bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Cr (VI) adsorption of functionalized polyimide fibers
Authors: Jia Wei , Du Jiang , Jiang Ming , Zhang Mengying , Han Enlin , Niu Hongqing , Wu Dezhen
Published: July 2022

In order to overcome the shortcomings of nanofiber membranes such as low mechanical properties and poor acid resistance, amino‐rich functionalized polyimide (PI)‐polyethyleneimine (PEI) fibers were successfully prepared in the study. The structure and morphology in each functionalization step were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), static contact angle, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. The adsorption kinetics analysis showed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo‐second‐order model, and the adsorption isotherm could be described better by the Langmuir model indicating the adsorption process was mainly chemical and homogeneous monolayer adsorption. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity based on the Langmuir model was about 50 mg g−1, and the calculated thermodynamic parameters demonstrated an endothermic process. Meantime, the PEI‐grafted PI fibers also exhibited good regeneration performance and stable tensile strength during recycling tests process. In the first 3 adsorption–desorption cycles, the removal efficiency and tensile strength of PI‐PEI fibers could be maintained up to 60.44% and 89.29% of the initial adsorption, respectively. This work achieved the function of removing Cr (VI) by combining the excellent high temperature resistance, acid resistance, and mechanical properties of PI fibers.
Erneuerung von Stahlbetonbrücken mithilfe von UHFB
Authors: Brühwiler Eugen
Published: July 2022

Mit dem zementgebundenen Ultra‐Hochleistungsfähigen Faserverbund‐Baustoff UHFB steht ein neuartiger Baustoff zur Verfügung, der sich durch hohe mechanische Festigkeiten und Dauerhaftigkeit auszeichnet. UHFB eignet sich für die Erneuerung bestehender Stahlbetonbrücken. Aufgrund der Erfahrungen mit zahlreichen Anwendungen werden in diesem Aufsatz die grundlegenden Entwurfskonzepte zum Schutz und zur Instandsetzung und Verstärkung von Stahlbetonbrücken entwickelt. Diese betreffen die Verbesserung der Dauerhaftigkeit sowie die Verstärkung von Fahrbahnplatten und Brückenträgern. Anhand von drei kürzlich ausgeführten Projekten wird die praktische Umsetzung der Entwurfskonzepte illustriert. Dabei wird aufgezeigt, dass die Erneuerung von Stahlbetonbrücken mithilfe von UHFB auch hinsichtlich der Nachhaltigkeit von Bauwerken bedeutend ist, da die in der Stahlbetonkonstruktion bereits verbauten Baustoffressourcen weiter genutzt werden.
The relevance of non‐financial disclosure in influencing the cost of capital: Empirical evidence from the agri‐food sector
Authors: Tarulli Annunziata , Morrone Domenico , Conte Danilo , Bussoli Candida , Russo Angeloantonio
Published: July 2022

The growing sensitivity of stakeholders towards health, food safety and environmental protection has pushed agri‐food companies to embrace a new way of doing business, making huge investments to reduce their impact on ecosystem. However, these efforts would be in vain if not properly communicated, especially to financial institutions and investors, as they are the fundamental and supportive stakeholders. Through non‐financial disclosure, indeed, this greater transparency would translate into benefits, such as creditworthiness, lower risks and costs of capital. From these considerations, this study aims at verifying to what extent the implementation of sustainability strategies can affect the overall cost of capital, observed in its dual form: debt and equity. In particular, through panel data analyses, it tested how non‐financial disclosure—measured by Bloomberg's disclosure scores—could influence the cost of capital of a sample of 73 international agricultural firms observed from 2015 to 2019. The results showed a significant and negative relationship, suggesting that a higher level of disclosure could be effective in lowering firms' financial burden. This study contributes to the literature on non‐financial disclosure and cost of capital as it studies this phenomenon in a sector in which previous research is limited.
Difficulty in continuing home care after informal caregiver was exposed to the COVID‐19: A case report
Authors: Sakamoto Ryo , Yoshida Makoto , Bhandari Divya , Miyatake Hirotomo , Kosaka Makoto , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Kami Masahiro , Ozaki Akihiko
Published: July 2022

Home care can present many challenges without management. During COVID‐19 pandemic, when an informal caregiver becomes infected and had to isolate themselves, finding another caregiver becomes extremely challenging. For terminally ill patients, who relies on other for even minor tasks, interruption of care could pose severe negative consequences.
Legionella pneumonia immediately after recovery from COVID‐19
Authors: Jingu Daisuke , Takahashi Hiroshi , Ubukata Satoshi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Horii Akira
Published: July 2022

We experienced a patient with Legionella pneumonia developing immediately after discharge from COVID‐19 recovery. Antibiotic treatment was successful. The source of Legiolella infection was proven to be bathtub water in this case. It is very important to accurately detect pathogens, particularly in the time of pandemics such as COVID‐19.
Cobalt Electrocatalyst on Fluorine Doped Carbon Cloth – a Robust and Partially Regenerable Anode for Water Oxidation
Authors: Das Biswanath , Toledo‐Carrillo Esteban Alejandro , Li Lin , Ye Fei , Chen Jianhong , Slabon Adam , Verho Oscar , Eriksson Lars , Göthelid Mats , Dutta Joydeep , Åkermark Björn
Published: July 2022

