bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CO2‐Based Carbamate Synthesis Utilizing Reusable Polymer‐Supported DBU
Authors: Mora Vargas Jorge Andrés , Burtoloso Antonio C. B.
Published: August 2023

The present study highlights a novel and advantageous protocol for accessing carbamates through the well‐established three‐component coupling reaction involving CO2, amines, and alkyl halides. By employing an immobilized organic base, operating under mild reaction conditions, an array of alkyl carbamates in yields of up to 95 % could be isolated. This approach offers a broad and versatile product scope, allowing for the facile modification of both the amine and alkyl halide reactants. Notably, the pioneering use of an immobilized organic base, specifically the polymer‐supported 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (PS‐DBU), in this three‐component reaction eliminates the need for classical purification steps, streamlining the process. To ensure practicality and sustainability, extensive studies were conducted to verify the recovery and reusability of the polymer‐supported DBU catalyst, which consistently maintained the high chemical yield of the carbamates across multiple cycles. Overall, this innovative protocol represents a significant advancement in carbamate synthesis, combining efficiency, generality, and the potential for DBU recycling.
Ammonia Synthesis on Ternary LaSi‐based Electrides: Tuning the Catalytic Mechanism by the Third Metal
Authors: Li Hongchen , Gong Yutong , Yang Hongliang , Yang Xiao , Li Ke , Wang Junjie , Hosono Hideo
Published: August 2023

Intermetallic electrides have recently drawn considerable attention due to their unique electronic structure and high catalytic performance for the activation of inert chemical bonds under mild conditions. However, the relationship between electride (anionic) electron abundance and catalytic performance is undefined; the key deciding factor for the performance of intermetallic electride catalysts remains to be addressed. Here, the secret behind electride catalysts La−TM−Si (TM=Co, Fe and Mn) with the same crystal structure but different anionic electrons was studied. Unexpectedly, LaCoSi with the least anionic electrons showed the best catalytic activity. The experiments and first‐principles calculations showed that the electride anions promote the N2 dissociation which alters the rate‐determining step (RDS) for ammonia synthesis on the studied electrides. Different reaction mechanisms were found for La−TM−Si (TM=Fe, Co) and LaMnSi. A dual‐site module was revealed for LaCoSi and LaFeSi, in which transition metals were available for the N2 dissociation and La accelerates the NHx formation, respectively, breaking the Sabatier scaling relation. For LaMnSi, which is the most efficient for the N2 activation, the activity for ammonia synthesis is limited and confined by the scaling relations. The findings provide new insight into the working mechanism of intermetallic electrides.
H‐infinity loop shaping control of wireless power transfer system based on generalized state space averaging model
Authors: Tang Zheren , Xiao Wenxun , Zhang Bo , Qiu Dongyuan , Xie Fan , Chen Yanfeng
Published: August 2023

The transmission distance and the output load of wireless power transfer (WPT) system are particularly prone to change, which results in higher requirements for the robustness and dynamic performance of the control. In order to reduce the influence of these characteristics, an H∞ loop shaping controller based on generalized state space averaging (GSSA) method is proposed in this paper. Based on the GSSA model, an appropriate compensation function is constructed for the WPT system to the target loop transfer function. The nominal coprime factorization of WPT system is carried out, and on this basis, H∞ controller is achieved by Riccati equation to minimize the infinite norm from disturbance to error output. The designed controller meets the requirements of robust. Furthermore, the obtained high‐order controller is discretized by a reasonable discretization method, and the details and limitations of its practical application are discussed based on the hardware computational capacity. The experimental results show that the proposed controller has better robustness and dynamic performance and flexibility than the mixed sensitivity H∞ controller and the Z‐N PI controller.
Malignant mesothelioma cells with characteristic intracytoplasmic vacuolization and lipids
Authors: Morito Satoshi , Yasui Hiroshi , Itoh Tomoo , Kamoshida Shingo , Ohsaki Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

In this brief report, we described some uncommon cytomorphological features of malignant mesothelioma (MM) cells in pleural effusions. The tumor cells exhibited abundant cytoplasmic vacuolization, with presence of single or multiple eccentric nuclei in several cells. In the Giemsa‐stained smear, we observed a glossy spherical material in some cells, which tested positive in Sudan III stain. In immunocytochemical analysis, tumor cells were positive for calretinin, podoplanin, epithelial membrane antigen, and methylthioadenosine phosphorylase; tumor cells were negative for BRCA1‐associated protein 1, CD68, and desmin. The intracytoplasmic vacuoles were positive for adipophilin expression.
The histologic outcomes of indeterminate thyroid nodules with rat sarcoma mutations: A case series
Authors: Jones MacKenzie , Abendano Dorbin G. , Turner Matthew , Sullivan Christopher , Reyes Maria Cecilia D.
Published: August 2023

