bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolving efforts to maintain and improve XPS analysis quality in an era of increasingly diverse uses and users
Authors: Baer Donald R. , Watts John F. , Herrera‐Gomez Alberto , Gaskell Karen J.
Published: January 2023

Based on literature analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) use continues to increase exponentially. This increased use is accompanied by anecdotal reports and systematic analyses indicating a growing presence of significantly flawed data analyses. Recognition of this problem within the surface analysis community has increased with an understanding that both inexperienced users and increased use of XPS outside the surface analysis community contribute to the problem. The XPS community has initiated several efforts to help address the problem, which is not unique to XPS. This paper describes some of the specific problems identified and some of the community efforts intended to address them. Here, we describe activities focused on three specific issues: (i) requests for detailed guides and protocols and bite‐sized versions of information for non‐experts, (ii) incomplete data and analysis reporting, and (iii) the high rate of peak fitting problems. A 2019 survey identified the need for guides, protocols, and standards to assist XPS users. One set of such guides has been published, and another is being assembled. Providing incremental bites of useful information is the goal of a series of papers on specific challenges to surface analysis with example solutions has been initiated as Notes and Insights papers in Surface and Interface Analysis. Examination of XPS‐containing papers finds that information to establish the credibility and reproducibility of XPS results is often very incomplete. Unfortunately, ISO and ASTM standards require an amount of parameter reporting that seems excessive and unrealistic for many research publications. Initial approaches to develop and distribute a graded approach to parameter reporting are briefly described. Multiple efforts are underway to address the high rate of problems associated with photoelectron peak fitting. These include guides to peak fitting, guides to peak identification and fitting for specific elements, and the development of a peak fitting social network. The fitting social network is designed to facilitate interactions between new and experienced XPS users; analysts trying to fit XPS data (for publication or other reasons) can ask questions and establish dynamic conversations. Encouraging and enabling high‐quality XPS analysis and reporting requires several different types of effort from all members of the surface and interface analysis community.
Chlorotrimethylsilane and Sodium Iodide: An Expedient Combination for the Chemo/Regioselective Dehalogenation of Benzothiazole and Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Vetrichelvan Muthalagu , Sankar Ulaganathan , Bokkala Vijayabhaskar , Akunuri Arun , Ramesh Natesan , Pitchai Manivel , Mathur Arvind , Gupta Anuradha
Published: January 2023

The combination of chlorotrimethylsilane and NaI is disclosed as a reducing system for protodehalogenation of benzothiazole and thiazole derivatives; surprisingly, the alkoxy groups present in the system are unaffected. The optimized reaction conditions tolerate various functional groups and display good efficiency in the regioselective protodehalogenation of a variety of benzothiazole and thiazole derivatives. In addition, the potential application of the protocol was examined by comparing it with previously developed methods; in most of the cases, the present strategy resulted in better yields under milder condition. The mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction probably proceeds through a radical pathway.
Preservation of Dopamine Levels in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease by Carboxymethylated Silica and Starch Nanoparticles Coupled to Silybin
Authors: García Esperanza , Arturo García‐De‐La‐Rosa Luis , Fernanda Veloz‐Castillo María , Ángel Méndez‐Rojas Miguel , Chavarría Anahí
Published: January 2023

Silybin has a neuroprotective effect in different models of neurodegenerative diseases as the MPTP‐induced parkinsonian model. However, silybin has poor water solubility, decreasing its efficacy when administered orally. Therefore, the search for possible vehicles or transport systems is relevant. Among the options are the drug delivery systems (DDS). In this work, we evaluated if the use of specific solvents (water or oil) or DDS [carboxymethylated silica nanoparticles (SiO2_SIL) or starch (CMS‐SIL)] would preserve the neuroprotective effect of silybin when administered orally in a Parkinson's model induced with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). C57BL/6J male mice were exposed to MPTP (30 mg/kg i.p) and, 30 minutes after, were treated with 100 mg/kg of silybin in oil or water as solvents or coupled to silica nanoparticles or carboxymethyl starch for five consecutive days. After the last administration of MPTP and silybin, striatal dopamine levels were determined on day seven. Our results showed that silybin in water as the non‐vehicle control had no protective effect in the MPTP model. Silybin in oil preserved 57 % dopamine levels in contrast to 72 % with SiO2_SIL and 50.7 % with CSM‐SIL. In conclusion, we demonstrated that silybin was effectively coupled to carboxymethylated silica nanoparticles and carboxymethylated starch‐based DDS without losing its neuroprotective effects.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of a Series of Quinoline‐Based Quinazolinones and Carbamic Anhydride Derivatives
Authors: Reddy Manne Madhava , Panicker Rakesh R , Ramakrishnan Kumar , Hareendran Hima M. K. , Kumar Pal Sudhir , Kumar Sanjit , Pallepogu Raghavaiah , Desikan Rajagopal , Sivaramakrishna Akella
Published: January 2023

