paramount importance to be able to react in a timely and efficient manner, and swiftly adjust the network configuration to achieve the sought‐after requirements. However, existing monitoring schemes are either incurring high cost (e.g., high bandwidth consumption) due to the large number of monitoring messages or inefficient when they incur high reporting delay (i.e., the time needed for a monitoring message to reach the controller) making the collected statistics obsolete. In this paper, we address this problem and propose monitoring mechanisms for software defined networks that minimize the monitoring cost while satisfying an upper bound on the reporting delay of the statistics. Our solutions allow to carefully select the switch that should report the statistics about each flow crossing the network taking into consideration the available bandwidth and the capacity of the switch (i.e., the maximum number of flows that it can monitor). In particular, we formulate the switch‐to‐flow selection problem as an integer linear program and propose two heuristic algorithms to cope with large‐scale instances of the problem. We consider the scenario where a single controller is collecting statistics and another where statistics are collected by multiple controllers. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms provide near‐optimal solutions with minimal computation time and outperform existing monitoring strategies in terms of monitoring cost and reporting delay.
Stakeholders' perceptions of continuing professional development among Nepalese nurses: A focus group study
Authors: Simkhada Bibha , van Teijlingen Edwin , Pandey Apsara , Sharma Chandra Kala , Simkhada Padam , Singh Devendra Raj
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study explores perceptions of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities among stakeholders in the profession of nursing in Nepal.

Design

Qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs).

Methods

Eight FGDs were conducted in three major cities of Nepal with nursing stakeholders including nurse managers, matrons and directors/managers of private and public nursing colleges, representatives of nursing organizations, government officials, nursing academics and practitioners from the government and private sectors. The data were analysed thematically using Creswell's six steps of analysis and the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guideline was followed.

Results

The study generated three major themes: (a) policy level including the national situation of CPD, political influence and training guided by the policy; (b) organizational level incorporating perceptions towards forms of CPD, staff shortage, poor staff retention, seniority for training, financial constraints and lack of continuity of training; and (c) individual level including motivation for training and lack of relevant training.
Improving the Community College Transfer Pathway to the Baccalaureate: The Effect of California's Associate Degree for Transfer
Authors: Baker Rachel , Friedmann Elizabeth , Kurlaender Michal
Published: January 2023

The transfer between two‐year and four‐year colleges is a critical path to baccalaureate attainment. Yet students face a number of barriers in transfer pathways, including a lack of coherent coordination and articulation between their community colleges and four‐year institutions, resulting in excess units and increased time to degree. In this paper we evaluate the impact of California's Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act, which aimed to create a more seamless pathway between the California Community Colleges and the California State University. We investigate whether the reform effort met its intended goal of improving baccalaureate receipt, and greater efficiency in earning these degrees, among community college transfer students. We tease out plausibly causal effects of the policy by leveraging the exogenous variation in the timing of the implementation of the reform in different campuses and fields of study. We find an overall positive effect on bachelor's degree attainment. This increase is driven entirely by increased transfer rather than an increased probability of earning a BA/BS conditional on transfer. We find only suggestive evidence that the policy led to greater efficiency (i.e., fewer units at graduation) in BA/BS receipt for transfer students. These findings are broadly consistent across student subgroups.
Waterborne polyurethane acrylate emulsion with dangling chain structure: Simultaneously showing wide damping temperature range and excellent hydrophobic performance
Authors: Wu Jingtao , Wang Xiaojuan , Deng Yunjiao , Li Songsong , Liang Xiaobo , Wang Shuangquan , Zhou Chao , Zhang Huixuan
Published: January 2023

Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) damping material has been drawing much attention in academic field because of its low toxicity compared with polyurethane (PU) damping material. In order to expand the application range of WPU damping materials, it is necessary to further improve the hydrophobicity and damping properties of WPU. A novel dangling chain polyol‐n (DCP‐n, n expressed as average molecular weight of MPEG) was synthesized from methoxypolyethylene glycol (MPEG), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 1,1,1‐tris (hydroxymethyl) propane (TMP). Subsequently, a series of dangling chain‐n‐waterborne polyurethane acrylate (DC‐n‐WPUA, n expressed as average molecular weight of MPEG) emulsions were synthesized using DCP‐n as the chain extender. The increase of DCP‐n length will fill in free volume, hinder the entry of water molecules. Therefore, improve the hydrophobic performance. In addition, the increase of DCP‐n length will lead to more intermolecular friction, which can increase the dissipation of energy, and improves the damping performance of DC‐n‐WPUA. The test results show that the hydrophobicity of DC‐n‐WPUA film is improved, and the maximum static water contact angle can reach 110.6°. Dynamic mechanical analysis testing data showed that DC‐500‐WPUA has the best damping performance, and its effective damping temperature range was 77.9°C (−32.0 ~ 45.9°C). The carbamate group on DCP‐n will produce hydrogen bonds to restrict the movement of the chain segments, and the hydrogen bond breakage requires more energy. This ameliorates the thermal stability and mechanical properties of DC‐n‐WPUA. Thus, the initial modulus of DC‐n‐WPUA larger than the initial modulus of WPUA. Therefore, the DC‐n‐WPUA have the potential to be applied to hydrophobic damping coatings in the future.
6‐Gingerol contents of several ginger varieties of Northeast India and correlation of their antioxidant activity in respect to phenolics and flavonoids contents
Authors: Ghosh Suparna , Das Bhaskar , Haldar Pallab Kanti , Kar Amit , Chaudhary Sushil K. , Singh Keithellakpam Ojit , Bhardwaj Pardeep K. , Sharma Nanaocha , Mukherjee Pulok K.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Ginger constitutes the rhizome part of the plant Zingiber officinale from the Zingiberaceae family. A large number of ginger varieties with high sensorial and functional quality are found in Northeast India. Hence, phytopharmacological screening of different ginger varieties is essential that will serve as a guideline in applied research to develop high‐end products and improve economical margins.

Objective

To determine the variation in total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and antioxidant activities and correlate that with 6‐gingerol contents of different ginger varieties collected from Northeast India using Pearson's correlation analysis.

Materials and Methods

The TPC and TFC values were determined using standard methods. Antioxidant activities were measured using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, while reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) analysis was utilised for quantitative determination of 6‐gingerol content.

Results

The result revealed that ginger variety 6 (GV6) contains the highest 6‐gingerol content and TPC value showing maximum antioxidant activity, followed by GV5, GV4, GV9, GV3, GV2, GV8, GV1, and GV7. The findings also suggested that the antioxidant activity has much better correlations with TPC as compared with TFC values. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between 6‐gingerol contents and TPC values.

Conclusion

This work underlines the importance of ginger varieties from Northeast India as a source of natural antioxidants with health benefits.
X‐ray emissions during laser machining of cylindrical micro‐components
Authors: Giedl‐Wagner Roswitha , Lang Thomas
Published: January 2023

Ultrashort pulse lasers are the perfect tool for the micromachining of components for a wide range of applications. Even hard and brittle materials can be processed with high precision in state‐of‐the‐art machines like the GL.smart from GFH. With pulse lengths in the pico and femtosecond range, an irradiation >1012 W/cm2 is incident on the workpiece with the potential to generate ionizing radiation. This article deals with the x‐ray emissions recorded during laser turning operations and the corresponding safety measures.
A high‐throughput KASP assay provides insights into the evolution of multiple resistant mutations in populations of the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae across China
Authors: Shen Xiu‐Jing , Zhang Yu‐Jie , Wang Shuai‐Yu , Chen Jin‐Cui , Cao Li‐Jun , Gong Ya‐Jun , Pang Bin‐Shuang , Hoffmann Ary Anthony , Wei Shu‐Jun
Published: January 2023

Background

The two‐spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a cosmopolitan phytophagous pest in agriculture and horticulture. It has developed resistance to many acaricides by target‐site mutations. Understanding the status and evolution of resistant mutations in the field is essential for resistance management. Here, we applied a high‐throughput Kompetitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) method for detecting six mutations conferring resistance to four acaricides of the TSSM. We genotyped 3274 female adults of TSSM from 43 populations collected across China in 2017, 2020, and 2021.