Molecular testing is an adjunct test for thyroid fine needle aspirations with indeterminate diagnoses, with certain mutations showing a greater risk of malignancy (ROM). Rat sarcoma (RAS) point mutations are the most common alterations in indeterminate thyroid nodules. While they can have a high ROM, they are also found in benign disease. This study describes the histologic outcomes of indeterminate nodules with RAS mutations. Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules with ThyroSeq results showing RAS mutations (NRAS, KRAS, and HRAS) were identified between November 1, 2018 and February 28, 2023. Baseline patient characteristics, ThyroSeq results, and surgical diagnoses were collected. We identified 18 nodules with RAS mutations from 17 patients. Fourteen were NRAS (isolated NRAS in 6; NRAS with other abnormalities [NRAS+] in 8); one was isolated KRAS; and three were HRAS with other abnormalities (HRAS+). NRAS Q16R was the most common amino acid change. Twelve cases had follow‐up. Two were malignant, a minimally invasive follicular carcinoma (NRAS+) and a papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular variant (HRAS+). Three were noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary‐like nuclear features (NIFTP), 2 HRAS+ and 1 NRAS+. Four were follicular adenomas, one being atypical (3 NRAS+ and one isolated NRAS). One was an oncocytic adenoma (isolated NRAS). Two were nodular hyperplasias (isolated NRAS and NRAS+, respectively). Twenty‐eight percent of our RAS‐mutated nodules were malignant or NIFTP. All three HRAS‐mutated nodules were malignant or NIFTP. The three isolated RAS mutations with follow up were benign (adenomas or nodular hyperplasia). These findings were in line with the literature.
Realization of a database‐driven PID control system using a CMAC memory
Authors: Li Zhifeng , Guan Zhe , Yamamoto Toru , Omatu Sigeru
Published: August 2023

As a nonlinear control approach, a database‐driven PID (DD‐PID) controller has been proposed that uses distance calculations of an initial database to tune PID parameters. However, sorting operations are required in extracting neighborhood data from the database, which imposes a large computational load. Therefore, it is impossible to finish this computation within a restricted sampling period in control systems with fast response time and insufficient memory capacity. On the other hand, the cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) has advantages for these problems and has similar constructs to the DD approach. Therefore, this paper combines advantages of these two approaches, and proposes a CMAC‐PID controller design based on off‐line optimization of a database. Finally, a comparison with conventional off‐line CMAC‐PID controller and DD‐PID controller through simulations are considered.
Accessibility of Lithium Cations in VSH‐2 Zeotype: Structural Effects and Formation of Protonated Water Clusters
Authors: Danisi Rosa Micaela , Fischer Michael
Published: August 2023

The accessibility of lithium cations in microporous vanadosilicate VSH‐2Cs of composition Cs2(VO)(Si6O14) ⋅ 3H2O was investigated by Single Crystal X‐ray Diffraction, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory calculations. The topological symmetry of VSH‐2Cs is described in space group Cmca. After Li‐ion exchange, the structure of VSH‐2Li adopted monoclinic symmetry (space group C2/c) with a=17.011(2) Å, b=8.8533(11) Å, c=12.4934(16) Å, β=91.677(4)°, V=1880.7(4) Å3. The strong interactions between Li ions and oxygen‐framework atoms drive the main deformation mechanism, which is based on cooperative rotation of SiO4 and VO5 units around their oxygen atoms that behave as hinges. Exchange of Cs+ by Li+ is incomplete and accompanied by the formation of protonated species to counterbalance the electrostatic charge. The incorporation of protons is mediated by the presence of water dimers in the structural channels. H2O molecules in VSH‐2Li account not only as “space‐fillers” after the removal of large Cs ions but also mediate proton transfer to compensate the negative charge of the host vanadosilicate framework.
Vanadium(IV)‐oxo Corrole Catalyzed Selective Oxidative Cleavage of Alkenes to Aldehydes
Authors: Nayak Panisha , Nayak Manisha , Kar Subhajit , Kar Sanjib
Published: August 2023

A practical and efficient protocol for oxidative cleavage of olefinic bonds especially in arylated olefins has been demonstrated. Herein, an oxo[5,10,15‐tris(4‐nitrophenyl)corrolato]vanadium (IV) complex (cat.), has been successfully synthesized and the existence of two tautomeric forms of this complex in solution has been established. Oxo[5,10,15‐tris(4‐nitrophenyl)corrolato]vanadium (IV) (cat.) in the presence of H2O2 cleaves olefinic bonds to yield the corresponding aldehyde compounds. In general, a high valent, oxo‐(porphyrinoid)‐metal complex catalyzes the epoxide formation reactions, however, in the present case, we have observed the exclusive formation of aldehydes. The reaction offered aryl aldehydes with good yields and excellent selectivity. A mechanism was also proposed for these catalysis reactions.
Challenges and needs of epilepsy management in primary care (from the perspective of family physicians/general practitioners): A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Çelik Özla , Apaydın Kaya Çiğdem
Published: August 2023

Objective

Family physicians are expected to have sufficient knowledge and skills in epilepsy management due to frequent encountering with epileptic patients for prescribing antiepileptics, providing preventive services such as vaccination, pre‐conceptional counseling, or managing acute health problems of the patients. This study aimed to determine family physicians' challenges and needs regarding managing epilepsy in primary care.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out with the family physicians working in Family Health Centers representing the four districts of Istanbul in 2020. After enrolling sociodemographic characteristics, epilepsy knowledge, and self‐efficacy questionnaire were filled out by the physicians themselves, and the difficulties and needs in the follow‐up of the patients with epilepsy were evaluated with open‐ended questions.