The low stability of the electrocatalysts at water oxidation (WO) conditions and the use of expensive noble metals have obstructed large‐scale H2 production from water. Herein, we report the electrocatalytic WO activity of a cobalt‐containing, water‐soluble molecular WO electrocatalyst [CoII(mcbp)(OH2)] (1) [mcbp2−=2,6‐bis(1‐methyl‐4‐(carboxylate)benzimidazol‐2‐yl)pyridine] in homogeneous conditions (overpotential of 510 mV at pH 7 phosphate buffer) and after anchoring it on pyridine‐modified fluorine‐doped carbon cloth (PFCC). The formation of cobalt phosphate was identified only after 4 h continuous oxygen evolution in homogeneous conditions. Interestingly, a significant enhancement of the stability and WO activity (current density of 5.4 mA/cm2 at 1.75 V) was observed for 1 after anchoring onto PFCC, resulting in a turnover (TO) of >3.6×103 and average TOF of 0.05 s−1 at 1.55 V (pH 7) over 20 h. A total TO of >21×103 over 8 days was calculated. The electrode allowed regeneration of∼ 85 % of the WO activity electrochemically after 36 h of continuous oxygen evolution.
Oxygen‐coordinated low‐nucleus cluster catalysts for enhanced electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Ji Jiapeng , Hou Yunpeng , Zhou Shiyu , Qiu Tong , Zhang Liang , Ma Lu , Qian Chao , Zhou Shaodong , Liang Chengdu , Ling Min
Published: July 2022

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) is closely related to the coordination environment of the active site. Oxygen‐coordinated atomic metal species bring about unique features beyond nitrogen‐coordinated atomic metal species due to the fact that the M–O bond is weaker than the M–N bond. Herein, a series of metal–oxygen–carbon structured low‐nucleus clusters (LNCs) are successfully anchored on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (M‐MWCNTs, M = Ni, Co, or Fe) through a foolproof low‐temperature gas transfer (300°C) method without any further treatment. The morphology and coordination configuration of the LNCs at the atomic level were confirmed by comprehensive characterizations. The synthetic Ni‐MWCNTs electrocatalyst features excellent OER activity and stability under alkaline conditions, transcending the performances of Co‐MWCNTs, Fe‐MWCNTs and RuO2. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the moderate oxidation of low‐nucleus Ni clusters changes the unoccupied orbital of Ni atoms, thereby lowering the energy barrier of the OER rate‐limiting step and making the OER process more energy‐efficient. This study demonstrates a novel versatile platform for large‐scale manufacturing of oxygen‐coordinated LNC catalysts.
Thermoelectric performance of Ni, Co, and Fe nanoparticles incorporated into their metal borates glassy matrices
Authors: Arafa Isam M. , Shatnawi Mazin Y. , Obeidallah Yousef N.
Published: July 2022

Here, we present our current attempt to intrinsically dope Ni0, Co0, and Fe0 nanoparticles within NiII‐, CoII‐, and FeII‐borate glassy matrices, respectively. The system was prepared by one‐pot reaction of the desired MTII salt with excess NaBH4 through an in‐situ reduction and hydrolysis processes to afford metallic MT0 nanoparticles dispersed into the MT‐BO3 matrix. The composition and structural characteristics of these MT0:MT‐BO3 materials were identified by thermal oxidation, ATR‐IR, X‐ray powder diffraction, and magnetic techniques as glassy/amorphous borate matrices containing magnetic nanoparticles. The electrical conductivity (σ) of cold‐pressed discs of these metal‐doped composites shows that they behave as nonohmic semiconductors within the temperature range of 303 ≤ T ≤ 373 K suggesting a mixed electronic‐ionic conduction. However, their thermal conductivity (κ) occurs through phonon lattice vibration dynamics rather than electronic. The σ/κ ratio shows a steep non‐linear increase from 9.4 to 270 KV−2 in Ni0:Ni‐BO3. In contrast, a moderate‐weak increase is observed for Co0:Co‐BO3 and Fe0:Fe‐BO3 analogs. The obtained materials are examined for thermoelectric (TE) applications by determining their Seebeck coefficient (S) power factor (PF), figure of merit (ZT), and conversion efficiency (η%). All the TE data shows that Ni0:Ni‐BO3 (S, 80 μVK−1; PF, 97.7 mWm−1 K−1; ZT 0.54; η, 2.15%) is a better TE semiconductor than the other two MT0:MT‐BO3. This finding shows that Ni0:Ni‐BO3 is a promising candidate to exploit low‐temperature waste heat from body heat, sunshine, and small domestic devices for small‐scale TE applications.
Energy‐efficient model using optimal route discovery based on adaptive spider monkey optimization model
Authors: Justus John Jean , Muthukrishnan Anuradha , Soundaram Jothi
Published: July 2022

