bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in acute ischemic stroke after reperfusion therapy
Authors: Bi Ying , Shen Jing , Chen Sheng-Cai , Chen Ji-Xiang , Xia Yuan-Peng
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether baseline neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was an independent predictor for early symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), poor functional outcome and mortality at 3 months after reperfusion therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Using PubMed and EMBASE, we searched for literature published before January 19th, 2019. Two reviewers independently confirmed each study’s eligibility, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. One reviewer combined studies using random effects meta-analysis. 9 studies with 3651 patients were pooled in the meta-analysis. Overall, baseline NLR levels were greater in patients with poor outcome. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in the NLR levels between patients with poor functional outcome (mRS > 2) and good functional outcome (mRS ≤ 2) was 0.54 units (95% credible interval [CI] [0.38, 0.70]). Heterogeneity test showed that there were significant differences between individual studies (p = 0.02; I2 = 72.8%). The NLR levels were associated with sICH in four included studies (n = 2003, SMD = 0.78, 95% [CI] [0.18, 1.38], I2 = 73.9%). Higher NLR levels were positively correlated with 3-month mortality (n = 1389, ES = 1.71, 95% CI [1.01,2.42], p < 0.01, I2 = 0%) when data were used as categorical variables. Our meta-analysis suggests that increased NLR levels are positively associated with greater risk of sICH, 3-month poor functional outcome and 3-month mortality in AIS patients undergoing reperfusion treatments. Although there are some deficits in this study, it may be feasible to predict the prognosis of reperfusion therapy in AIS patients with NLR levels.
Isotope separation of 176Lu a precursor to 177Lu medical isotope using broadband lasers
Authors: Suryanarayana M. V.
Published: March 2021

A new photoionization scheme accessible by Rhodamine dye lasers is proposed for the isotope separation of 176Lu.$$5d6s^{2}\,{^{2}D_{{3/2}}} (0.0\, {\text{cm}}^{{ - 1}} )\mathop{\longrightarrow}\limits^{{573.8130\, {\text{nm}}}}5d6s6p\,{^{4}F_{{3/2}}^{o}} \left( {17427.28\, {\text{cm}}^{{ - 1}} } \right)\mathop{\longrightarrow}\limits^{{560.3114\, {\text{nm}}}}$$

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$$6s{6p}^{2}\,{^{4}{P}_{5/2}}\left(35274.5 \,{\text{cm}}^{-1}\right){\to } Autoionization\, State {\to }{Lu}^{+}$$

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Optimum conditions for the laser isotope separation have been theoretically computed and compared with the previously reported work. The enrichment of ~ 63% can be obtained with > 22 mg/h production rate even when broadband lasers with bandwidth of 500 MHz are employed for the two step excitation. The simplified system requirements for the photoionization scheme combined with a high production rate of 176Lu than previously reported is expected to reduce the global shortage of 176Lu isotope for medical applications.
Adaptive constrained constructive optimisation for complex vascularisation processes
Authors: Talou Gonzalo Daniel Maso , Safaei Soroush , Hunter Peter John , Blanco Pablo Javier
Published: March 2021

Mimicking angiogenetic processes in vascular territories acquires importance in the analysis of the multi-scale circulatory cascade and the coupling between blood flow and cell function. The present work extends, in several aspects, the Constrained Constructive Optimisation (CCO) algorithm to tackle complex automatic vascularisation tasks. The main extensions are based on the integration of adaptive optimisation criteria and multi-staged space-filling strategies which enhance the modelling capabilities of CCO for specific vascular architectures. Moreover, this vascular outgrowth can be performed either from scratch or from an existing network of vessels. Hence, the vascular territory is defined as a partition of vascular, avascular and carriage domains (the last one contains vessels but not terminals) allowing one to model complex vascular domains. In turn, the multi-staged space-filling approach allows one to delineate a sequence of biologically-inspired stages during the vascularisation process by exploiting different constraints, optimisation strategies and domain partitions stage by stage, improving the consistency with the architectural hierarchy observed in anatomical structures. With these features, the aDaptive CCO (DCCO) algorithm proposed here aims at improving the modelled network anatomy. The capabilities of the DCCO algorithm are assessed with a number of anatomically realistic scenarios.
Generalizability of deep learning models for dental image analysis
Authors: Krois Joachim , Garcia Cantu Anselmo , Chaurasia Akhilanand , Patil Ranjitkumar , Chaudhari Prabhat Kumar , Gaudin Robert , Gehrung Sascha , Schwendicke Falk
Published: March 2021