Results

Two hundred and twenty‐eight physicians participated in the study (48.7% F; mean age: 43.06 ± 8.82). Most of the physicians reported that they feel incompetent and hesitated while providing health reports (driving [83.3%], sport [95.5%] or work [70.2%]), and prescribing antiepileptics, especially during pregnancy (38.2%) and breastfeeding (31.2%). Despite their high awareness of psychosocial problems in epileptic patients, only 25% of physicians stated that they could make psychosocial assessments. There was no correlation between Epilepsy Knowledge and Self‐efficacy scores and physicians' age, graduation period, and family medicine experience (p > .05). Most frequently encountered difficulties were reported as epilepsy‐specific (follow‐up of pregnant or pediatric patients, lack of information about epilepsy and antiepileptics). Most physicians (82.6%) wanted training in epilepsy management.

Significance

The findings of our study suggest that family physicians need knowledge and training in epilepsy management. The main limitation of the present study is its cross‐sectional design, which does not allow for causal or directional inferences.
Evaluation of schedule thinning following treatment for aggression maintained by access to higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior
Authors: Fernand Jonathan K. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Slocum Sarah K. , Baker Simms Catherine , Peters Kerri P.
Published: August 2023

One of the diagnostic characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorders includes engaging in restricted and repetitive behavior. Research has shown that individuals will often display problem behavior when access to restricted and repetitive behavior is blocked. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the use of functional communication training and schedule thinning to treat aggression displayed by three children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders when higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior was blocked. Further, we assessed whether all steps in a schedule‐thinning sequence were necessary as well as extended the practicality of these procedures by removing the continuous signal during the delay to reinforcement. The results indicated that functional communication with schedule thinning reduced aggression related to blocking access to engaging in higher level restrictive and repetitive behavior for all participants.
Novel targets of β‐TrCP cooperatively accelerate carbohydrate and fatty acid consumption
Authors: Joo Hyun Jeong , D'Alessandro Matthew , Oh Gaeun , Han Sora , Kim Woo Jung , Chung Ga Eun , Jang Youjeong , Lee Jung Bok , Lee Choogon , Yang Young
Published: August 2023

Cellular energy is primarily produced from glucose and fat through glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) followed by the tricarboxylic acid cycle in mitochondria; energy homeostasis is carefully maintained via numerous feedback pathways. In this report, we uncovered a new master regulator of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. When ubiquitin E3 ligase β‐TrCP2 was inducibly knocked out in β‐TrCP1 knockout adult mice, the resulting double knockout mice (DKO) lost fat mass rapidly. Biochemical analyses of the tissues and cells from β‐TrCP2 KO and DKO mice revealed that glycolysis, FAO, and lipolysis were dramatically upregulated. The absence of β‐TrCP2 increased the protein stability of metabolic rate‐limiting enzymes including 6‐phosphofructo‐2‐kinase/fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphatase (PFKFB3), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), and carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase (CACT). Our data suggest that β‐TrCP is a potential regulator for total energy homeostasis by simultaneously controlling glucose and fatty acid metabolism and that targeting β‐TrCP could be an effective strategy to treat obesity and other metabolic disorders.
Divided stimulus control depends on differential and nondifferential reinforcement: Testing a quantitative model
Authors: Gomes‐Ng Stephanie , Cowie Sarah , Elliffe Douglas
Published: August 2023

We investigated the effects of differential and nondifferential reinforcers on divided control by compound‐stimulus dimensions. Six pigeons responded in a delayed matching‐to‐sample procedure in which a blue or yellow sample stimulus flashed on/off at a fast or slow rate, and subjects reported its color or alternation frequency. The dimension to report was unsignaled (Phase 1) or signaled (Phase 2). Correct responses were reinforced with a probability of .70, and the probability of reinforcers for errors varied across conditions. Comparison choice depended on reinforcer ratios for correct and incorrect responding; as the frequency of error reinforcers according to a dimension increased, control (measured by log d) by that dimension decreased and control by the other dimension increased. Davison and Nevin's (1999) model described data when the dimension to report was unsignaled, whereas model fits were poorer when it was signaled, perhaps due to carryover between conditions. We are the first to test this quantitative model of divided control with reinforcers for errors and when the dimension to report is signaled; hence, further research is needed to establish the model's generality. We question whether divided stimulus control is dimensional and suggest it may instead reflect joint control by compound stimuli and reinforcer ratios.
Minimal bricks with the maximum number of edges
Authors: Feng Xing , Yan Weigen
Published: August 2023

A 3‐connected graph is a brick if, after the removal of any two distinct vertices, the resulting graph has a perfect matching. A brick is minimal if, for every edge , deleting results in a graph that is not a brick. Norine and Thomas proved that every minimal brick with vertices, which is distinct from the prism or the wheel on four, six, or eight vertices, has at most edges. In this paper, we characterize the extremal minimal bricks with vertices that meet this upper bound, and we prove that the number of extremal graphs equals if , 5 if , 10 if and 0 if , respectively.
To degas or not to degas? The effectiveness of pharmaceuticals in reducing the impact of bowel volume variations during liver SBRT treatment
Authors: Haslam Phoebe , Brown Elizabeth , Burbery Julie , Hargrave Catriona , Lee Yoo Young
Published: August 2023