During the past few years, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have created a substantial interest because of their capabilities namely, self‐healing and self‐organizing under restricted network resources. Numerous WSN‐based routing algorithms are implemented to perform well, but the energy consumption of every data packet and information loss is more. Due to the power restriction in the sensor nodes, energy consumption is regarded as the major issue in networks that need to be minimized to improve the network lifetime. Hence, to conquer these consequences, this paper aims to propose an adaptive spider monkey optimization (ASMO)‐based effective optimal routing path from various sensor nodes with enhanced network lifetime. Here an ASMO is employed in selecting an optimal routing path. In addition to this, the proposed ASMO algorithm is capable of selecting energy‐aware routes by energy consumption. It also chooses the routes with minimum end‐to‐end delay using the bare least hop count criteria, thus enhancing the network life span. The results of the proposed method are compared with other methods such as DMEERP, EGSMRP, EEIABC, and RACO. The results reveal that the proposed approach consumed less amount of energy; hence, network lifetime is more when compared with other approaches.
Ultralow‐Energy‐Barrier H2O2 Dissociation on Coordinatively Unsaturated Metal Centers in Binary Ce‐Fe Prussian Blue Analogue for Efficient and Stable Photo‐Fenton Catalysis
Authors: Zheng Wenting , Guo Hui , Zhu Changqing , Yue Cailiang , Zhu Wenlei , Liu Fuqiang , Chen Zhaoxu
Published: July 2022

The low intrinsic activity of Fenton catalytic site and high demand for light‐energy input inhibit the organic‐pollution control efficiency of photo‐Fenton process. Here, through structural design with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, Ce is predicted to enable the construction of coordinatively unsaturated metal centers (CUCs) in Prussian blue analogue (PBA), which can strongly adsorb H2O2 and donate sufficient electrons for directly splitting the O–O bond to produce ·OH. Using a substitution‐co‐assembly strategy, binary Ce‐Fe PBA is then prepared, which rapidly degrades sulfamethoxazole with the pseudo‐first‐order kinetic rate constant exceeding reported values by 1–2 orders of magnitude. Meanwhile, the photogenerated electrons reduce Fe(III) and Ce(IV) to promote the metal valence cycle in CUCs and make sulfamethoxazole degradation efficiency only lose 6.04% in 5 runs. Overall, by introducing rare earth metals into transition metal–organic frameworks, this work guides the whole process for highly active CUCs from design and construction to mechanism exploration with DFT calculations, enabling ultrafast and stable photo‐Fenton catalysis.
Wall model‐based diffuse‐interface immersed boundary method for simulation of incompressible turbulent flows
Authors: Du Yinjie , Yang Liming , Shu Chang , Wu Jie , Wang Yan
Published: July 2022

In this work, a method is proposed to simulate the high Reynolds number turbulent flows by combining the diffuse‐interface immersed boundary method (IBM) with different wall models. In this method, two auxiliary layers (a series of Lagrangian points) are set outside the wall: the reference layer and the enforced layer. The wall model is applied at the reference layer to calculate the wall shear stress and the boundary condition is implemented at the enforced layer. When implementing the boundary condition, the implicit velocity correction‐based IBM is used. This process requires the velocity at the enforced layer. To calculate the velocity at the enforced layer, the momentum equation is integrated along the normal direction of the wall to link the tangential component of the velocity to the wall shear stress predicted by the wall models, and the normal component of the velocity is approximately reconstructed by the parabolic distribution. In addition, the Reichardt's law combined with Spalding's formula is utilized to determine the integral length. Numerical experiments for the turbulent flows around the flat plate, the NACA0012 airfoil and the NACA23012 airfoil are carried out to verify the feasibility of this method.
Molecular determinants of peri‐apical targeting of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor type 3 in cholangiocytes
Authors: Rodrigues Michele A. , Gomes Dawidson A. , Fiorotto Romina , Guerra Mateus T. , Weerachayaphorn Jittima , Bo Tao , Sessa William C. , Strazzabosco Mario , Nathanson Michael H.
Published: July 2022

Fluid and bicarbonate secretion is a principal function of cholangiocytes, and impaired secretion results in cholestasis. Cholangiocyte secretion depends on peri‐apical expression of the type 3 inositol trisphosphate receptor (ITPR3), and loss of this intracellular Ca2+ release channel is a final common event in most cholangiopathies. Here we investigated the mechanism by which ITPR3 localizes to the apical region to regulate secretion. Isolated bile duct units, primary mouse cholangiocytes, and polarized Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were examined using a combination of biochemical and fluorescence microscopy techniques to investigate the mechanism of ITPR3 targeting to the apical region. Apical localization of ITPR3 depended on the presence of intact lipid rafts as well as interactions with both caveolin 1 (CAV1) and myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9). Chemical disruption of lipid rafts or knockdown of CAV1 or MYH9 redistributed ITPR3 away from the apical region. MYH9 interacted with the five c‐terminal amino acids of the ITPR3 peptide. Disruption of lipid rafts impaired Ca2+ signaling, and absence of CAV1 impaired both Ca2+ signaling and fluid secretion. Conclusion: A cooperative mechanism involving MYH9, CAV1, and apical lipid rafts localize ITPR3 to the apical region to regulate Ca2+ signaling and secretion in cholangiocytes.
Does emotional restraint or exuberance get you the job? How and when enthusiasm intensity is related to perceived job suitability
Authors: Stollberger Jakob , Shemla Meir , de Cremer David , Yang Yu , Sanders Karin
Published: July 2022