We assessed the generalizability of deep learning models and how to improve it. Our exemplary use-case was the detection of apical lesions on panoramic radiographs. We employed two datasets of panoramic radiographs from two centers, one in Germany (Charité, Berlin, n = 650) and one in India (KGMU, Lucknow, n = 650): First, U-Net type models were trained on images from Charité (n = 500) and assessed on test sets from Charité and KGMU (each n = 150). Second, the relevance of image characteristics was explored using pixel-value transformations, aligning the image characteristics in the datasets. Third, cross-center training effects on generalizability were evaluated by stepwise replacing Charite with KGMU images. Last, we assessed the impact of the dental status (presence of root-canal fillings or restorations). Models trained only on Charité images showed a (mean ± SD) F1-score of 54.1 ± 0.8% on Charité and 32.7 ± 0.8% on KGMU data (p < 0.001/t-test). Alignment of image data characteristics between the centers did not improve generalizability. However, by gradually increasing the fraction of KGMU images in the training set (from 0 to 100%) the F1-score on KGMU images improved (46.1 ± 0.9%) at a moderate decrease on Charité images (50.9 ± 0.9%, p < 0.01). Model performance was good on KGMU images showing root-canal fillings and/or restorations, but much lower on KGMU images without root-canal fillings and/or restorations. Our deep learning models were not generalizable across centers. Cross-center training improved generalizability. Noteworthy, the dental status, but not image characteristics were relevant. Understanding the reasons behind limits in generalizability helps to mitigate generalizability problems.
Ant social foraging strategies along a Neotropical gradient of urbanization
Authors: Dáttilo Wesley , MacGregor-Fors Ian
Published: March 2021

During the last decades, urbanization has been highlighted as one of the main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. Among organisms commonly associated with urban environments, ants occupy urbanized green areas and can live both inside and around human settlements. However, despite the increasing number of studies on the ecological dynamics of ant species developed mainly in temperate urban ecosystems, there is still little knowledge about the behavioral strategies that allow ant species to live and even thrive within cities. In this study, we evaluated the role of urbanization in shaping ant communities, including their social foraging, considering built cover as a gradually changing variable that describes an urban gradient. Specifically, we assessed whether species richness, composition, and the proportion of exotic ant species are related to an urban gradient in a medium-sized Neotropical city immersed in a cloud forest context in Mexico. Moreover, we evaluated the social foraging strategies that could promote ant species coexistence in an urban environment. In general, and contrary to our hypothesis, we found no evidence that the built cover gradient affected the richness, composition, or proportion of exotic ant species foraging on food resources, indicating a filtering and simplification of ant communities given by urbanization. Moreover, we show for the first time that urban ant species exhibited a “discovery-defense strategy”, whereby the ant species with the greatest capacity to discover new food resources were those that showed the greatest ability to monopolize it after 120 min of observation, regardless of the type of resource (i.e., tuna or honey bait). Our findings have a direct impact on the knowledge about how urbanization shapes ant communities and behavior, by showing the foraging strategies of ant species that feed on similar food resources present that allows them to coexist in urban environments.
Practical aspects of the application of helical tomotherapy for craniospinal irradiation
Authors: Lee Joongyo , Kim Euidam , Kim Nalee , Byun Hwa Kyung , Suh Chang-Ok , Chung Yoonsun , Yoon Hong In
Published: March 2021

We investigated the practical aspects of the application of craniospinal irradiation using helical tomotherapy (HT-CSI) by evaluating interfractional setup errors and intrafractional movement during each treatment in 83 patients undergoing HT-CSI between January 2014 and December 2018. Interfractional setup errors in each axis (mediolateral; ML, craniocaudal; CC, and anteroposterior; AP) were assessed as differences between pre-treatment megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) images scanned (zygomatic arch to the C4 spine) and planning CT images. Intrafractional movements were evaluated as the difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment MVCT (T12–L4 spine) images at each fraction. Median interfractional setup error was acceptable in every axis (ML: 1.6 mm, CC: 1.9 mm, AP: 3.1 mm). Seven patients (8.4%) experienced significant intrafractional displacement from 1 to 10 fractions (0.34% for ML, 0.74% for CC, 1.21% for AP). Weight loss grade 1+ during treatment (p = 0.016) was an independent risk factor for significant intrafractional displacement. The risk factor for significant intrafractional movement in pediatric patients was weight loss grade 1+ (p = 0.020), while there was no factor in adults. HT-CSI could be a feasible treatment modality with acceptable setup verification. Inter- and intrafractional errors were acceptable; paying attention to weight loss during treatment is necessary, especially in pediatric patients.
Predicting how surface texture and shape combine in the human visual system to direct attention
Authors: Xu Zoe Jing , Lleras Alejandro , Buetti Simona
Published: March 2021

Objects differ from one another along a multitude of visual features. The more distinct an object is from other objects in its surroundings, the easier it is to find it. However, it is still unknown how this distinctiveness advantage emerges in human vision. Here, we studied how visual distinctiveness signals along two feature dimensions—shape and surface texture—combine to determine the overall distinctiveness of an object in the scene. Distinctiveness scores between a target object and distractors were measured separately for shape and texture using a search task. These scores were then used to predict search times when a target differed from distractors along both shape and texture. Model comparison showed that the overall object distinctiveness was best predicted when shape and texture combined using a Euclidian metric, confirming the brain is computing independent distinctiveness scores for shape and texture and combining them to direct attention.
Effect of memantine, an anti-Alzheimer’s drug, on rodent microglial cells in vitro
Authors: Murakawa-Hirachi Toru , Mizoguchi Yoshito , Ohgidani Masahiro , Haraguchi Yoshinori , Monji Akira
Published: March 2021

The pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is related to neuroinflammatory responses mediated by microglia. Memantine, an antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors used as an anti-Alzheimer’s drug, protects from neuronal death accompanied by suppression of proliferation and activation of microglial cells in animal models of AD. However, it remains to be tested whether memantine can directly affect microglial cell function. In this study, we examined whether pretreatment with memantine affects intracellular NO and Ca2+ mobilization using DAF-2 and Fura-2 imaging, respectively, and tested the effects of memantine on phagocytic activity by human β-Amyloid (1–42) phagocytosis assay in rodent microglial cells. Pretreatment with memantine did not affect production of NO or intracellular Ca2+ elevation induced by TNF in rodent microglial cells. Pretreatment with memantine also did not affect the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory (TNF, IL-1β, IL-6 and CD45) or anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGF-β and arginase) phenotypes in rodent microglial cells. In addition, pretreatment with memantine did not affect the amount of human β-Amyloid (1–42) phagocytosed by rodent microglial cells. Moreover, we observed that pretreatment with memantine did not affect 11 major proteins, which mainly function in the phagocytosis and degradation of β-Amyloid (1–42), including TREM2, DAP12 and neprilysin in rodent microglial cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to suggest that memantine does not directly modulate intracellular NO and Ca2+ mobilization or phagocytic activity in rodent microglial cells. Considering the neuroinflammation hypothesis of AD, the results might be important to understand the effect of memantine in the brain.
Role of biochar, compost and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in the management of tomato early blight disease
Authors: Rasool Mujahid , Akhter Adnan , Soja Gerhard , Haider Muhammad Saleem
Published: March 2021

The individual role of biochar, compost and PGPR has been widely studied in increasing the productivity of plants by inducing resistance against phyto-pathogens. However, the knowledge on combined effect of biochar and PGPR on plant health and management of foliar pathogens is still at juvenile stage. The effect of green waste biochar (GWB) and wood biochar (WB), together with compost (Comp) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Bacillus subtilis) was examined on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) physiology and Alternaria solani development both in vivo and in vitro. Tomato plants were raised in potting mixture modified with only compost (Comp) at application rate of 20% (v/v), and along with WB and GWB at application rate of 3 and 6% (v/v), each separately, in combination with or without B. subtilis. In comparison with WB amended soil substrate, percentage disease index was significantly reduced in GWB amended treatments (Comp + 6%GWB and Comp + 3%GWB; 48.21 and 35.6%, respectively). Whereas, in the presence of B. subtilis disease suppression was also maximum (up to 80%) in the substrate containing GWB. Tomato plant growth and physiological parameters were significantly higher in treatment containing GWB (6%) alone as well as in combination with PGPR. Alternaria solani mycelial growth inhibition was less than 50% in comp, WB and GWB amended growth media, whereas B. subtilis induced maximum inhibition (55.75%). Conclusively, the variable impact of WB, GWB and subsequently their concentrations in the soil substrate was evident on early blight development and plant physiology. To our knowledge, this is the first report implying biochar in synergism with PGPR to hinder the early blight development in tomatoes.
Current challenges in thermodynamic aspects of rubber foam
Authors: Suethao Supitta , Ponloa Worachai , Phongphanphanee Saree , Wong-Ekkabut Jirasak , Smitthipong Wirasak
Published: March 2021

Natural rubber (NR) foam can be prepared by the Dunlop method using concentrated natural latex with chemical agents. Most previous studies have focused on the thermodynamic parameters of solid rubber in extension. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the NR matrix concentration on the static and dynamic properties of NR foams, especially the new approach of considering the thermodynamic aspects of NR foam in compression. We found that the density and compression strength of NR foams increased with increasing NR matrix concentration. The mechanical properties of NR foam were in agreement with computational modelling. Moreover, thermodynamic aspects showed that the ratio of internal energy force to the compression force, Fu/F, and the entropy, S, increased with increasing matrix concentration. The activation enthalpy, ∆Ha, also increased with increasing matrix concentration in the NR foam, indicating the greater relaxation time of the backbone of the rubber molecules. New scientific concepts of thermodynamic parameters of the crosslinked NR foam in compression mode are proposed and discussed. Our results will improve both the knowledge and the development of rubber foams based on the structure–properties relationship, especially the new scientific concept of the thermodynamical parameters under compression.
Author Correction: Growth of sillenite Bi12FeO20 single crystals: structural, thermal, optical, photocatalytic features and first principle calculations
Authors: Vavilapalli Durga Sankar , Melvin Ambrose A. , Bellarmine F. , Mannam Ramanjaneyulu , Velaga Srihari , Poswal Himanshu K. , Dixit Ambesh , Ramachandra Rao M. S. , Singh Shubra
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Solvent assisted evolution and growth mechanism of zero to three dimensional ZnO nanostructures for dye sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Ramya M. , Nideep T. K. , Nampoori V. P. N. , Kailasnath M.
Published: March 2021