The indications for liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) continue to expand in the management of liver cancer due to the improved rates of local control with acceptable normal tissue toxicity. Changes in internal anatomy, such as the bowel, may negatively impact the precision of treatment delivery of SBRT liver treatment by influencing daily image matching. Institutions have developed various approaches to promoting bowel volume consistency. One such strategy is the administration of pharmaceuticals. The administration of pharmaceuticals, such as Simethicone, has been adopted by the Princess Alexandra Hospital Radiation Oncology Department (ROPAIR) as a method to promote consistency in the amount of bowel gas observed in liver cancer patients. This case series examines a group of patients treated at ROPAIR with liver SBRT to determine whether current practices effectively reduce the impact of bowel volume variations for liver cancer patients. Initial observations from this hypothesis generating research suggest potential improved consistency of the small bowel's anatomical position for liver SBRT patients who were administered Simethicone (Bowel bag dice similarity coefficient – Simethicone group = 0.79–0.92, Standard group = 0.24–0.93). However, it appeared that this strategy alone may not be entirely effective achieving consistency in the amount of bowel gas present throughout the duration of treatment. Further investigation into the refinement of liver SBRT pre‐treatment preparation is therefore recommended.
Longevity and other practical benefits of monolithic silica columns in the analysis of samples with complex matrices
Authors: Chocholouš Petr , Matoušová Kateřina , Šatínský Dalibor , Krčmová Lenka Kujovská , Sklenářová Hana
Published: August 2023

At the turn of the millennium, the monolithic columns invoked new chances in HPLC. Even more than their organic polymer‐based siblings, the inorganic silica‐based monoliths targeted the territory of classical fully porous particle‐packed columns, promising many benefits. Based on the number of published articles, the monoliths attracted academics just in the first few years after their introduction to the market. Lately, as superficially porous particles and sub‐2‐micron fully porous particles dominated the market, they stayed in the focus of routine laboratories and those who really appreciated the high porosity of the monolithic bed. The monoliths' practical benefits cannot be easily traced in the literature when they gradually lose academics' interest. Nevertheless, after more than 20 years of our experience, we still favor silica monoliths for their low back pressure and longevity when analyzing samples of clinical, pharmaceutical, and environmental origin. At the same time, the high permeability of monoliths enabled the birth of sequential injection chromatography, the medium‐pressure separation technique based on the flexible flow manifold.

This minireview aims to check, discuss, and summarize the practical aspects of monolithic silica columns in HPLC and medium‐pressure sequential injection chromatography (SIC) that may not be visible at first sight but are evident retrospectively.
Efficacy of Multiple Modified Methods of Criteria for LR‐M Liver Nodules of Different Sizes
Authors: Lin Weizhen , He Na , Zeng Qingjin , Wu Lili , Qiu Shaodong , Zheng Rongqin
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic performance of the modified LR‐M method of CEUS LI‐RADS version 2017 with nodules of different sizes.

Methods

This retrospective study included consecutive patients with high risk for HCC who underwent CEUS between 2019 and 2021, demonstrating an LR‐M observed using CEUS LI‐RADS version 2017. Four modified LR‐M methods were used to evaluate nodules of different sizes. The diagnostic performances of the four modified LR‐M methods were assessed in LR‐M nodules of different sizes by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The 261 patients with LR‐M observations included 166 HCCs and 95 non‐HCCs. A total of 133 nodules were <30 mm and defined as group A, 78 nodules were 30–50 mm in size and defined as group B, and 50 nodules were >50 mm and defined as group C. The AUCs between criterion I, II, III, and IV were not significantly different in all LR‐M nodules. The AUCs of the ROC curves between criterion I, II, III, and IV were not significantly different in group A. However, the AUC of criterion IV was significantly higher than that of criterion I and III in group B, and the AUCs of criterion I and criterion III were both not significant in group B; the AUC of criterion IV was not significant in group C.

Conclusions

The modified LR‐M method could moderate the detection effectiveness in differentiating HCC from other lesions. According to tumor size, the selection of appropriate modified LR‐M diagnostic criteria could effectively improve the diagnostic performance of LR‐M.
Somatic anxiety in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux
Authors: Kang Jeong Wook , Lee Min Kyeong , Lee Young Chan , Ko Seong‐gyu , Eun Young‐Gyu
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and anxiety in patients with LPR.

Design

Prospective, case–control study.

Setting

This study was conducted at a tertiary care center.

Participants

Sixty‐four patients with LPR and 60 healthy controls.

Methods

Patients with LPR and healthy individuals (N = 64 and N = 60) were enrolled in this study. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and reflux symptom index (RSI) were used to evaluate anxiety and reflux‐related symptoms, respectively. The BAI can be classified into somatic and subjective symptom scales. The prevalence of anxiety was compared between patients with LPR and healthy individuals. This study evaluated the relationship between BAI and RSI scores.

Results

No statistical difference was found in the prevalence of anxiety between patients with LPR and healthy individuals (42.2% vs. 33.3%). However, the somatic anxiety symptom score was statistically higher in patients with LPR than in healthy individuals (p = .047). We observed a correlation between RSI and somatic anxiety scores of BAI in patients with LPR (rho = 0.286, p = .021).