Scholars have identified that interviewers prefer applicants who are both emotionally restrained and exuberant. To reconcile these inconsistent results, we investigated how the magnitude of applicants' expressed enthusiasm influences interviewer perceptions of job suitability. In two experimental studies with recruiters in China, we show that expressing intense as opposed to mild enthusiasm reduces applicants' chances to be perceived as suitable for the job (Study 1). We further demonstrate that expressions of intense enthusiasm do not always undermine their perceived job suitability but can also lead to a positive interview outcome. We find that the negative consequences of intense enthusiasm are explained by interviewer perceptions of decreased appropriateness, whereas the positive consequences are driven by interviewer perceptions of the applicant's attraction to the organization (PAAO; Study 2). We also report how interviewer trait information processing motivation (IPM) influences the way applicants expressing intense enthusiasm are evaluated. Only interviewers with low trait IPM interpret applicants' intense enthusiasm as less appropriate. We propose to incorporate the social signaling character of emotions in future theorizing and research on nonverbal communication in job interviews.
Effects of grass density on the runoff hydraulic characteristics and sediment yield in gully headcut erosion processes
Authors: Feng Lanqian , Wang Wenlong , Guo Mingming , Shi Qianhua , Guo Wenzhao , Lou Yibao , Kang Hongliang , Chen Zhuoxin
Published: July 2022

Vegetation plays a crucial role in gully headcut erosion. However, little is known about how grass influences runoff hydraulics, soil erosion and headcut erosion processes. A series of rainfall and scouring experiments were conducted on four plots to elucidate the effect of the density of Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn (planting spaces: 20 × 20 cm2, GA1; 15 × 15 cm2, GA2; 10 × 10 cm2, GA3; bare land as control, BL) on runoff hydraulics and soil erosion during gully headcut erosion. The velocity, Reynolds number (Re), runoff shear force (τ) and stream power (ω) of the BL increased exponentially with time (P < 0.01). However, for the grassland, most parameters increased linearly with time (P < 0.01). The Froude number (Fr) of the BL and grassland significantly decreased linearly and exponentially, respectively, with time (P < 0.01). For τ, the grass tableland needed to develop for a period of time to restrain it. The runoff of the BL tableland and gully head was supercritical turbulent, while that of the grassland was more dispersed. The existence of a gully head increased the jet velocity by 2.97%–67.19%, which increased the dispersion degree of the runoff. The runoff energy showed a significant exponential increase with time (P < 0.05). Compared with that of the BL, the energy consumption of the runoff from the grassland increased by 4.10%–31.81%. During gully headcut erosion, the BL was primarily cut down to the tableland by runoff, while the grassland was cut down to the headwall by on‐wall flow. As the density increased, the benefit of sediment reduction increased, reaching a maximum of 66.79%. The collapse of the BL primarily occurred in the upper part of the headwall during the early experimental stage. The frequency and space–time ranges of the collapse of the grassland were larger than those of the BL. The gravity erosion types of the BL were headwall collapse and gully bank collapse, while those of the grasslands were headwall collapse and root‐soil composite collapse.
Can we increase the cervical cancer screening interval with an HPV test for women living with HIV? Results of a cohort study from Maharashtra, India
Authors: Joshi Smita , Muwonge Richard , Kulkarni Vinay , Mandolkar Mahesh , Lucas Eric , Pujari Sanjay , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Basu Partha
Published: July 2022

We are reporting (a) updated incidence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) among women who did not have colposcopic or histopathological disease at baseline and (b) disease outcomes among women treated for CIN and their follow‐up HPV status; in a cohort of women living with HIV (WHIV). The median overall follow‐up was 3.5 years (IQR 2.8‐4.3). The incidence of any CIN and that of CIN 2 or worse disease was 16.7 and 7.0 per 1000 person‐years of observation (PYO), respectively. Compared with women who were HPV negative at baseline, women who cleared HPV infection had 23.95 times increased risk of incident CIN 2 or worse lesions (95% CI 2.40‐661.07). Women with persistent HPV infection had 138.18 times increased risk of CIN 2 or worse lesions (95% CI 20.30‐3300.22). Complete disease regression was observed in 65.6% of the HPV positive women with high‐grade CIN and were treated with thermal ablation but HPV persistence was seen in 44.8% of those with high‐grade disease. Among those who did not have any disease at baseline and were also HPV negative, about 87% (95% CI 83.79‐89.48) women remained HPV negative during consecutive HPV test/s with the median interval of 3.5 years. Long‐term surveillance of WHIV treated for any CIN is necessary for the prevention of cervical cancer among them. Our study provides an early indication that the currently recommended screening interval of 3 to 5 years among WHIV may be extended to at least 5 years among HPV negative women. Increasing the screening interval can be cost saving and improve scalability among WHIV to support WHO's cervical cancer elimination initiative.
A multicenter performance evaluation of the new Elecsys Vitamin D total III assay versus reference isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and commercially available comparators
Authors: Findeisen Peter , Leis Marta , Bendig Garnet , Grimme Jill , Moser Elizabeth , Vogl Christian , Christenson Robert
Published: July 2022

Background

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and toxicity are worldwide issues; thus, accurate diagnostic assays are required to measure vitamin D. We evaluated the performance of the new Elecsys® Vitamin D total III assay (Roche Diagnostics International Ltd).

Methods

Repeatability and intermediate precision of the Elecsys Vitamin D total III assay (cobas e 601 analyzer) were evaluated at three sites using five human serum pools (HSPs) and two PreciControls (five‐day model, one reagent lot [CLSI‐EP05‐A3]) and compared against prespecified acceptance criteria. A serum verification panel, with reference isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ID‐LC–MS/MS) values, was used for comparator assay/concordance studies at two sites, assessed using unweighted Deming regression. Testing of serum vs. plasma on the Elecsys assay was conducted at one site using samples from healthy adults; assessed using Passing‐Bablok regression.