Quinoline‐based compounds are one of the most important classes of N‐heterocyclics exhibiting a wide spectrum of biological activities. There is a constant demand for the synthesis of new quinoline‐based molecules suitable for therapeutic applications. Here a new strategy is developed to synthesize different quinoline‐based quinazolinones catalytically using InCl3 through a cyclocondensation reaction of isatoic anhydride and aniline with 2‐substituted‐quinoline‐3‐carbaldehyde to produce 2‐(2‐phenoxyquinolin‐3‐yl)‐3‐phenyl‐2,3‐ dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H)‐one derivatives (>90 % yields). In contrast, the reduced electrophilicity at the metal center allows the hydrazide ligand to bind In(III) and serendipitously forms benzoic(2‐phenoxyquinoline‐3‐carbonyl) carbamic anhydride (∼70 % yields). The mechanistic aspects of these reactions were rationally explained. The structure and purity of all the isolated derivatives were assessed by spectroscopic and analytical data. In view of a strong correlation existing between inflammation and cancer progression, the ex‐vivo anti‐inflammatory effect of the ligands was established. The anti‐cancer property of the proposed ligand was delineated with a specific SIRT protein family. Further, the computational docking studies on the binding abilities of 22 synthesized compounds with the Sirt1 protein were discussed in detail.
Bio‐Inspired Soft‐Rigid Hybrid Smart Artificial Muscle Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomer and Helical Metal Wire
Authors: Zhao Limeng , Tian Hongmiao , Liu Haoran , Zhang Weitian , Zhao Fabo , Song Xiaowen , Shao Jinyou
Published: January 2023

Artificial muscles are of significant value in robotic applications. Rigid artificial muscles possess a strong load‐bearing capacity, while their deformation is small; soft artificial muscles can be shifted to a large degree; however, their load‐bearing capacity is weak. Furthermore, artificial muscles are generally controlled in an open loop due to a lack of deformation‐related feedback. Human arms include muscles, bones, and nerves, which ingeniously coordinate the actuation, load‐bearing, and sensory systems. Inspired by this, a soft‐rigid hybrid smart artificial muscle (SRH‐SAM) based on liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) and helical metal wire is proposed. The thermotropic responsiveness of the LCE is adopted for large reversible deformation, and the helical metal wire is used to fulfill high bearing capacity and electric heating function requirements. During actuation, the helical metal wire's resistance changes with the LCE's electrothermal deformation, thereby achieving deformation‐sensing characteristics. Based on the proposed SRH‐SAM, a reconfigurable blazed grating plane and the effective switch between attachment and detachment in bionic dry adhesion are accomplished. The SRH‐SAM opens a new avenue for designing smart artificial muscles and can promote the development of artificial muscle‐based devices.
Controllable Synthesis of Carbon Yolk‐Shell Microsphere and Application of Metal Compound–Carbon Yolk‐Shell as Effective Anode Material for Alkali‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Yeong Beom , Seo Hyo Yeong , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Kim Tae Ha , Choi Jae Hyeon , Cho Jung Sang , Kang Yun Chan , Park Gi Dae
Published: January 2023

Recently, nanostructured carbon materials, such as hollow‐, yolk‐, and core‐shell‐configuration, have attracted attention in various fields owing to their unique physical and chemical properties. Among them, yolk‐shell structured carbon is considered as a noteworthy material for energy storage due to its fast electron transfer, structural robustness, and plentiful active reaction sites. However, the difficulty of the synthesis for controllable carbon yolk‐shell has been raised as a limitation. In this study, novel synthesis strategy of nanostructured carbon yolk‐shell microspheres that enable to control morphology and size of the yolk part is proposed for the first time. To apply in the appropriate field, cobalt compounds‐carbon yolk‐shell composites are applied as the anode of alkali‐ion batteries and exhibit superior electrochemical performances to those of core‐shell structures owing to their unique structural merits. Co3O4‐C hollow yolk‐shell as a lithium‐ion battery anode exhibits a long cycling lifetime (619 mA h g−1 for 400 cycles at 2 A g−1) and excellent rate capability (286 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1). The discharge capacities of CoSe2‐C hollow yolk‐shell as sodium‐ and potassium‐ion battery anodes at the 200th cycle are 311 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 268 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, respectively.
The Physics of Twin Boundary Termination in Cu(In, Ga)Se2 Absorbers
Authors: Raghuwanshi Mohit , Keutgen Jens , Mio Antonio Massimiliano , Mirhosseini Hossein , Kühne Thomas D. , Cojocaru-Mirédin Oana
Published: January 2023

The grain boundaries (GBs) in the absorber of a Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) solar cell play a vital role in its efficiency and cells with polycrystalline absorbers exhibit high conversion efficiency (>23%). Previous investigations confirm that the traits of GBs in CIGS are directly connected to their composition. However, such a relationship cannot be established for twin boundaries (TBs). This is because although electron beam‐induced current (EBIC) highlights the existence of both electrically inactive and active TBs, atom probe tomography is not able to detect composition fluctuations in a very limited volume (one or two monolayers). Therefore, herein, high‐resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy at TBs to investigate their differences and correlate them with their traits is used. It is found that the electrically neutral TBs are cation–anion‐terminated boundaries, whereas the electrically beneficial TBs are cation–cation terminated. Density functional theory results show that the formation of point defects next to cation–cation TBs is more favorable compared to the case with cation–anion TBs. The presence of Cu vacancies can result in a passivated TB and a hole‐depletion region next to the cation–cation TBs, and consequently a better electron transport, as the bright contrast observed in the EBIC map suggests.
Small‐Molecule Targeting of Defect Passivation in All‐Inorganic Carbon‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Zhipeng , Yuan Songyang , Deng Jiahuan , Wang Mengqi , Wu Wenwen , Tian Dehua , Lou Zaizhu , Li Wenzhe , Fan Jiandong
Published: January 2023