We report the structural engineering of ZnO nanostructures by a consistent solution method using distinct solvents such as ethylene glycol, 1-butanol, acetic acid and water. The growth kinetics are found to depend strongly on the physicochemical properties of the solvent and zeta potential of the colloidal solution. Furthermore, the resulting nanostructures as a photoanode material, displayed a prominent structure dependent property in determining the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The fabricated solar cell with ZnO nanostructures based photoanode exhibited improved conversion efficiency. Moreover, the nanoflower based DSSCs showed a higher conversion efficiency of 4.1% compared to the other structures. The excellent performance of ZnO nanoflower is attributed to its better light-harvesting ability and increased resistance to charge-recombination. Therefore ZnO nanostructures can be a promising alternative for TiO2 in DSSCs. These findings provide new insight into the simple, low cost and consistent synthetic strategies for ZnO nanostructures and its outstanding performance as a photoanode material in DSSCs.
The mechanical properties of tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articular cartilage in compression depend on anatomical regions
Authors: Li Heng , Li Jinming , Yu Shengbo , Wu Chengwei , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2021

Articular cartilage in knee joint can be anatomically divided into different regions: medial and lateral condyles of femur; patellar groove of femur; medial and lateral plateaus of tibia covered or uncovered by meniscus. The stress–strain curves of cartilage in uniaxially unconfined compression demonstrate strain rate dependency and exhibit distinct topographical variation among these seven regions. The femoral cartilage is stiffer than the tibial cartilage, and the cartilage in femoral groove is stiffest in the knee joint. Compared with the uncovered area, the area covered with meniscus shows the stiffer properties. To investigate the origin of differences in macroscopic mechanical properties, histological analysis of cartilage in seven regions are conducted. The differences are discussed in terms of the cartilage structure, composition content and distribution. Furthermore, the commonly used constitutive models for biological tissues, namely Fung, Ogden and Gent models, are employed to fit the experimental data, and Fung and Ogden models are found to be qualified in representing the stiffening effect of strain rate.
Author Correction: Liposomal delivery of azithromycin enhances its immunotherapeutic efficacy and reduces toxicity in myocardial infarction
Authors: Al‑Darraji Ahmed , Donahue Renée R. , Tripathi Himi , Peng Hsuan , Levitan Bryana M. , Chelvarajan Lakshman , Haydar Dalia , Gao Erhe , Henson David , Gensel John C. , Feola David J. , Venditto Vincent J. , Abdel‑Latif Ahmed
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
DNA nanotechnology-empowered nanoscopic imaging of biomolecules
Authors: Li Fan , Li Jiang , Dong Baijun , Wang Fei , Fan Chunhai , Zuo Xiaolei
Published: March 2021

DNA nanotechnology has led to the rise of DNA nanostructures, which possess programmable shapes and are capable of organizing different functional molecules and materials. A variety of DNA nanostructure-based imaging probes have been developed.
The green platform molecule gamma-valerolactone – ecotoxicity, biodegradability, solvent properties, and potential applications
Authors: Kerkel Florian , Markiewicz Marta , Stolte Stefan , Müller Eva , Kunz Werner
Published: March 2021

Solvent properties and (eco)toxicity of the renewable compound γ-valerolactone are investigated and its potential applications as a solvent as well as its toxicity towards the environment are outlined.
Smoothed profile method for direct numerical simulations of hydrodynamically interacting particles
Authors: Yamamoto Ryoichi , Molina John J. , Nakayama Yasuya
Published: March 2021

A general method is presented for computing the motions of hydrodynamically interacting particles in various kinds of host fluids for arbitrary Reynolds numbers. The method is applicable to dispersions of arbitrary shaped active and passive particles.
Green-light induced cycloadditions
Authors: Kamm Philipp W. , Blinco James P. , Unterreiner Andreas-Neil , Barner-Kowollik Christopher
Published: March 2021

We introduce a red-shifted tetrazole that is able to undergo efficient nitrile imine-mediated tetrazole–ene cycloaddition (NITEC) under blue and green light irradiation.
Synthesis of difluoromethylated diarylmethanes via Fe(OTf)3-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts reaction of 2,2-difluoro-1-arylethyl phosphates
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshihiko , Takase Tomoya , Kuroyanagi Eisuke , Yasui Takeshi
Published: March 2021

The Fe(OTf)3-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts reaction of 2,2-difluoro-1-arylethyl phosphates with electron-rich (hetero)arenes afforded difluoromethylated diarylmethanes.
Detection of hydroxyl and hydride functional groups in a ceria crystal under hydrogen reduction
Authors: Matsukawa Takeshi , Iida Kazuki , Nakamura Mitsutaka , Ishigaki Toru
Published: March 2021

Neutron powder diffraction analysis revealed that ceria transformed into the oxyhydroxide structure by hydrogen treatment.
Scintillation materials based on metal iodates by rare earth doping modifications for use in radioluminescence and X-ray imaging
Authors: Xu Weiwei , Xu Hui , Wang Shuaihua , Wang Zhilin , Xu Xieming , Zhang Xianhui , Wu Shaofan
Published: March 2021

We obtained metal iodates scintillators with high X-ray response and scintillating films with high X-ray sensitivity and imaging spatial resolution.
Non-precious metal carbamates as catalysts for the aziridine/CO2 coupling reaction under mild conditions
Authors: Bresciani Giulio , Zacchini Stefano , Marchetti Fabio , Pampaloni Guido
Published: March 2021

A novel Nb+V complex emerged as an effective homogeneous catalysts for aziridine/CO2 coupling to afford 5-aryl-oxazolidin-2-ones with small N-substituents under ambient conditions.
The design and synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts for environmental applications
Authors: Chatterjee Rupak , Bhanja Piyali , Bhaumik Asim
Published: March 2021