Results

Repeatability (HSP1 [16.8–18.4 ng/ml], SD 0.87–1.07; HSP5 [94.5–98.0 ng/ml], CV 1.58%–2.76%) and intermediate precision (HSP1, SD 1.14–1.77; HSP5, CV 2.00%–4.13%) met acceptance criteria across sites. Agreement was observed between the Elecsys assay and (i) the ID‐LC–MS/MS verification panel (slope, 0.936–1.01; Pearson's r, 0.960–0.986) and (ii) comparator assays (slope, 0.921–1.15; Pearson's r, 0.958–0.982). The Elecsys assay correctly assigned the highest combined percentage of samples to deficient (100%) and insufficient (89.5%) vitamin D categories vs. comparator assays and demonstrated comparable performance in serum and plasma (y = 0.103 + 0.984x).

Conclusions

The Elecsys Vitamin D total III assay demonstrated good analytical performance and compared favorably with other assays, supporting its use in clinical practice.
Toxic effects of AZD1208 on mouse oocytes and its possible mechanisms
Authors: Yan Feng‐Ze , Ouyang Ying‐Chun , Meng Tie‐Gang , Zhang Hong‐Yong , Yue Wei , Zhang Xin‐Ran , Xue Yue , Wang Zhen‐Bo , Sun Qing‐Yuan
Published: July 2022

AZD1208, a pan‐inhibitor that can effectively inhibit PIM kinase, is used for the treatment of advanced solid tumors and malignant lymphomas. Numerous studies have proved its curative effects while its potential cellular toxicity on reproduction was still little known. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of AZD1208 on mouse oocytes. The results showed that AZD1208 treatment did not affect meiotic resumption, but postponed oocyte maturation as indicated by delayed first polar body extrusion. Further mechanistic study showed that AZD1208 treatment delayed spindle assembly. In addition, we found that oocytes treated with AZD1208 showed mitochondrial dysfunction. Abnormal mitochondrial clusters with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were observed in oocytes during incubation in vitro. Moreover, increased oxidative stress was observed by testing the level of reactive oxygen species. In summary, our results suggest that AZD1208 treatment influences oocyte meiotic progression by causing mitochondrial dysfunctions and subsequent delayed spindle assembly.
Multiple functions of CALCOCO family proteins in selective autophagy
Authors: Chen Wei , Ouyang Xueqian , Chen Linxi , Li Lanfang
Published: July 2022

Selective autophagy is the lysosomal degradation of specific intracellular components sequestered into autophagosomes, late endosomes, or lysosomes through the activity of selective autophagy receptors. CALCOCO family proteins are the newly found selective autophagy receptors, which include calcium binding and coiled‐coil domain 1 (CALCOCO1), calcium binding and coiled‐coil domain 2/nuclear domain 10 protein 52 (CALCOCO2/NDP52), and calcium binding and coiled‐coil domain 3/Tax1‐binding protein 1 (CALCOCO3/TAX1BP1). Specifically, CALCOCO1 can be recruited to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi to mediate selective ER‐phagy and Golgiphagy. CALCOCO2 and CALCOCO3, which are two essential cargo receptors, can mediate mitophagy and xenophagy through interacting with autophagy‐related‐8/microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (ATG8/LC3) on the growing autophagosome, and binding ubiquitin for cargo recruitment. Considering the significance of these proteins in selective autophagy, we review the structures, distribution, posttranslational modifications, and phylogenetic analysis of CALCOCO family proteins and their roles in different selective autophagy.
The current use of ultrasound to measure skeletal muscle and its ability to predict clinical outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Casey Patrick , Alasmar Mohamed , McLaughlin John , Ang Yeng , McPhee Jamie , Heire Priam , Sultan Javed
Published: July 2022

Quantification and monitoring of lean body mass is an important component of nutrition assessment to determine nutrition status and muscle loss. The negative impact of reduced muscle mass and muscle function is increasingly evident across acute and chronic disease states but is particularly pronounced in patients with cancer. Ultrasound is emerging as a promising tool to directly measure skeletal muscle mass and quality. Unlike other ionizing imaging techniques, ultrasound can be used repeatedly at the bedside and may compliment nutritional risk assessment. This review aims to describe the current use of skeletal muscle ultrasound (SMUS) to measure muscle mass and quality in patients with acute and chronic clinical conditions and its ability to predict functional capacity, severity of malnutrition, hospital admission, and survival. Databases were searched from their inception to August 2021 for full‐text articles in English. Relevant articles were included if SMUS was investigated in acute or chronic clinical contexts and correlated with a defined clinical outcome measure. Data were synthesized for narrative review due to heterogeneity between studies. This review analysed 37 studies (3100 patients), which met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (n = 22) were conducted in critical care. The clinical outcomes investigated included functional status at discharge (intensive care unit‐acquired weakness), nutritional status, and length of stay. SMUS was also utilized in chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure, and chronic renal failure to predict hospital readmission and disease severity. Only two studies investigated the use of SMUS in patients with cancer. Of the 37 studies, 28 (76%) found that SMUS (cross‐sectional area, muscle thickness, and echointensity) showed significant associations with functional capacity, length of stay, readmission, and survival. There was significant heterogeneity in terms of ultrasound technique and outcome measurement across the included studies. This review highlights that SMUS continues to gain momentum as a potential tool for skeletal muscle assessment and predicting clinically important outcomes. Further work is required to standardize the technique in nutritionally vulnerable patients, such as those with cancer, before SMUS can be widely adopted as a bedside prognostic tool.
Clinical and population‐based study design considerations to accelerate the investigation of new antiretrovirals during pregnancy
Authors: Brummel Sean S. , Stringer Jeff , Mills Ed , Tierney Camlin , Caniglia Ellen C. , Colbers Angela , Chi Benjamin H. , Best Brookie M. , Gaaloul Myriam El , Hillier Sharon , Jourdain Gonzague , Khoo Saye H. , Mofenson Lynne M. , Myer Landon , Nachman Sharon , Stranix‐Chibanda Lynda , Clayden Polly , Sachikonye Memory , Lockman Shahin
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Pregnant women are routinely excluded from clinical trials, leading to the absence or delay in even the most basic pharmacokinetic (PK) information needed for dosing in pregnancy. When available, pregnancy PK studies use a small sample size, resulting in limited safety information. We discuss key study design elements that may enhance the timely availability of pregnancy data, including the role and timing of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate pregnancy safety; efficacy and safety outcome measures; stand‐alone protocols, platform trials, single arm studies, sample size and the effect that follow‐up time during gestation has on analysis interpretations; and observational studies.