Results

The KASP genotyping of 24 testing individuals showed 99% agreement with Sanger sequencing results. KASP assays showed that most populations had a high frequency of mutations conferring avermectin (G314D and G326E) and pyridaben (H92R) resistance. The frequency of mutation conferring bifenazate (A269V and G126S) and etoxazole (I1017F) resistance was relatively low. Multiple mutations were common in the TSSM, with 70.2% and 24.6% of individuals having 2–6 and 7–10 of 10 possible resistant alleles, respectively. No loci were linked in most populations among the six mutations, indicating the development of multiple resistance is mainly by independent selection. However, G314D and I1017F on the nuclear genome deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in most populations, indicating significant selective pressure on TSSM populations by acaricides or fitness cost of the mutations in the absence of acaricide selection.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that the high frequency of TSSMs evolved multiple resistant mutations in population and individual levels by independent selection across China, alarming for managing multiple‐acaricides resistance. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Understanding the Breakdown Behavior of Ultrawide‐Bandgap Boron Nitride Power Diodes Using Device Modeling
Authors: He Ziyi , Fu Kai , Xu Mingfei , Zhou Jingan , Li Tao , Zhao Yuji
Published: January 2023

Herein, a device study using technology computer‐aided design simulation to theoretically analyze the electrical performance of ultrawide‐bandgap boron nitride (BN)‐based vertical junction devices is performed, including h‐BN Schottky diode, h‐BN pn diode, and h‐BN/AlN pn diode; this is also the first demonstration of the BN power devices in simulation. The material properties of BN are defined with recently reported data, and the physical mechanisms of the device performance are systematically investigated. The h‐BN junctions in this simulation shows excellent performance, especially for breakdown behaviors. Schottky diode shows a turn‐on voltage of 0.6 V for Pt Schottky contact and breakdown voltages over 450 V for 5 μm, 6 × 1015 cm−3 p‐type‐doped drift layer; The h‐BN pn diode shows a turn‐on voltage of 6 V and breakdown voltages over 3 kV with a critical electric field of 13.6 MV cm−1 for 2.5 μm, 2 × 1016 cm−3 p‐type‐doped drift layer. The h‐BN/AlN heterojunction pn diode shows a turn‐on voltage of 5.8 V and breakdown voltage over 2 kV for 2.5 μm, 2 × 1016 cm−3 n‐type‐doped AlN drift layer. Herein, an understanding of the device principles of vertical BN junctions is provided, which can serve as a reference for the future development of robust BN power electronics.
Enhanced Magnetic Anisotropy and Curie Temperature by the Absence of Se Atoms at the Interface of EuS/Bi2Se3
Authors: Yang Wenchao , Yang Ke , Li Zhongyao
Published: January 2023

The heterojunction composed of ferromagnetic insulator (EuS) and topological insulator (Bi2Se3) is interesting due to several unusual behaviors produced by the interfacial effects. Previous experiments suggest a largely enhanced Curie temperature up to room temperature and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at the interface [F. Katmis et al., Nature 533, 513 (2016).]. However, a recent experiment indicates that room‐temperature ferromagnetic behavior is absent, and only in‐plane anisotropy is observed [A.I. Figueroa et al., PRL 125, 226 801 (2020).]. To understand the puzzling observations in EuS/Bi2Se3, Se‐missing interfacial system is constructed and the magnetic anisotropy energy and the Curie temperature based on density functional calculations are studied. The results suggest that the absence of Se atoms greatly enhance the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and the estimated Curie temperature based on Ising model can be up to room temperature. Therefore, the puzzling observations may be concerned with the details of the interfacial system.
Monitoring simple linear profiles in the presence of within‐ and between‐profile autocorrelation
Authors: Nadi Adel Ahmadi , Yeganeh Ali , Shadman Alireza
Published: January 2023