In this Frontier article, we have highlighted some of the major synthetic routes for the design of porous heterogeneous catalysts and their potential use in several environmentally challenging chemical transformations.
Synthesis and characterization of new Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes with 3-substituted 1-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine ligands
Authors: Pischedda Sara , Stoccoro Sergio , Zucca Antonio , Sciortino Giuseppe , Ortu Fabrizio , Clarkson Guy J.
Published: March 2021

Several Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes of general formula [M(Ln)(X)(Y)] have been synthesized by reaction of various palladium(ii) and platinum(ii) derivatives with 3-aryl or 3-benzyl 1-(2-pyridyl)-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines (Ln).
A comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition, antioxidant, genoprotective and antigenotoxic activities of Lamiaceae species using different experimental models in vitro
Authors: Oalđe Mariana , Kolarević Stoimir , Živković Jelena , Alimpić Aradski Ana , Jovanović Marić Jovana , Kračun Kolarević Margareta , Đorđević Jelena , Marin Petar D. , Šavikin Katarina , Vuković-Gačić Branka , Duletić-Laušević Sonja
Published: March 2021

The tested plant extracts exert antioxidant, genoprotective and antigenotoxic activities by protecting the DNA from the effects of oxidative stress, reducing the inflicted damage and enhancing the DNA repair system in different model systems.
Auto-tandem PET and EnT photocatalysis by crude chlorophyll under visible light towards the oxidative functionalization of indoles
Authors: Banu Saira , Choudhari Shubham , Patel Girija , Yadav Prem P.
Published: March 2021

A greener approach towards oxidative functionalization of indoles under visible light employing the PET and EnT capabilities of crude Chl, air as oxidant and water as solvent has been developed.
Glycine betaine-based ionic liquids and their influence on bacteria, fungi, insects and plants
Authors: Kaczmarek Damian Krystian , Gwiazdowska Daniela , Juś Krzysztof , Klejdysz Tomasz , Wojcieszak Marta , Materna Katarzyna , Pernak Juliusz
Published: March 2021

Natural origin ionic liquids with betaine-based cations as new agrochemicals.
Emerging new-generation hybrids based on covalent organic frameworks for industrial applications
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Azadi Elham , Hussain Chaudhery Mustansar
Published: March 2021

This review highlights the advancement of COF hybrid-based materials for diverse industrial applications.
Carbon nanothreads enable remarkable enhancement in the thermal conductivity of polyethylene
Authors: Zhan Haifei , Zhou Ying , Zhang Gang , Zhu Jihong , Zhang Weihong , Lü Chaofeng , Gu Yuantong
Published: March 2021

Polymer nanocomposites with regularly aligned and evenly distributed carbon nanothreads exhibit better thermal conductivity than their counterparts with randomly dispersed nanofillers or nanofillers with functional groups.
Oxidative alkylation/alkynylation of terminal alkenes via alkylaldehyde decarbonylation and 1,2-alkynyl migration
Authors: Zhang Jia-Jia , Chen De , Qin Yi-Qun , Deng Wei , Luo Yong-Yue , Xiang Jian-Nan
Published: March 2021

Alkenes and alkylaldehydes offer a general access to the challenging quaternary carbon-containing but-3-yn-1-ones through decarbonylation and 1,2-alkynyl migration.
Formal [4 + 1] annulation of fluorinated sulfonium salt with cyclic unsaturated imines to access CF3-substituted pyrroles
Authors: Chen Tao , Wang Aoning , Zhang Linxue , Wei Chenlong , Huang Juhui , Liu Xiang , Fu Zhenqian
Published: March 2021

A structurally diverse set of CF3-substituted pyrroles was efficiently constructed in acceptable to excellent yields.
Visible-light-promoted sulfonylation of thiols with aryldiazonium and sodium metabisulphite leading to unsymmetrical thiosulfonates
Authors: Lv Yufen , Luo Jinyun , Ma Yuchuan , Dong Qi , He Lin
Published: March 2021

A facile visible-light-mediated protocol has been proposed for the synthesis of thiosulfonatesviarhodamine 6G catalyzed sulfonylation of thiols with aryldiazonium and sodium metabisulphite at room temperature.
CHIP-mediated hyperubiquitylation of tau promotes its self-assembly into the insoluble tau filaments
Authors: Kim Ji Hyeon , Lee Jeeyoung , Choi Won Hoon , Park Seoyoung , Park Seo Hyeong , Lee Jung Hoon , Lim Sang Min , Mun Ji Young , Cho Hyun-Soo , Han Dohyun , Suh Young Ho , Lee Min Jae
Published: March 2021

Multiple-hit model for tau aggregation, where sequential events of tau phosphorylation and hyperubiquitylation function as a key driver of the fibrillization process.
Modulation of solid surface with desirable under-liquid wettability based on molecular hydrophilic–lipophilic balance
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Qifei , Wang Baixian , Tian Ye , Di Jiancheng , Wang Zuankai , Jiang Lei , Yu Jihong
Published: March 2021