Conclusion

Patients with LPR had more severe somatic anxiety symptoms, and somatic anxiety was associated with their LPR‐related symptoms.
Vagus Nerve Ultrasonography Helps Distinguish Multiple System Atrophy from Other Parkinsonian Syndromes
Authors: Oura Kazumasa , Yamaguchi Takashi , Nozaki Ryota , Taguchi Keita , Suzuki Yoshio , Takahashi Kai , Takahashi Kenta , Iwaoka Kazuhiro , Takahashi Makoto , Itabashi Ryo , Maeda Tetsuya
Published: August 2023

Background

Distinguishing multiple system atrophy from other parkinsonian syndromes is challenging.

Objectives

To evaluate vagus nerve ultrasonography for differentiating parkinsonian syndromes.

Methods

A single‐center, cross‐sectional, observational study assessed 85 consecutive adult patients with de novo parkinsonism between June 2020 and December 2022, using 12 MHz ultrasonography of the vagus nerve cross‐sectional area.

Results

Bilateral vagus nerves were smaller in multiple system atrophy than in other parkinsonian syndromes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for differentiating multiple system atrophy was 0.79 on the right side and 0.74 on the left. The cut‐off values to diagnose multiple system atrophy were 0.71 and 0.86 mm2 on the right and left sides, respectively, with sensitivities of 82.6% and 87.0%, specificities of 74.2% and 64.5%, positive predictive values of 54% and 47.6%, and negative predictive values of 92.0% and 93.0%.

Conclusions

Vagus nerve ultrasonography may differentiate multiple system atrophy from other parkinsonian syndromes.
A comparison of non‐negative matrix underapproximation methods for the decomposition of magnetic resonance spectroscopy data from human brain tumors
Authors: Ungan Gulnur , Arús Carles , Vellido Alfredo , Julià‐Sapé Margarida
Published: August 2023

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an MR technique that provides information about the biochemistry of tissues in a noninvasive way. MRS has been widely used for the study of brain tumors, both preoperatively and during follow‐up. In this study, we investigated the performance of a range of variants of unsupervised matrix factorization methods of the non‐negative matrix underapproximation (NMU) family, namely, sparse NMU, global NMU, and recursive NMU, and compared them with convex non‐negative matrix factorization (C‐NMF), which has previously shown a good performance on brain tumor diagnostic support problems using MRS data. The purpose of the investigation was 2‐fold: first, to ascertain the differences among the sources extracted by these methods; and second, to compare the influence of each method in the diagnostic accuracy of the classification of brain tumors, using them as feature extractors. We discovered that, first, NMU variants found meaningful sources in terms of biological interpretability, but representing parts of the spectrum, in contrast to C‐NMF; and second, that NMU methods achieved better classification accuracy than C‐NMF for the classification tasks when one class was not meningioma.
Map‐based B0 shimming for single voxel brain spectroscopy at 7T
Authors: Pan Jullie W. , Terpstra Melissa J. , Moon Chan‐Hong , Hetherington Hoby P.
Published: August 2023

While B0 shimming is an important requirement for in vivo brain spectroscopy, for single voxel spectroscopy (SVS), the role for advanced shim methods has been questioned. Specifically, with the small spatial dimensions of the voxel, the extent to which inhomogeneities higher than second order exist and the ability of higher order shims to correct them is controversial. To assess this, we acquired SVS from two loci of neurophysiological interest, the rostral prefrontal cortex (rPFC; 8 cc) and hippocampus (Hc; 9 cc). The rPFC voxel was placed using SUsceptibility Managed Optimization (SUMO) and an initial B0 map that covers the entire cerebrum to cerebellum. In each location, we compared map‐based shimming (Bolero) with projection‐based shimming (FAST(EST)MAP). We also compared vendor‐provided spherical harmonic first‐ and second‐order shims with additional third‐ and fourth‐order shim hardware. The 7T SVS acquisition used stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) TR/TM/TE of 6 s/20 ms/8 ms, a tissue water acquisition for concentration reference, and LCModel for spectral analysis. In the rPFC (n = 7 subjects), Bolero shimming with first‐ and second‐order shims reduced the residual inhomogeneity
from 9.8 ± 4.5 Hz with FAST(EST)MAP to 6.5 ± 2.0 Hz. The addition of third‐ and fourth‐order shims further reduced
to 4.0 ± 0.8 Hz. In the Hc (n = 7 subjects), FAST(EST)MAP, Bolero with first‐ and second‐order shims, and Bolero with first‐ to fourth‐order shims achieved
values of 8.6 ± 1.9, 5.6 ± 1.0, and 4.6 ± 0.9 Hz, respectively. The spectral linewidth,
, was estimated with a Voigt lineshape using
and T2 = 130 ms.
significantly correlated with the Cramer–Rao lower bounds and concentrations of several metabolites, including glutamate and glutamine in the rPFC. In both loci, if the B0 distribution is well described by a Gaussian model, the variance of the metabolite concentrations is reduced, consistent with the LCModel fit based on a unimodal lineshape. Overall, the use of the high order and map‐based B0 shim methods improved the accuracy and consistency of spectroscopic data.
Development of silver nanoparticles based on the method using quince seed mucilage for ascorbic acid determination
Authors: Beğiç Nilay
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Nanoparticles are used in various fields such as chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, and food science since they provide higher sensitivity than traditional optical detection methods. Recently, synthesis of nanomaterials using green chemistry has become popular. Many phytochemical components are used in the synthesis of nanoparticles, including vitamins, proteins, polysaccharides, glycosides, essential oils and phenolic compounds.