The fast‐track development in all‐inorganic perovskite photovoltaics for high efficiency are still facing the defect issues including vacancy, undercoordinated ions, and dislocation at the surface/interface of perovskite materials. Herein, three kinds of small‐molecules difluorobenzylamine (DFBA) are found to act as the interfacial modification materials to stabilize and enhance the efficiency of all‐inorganic carbon perovskite CsPbI3–xBrx solar cell. The fluorine atoms with different positions in the benzene ring are demonstrated by the density‐functional theory simulations and experiments to passivate the defect at the surface/interface of perovskites, boosting the photocarrier transfer. Accordingly, the most suitable 2,6‐DFBA is used to modify the perovskite to prepare hole‐transporting materials‐free carbon‐based CsPbI3–xBrx (X = 0.3) perovskite solar cells, and the interface‐modified device yields a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.6%, the open‐circuit voltage is increased to 1.14 V, and the PCE of the unpackaged device remained at 92% of the initial PCE after 1680 h of storage at 20–30% air humidity.
Process Insights into Perovskite Thin‐Film Photovoltaics from Machine Learning with In Situ Luminescence Data
Authors: Laufer Felix , Ziegler Sebastian , Schackmar Fabian , Moreno Viteri Edwin A. , Götz Markus , Debus Charlotte , Isensee Fabian , Paetzold Ulrich W.
Published: January 2023

Large‐area processing remains a key challenge for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Advanced understanding and improved reproducibility of scalable fabrication processes are required to unlock the technology's economic potential. In this regard, machine learning (ML) methods have emerged as a promising tool to accelerate research and unlock the control needed to produce large‐area solution‐processed perovskite thin films. However, a suitable dataset allowing the analysis of a scalable fabrication process is currently missing. Herein, a unique labeled in situ photoluminescence (PL) dataset for blade‐coated PSCs is introduced and explored with unsupervised k‐means clustering, demonstrating the feasibility to derive meaningful insights from such data. Correlations between the obtained clusters and the measured performance of PSC reveal that the in situ PL signal encodes information about the perovskite thin‐film quality. Detrimental mechanisms during thin‐film formation are detected by identifying spatial differences in PL patterns and, consequently, of device performance. In addition, k‐nearest neighbors is applied to predict the performance of PSCs, motivating further investigations into ML‐based in‐line process monitoring of scalable PSC fabrication to detect, understand, and ultimately minimize process variations across iterations.
A Robust Hydrothermal Sulfuration Strategy toward Effective Defect Passivation Enabling 6.92% Efficiency Sb2S3 Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Yuqian , Gao Huihui , Peng Xiaoqi , Wang Gang , Xiao Peng , Che Bo , Tang Rongfeng , Zhu Changfei , Chen Tao
Published: January 2023

Sulfuration is an efficient route for fabricating metal sulfides photovoltaic devices with high‐quality absorber layer, reduced S vacancy, and high device performance. However, traditional sulfuration processes reported thus far generally suffer from low activity, inert atmosphere, high operating temperature, and ineffective defect passivation, all of which increase manufacturing dangerousness, complicacy, and cost. Simultaneously fulfilling the goals of high reactivity, mild fabrication condition, and efficient defect passivation remain a major challenge for sulfuration, which may be addressed, as demonstrated herein, with the development of a (NH4)2S‐induced hydrothermal sulfuration process in Sb2S3 solar cells. By optimizing the hydrothermal sulfuration process through the use of different amounts of (NH4)2S, an encouraging efficiency of 6.92% has been reached. In addition, the crystallinity of the Sb2S3 film can be obviously improved even under the mild heating conditions (i.e., 160 °C, 120 min). Furthermore, only one hole trap can be identified for the Sb2S3 device after hydrothermal sulfuration, and the trap density is significantly reduced. This innovative sulfuration system introduces a robust approach toward the goal of high‐efficiency metal sulfide solar cells compatible with simple hydrothermal process.
Entropy optimization of Marangoni flow of hybrid nanofluid under the influence of viscous dissipation and activation energy: With melting phenomenon
Authors: Manzoor Umair , Waqas Hassan , Farooq Umar , Muhammad Taseer , Imran Muhammad
Published: January 2023