Hydrophilic–lipophilic balance calculated based on the component of surface molecules is introduced to predict the under-liquid wettability of solid surfaces, thereby guiding the fabrication of solid surface with desirable under-liquid wettabilities.
MiR-92d-3p suppresses the progression of diabetic nephropathy renal fibrosis by inhibiting the C3/HMGB1/TGF-β1 pathway
Authors: Zhang Yuhua
Published: March 2021

The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) has not been fully elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the onset and development of DN renal fibrosis. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of miR-92d-3p on the progression of DN renal fibrosis. We used qRT-PCR to detect the expression levels of miR-92d-3p in the kidneys of patients with DN. Then, after transfecting lentiviruses containing miR-92d-3p into the kidneys of a DN mouse model and HK-2 cell line, we used qRT-PCR to detect the expression levels of miR-92d-3p, C3, HMGB1, TGF-β1, α-SMA, E-cadherin, and Col I. The expression levels of interleukin (IL) 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the HK-2 cells were detected through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used in detecting the expression levels of fibronectin, α-SMA, E-cadherin, and vimentin. Results showed that the expression levels of miR-92d-3p in the kidney tissues of patients with DN and DN animal model mice decreased, and C3 stimulated HK-2 cells to produce inflammatory cytokines. The C3/HMGB1/TGF-β1 pathway was activated, and epithelial-to-interstitial transition (EMT) was induced in the HK-2 cells after human recombinant C3 and TGF-β1 protein were added. miR-92d-3p inhibited inflammatory factor production by C3 in the HK-2 cells and the activation of the C3/HMGB1/TGF-β1 pathway and EMT by C3 and TGF-β1. miR-92d-3p suppressed the progression of DN renal fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of the C3/HMGB1/TGF-β1 pathway and EMT.
Mechanisms of repeat-associated non-AUG translation in neurological microsatellite expansion disorders
Authors: Castelli Lydia M. , Huang Wan-Ping , Lin Ya-Hui , Chang Kung-Yao , Hautbergue Guillaume M.
Published: March 2021

Repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation was discovered in 2011 in spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) and myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). This non-canonical form of translation occurs in all reading frames from both coding and non-coding regions of sense and antisense transcripts carrying expansions of trinucleotide to hexanucleotide repeat sequences. RAN translation has since been reported in 7 of the 53 known microsatellite expansion disorders which mainly present with neurodegenerative features. RAN translation leads to the biosynthesis of low-complexity polymeric repeat proteins with aggregating and cytotoxic properties. However, the molecular mechanisms and protein factors involved in assembling functional ribosomes in absence of canonical AUG start codons remain poorly characterised while secondary repeat RNA structures play key roles in initiating RAN translation. Here, we briefly review the repeat expansion disorders, their complex pathogenesis and the mechanisms of physiological translation initiation together with the known factors involved in RAN translation. Finally, we discuss research challenges surrounding the understanding of pathogenesis and future directions that may provide opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this group of incurable neurodegenerative diseases.
Recent developments in sustainably sourced protein-based biomaterials
Authors: Agnieray H. , Glasson J.L. , Chen Q. , Kaur M. , Domigan L.J.
Published: March 2021

Research into the development of sustainable biomaterials is increasing in both interest and global importance due to the increasing demand for materials with decreased environmental impact. This research field utilises natural, renewable resources to develop innovative biomaterials. The development of sustainable biomaterials encompasses the entire material life cycle, from desirable traits, and environmental impact from production through to recycling or disposal. The main objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive definition of sustainable biomaterials and to give an overview of the use of natural proteins in biomaterial development. Proteins such as collagen, gelatin, keratin, and silk, are biocompatible, biodegradable, and may form materials with varying properties. Proteins, therefore, provide an intriguing source of biomaterials for numerous applications, including additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and tissue engineering. We give an insight into current research and future directions in each of these areas, to expand knowledge on the capabilities of sustainably sourced proteins as advanced biomaterials.
A User's Guide for Understanding and Addressing Telepractice Technology Challenges via ZOOM
Authors: McGill Megann , Fiddler Kimberly
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Telepractice has been used as an alternative service delivery model in speech-language pathology across various settings and the scope of practice. Despite its utility and increasing demands resulting from the COVID-19 global pandemic, some clinicians and clients continue to report apprehension to adopting telepractice service delivery model due to discomfort with technology. Among currently available telepractice platforms, “ZOOM” is one of the popular platforms among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States because of its usability and subscription cost. However, many challenges have been experienced by clinicians and clients when ZOOM is used. The purpose of this article was twofold. The first goal of this article was to address barriers and challenges to implement successful telepractice SLP services. The second goal of this article was to develop four step-by-step troubleshooting manuals (one for client and one for clinician in both English and Spanish) to enhance its utility for users.