Discussion

Pregnancy PK should be studied during drug development, after dosing in non‐pregnant persons is established (unless non‐clinical or other data raise pregnancy concerns). RCTs should evaluate the safety during pregnancy of priority new HIV agents that are likely to be used by large numbers of females of childbearing age. Key endpoints for pregnancy safety studies include birth outcomes (prematurity, small for gestational age and stillbirth) and neonatal death, with traditional adverse events and infant growth also measured (congenital anomalies are best studied through surveillance). We recommend that viral efficacy be studied as a secondary endpoint of pregnancy RCTs, once PK studies confirm adequate drug exposure in pregnancy. RCTs typically use a stand‐alone protocol for new agents. In contrast, master protocols using a platform design can add agents over time, possibly speeding safety data ascertainment. To speed accrual, stand‐alone pregnancy trial protocols can include pre‐specified starting rules based upon adequate PK levels in pregnancy; and seamless master protocols or platform trials can include a pregnancy PK and safety component. When RCTs are unethical or cost‐prohibitive, observational studies should be conducted, preferably using target trial emulation to avoid bias.

Conclusions

Pregnancy PK needs to be obtained earlier in drug evaluation. Timely RCTs are needed to understand safety in pregnancy for high‐priority new HIV agents. RCTs that enrol pregnant women should focus on outcomes unique to pregnancy, and observational studies should focus on questions that RCTs are not equipped to answer.
Segmented 3D Echo Planar Acquisition for Rapid Susceptibility‐Weighted Imaging: Application to Microhemorrhage Detection in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wang Wen‐Tung , Li Ningzhi , Papageorgiou Ioannis , Chan Leighton , Pham Dzung L. , Butman John A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) provides superior image contrast of cerebral microhemorrhages (CMBs). It is based on a three‐dimensional (3D) gradient echo (GRE) sequence with a relatively long imaging time.

Purpose

To evaluate whether an accelerated 3D segmented echo planar imaging SWI is comparable to GRE SWI in detecting CMBs in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Four healthy volunteers and 46 consecutive subjects (38.0 ± 14.4 years, 16 females; 12 mild, 13 moderate, and 7 severe TBI).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T scanner/3D gradient echo and 3D segmented echo planar imaging (segEPI).

Assessment

Brain images were acquired using GRE and segEPI in a single session (imaging time = 9 minutes 47 seconds and 1 minute 30 seconds, respectively). The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) calculated from healthy volunteer thalamus and centrum semiovale were compared. CMBs were counted by three raters blinded to diagnostic information.

Statistical Tests

A t‐test was used to assess SNR difference. Pearson correlation and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test were performed using CMB counts. The intermethod agreement was evaluated using Bland–Altman method. Intermethod and interrater reliabilities of image‐based diffuse axonal injury (DAI) diagnoses were evaluated using Cohen's kappa and percent agreement. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Thalamus SNRs were 16.9 ± 2.2 and 16.5 ± 3 for GRE and segEPI (P = 0.84), respectively. Centrum semiovale SNRs were 25.8 ± 4.6 and 21.1 ± 2.7 (P = 0.13). The correlation coefficient of CMBs was 0.93, and differences were not significant (P = 0.56–0.85). For DAI diagnoses, Cohen's kappa was 0.62–0.84 and percent agreement was 85%–94%.