As nanotechnology and optimization develop, the demand for more effective and robust heat transfer fluids with much greater thermal conductivities than ordinary ones grows. Marangoni convection is often employed in coloring on the ground, for example, in fine art mechanisms. Melting and welding operations are the most prominent manufacturing uses of the Marangoni convection principle. This article aims to reveal the characteristics of hybrid nanofluid () and nanofluid () under the influence of Margorani convection and Entropy generation in a porous Darcy‐Forchheimer medium under melting circumstances. Viscous dispersion and activation energy's effects are also taken into account. The suggested fluid flow problem is mathematically modeled. A built‐in shooting technique algorithm tackles the dimensionless flow model. After applying suitable transformations, the governing nonlinear PDEs are reduced to highly nonlinear ODEs. The numerical outcomes of obtained ODEs are attained through the bvp4c technique built‐in MATLAB. The effects of various classes of significant parameters on the rate of heat generation and Bejan number profiles are investigated. The physical impact of the flow‐regulating constraint factors is visualized via graphical representations. The results are summarized based on numerical data compared to important engineering formulas such as surface drag force, Sherwood numbers, Nusselt, and density. In terms of final remarks, the main findings are successfully described. This article delves further into the uses of hybrid nanofluids in the primary study regions of medicine, space, ships, and defense. Some of these research areas include the automotive industry, heat exchangers coolant in machining, heat pipes, and manufacturing, electronic cooling, refrigeration, solar energy as well as applications for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning, nuclear system cooling, generator cooling, transformer cooling, and electronic cooling.
Estimates for the Heat Flow in Optimal Spaces of Unbounded Initial Data in $$\mathbb {R}^{{d}}$$ and Applications to the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Semigroup
Authors: Robinson James C. , Rodríguez-Bernal Anibal
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we improve some estimates from [7] for solutions of the heat equation with initial conditions that are large ‘at infinity’ and employ them to obtain suitable estimates on the solutions of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroup [solutions of $$u_t-\Delta u=\alpha x \cdot \nabla u$$

u
t

-
Δ
u
=
α
x
·
∇
u

] for the same class of unbounded data.
Genetic dissection of the roles of β-hydroxylases in carotenoid metabolism, photosynthesis, and plant growth in tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.)
Authors: Bekkering Cody S. , Yu Shu , Isaka Nina N. , Sproul Benjamin W. , Dubcovsky Jorge , Tian Li
Published: January 2023

Key message

Functional redundancy and subfunctionalization of β-hydroxylases in tetraploid wheat tissues open up opportunities for manipulation of carotenoid metabolism for trait improvement.

The genetic diversity provided by subgenome homoeologs in allopolyploid wheat can be leveraged for developing improved wheat varieties with modified chemical traits, including profiles of carotenoids, which play critical roles in photosynthesis, photoprotection, and growth regulation. Carotenoid profiles are greatly influenced by hydroxylation catalyzed by β-hydroxylases (HYDs). To genetically dissect the contribution of HYDs to carotenoid metabolism and wheat growth and yield, we isolated loss-of-function mutants of the two homoeologs of HYD1 (HYD-A1 and HYD-B1) and HYD2 (HYD-A2 and HYD-B2) from the sequenced ethyl methanesulfonate mutant population of the tetraploid wheat cultivar Kronos, and generated various mutant combinations. Although functional redundancy between HYD1 and HYD2 paralogs was observed in leaves, HYD1 homoeologs contributed more than HYD2 homoeologs to carotenoid β-ring hydroxylation in this tissue. By contrast, the HYD2 homoeologs functioned toward production of lutein, the major carotenoid in mature grains, whereas HYD1 homoeologs had a limited role. These results collectively suggested subfunctionalization of HYD genes and homoeologs in different tissues of tetraploid wheat. Despite reduced photoprotective responses observed in the triple hyd-A1 hyd-B1 hyd-A2 and the quadruple hyd-A1 hyd-B1 hyd-A2 hyd-B2 combinatorial mutants, comprehensive plant phenotyping analysis revealed that all mutants analyzed were comparable to the control for growth, yield, and fertility, except for a slight delay in anthesis and senescence as well as accelerated germination in the quadruple mutant. Overall, this research takes steps toward untangling the functions of HYDs in wheat and has implications for improving performance and consumer traits of this economically important global crop.
Corrections to: “Accurate computation of gravitational field of a tesseroid” by Fukushima (2018) in J. Geod. 92(12):1371–1386
Authors: Deng Xiao-Le
Published: January 2023

An accurate method with conditional split, double exponential quadrature rule, and numerical differentiation has been proposed in the paper “Accurate computation of gravitational field of a tesseroid” (Fukushima in J Geod 92(12):1371–1386, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-018-1126-2, 2018) to compute the gravitational field (i.e. gravitational potential, gravitational acceleration vector, and gravity gradient tensor) of a tesseroid. This study presents the corrections for some formulas in the main paper and electronic supplementary material of Fukushima (J Geod 92(12):1371–1386, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-018-1126-2, 2018). Moreover, the FORTRAN subroutines (or ) and (or ) in the original codes (or ) in double (or quadrature) precision provided by Fukushima (J Geod 92(12):1371–1386, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00190-018-1126-2, 2018) are revised. The revised parts have impacts on the calculation of these components of the gravitational acceleration vector ($$g_{\varPhi }$$

g
Φ

and $$g_{\varLambda }$$

g
Λ

) and gravity gradient tensor ($$\varGamma _{\varPhi \varPhi }$$

Γ

Φ
Φ

, $$\varGamma _{\varPhi \varLambda }$$

Γ

Φ
Λ

, $$\varGamma _{\varPhi H}$$

Γ

Φ
H

, $$\varGamma _{\varLambda \varLambda }$$

Γ

Λ
Λ

, $$\varGamma _{\varLambda H}$$

Γ

Λ
H

, and $$\varGamma _{H H}$$

Γ

HH

). The revised FORTRAN codes and in double and quadrature precision are presented at the GitHub website https://github.com/xiaoledeng/xtess-xqtess. These revised FORTRAN codes can accurately compute the gravitational field of a tesseroid in double and quadrature precision no matter the computation point is located outside, near the surface of, on the surface of, or inside the tesseroid. They can be applied to calculate the gravitational field of the different layers (e.g. atmosphere, topography, crust, and mantle) of the Earth or other celestial bodies, which helps investigate the various geoscience applications, e.g. geoid determination in geodesy and gravity interpretation in geophysics.
Mandatory fortification with folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects: a case study of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Thurston Lyall , Borman Barry , Bower Carol
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To present a case study of the considerations of mandatory fortification with folic acid in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

Review of published reports and consumer advocacy views.