Conclusion

Preliminary qualitative data showed that the manuals developed by the authors were useful and functional for graduate SLP students.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14044091
Attention‐based novel neural network for mixed frequency data
Authors: Li Xiangpeng , Yu Hong , Xie Yongfang , Li Jie
Published: March 2021

It is a common fact that data (features, characteristics or variables) are collected at different sampling frequencies in some fields such as economic and industry. The existing methods usually either ignore the difference from the different sampling frequencies or hardly take notice of the inherent temporal characteristics in mixed frequency data. The authors propose an innovative dual attention‐based neural network for mixed frequency data (MID‐DualAtt), in order to utilize the inherent temporal characteristics and select the input characteristics reasonably without losing information. According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to use the attention mechanism to process mixed frequency data. The MID‐DualAtt model uses the frequency alignment method to transform the high‐‐frequency variables into observation vectors at low frequency, and more critical input characteristics are selected for the current prediction index by attention mechanism. The temporal characteristics are explored by the encoder‐decoder with attention based on long‐ short‐term memory networks (LSTM). The proposed MID‐DualAtt has been tested in practical application, and the experimental results show that it has better prediction ability than the compared models.
A highly accurate and robust deep checkerboard corner detector
Authors: Wu Hao , Wan Yi
Published: March 2021

Checkerboard corners are routinely used during tasks such as camera calibration, and accurate detection of them is essential. Traditional methods such as those based on the Harris corner detector are usually affected by image artefacts such as noise and blur. The more recently proposed deep network approach also suffers from the lack of accurate training data. In this article, we make the following contributions: First, we propose a synthetic training data generation method that simulates the real imaging process, with the most notable being that the exact sub‐pixel corner positions in the image become readily available. Second, we design a relatively simple deep network and train it using the synthetic data generated by the proposed method. Finally, because the exact sub‐pixel corner positions can be obtained in the proposed method, this article paves a way for objectively comparing different checkerboard corner detectors in terms of metrics such as the mean Euclidean location error. Experimental results using both synthetic and real data show that the proposed detector significantly outperforms typical methods, including the commonly used Matlab camera calibration toolbox, the OpenCV checkerboard corner detectors, and the more recently proposed deep learning‐based methods.
LBTS‐Net: A fast and accurate CNN model for brain tumour segmentation
Authors: Abdullah Mohammed A. M. , Alkassar Sinan , Jebur Bilal , Chambers Jonathon
Published: March 2021

An accurate tumour segmentation in brain images is a complicated task due to the complext structure and irregular shape of the tumour. In this letter, our contribution is twofold: (1) a lightweight brain tumour segmentation network (LBTS‐Net) is proposed for a fast yet accurate brain tumour segmentation; (2) transfer learning is integrated within the LBTS‐Net to fine‐tune the network and achieve a robust tumour segmentation. To the best of knowledge, this work is amongst the first in the literature which proposes a lightweight and tailored convolution neural network for brain tumour segmentation. The proposed model is based on the VGG architecture in which the number of convolution filters is cut to half in the first layer and the depth‐wise convolution is employed to lighten the VGG‐16 and VGG‐19 networks. Also, the original pixel‐labels in the LBTS‐Net are replaced by the new tumour labels in order to form the classification layer. Experimental results on the BRATS2015 database and comparisons with the state‐of‐the‐art methods confirmed the robustness of the proposed method achieving a global accuracy and a Dice score of 98.11% and 91%, respectively, while being much more computationally efficient due to containing almost half the number of parameters as in the standard VGG network.
Time‐dependent lane change trajectory optimisation considering comfort and efficiency for lateral collision avoidance
Authors: Li Xianyu , Guo Zhongyin , Su Donglan , Liu Qiang
Published: March 2021

Lateral collision is one of the top two accidents in the world and often occurs in the lane change. Trajectory optimisation is an effective method to solve traffic conflicts in the lane‐changing process. However, current trajectory optimisation methods are not friendly to human‐computer‐based driving assistance. This study proposes a time‐dependent lanechange trajectory optimisation considering comfort and efficiency. First, spacing constraints between the lane‐changing vehicle and surrounding vehicles are determined and quantified. Second, lane‐changing trajectory data are obtained by driving simulation experiments and extracted by data features. Third, a quintic multinomial model of lane‐changing trajectory is proposed. The results reveal that the predicted trajectory is close to the observed value. Then, the obtained trajectory is optimised by the objective function considering lane‐changing efficiency and comfort. Finally, a case study is used to demonstrate the application of the model. When a lane‐changing vehicle changes a lane at an initial speed of 90 km/h to the faster lane at the terminal speed of 110 km/h, the optimal lane‐changing time is 3.4 s, with the lateral acceleration 1.79 m/s2 and the maximum yaw angle 0.081 rad.
Evolution test by improved genetic algorithm with application to performance limit evaluation of automatic parallel parking system
Authors: Gao Feng , Zhang Qiang , Han Zaidao , Yang Yiheng
Published: March 2021

Performance limit evaluation of automatic driving system before putting into the market is critical for driving safety. The evolution test by genetic algorithm (GA) is a method by iteratively generating new test scenarios according to the last test results. To avoid its blind search for better efficiency, a scenario complexity index is proposed to measure the test effectiveness indirectly and guide the evolution process under the assumption that a complex scenario is more challenging to realise automatic driving. The traditional crossover and mutation operators are modified to generate more complex scenarios to improve the test efficiency. The advantage of the improved crossover/mutation operators in increasing the offspring's scenario complexity index is analysed in theory. Moreover, the influence of the design parameters on the evolution test process and the global convergence are also discussed. The new evolution test by this improved GA has been applied to find the collision condition of a parallel automatic parking system to validate its effectiveness.
Design of a compact microstrip balanced‐to‐balanced filtering power divider with real impedance‐transformation functionality
Authors: Wang Xuedao , Wang Min , Zhang Gang , Zhu Lei , Choi Wai‐Wa , Wang Jianpeng
Published: March 2021