Objective

A novel green nanotechnology‐based method using quince seed mucilage (QSM) was designed for the determination of ascorbic acid in pharmaceutical preparations. QSM, a natural polysaccharide, was used as a bioreducing and stabilizing reagent in the proposed silver nanoparticle (SNP)‐based method.

Method

In the first stage of the developed method, silver(I) is reduced to silver(0) via QSM and spherical, homogeneous SNPs were prepared (QSM‐SNPs). In the second stage of the developed method, SNPs nuclei were enlarged with the addition of ascorbic acid. The developed method was validated by performance parameters (linearity, recovery, and precision). Ascorbic acid determination was performed by measuring increase in absorbance at 420 nm.

Results

The limit of detection and limit of quantification for ascorbic acid were, respectively, found to be at 0.27 and 0.90 μM. The QSM‐SNP‐based method was successfully applied to effervescent tablets containing ascorbic acid. The standards of the excipients frequently used in pharmaceutical preparations did not interfere with the developed method.

Conclusion

The developed QSM‐SNP‐based method satisfies the requirements of green nanotechnology. The developed QSM‐SNP‐based method is simple, fast, eco‐friendly and low‐cost.
Risk factors for readmission of patients with amputation to acute care from inpatient rehabilitation: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chang Chin‐Hen , Lopez Kevin , Wasser Thomas , Mei Haiping
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Amputation is a major condition that requires inpatient rehabilitation. Some research has been conducted to explore the risk factors for readmission of patients from inpatient rehabilitation facilities to acute care hospitals. However, few studies have included patients with amputation in the study population.

Objective

To identify the risk factors for readmission of patients with amputation to acute care hospitals from an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An acute rehabilitation hospital associated with a community‐based tertiary medical center.

Patients

A retrospective review of 156 independent admissions of 145 patients from June 2019 to July 2022.

Main Outcome Measure

The study outcome measure was readmission to acute care from an acute rehabilitation unit.

Results

Of the 156 independent admissions, the readmission rate was 19% (29/156). The most common cause of transfer was incision‐site complications (9/29, 31%), including wound infection and wound dehiscence. Patients with amputation readmitted to acute care are more likely to be receiving dialysis (p < .001), have a longer length of stay in acute care before admission to the rehabilitation facility (p = .039), and have a lower Section GG score on admission (p < .001). Age, sex, ethnicity, amputation level, and history of diabetes mellitus were not associated with acute care hospital readmission. The logistic regression model revealed that patients being on dialysis was the only significant risk factor predictive of readmission to acute care (odds ratio [OR] 4.82, p = .006).

Conclusions

This study showed that incision‐site complications were the most common cause of disruption in inpatient rehabilitation via acute hospital readmission in patients with amputation. Being on dialysis was associated with a higher risk of readmission to acute care hospitals. Based on the results of this study, specific rehabilitation plans might be required for patients with amputation who carry certain risk factors to reduce rehospitalization to the acute care unit.
Reassessing the presence of alien predatory mites and their prospects in the face of future climate change
Authors: Liao Jhih‐Rong , Chiu Ming‐Chih , Kuo Mei‐Hwa
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Climate change poses uncertainties in the effectiveness of classical biological control (CBC), and there is a lack of information on the establishment of natural enemy populations under present and future climatic conditions. The objective is to explore current traces of two alien predators (Neoseiulus californicus and Neoseiulus fallacis; introduced for the CBC program in the 1980s) and their future expansion under climate change in Taiwan.

RESULTS

The results indicated that N. californicus was present in alpine orchards (e.g., Lishan and Meifeng) but N. fallacis was not found. Under current climate condition, most areas in Taiwan were deemed highly suitable for N. californicus, but not for N. fallacis, which may explain the outcomes of the CBC program. With intensifying climate change, the ranges of both species are projected to contract to varying extents in Taiwan but expand in some countries.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study can provide insights for evaluating and developing future CBC programs worldwide, and can help predict the implications of climate change on biological control efforts. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
On the global stabilization of 6‐DOF quadrotors: A direct Lyapunov approach
Authors: Subaşı Evren , Türker Türker
Published: August 2023

Numerous linear and nonlinear controller structures are available to stabilize 6‐DOF quadrotors, however, those structures are capable of stabilizing the quadrotors in a local region only containing the hovering configuration. This article focuses on the design of a nonlinear controller to achieve the stabilization in large for these unmanned aerial vehicles in hovering configuration at the desired attitude. In this manner, a specific set of state variables is introduced to avoid the singularity problems. Afterwards, a candidate Lyapunov function is considered and the stability is proved based on that function by solving a set of ordinary and partial differential equations, the so‐called matching conditions. Then, the asymptotic stability of the desired configuration in 6‐DOF is proved using LaSalle's invariant set principle with the region of attraction containing almost all state space. Numerical simulation results are included to validate the feasibility of the proposed almost globally stabilizing controller.
Polysaccharides Based Biosensors for Medical Applications: Prospective and Future Aspects
Authors: Hasanin Mohamed S. , Saied Housni El , Kamel Samir
Published: August 2023