Results

Australia and New Zealand jointly approved mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid to prevent neural tube defects in 2007. Fortification was fully implemented in Australia in 2009 and has resulted in reduction in NTD. At the last minute, industry lobbying led to the New Zealand government not proceeding with fortification. With continued consumer advocacy, mounting scientific evidence, and a change of government, approval was given in 2021 for mandatory fortification of flour with folic acid.

Conclusion

In large part as a response to consumer pressure, New Zealand has now joined with Australia (and around 70 other countries) in fortifying flour with folic acid for the prevention of NTD.
Hemangioma-related gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants
Authors: Kosik Katarzyna , Szpecht Dawid , Karbowski Łukasz , Al-Saad Salwan R. , Chmielarz-Czarnocińska Anna , Minta Marcin , Sowińska Anna , Strauss Ewa
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between four single nucleotide polymorphisms of hemangioma-linked genes encoding for anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1 G976A), R kinase insert domain receptor (KDR T1444C), adrenoceptor beta 2 (ADRB C79CG), and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R G3174A) and the occurrence of IVH in a population of preterm infants.

Methods

The study includes a population of 105 infants born from 24 + 0 to 32 + 0 weeks of gestation and hospitalized at the Department of Neonatology (III level hospital) of Poznan University of Medical Science. Intraventricular hemorrhage was diagnosed with the use of cranial ultrasound. The classification of intraventricular bleeding was based on the Papile IVH classification.

Results

The incidence of IVH was higher in infants with lower birth weight, lower APGAR scores, and low birth weight. The study revealed that IVH was approximately two times less likely to occur in infants with the allele G of IGF-1R 3174G > A.

Conclusion

Identifying susceptible premature infants through genetic analysis could be a potential way to alleviate severe IVH and its subsequent consequences. Further research examining a wider range of relevant gene polymorphisms could help highlight any genetic patterns in this deleterious bleeding complication.
Reduction of permanent pacemaker implantation by using the cusp overlap technique in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a meta-analysis
Authors: Rawish Elias , Macherey Sascha , Jurczyk Dominik , Pätz Toni , Jose John , Stiermaier Thomas , Eitel Ingo , Frerker Christian , Schmidt Tobias
Published: January 2023

Background

The need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Deep implantation position is a risk factor for PPM implantation. Thus, in the field of self-expandable (SE) transcatheter heart valves (THV) cusp overlap projection (COP) technique was implemented to reduce parallax, allowing a more precise guidance of implantation depth.

Aims

This meta-analysis aims to report the outcome of patients undergoing TAVR with SE THV using COP versus conventional implantation technique (CIT).

Methods

Systematical search in MEDLINE and EMBASE yielded five observational controlled studies comparing both implantation techniques for the SE Evolut prosthesis (Medtronic Intern. Ltd., CA, USA) and fulfilling the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis.

Results

Totally, 1227 patients were included, comprising 641 who underwent COP and 586 CIT TAVR. Incidence of post-procedural need for PPM implantation was significantly lower in COP group (9.8% vs 20.6%; OR = 0.43; p < 0.00001). This was accompanied by significantly higher implantation position in COP group (mean difference distance from distal end of the intraventricular portion of the THV to the non-coronary cusp (NCC): − 1.03 mm; p = 0.00001). Incidence of new-onset left bundle branch block did not differ. Regarding procedural and 30-day mortality, technical success, post-procedural aortic regurgitation, and rates of multiple device implantation, no difference between COP and CIT was found.

Conclusion

COP is an effective and safe implantation technique to reduce the need for a permanent pacemaker implantation during TAVR with SE Evolut prosthesis.

Graphical abstract
Prognostic impact and diagnostic value of invasively derived hemodynamic measures in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI
Authors: Grundmann David , Goßling Alina , Schmidt Lennard , Voigtlaender Lisa , Ludwig Sebastian , Linder Matthias , Waldschmidt Lara , Demal Till , Bhadra Oliver D. , Schaefer Andreas , Reichenspurner Hermann , Blankenberg Stefan , Conradi Lenard , Westermann Dirk , Seiffert Moritz , Schofer Niklas
Published: January 2023

Background

Ejection time (ET), acceleration time (AT) and time between left ventricular and aortic systolic pressure peaks (T-LVAo) might be of diagnostic and prognostic use in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Aim

We aimed to assess the diagnostic value and prognostic impact of invasively measured ET, AT, and T-LVAo in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods

A total of 1274 patients received invasive measurement of ET, AT and T-LVAo prior to TAVI. Anatomic AS severity was assessed by CT-derived aortic valve calcification density (AVCd). Impact on all-cause mortality was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

In multivariable linear regression, T-LVAo showed the strongest correlation with AVCd. No prognostic impact of T-LVAo was found according to uni- and multivariable analyses. In contrast, using an individual C-statistic derived cutoff (CD), patients with ET or AT ≥ CD showed lower mortality rates compared to patients with ET or AT < CD (1-year mortality: ET ≥ vs. < CD: 15.01vs. 33.1%, AT ≥ vs < CD 16.3 vs. 26.5%, p < 0.001). Moreover, multivariable analysis identified ET ≥ CD (HR 0.61 [95% CI 0.43–0.87; p < 0.007]) to be associated with beneficial outcome after TAVI, independent from clinical risk factors and echocardiography-derived parameters.