Data Conclusion

CMB counts on segEPI and GRE were highly correlated, and DAI diagnosis was made equally effectively. segEPI SWI can potentially replace GRE SWI in detecting TBI CMBs, especially when time constraints are critical.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Isolation, structure elucidation, and high‐performance liquid chromatography quantification of photolytic degradation impurities in acrivastine
Authors: Lv Jun‐Jiang , Yu Jia , Zeng Xiao‐Yan , Zeng Xue , Li Yan , He Dong‐Xian , Lin Yi‐Min
Published: July 2022

Acrivastine is a second‐generation H1‐receptor antagonist, and its structure is sensitive to ultraviolet. Four unknown and one reported degradation products can be detected in the ultraviolet radiation solutions of acrivastine. To improve the quality control of acrivastine, the photodegradation impurities were isolated and structurally elucidated. There are four new impurities (1–3 and 5), and one reported compound (4). The isolation strategy was designed as preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography using a reversed phase column with volatile acid addition in the mobile phase, combined with preparative thin‐layer chromatography using silica gel with alkaline addition in the mobile phase. Using the developed methods, five impurities (1–5) were efficiently purified after two or three chromatography runs with purities > 95%. The structures of compounds 1–5 are elucidated based on spectroscopy analysis of MS, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Using the impurity standard, the high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated. The method was proved to be sensitive, accurate (Recovery% 96.1–107.7%), linear (0.15–0.75 μg/mL, R2 > 0.996), robust, and specific, and it was successfully used to determine the degradation impurities of acrivastine and its formulation.
Nonlinear Propagation of Laser Light in Plasmonic Nanocomposites
Authors: Agiotis Leonidas , Meunier Michel
Published: July 2022

Plasmonic nanocomposites have been extensively studied for over 3 decades. According to early theoretical studies, a large enhancement of nonlinear response has been predicted. Nonetheless, the promised enhancement of coherent or Kerr‐type nonlinearities incurs major limitations related to strong absorption and saturation effects. Accordingly, diffraction‐limited interactions and long‐scale propagation in ultrafast timescales are undermined despite nanoscale‐localized electronic field enhancement. Seemingly only nanometric devices operating at low intensity regimes are benefitted from the foresaid effect. Nonetheless, numerous studies have still exploited configurable properties of the nonlinear response of plasmonic nanocomposites, such as nonlinear absorption, high‐order nonlinearities, and diffusive nonlinearities for the development of novel processes within the framework of nonlinear wave propagation described by effective medium properties. In this review, the most recent developments on the understanding of the nonlinear response of metals and plasmonic nanocomposites in various temporal regimes are presented. Furthermore, a synthesis of their experimentally determined third‐order properties obtained by various experimental techniques, along with practical considerations, is provided. Computational models used for the formulation of nonlinear wave propagation in plasmonic nanocomposites are subsequently presented, corresponding to applicable concepts. Most recent related applications are concisely summarized, indicating the directions of increasing interest in the field, and outlining shortcomings.
Multi‐scale discriminative network for prostate cancer lesion segmentation in multiparametric MR images
Authors: Liu Yatong , Zhu Yu , Wang Wei , Zheng Bingbing , Qin Xiangxiang , Wang Peijun
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The accurate and reliable segmentation of prostate cancer (PCa) lesions using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) sequences, is crucial to the image‐guided intervention and treatment of prostate disease. For PCa lesion segmentation, it is essential to reliably combine local and global information to retain the features of small targets at multiple scales. Therefore, this study proposes a multi‐scale segmentation network with a cascading pyramid convolution module (CPCM) and a double‐input channel attention module (DCAM) for the automated and accurate segmentation of PCa lesions using mpMRI.

Methods

First, the region of interest was extracted from the data by clipping to enlarge the target region and reduce the background noise interference. Next, four CPCMs with large convolution kernels in their skip connection paths were designed to improve the feature extraction capability of the network for small targets. At the same time, a convolution decomposition was applied to reduce the computational complexity. Finally, the DCAM was adopted in the decoder to provide bottom‐up semantic discriminative guidance; it can use the semantic information of the network's deep features to guide the shallow output of features with a higher discriminant ability. A residual refinement module (RRM) was also designed to strengthen the recognition ability of each stage. The feature maps of the skip connection and the decoder all go through the RRM.

Results

For the Initiative for Collaborative Computer Vision Benchmarking (I2CVB) dataset, our proposed model achieved a Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 79.31% and an average boundary distance (ABD) of 4.15 mm. For the Prostate Multiparametric MRI (PROMM) dataset, our method greatly improved the DSC to 82.11% and obtained an ABD of 3.64 mm.

Conclusions

The experimental results of two different mpMRI prostate datasets demonstrate that our model is more accurate and reliable on small targets. In addition, it outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Scalable methods for directional assembly of fillers in polymer composites: Creating pathways for improving material properties
Authors: Griffin Anthony , Guo Yuanhao , Hu Zhendong , Zhang Jianming , Chen Yuwei , Qiang Zhe
Published: July 2022

Polymer composites are ubiquitous and indispensable in numerous applications. Coupling the inclusion of reinforcing agents with methods developed to control filler distribution and orientation allow for significant enhancement in mechanical, thermal, electrical, and barrier/transport‐related properties of composites. For practical implementation, ideal approaches to fabricating polymer composites with directionally assembled fillers must consider manufacturing compatibility, scale‐up ease, and aligning efficiency. In this article, we will review a cost‐effective and industrially relevant toolbox for preferential filler alignment in polymer composites. Three main strategies for aligning fillers within polymer composites will be discussed. Specifically, solution casting and compression molding can introduce compression force to assemble fillers along the in‐plane direction of composite films, shear force can be developed during fiber spinning, film blowing, and uniaxial/biaxial stretching processes to align fillers along the shear direction, and external fields (both electric and magnetic fields) can direct assembly of fillers, typically along the out‐of‐plane direction. For each section, we not only highlight the mechanisms of these methods but also demonstrate the critical structure–property relationships through model examples. Finally, a perspective on future opportunities and challenges of anisotropic and performance‐enhanced polymer composite preparation strategies is provided, with a particular focus on additive manufacturing.
Development of a scale for parent‐to‐baby emotions: Concepts, design, and factor structure
Authors: Hada Ayako , Imura Masumi , Kitamura Toshinori
Published: July 2022