Biopolymers have attracted much of interest in various applications needed for sustainable and biodegradable solutions. Indeed, biopolymers lessen the requirement for petroleum‐based resources, municipal solid waste output, and carbon dioxide emissions. Polysaccharides are a unique category of biopolymers that are especially characteristic such as biocompatibility and editability. Polysaccharides functionalization plays a significant role in various applications and their suitability for additive applications. Sensor‐based polysaccharides are widely used with many drawbacks localized in durability, moldability, and sensitivity. Otherwise, biosensors are devices monitoring a specimen's biological phenomena or measurements, usually not disposable devices. For that, biosensors are needed urgently to address the high cost of disposable supplies in the medical diagnostic industry, which span many elements of medical diagnostic applications. Additionally, manipulating of polysaccharide‐based materials is considered accessible and usable and requires low equipment requirements. Herein, the main features of polysaccharides will be discussed, along with potential applications as biosensors for medical diagnosis and new lines of inquiry with such focus on the main required to formulate polysaccharides biosensors.
Optimization of Aqueous Two‐Phase Extraction of Polysaccharides from Hawthorn by Response Surface Methodology Coupled with Genetic Algorithm and Its Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Sang Yumei , Hao Zitong , Dai Shasha , Gao Yuchao , Ge Shaoqin , Xue Hongkun
Published: August 2023

Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge.) contains various active components including polysaccharides, polyphenols, vitamin, phenolic acid, etc. Polysaccharides are one of the most critical active components in hawthorn, which exhibits different biological activities such as immunomodulatory antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and other activities. Hence, the main purpose of this paper is to optimize the aqueous two‐phase extraction (UTPE) of polysaccharides from hawthorn via a response surface methodology coupled genetic algorithm (RSM‐GA) and then evaluate its antioxidant activity through free radicals scavenging experiments. The results show that the optimal extraction conditions to achieve the maximum polysaccharides yield (6.42 ± 0.08)% from hawthorn by UTPE is obtained under the mass fraction of ammonium sulfate of 11%, extraction temperature of 57 °C, liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 33 mL g−1, ethanol concentration of 26%, and extraction time of 30 min, and the relative error between the experimental value and the theoretical value is 4.56%. The antioxidant capacity is enhanced with the increase of hawthorn polysaccharides (HPs) concentration. However, the antioxidant activity of HPs is weaker than that of ascorbic acid. The results of this study provide a critical material basis for promoting the further research of HPs, and have certain significance for the deep processing and product development of hawthorn.
Optische Schichten und ihr Einfluss auf die Belastbarkeit flexibler Gläser
Authors: Langgemach Wiebke , Lorenz Georg , Täschner Kerstin , Neidhardt Jörg
Published: August 2023

Flexible Gläser mit Dicken unter 100 μm haben exzellente optische Eigenschaften. Aufgrund des sprödbrechenden Verhaltens sind Verarbeitungsschritte wie Reinigung, Vakuumbeschichtung und Handling allerdings herausfordernd. Entscheidend für die zuverlässige Prozessierung ist eine hohe Bruch‐ und Ermüdungsfestigkeit des Glases, insbesondere seiner Kante. Das Ermüdungsverhalten ist von großer Bedeutung, um Frühausfälle zu vermeiden, wurde allerdings bisher kaum betrachtet. Es wurde deshalb ein neues schrittweises Ermüdungstestverfahren entwickelt und das Ermüdungsverhalten von flexiblem Glas mit funktionalen Indiumzinnoxid‐ bzw. dielektrischen Antireflexbeschichtungen untersucht. Die Ermüdungsfestigkeit stieg durch die Beschichtungen in fast allen Fällen signifikant.

Mithilfe des vorgestellten Verfahrens können auch Ansätze zur Festigkeitssteigerung flexibler Gläser, z. B. durch Blitzlampentemperung, die Gegenstand aktueller Forschung sind, untersucht und validiert werden.
Experimental and computational analyses for advanced wastewater treatment by volcanic rocks
Authors: Ahmed Abdelkader T. , Farooq Qazi Umar
Published: August 2023

Treating and reusing wastewater is a promising alternative for the water shortage problem. The advanced treatment of such water can provide a good source for plant irrigation and other applications and reduce the demand for the available freshwater resources. This alternate is highly recommended for arid and semi‐arid counties. In this research, volcanic rock (VR) is introduced as an advanced and low‐cost treatment option for wastewater. The volcanic rock was adopted as an adsorption tool for removing impurities from the secondary treated wastewater effluents. The study relies on experimental work on a lab scale. Many parameters were investigated such as loose and compacted layered samples, and pretreated methods for the rocks including soaking in clean water or heating for different temperatures. Simulation work also was adopted to validate the experimental results. The study results showed a decline in most physiochemical properties of wastewater after adding VR compared with the control sample. A notable removable for the measurements of the biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from wastewater in the presence of VR was observed, which may introduce it as a tool for the advanced treatment of wastewater. The numerical results depicted the experimental data and reflected the effectiveness of the VR‐based geomaterial filter for the treatment of wastewater.

Practitioner Points

Prewashing process for volcanic rock (VR) exhibited an improvement in its removal efficiency ranged between 18% to 98% as for TDS and removal of NO3−, respectively.