Conclusion

Among the studied hemodynamic parameters T-LVAo provides the highest diagnostic value, whereas ET is an outcome predictor beyond clinical risk factors and echocardiographic parameters in AS patients following TAVI. These parameters could be of considerable use in diagnostic evaluation and risk assessment of patients scheduled for TAVI.

Graphical abstract

T-LVAo (yellow): defined as time between left ventricular and aortic systolic pressure peaks. ET (green): Ejection Time defined as time from the start to flow end. AT (orange): Acceleration time defined as time from the start to the peak flow. AOP: aortic pressure, AVC: aortic valve calcification, CI: confidence interval, HGAS: high-gradient aortic stenosis, LGAS: low-gradient aortic stenosis, LVP: left ventricular pressure, SD: standard deviation.
Immunohistochemical localisation of vasopressin/oxytocin-type, corazonin-type and luqin-type neuropeptide expression in the starfish Asterias rubens using antibodies to the C-terminal region of precursor proteins
Authors: Tinoco Ana B. , Egertová Michaela , Elphick Maurice R.
Published: January 2023

Neuropeptides derived from larger precursor proteins are secreted as signalling molecules by neurons and regulate diverse physiological and behavioural processes in animals. Recently, we reported the discovery of ArCRZ (HNTFTMGGQNRWKAG-NH2) and ArLQ (EEKTRFPKFMRW-NH2)—novel neuropeptides in the starfish Asterias rubens that are orthologs of arthropod corazonins and molluscan luqins, respectively. However, our efforts to generate antibodies to ArCRZ and ArLQ have been unsuccessful, precluding immunohistochemical analysis of their expression. Here, we investigated an alternative experimental approach for neuropeptide immunohistochemistry by generating antibodies to peptides corresponding to the C-terminal region of the precursor proteins. As proof of principle, we generated antibodies to the C-terminal region of the precursor of the vasopressin/oxytocin-type neuropeptide asterotocin and show that these reveal immunostaining in A. rubens that is very similar to that observed with asterotocin antibodies. Furthermore, antibodies to the C-terminal region of the ArCRZ precursor (ArCRZP) and the ArLQ precursor (ArLQP) produced patterns of immunostaining consistent, respectively, with the distribution of ArCRZP and ArLQP transcripts revealed by mRNA in situ hybridisation. Detailed immunohistochemical analysis revealed widespread expression of ArCRZP and ArLQP in A. rubens, including the central nervous system, digestive system and the body wall and its associated appendages (e.g. tube feet), providing a neuroanatomical framework for investigation and interpretation of the pharmacological actions of ArCRZ and ArLQ in A. rubens. Furthermore, our findings provide a basis for use of antibodies to the C-terminal region of neuropeptide precursor proteins in other species where the production of antibodies to the bioactive neuropeptides is unsuccessful.
Comorbidity data collection across different spine registries: an evidence map
Authors: Quigley Matthew , Apos Esther , Truong Trieu-Anh , Ahern Susannah , Johnson Michael A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Comorbidities are significant patient factors that contribute to outcomes after surgery. There is highly variable collection of this information across the literature. To help guide the systematic collection of best practice data, the Australian Spine Registry conducted an evidence map to investigate (i) what comorbidities are collected by spine registries, (ii) how they are collected and (iii) the compliance and completeness in collecting comorbidity data.

Method

A literature search was performed to identify published studies of adult spine registry data reporting comorbidities. In addition, targeted questionnaires were sent to existing global spine registries to identify the maximum number of relevant results to build the evidence map.

Results

Thirty-six full-text studies met the inclusion criteria. There was substantial variation in the reporting of comorbidity data; 55% of studies reported comorbidity collection, but only 25% reported the data collection method and 20% reported use of a comorbidity index. The variation in the literature was confirmed with responses from 50% of the invited registries (7/14). Of seven, three use a recognised comorbidity index and the extent and methods of comorbidity collection varied by registry.

Conclusion

This evidence map identified variations in the methodology, data points and reporting of comorbidity collection in studies using spine registry data, with no consistent approach. A standardised set of comorbidities and data collection methods would encourage collaboration and data comparisons between patient cohorts and could facilitate improved patient outcomes following spine surgery by allowing data comparisons and predictive modelling of risk factors.
Insulin pump therapy with and without continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes: a prospective observational Orchestra Foundation study in Poland
Authors: Cypryk Katarzyna , Wender-Ozegowska Ewa , Cyganek Katarzyna , Sieradzki Jacek , Skoczylas Kinga , Chen Xiaoxiao , Cordero Toni L. , Shin John , Cohen Ohad
Published: January 2023

Aims

The effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy with or without continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on neonatal outcomes and glycemic outcomes of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes (T1D), living in Poland, were assessed.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled women with T1D (N = 481, aged 18–45 years) who were pregnant or planned pregnancy. All used CSII therapy and a subset used CGM with CSII (CSII + CGM). Neonatal outcomes (e.g., rate of large for gestational age [LGA] delivery [birth weight > 90th percentile]) and maternal glycemia (e.g., HbA1c and percentage of time at sensor glucose ranges) were evaluated.