The current study investigates the effect of within‐profile and between‐profile autocorrelations on the performance of four monitoring methods of simple linear profiles in Phase II. To this end, a general correlation model between error terms is considered such that the correlation structure of within‐profiles errors and the error terms between consecutive profiles follow an autoregressive (AR) times series model of order one. Extensive simulations have been done to assess the effect of both autocorrelation types and the profile size on the estimations of the model parameters as well as the performance of control charts. The performance of the monitoring schemes is investigated and compared with respect to the average run length (ARL) metric. The simulation study results show that the autocorrelation within and between profiles has a negative impact on the monitoring technique's performance. It reduces the control chart's ability to detect process shifts compared to no or weak autocorrelation cases. Moreover, the performance of all the methods is improved by increasing the profile size. An illustrative example is also provided to demonstrate the use of the proposed methods for monitoring the stability of profiles in the chemical industry.
Obstructive shock due to a spontaneous haemothorax caused by primary lung cancer
Authors: Aramaki Hiroe , Fukaguchi Kiyomitsu , Yamagami Hiroshi , Maeda Yuki , Tsunoda Shun , Akazawa Kenichiro , Koyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2023

We describe the case of a 67‐year‐old man with shock and hypoxemia. Chest X‐ray showed bilateral lung mass shadows and left pleural effusion with a mediastinal shift, suggesting malignancy. Physical examination and point‐of‐care ultrasound findings did not suggest obstructive or cardiac shock, but the patient had prolonged shock refractory to fluid and blood transfusion therapy. We inserted a drain into the left thoracic cavity, which enabled the patient to recover from shock. We diagnosed the patient with obstructive and hypovolemic shock due to spontaneous haemothorax caused by primary lung cancer. Tension haemothorax due to malignancy is rare, and when obstructive shock is combined with haemorrhagic shock, it can be very difficult to determine the cause of shock.
Performance of Monolithic Two‐ and Three‐Terminal Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells Under Varying Illumination Conditions
Authors: Wagner Philipp , Tockhorn Philipp , Hall Sebastian , Albrecht Steve , Korte Lars
Published: January 2023

Research on perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is chiefly focused on devices in either two‐ or four‐terminal configurations (2T and 4T, respectively). Straying from these commonly investigated approaches, an alternative monolithically integrated device architecture using three terminals (3T) by combining a semi‐transparent perovskite top cell with a silicon heterojunction bottom cell featuring interdigitated rear contacts is presented. In the presence of a p/n recombination junction between subcells, a quasi‐2T configuration is obtained where the additional terminal functions as a current regulator. Thus, in contrast to 2T tandems, current matching between subcells is not necessary. Therefore, these devices are more stable against spectral variations, especially their voltages at maximum power point, as surplus current can be either injected into or extracted from the additional terminal. This is tested both by simulations and for the first time experimentally. Interestingly, the highest power conversion efficiency is not achieved by current matching but by maximizing current generation in the top cell. An experimental realization of a 3T tandem with p/n recombination junction and a power conversion efficiency of 24.9% is presented, thus confirming the general viability of the concept.
Software design pattern selection approaches: A systematic literature review
Authors: Naghdipour Ameneh , Hasheminejad Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Barmaki Roghayeh Leila
Published: January 2023

Software design patterns have a considerable impact on the software development life cycle. Design pattern (DP) is a reliable and reusable solution provided by software experts to obtain quality software design. However, due to the large number of design patterns, selecting the appropriate one is quite difficult. To overcome this difficulty, several approaches with different methods have been presented to suggest the appropriate DP. Despite conducting a number of studies that have explored some aspects of this field, such as design pattern selection tools and techniques, there is a need for a deeper understanding, analysis, classification, and thorough review of the design pattern selection process. So far, no systematic review of design pattern selection approaches is available. This paper aims to classify existing approaches, provide several criteria for comparing approaches, analyze each one, and identify and analyze the most important elements in this field, including open issues, data sets, and so on. The present investigation paper will help future research to employ the existing approaches taking into account the specification of each one and it also raises awareness about the approaches used in previous research and their potential limitations.
Discrimination of genuine and non‐genuine Magnolia officinalis leaves based on multi‐technique data fusion of ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and chemometrics
Authors: Huang Guoying , Lin Lujie , Zhang Mingxiao , He Yuxin , Yang Lixin , Li Ling , Li Hua , Yang Bin
Published: January 2023