Heating samples does not improve the removable properties of VR.

A notable removable for biological oxygen demand and COD by 96% and 99%, respectively, for some cases from wastewater, may introduce the VR as a tool for advanced treatment of wastewater.

The numerical test results are in consistent with the experimental behavior of the VR and reflect the effectiveness of the VR‐based geomaterial filter for the treatment of wastewater.
Pyrazolylpropanoate Complexes of Palladium(II) Chloride
Authors: Johnson Ryan , Liebing Phil , Musikanth Daniel P. , Regitz Stuart A. , Amenta Donna S. , Goldhahn Rüdiger , Edelmann Frank T. , Gilje John W.
Published: August 2023

The syntheses of the new ligands 3‐(pyrazol‐1‐yl)methylpropanoate (L1) and 3‐(2,4‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)methylpropanoate (L2) and their complexation with palladium(II) have been investigated. In our hands L1 is best prepared by a Michael addition catalyzed by Cs2CO3 and L2 by a catalyst‐ and solvent‐free reaction. Both L1 and L2 react with PdCl2(COD) to produce trans‐PdCl2(L1)2 (3) and trans‐PdCl2(L2)2 (4) respectively. The crystal structures of both new complexes have been determined. An isomerization has been observed when complex 4 is dissolved in CDCl3 or CD3CN. Kinetic data indicate that this is an equilibrium that is first order in both directions. We suggest this may be due to the isomerization of the trans‐ to the cis‐isomer. Their ease of preparation in nearly quantitative yields make the new ligands L1 and L2 potentially useful for further studies.
“They see me scrollin”—Lessons Learned from Investigating Shoulder Surfing Behavior and Attack Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Saad Alia , Liebers Jonathan , Schneegass Stefan , Gruenefeld Uwe
Published: August 2023

Mobile computing devices have become ubiquitous; however, they are prone to observation and reconstruction attacks. In particular, shoulder surfing, where an adversary observes another user’s interaction without prior consent, remains a significant unresolved problem. In the past, researchers have primarily focused their research on making authentication more robust against shoulder surfing—with less emphasis on understanding the attacker or their behavior. Nonetheless, understanding these attacks is crucial for protecting smartphone users’ privacy. This chapter aims to bring more attention to research that promotes a deeper understanding of shoulder surfing attacks. While shoulder surfing attacks are difficult to study under natural conditions, researchers have proposed different approaches to overcome this challenge. We compare and discuss these approaches and extract lessons learned. Furthermore, we discuss different mitigation strategies of shoulder surfing attacks and cover algorithmic detection of attacks and proposed threat models as well. Finally, we conclude with an outlook of potential next steps for shoulder surfing research.
Human-Centered Design for Data-Sparse Tailored Privacy Information Provision
Authors: Goram Mandy , Dehling Tobias , Morsbach Felix , Sunyaev Ali
Published: August 2023

One way to reduce privacy risks for consumers when using the internet is to inform them better about the privacy practices they will encounter. Tailored privacy information provision could outperform the current practice where information system providers do not much more than posting unwieldy privacy notices. Paradoxically, this would require additional collection of data about consumers’ privacy preferences—which constitute themselves sensitive information so that sharing them may expose consumers to additional privacy risks. This chapter presents insights on how this paradoxical interplay can be outmaneuvered. We discuss different approaches for privacy preference elicitation, the data required, and how to best protect the sensitive data inevitably to be shared with technical privacy-preserving mechanisms. The key takeaway of this chapter is that we should put more thought into what we are building and using our systems for to allow for privacy through human-centered design instead of static, predefined solutions which do not meet consumer needs.
Acceptance Factors of Privacy-Enhancing Technologies on the Basis of Tor and JonDonym
Authors: Pape Sebastian , Harborth David
Published: August 2023

This chapter provides information about acceptance factors of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) based on our research why users are using Tor and JonDonym, respectively. For that purpose, we surveyed 124 Tor users (Harborth and Pape 2020) and 142 JonDonym users (Harborth Pape 2020) and did a quantitative evaluation (PLS-SEM) on different user acceptance factors. We investigated trust in the PET and perceived anonymity (Harborth et al. 2021; Harborth et al. 2020; Harborth and Pape 2018), privacy concerns, and risk and trust beliefs (Harborth and Pape 2019) based on Internet Users Information Privacy Concerns (IUIPC) and privacy literacy (Harborth and Pape 2020). The result was that trust in the PET seems to be the major driver. Furthermore, we investigated the users’ willingness to pay or donate for/to the service (Harborth et al. 2019). In this case, risk propensity and the frequency of perceived improper invasions of users’ privacy were relevant factors besides trust in the PET. While these results were new in terms of the application of acceptance factors to PETs, none of the identified factors was surprising. To identify new factors and learn about differences in users’ perceptions between the two PETs, we also did a qualitative analysis of the questions if users have any concerns about using the PET, when they would be willing to pay or donate, which features they would like to have and why they would (not) recommend the PET (Harborth et al. 2021; Harborth et al. 2020). To also investigate the perspective of companies, we additionally interviewed 12 experts and managers dealing with privacy and PETs in their daily business and identified incentives and hindrances to implement PETs from a business perspective (Harborth et al. 2018).