Results

Overall HbA1c at trimesters 1, 2, and 3 was 6.8 ± 1.1% (50.9 ± 12.3 mmol/mol, N = 354), 5.8 ± 0.7% (40.1 ± 8.0 mmol/mol, N = 318), and 5.9 ± 0.7% (41.4 ± 8.0 mmol/mol, N = 255), respectively. A HbA1c target of < 6.0% (42 mmol/mol) at each trimester was achieved by 20.9% (74/354), 65.1% (207/318), and 58.0% (148/255), respectively. For women using CSII + CGM versus CSII only, HbA1c levels at trimesters 1, 2, and 3 were 6.5 ± 0.9% versus 7.1 ± 1.3% (47.8 ± 9.7 mmol/mol versus 54.3 ± 14.0 mmol/mol, p < 0.0001), 5.7 ± 0.6% versus 6.0 ± 0.9% (38.9 ± 6.5 mmol/mol versus 41.6 ± 9.3 mmol/mol, p = 0.0122), and 5.8 ± 0.6% versus 6.1 ± 0.8% (40.3 ± 6.9 mmol/mol versus 42.9 ± 9.1 mmol/mol, p = 0.0117), respectively. For the overall, CSII only, and CSII + CGM groups, rates of LGA delivery were 22.7% (74/326), 24.6% (34/138), and 21.3% (40/188), respectively.

Conclusions

Observational assessment of women with T1D using CSII therapy demonstrated low HbA1c throughout pregnancy and low rates of LGA. The addition of CGM to CSII therapy compared to CSII therapy alone was associated with some improved maternal glycemic and neonatal outcomes.

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier

NCT01779141 (January 2013).
γ-Cyclodextrin-graphene quantum dots-chitosan modified screen-printed electrode for sensing of fluoroquinolones
Authors: Bartolomé Manuel , Soriano M. Laura , Villaseñor M. Jesús , Ríos Ángel
Published: January 2023

An innovative electrochemical approach based on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) modified with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) functionalized with γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) and assembled to chitosan (CHI) is designed for the assessment of the total content of fluoroquinolones (FQs) in animal source products. For the design of the bionanocomposite, carboxylated graphene quantum dots synthesized from uric acid as precursor were functionalized with γ-CD using succinic acid as a linker. Physic-chemical and nanostructural characterization of the ensuing nanoparticles was performed by high-resolution transmission scanning microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Z potential measurement, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical properties of assembled bionanocomposite like potential difference, kinetic electronic transfer constant and electroactive area among other parameters were assessed by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry using potassium ferricyanide as redox probe. The oxidation behaviour of four representative quinolones with distinctive structures was studied, obtaining in all cases the same number of involved e− (2) and H+ (2) in their oxidation. These results led us to propose a single and consistent oxidation mechanism for all the checked analytes. The γ-CD-GQDs-CHI/SPCE sensor displayed a boosted electroanalytical performance in terms of linear range (4–250 µM), sensibility (LOD = 1.2 µM) and selectivity. This electrochemical strategy allowed the determination of FQs total amount in complex processed food like broths, bouillon cubes and milkshakes at three concentration levels (150, 75 and 37.5 µM) for both equimolar and different ratio FQs mixtures with recovery values ranging from 90 to 106%.

Graphical abstract
Single session of laser photobiomodulation for symptom management of oral lichen planus: a retrospective study
Authors: Roccon Andrea , Cavallin Francesco , Zanette Gastone , Bacci Christian
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a single session of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) with flat top handpiece in reducing painful symptoms in patients with Oral Lichen Planus (OLP). The clinical charts of 20 patients of the Dental Clinic of University of Padua (Italy) who underwent a single laser PBM to manage OLP symptomatology were retrospectively analyzed. A 980 nm diode laser and a flat top handpiece with a 1-cm2 spot area were employed to perform the PBM with a single session protocol. VAS pain scores were assessed before and after the laser PBM, the day after, and on the 7th and 30th days after the treatment. No adverse effects occurred within 30 days after treatment. The mean VAS-pain score was 3.8 (SD 2.3) before PBM; 2.6 (SD 2.0) after PBM; 1.9 (SD 2.2) on day 1; 2.0 (SD 2.3) on day 7; and 1.5 (SD 2.2) on day 30. VAS pain decreased significantly over time (p < 0.0001). A single session of laser PBM may be safe and effective in reducing pain for symptomatic OLP patients. Further investigations are required to include placebo or topical corticosteroids as comparators.
Involving users in the development of a modeling language for customer journeys
Authors: Halvorsrud Ragnhild , Sanchez Odnan Ref , Boletsis Costas , Skjuve Marita
Published: January 2023