Magnolia officinalis has tremendous value in healthcare systems and has been widely used in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean for over a thousand years. M. officinalis is a kind of deciduous tree with large leaves, and the leaves give a high yield every year. Moreover, M. officinalis leaves have various pharmacological activities, such as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐bacterial, and anti‐oxidant. This research aimed to establish an accurate and efficient method to comprehensively analyze their chemical constituents and to compare the differences between genuine and non‐genuine M. officinalis leaves. Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry were employed to identify the basic chemical compounds. An integration of chemometrics was initially developed to discriminate genuine and non‐genuine M. officinalis leaves. Thirty‐six non‐volatile components and thirty‐eight volatile oils were identified. Genuine samples exhibited higher quantities of six non‐volatile compounds and eight volatile oils of twenty‐two different components. Partial least squares discriminant analysis plots and heat map analysis highlighted the significant difference between genuine and non‐genuine samples. These comprehensive phytochemical investigations provide a theoretical reference for further research into or applications of genuine and non‐genuine M. officinalis leaves.
An Ecological Perspective on Classroom‐Based Assessment
Authors: Chong Sin Wang , Isaacs Talia
Published: January 2023

Classroom‐based assessment (CBA) takes place in learning environments influenced by myriad individual and contextual factors. Nevertheless, factors related to individual differences and learner psychology are seldom considered in creating instructional environments designed to facilitate learners' use of CBA. This article introduces the concept oflanguage assessment ecology(LAE)—a dynamic classroom environment where learners' needs are addressed through deliberate and informed orchestration of a language learning environment so that learners can make effective use of assessment for their learning. Informed by Ecological Systems Theory, we postulate that LAE is a multi‐layered system, where learners' engagement with CBA is an outcome of alignment between learning contexts and learners' cognitive‐psychological needs. At the outset of this article, we provide a review of current CBA frameworks to underscore the merits of LAE. Contextual and learner variables that need to be considered in an LAE are then identified and discussed. From a complex dynamic systems perspective, the versatility and complexity of the interplay among these variables will be stressed. The article concludes with the implications of LAE for conducting CBA research.
Effects of maternal exposure to procymidone on hepatic metabolism in the offspring of mice
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Hu Lingyu , Jin Cuiyuan , Qian Mingrong , Jin Yuanxiang
Published: January 2023

As an effective fungicide widely used in agricultural production, the excessive procymidone (PRO) residue has been detected in the environment and food. Our previous study demonstrated that PRO could destroy the intestinal barrier in mice and has a joint toxic effect. To explore the cross‐generational impact of maternal exposure, 10‐week‐old C57BL/6 female mice were orally administrated to 10 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day of PRO during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring obtained nutrients from the maternal through the placenta and breast milk, and PRO residues were detected in the liver, intestine, and feces of F1 generation. Fecal examination found that the residual PRO had been completely metabolized when the offspring mice grew to 35 days. The drug residue of F1 generation male mice was higher than that of female mice. We attributed this result to the difference in cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme expression between male and female mice. The transcriptional levels of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2D9, and CYP3A4, and CYP450 protein expression levels, were higher in female mice. Furthermore, targeted MS of plasma revealed abnormal amino acid levels. In addition, PRO‐induced hepatic metabolite changes in F0 and F1‐7w mice. KEGG pathway analysis further showed that PRO jointly changed the amino acid biosynthesis pathway of the maternal and offspring. In summary, these results indicated that maternal exposure to PRO during a special period would interfere with self metabolism, and offspring will also have metabolic disorders.