A microstrip balanced‐to‐balanced filtering power divider (FPD) design with impedance transformation via a coupled three‐line balun structure is proposed. The even/odd mode‐analysis method is used to construct a three‐port balun bandpass filter (BPF) with stub‐loaded resonators and a three‐line output structure after analysis and design to prescribe the filtering response of a proposed balanced‐to‐balanced FPD. To realize good isolation between the differential output ports, a complex impedance‐isolation network is loaded by means of coupled lines in the input‐feeding section. Theoretical formulas characterized by the coupling factors are provided with a specified source and load impedance ratio under the condition of perfect impedance matching at the centre frequency. According to the calculated S‐parameters, design rules are summarized to determine the overall circuit size according to desired bandwidth and return loss. For validation, two balanced‐to‐balanced FPDs centred at 2.4 GHz with 50‐to‐50 Ω matching and 50‐to‐100 Ω transformation are designed, fabricated and tested. Good agreement between the simulated and tested results of the designed balanced‐to‐balanced impedance‐transforming FPDs indicates not only high common‐mode rejection but also good port‐to‐port isolation and good matching at all ports.
Dynamic augmentation of scattering cross‐section by a conducting polycylinder coated with varactor‐loaded metasurface
Authors: Shang Yuping , Wang Sihao , Liao Cheng , Hu Jiaqi
Published: March 2021

Through reconfigurable scattering pattern assisted by a varactor‐loaded polycylindrical metasurface, augmentation of backscattering as well as bistatic scattering cross‐section of a conducting polycylinder is presented in this study. The tunable reflection phase gradient and the resultant redirection of the dominant scattering that are enabled by the direct‐current‐biased varactors serve as the basis of the agile scattering pattern reconfiguration of the polycylindrical metasurface. To achieve compactness and facilitate biasing, the metasurface unit cell comprises an outer conducting grid frame and an inner rectangular conducting patch grounded with a via hole, while a surface‐mounted varactor is soldered across the gap between them. It is demonstrated that the polycylinder coated with the designed reconfigurable metasurface can generate scattering behaviour very similar to a conducting plate with specific dimensions and orientation towards the plane's electromagnetic wave incidence. As a result, augmentation relative to the polycylinder without coating is observed for both backscattering and bistatic scattering cross‐section. The agreement between simulated and measured scattering cross‐section results validates the observations.
Compact 3D‐printed reflector antenna for radar applications at K‐band
Authors: Reis João R. , Ribeiro Carlos , Caldeirinha Rafael F. S.
Published: March 2021

A compact parabolic reflector antenna aiming at radar applications in the K‐band is presented. It is mainly composed of a thermoplastic material and using classical additive techniques (also known as 3D printing), the proposed high‐gain antenna exhibits a novel and unique form factor, particularly of interest for applications with low payload capacity, for example unmanned aerial vehicles. The antenna is composed of four parts: (i) a paraboloid shape embodied in a supporting polylactic acid (PLA) material; (ii) a metallic coating applied to the paraboloid surface of (i), to enable it with electromagnetic reflecting properties; (iii) a PLA spacer that ensures the physical separation (i.e. focal distance) between parts (i) and (iv) and, finally, (iv) a microstrip patch antenna with a reduced ground plane to reduce feed blockage. Subsequently to an overview on the theoretical formulation of parabolic reflector antennas, an antenna targeting 20 dBi and a minimum bandwidth of 500 MHz operating in the 24 GHz ISM radar band have been dimensioned, optimised in CST Microwave Studio and validated against measurements performed on a physical prototype. The simulation and experimental results are in good agreement with the prototype yielding 18.3 dBi of gain and 2.2 GHz of useful bandwidth, clearly demonstrating the potential of the proposed antenna design.
Research and verification of similar laws in valveless piezoelectric micropumps
Authors: He Xiuhua , Shan Chunming , Yang Hang
Published: March 2021

Due to the constraints of actual conditions, large‐scale research and analysis of micropumps are difficult to achieve. In this paper, the micropump is divided into a vibrating part and a flowing part through a similar theory research method, and the two parts of the mathematical model are simplified and dimensionless‐processed. Then, the similar relationship between the prototype machine and the model machine is proposed, the conversion relationship between the prototype machine and the model machine is obtained. In order to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis, this paper uses ANSYS CFX analysis software to perform numerical analysis on a pair of prototype machines and model machines when the angle of diffusion and contraction is 30°. The size ratio of the prototype and model is 1/2. At the same time, experiments were used to verify the accuracy of numerical analysis by comparing the experimental value and the simulated value of the micropump outlet flow when the frequency is 100 Hz and the voltages are 25Vpp, 50Vpp, 75Vpp, 100Vpp, and 125Vpp. The results obtained by numerical simulation and experimental methods are consistent with theoretical analysis, thus verifying the accuracy of similar theories. The research results can provide the theoretical basis for the experimental research of the piezoelectric pump and also provide guidance for the design of the piezoelectric pump