Aim

Although infant crying is a prerequisite for a baby's survival, it often leads to negative consequences for the caregivers. We hypothesized that this would be mediated by a primary emotion that we feel directly in response to an internal or external event. Hence, this study aimed to develop a new scale to measure basic and self‐conscious emotions as primary emotions towards an infant's cry.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional web survey including the scale for parent‐to‐baby emotions (SPBE)—with 73 items elicited from a literature review—targeted at mothers at 1 month after childbirth (N = 879). A series of explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted using item parcels. Internal consistency of the scale was calculated by omega indices. We also examined measurement invariance of the scale.

Results

The theory‐driven six basic emotions bifactor model (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.968, root mean square of error approximation [RMSEA] = 0.070) and four self‐conscious emotions factor model (CFI = 0.973, RMSEA = 0.079) were judged as the best models. They were stable in terms of configural, measurement, and structural invariances across parity.

Conclusion

The SPBE we created is a psychometrically robust measure to assess the primary emotions under the rubric of parent‐to‐baby emotions. It is a promising tool for measuring parent‐to‐baby emotions in clinical and research settings.
Are All Solid Propellant Burning Rate Modifiers Catalysts?
Authors: Kalman Joseph
Published: July 2022

Solid rocket motors are used for both national defense and launch vehicles. The internal ballistics of the motor depend on the propellant burning rate, which is often modified by burning rate enhancers. Despite the common use, there is not a complete mechanistic understanding of how these modifiers influence the combustion process. In this comment, it is argued that these additives can influence propellant combustion as a catalyst, via thermodynamic means, or a combination. An approach is suggested on how to classify traditional and novel burning rate modifiers as a first step to improving the scientific community‘s knowledge on the matter.
Efficient task offloading with swarm intelligence evolution for edge‐cloud collaboration in vehicular edge computing
Authors: Su Mingfeng , Wang Guojun , Chen Jianer
Published: July 2022

In vehicular edge computing, both edge and cloud can provide computing services (i.e., tasks). The edge can reduce vehicular task delay by processing data nearby, but is resource‐constrained and cannot handle too many tasks simultaneously. The resource‐rich cloud can handle massive tasks, but is far from users and has low quality of service and energy efficiency. Currently, some work has been done on task offloading for edge‐cloud collaboration. However, either the collaboration among multiple devices is not considered and the load is easily imbalanced; or edge‐cloud collaboration is required for offloading decisions with too many parameters, affecting tasks to be processed efficiently. To address these issues, we learn from the swarm intelligence evolution of sparrow foraging, improve a sparrow search algorithm by integrating three strategies of flyer refine producer update, sin/cos perturbation follower update, and adaptive adjustment agitator update, to optimize the vehicular task offloading location for edge‐cloud collaboration. Furthermore, we combine delay relaxation variables and delay‐energy penalty operator to design a lightweight heuristic task offloading algorithm, and greedily compare the task preoffload location sets with different delay constraints based on the improved sparrow search algorithm, to obtain the optimal task offloading with integrated delay and energy. Simulation experiments verify that our approach can improve the algorithm's optimization accuracy, convergence speed, and robustness. Moreover, the average task delay, total task energy consumption, and load balance degree of our approach outperform the five benchmark algorithms, and can comprehensively optimize task delay and energy consumption, and achieve edge devices load balancing.
Relationships between carbon age and CO2 efflux in agricultural and drainage ditch soils using the thermonuclear bomb pulse
Authors: Blume Oliver , Guitard Eric , Crann Carley , Orekhov Michel , Amos Richard , Clark Ian , Lapen David , Blowes David , Ptacek Carol , Craiovan Emilia , Sunohara Mark
Published: July 2022

Agricultural soils contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions. Soils can be both a CO2 sink and source depending on vegetation cover and the physical‐chemical characteristics of the soil environment. This study uses a new 14C dating approach to elucidate soil physical and geochemical properties that drive the production and transport of CO2 in cultivated and noncultivated drainage ditch soil environments. As expected, CO2 production and fluxes decrease with soil depth. Relating depth‐specific subsurface radiocarbon of CO2 (14CO2) to the atmospheric scenario generated from the testing of thermonuclear bombs in the 1950s and 1960s provides a means to date the labile organic C pools responsible for soil respiration that are otherwise generalized as having a modern age (≤1950 AD). Depth‐specific 14CO2 measurements showed that CO2 in shallow soils (≤22.5‐cm depth) have a younger age than CO2 in deeper soils (>22.5‐cm depth). The 14CO2 of surface emissions were comparable to those of shallow soils (≤22.5‐cm depth), showing that respiration in the deeper soils (>22.5‐cm depth) do not contribute significantly to surface emissions, and the higher CO2 concentrations at depth in soil result from processes limiting CO2 transport to surface. Coupling the 14C data with CO2 flux profiles confirms that CO2 effluxes are derived from modern soil organic C (<10 yr since sequestered) from the shallowest soil depths in all soil environments studied, but changes in physical soil processes governing gas transport at depth could release these deeper CO2 stores.