Although numerous methods for handling the technical aspects of developing domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs) have been formalized, user needs and usability aspects are often addressed late in the development process and in an ad hoc manner. To this concern, this paper presents the development of the customer journey modeling language (CJML), a DSML for modeling service processes from the end-user’s perspective. Because CJML targets a wide and heterogeneous group of users, its usability can be challenging to plan and assess. This paper describes how an industry-relevant DSML was systematically improved by using a variety of user-centered design techniques in close collaboration with the target group, whose feedback was used to refine and evolve the syntax and semantics of CJML. We also suggest how a service-providing organization may benefit from adopting CJML as a unifying language for documentation purposes, compliance analysis, and service innovation. Finally, we distill what we learned into general lessons and methodological guidelines.
Technological intensity in manufacturing trade between ASEAN and the EU: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Zapata Amadeo Navarro , Arrazola María , de Hevia José
Published: January 2023

This article analyses trade flows EU-ASEAN, focusing on export performance and technological intensity, covering the years 2004–2016. The aim of this paper is to analyse to what extent, a further trade integration between the EU and ASEAN, could generate business opportunities for countries in both trading blocs. This analysis could serve as a basis for designing and implementing effective policies and strategies by policymakers in the face of a deepening EU-ASEAN trade integration. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the degree of complementarity of trade patterns, the weight of intra-industry trade, and the revealed comparative advantages allows us to outline some of those challenges and opportunities. Results suggest that intra-industry trade is moderate, mainly focused on few manufactures, accounting for a low value of total trade flows between the two blocs, and concentrated in a few countries. The Lafay index analysis suggests that the EU and ASEAN are natural partners regarding the technological patterns of the revealed comparative advantages; therefore, a deepening in trade integration between this trading blocs could allow to exploit those comparative advantages.
Development and marker-trait relationships of functional markers for glutamine synthetase GS1 and GS2 homoeogenes in bread wheat
Authors: Pascual Laura , Solé-Medina Aida , Faci Isabel , Giraldo Patricia , Ruiz Magdalena , Benavente Elena
Published: January 2023

GS1 and GS2 genes encode, respectively, the main cytosolic and the plastidic isoforms of glutamine synthetase (GS). In the present study, the wheat GS1 and GS2 homoeogenes located in the A, B and D genome chromosomes have been sequenced in a group of 15 bread wheat varieties including landraces, old commercial varieties and modern cultivars. Phenotypic characterization by multi-environment field trials detected significant effects of specific GS homoeogenes on three of the seven agronomic and grain quality traits analyzed. Based on the gene sequence polymorphisms found, biallelic molecular markers that could facilitate marker-assisted breeding were developed for genes GS1A, GS2A and GS2D. The remaining genes encoding main wheat GS were excluded because of being monomorphic (GS1D) or too polymorphic (GS1B and GS2B) in the sequencing panel varieties. A collection of 187 Spanish bread wheat landraces was genotyped for these gene-based molecular markers. Data analyses conducted with phenotypic records reported for this germplasm collection in López-Fernández et al. (Plants-Basel 10: 620, 2021) have revealed the beneficial influence of some individual alleles on thousand-kernel weight (TKW), kernels per spike (KS) and grain protein content. Furthermore, genetic interactions between GS1A, a cytosolic GS isoform coding gene, and GS2A or GS2D, plastidic GS enzyme coding genes, were found to affect TKW and KS. The finding that some alleles at one locus may mask the effect of positive alleles at hypostatic GS loci should be kept in mind if gene pyramiding strategies are attempted for the improvement of N-use efficiency-related traits.
Linking processes to community functions—insights into litter decomposition combining fungal metatranscriptomics and environmental NMR profiling
Authors: Guerreiro Marco Alexandre , Kambach Stephan , Stoll Raphael , Brachmann Andreas , Senker Jürgen , Begerow Dominik , Peršoh Derek
Published: January 2023

In forest ecosystems, decomposition is essential for carbon and nutrient cycling and therefore a key process for ecosystem functioning. During the decomposition process, litter chemistry, involved decomposer organisms, and enzymatic activity change interdependently. Chemical composition of the litter is the most complex and dynamic component in the decomposition process and therefore challenging to assess holistically. In this study, we aimed to characterize chemical shifts during decomposition and link them to changes in decomposer fungal activity. We characterized the chemical composition of freshly fallen autumn leaves of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and the corresponding leaf litter after 1 year of decomposition by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We further tested the applicability of spiking experiments for qualitative and quantitative characterization of leaves and litter chemistry. The composition and transcriptional activity of fungal communities was assessed by high-throughput Illumina sequencing in the same litter samples. We were able to distinguish freshly fallen leaves from 1-year-old litter based on their chemical composition. Chemical composition of leaves converged among regions with progressing decomposition. Fungal litter communities differed in composition among regions, but they were functionally redundant according to the expression of genes encoding litter degrading enzymes (CAZymes). Fungi of the saprotrophic genera Mycena and Chalara correlated with transcription of litter-degrading CAZymes in 1-year-old litter. Forestry measures influenced the diversity and transcription rate of the detected CAZymes transcripts in litter. Their expression was primarily predicted by composition of the soluble chemical fraction of the litter. Environmental NMR fingerprints thus proved valuable for inferring ecological contexts. We propose and discuss a holistic framework to link fungal activity, enzyme expression, and chemical composition.