bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Moisture Exchange Caused by Low‐Temperature Annealing on Device Characteristics and Instability in InSnZnO Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Chen Zhiying , Zhang Meng , Deng Sunbin , Jiang Zhendong , Yan Yan , Han Suting , Zhou Ye , Wong Man , Kwok Hoi‐Sing
Published: March 2022

Thin‐film transistors (TFTs) in practical operations are inevitably impacted by moisture and temperature. An investigation on the joint effect of environmental moisture and working temperature on device characteristics and instability is becoming necessary. However, few related studies have been performed. In this work, a low‐temperature (LT) annealing in air is proposed to simulate the working conditions of TFTs in display applications. The effect of moisture exchange caused by LT annealing on device characteristics and instability of InSnZnO (ITZO) TFTs is systematically investigated. Combined with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, TCAD design simulation, and the measurement of relative humidity (RH) change on the device surface, a model considering water diffusion and water ionization is proposed. The negative shift of the transfer curve is attributed to the extra electrons released from the water ionization and the positive‐bias‐stress‐induced instability is mainly attributed to the generation of interstitial/substitutional hydrogens and aggregation of hydrogen ions at the backchannel. The temperature and the RH on the device surface jointly determine the moisture diffusion direction. Furthermore, the model is verified by an LT vacuum annealing. The results and the model will be beneficial for the further reliable design of ITZO TFTs in commercial applications.
A Highly Sensitive CRISPR‐Empowered Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Diagnosis of Inherited Diseases with Femtomolar‐Level Real‐Time Quantification
Authors: Zheng Fei , Chen Zhi , Li Jingfeng , Wu Rui , Zhang Bin , Nie Guohui , Xie Zhongjian , Zhang Han
Published: March 2022

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) molecular system has emerged as a promising technology for the detection of nucleic acids. Herein, the development of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor that is functionalized with a layer of locally grown graphdiyne film, achieving excellent sensing performance when coupled with catalytically deactivated CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (dCas9), is reported. dCas9 protein is immobilized on the sensor surface and complexed with a specific single‐guide RNA, enabling the amplification‐free detection of target sequences within genomic DNA. The sensor, termed CRISPR‐SPR‐Chip, is used to successfully analyze recombinant plasmids with only three‐base mutations with a limit of detection as low as 1.3 fM. Real‐time monitoring CRISPR‐SPR‐Chip is used to analyze clinical samples of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with two exon deletions, which are detected without any pre‐amplification step, yielding significantly positive results within 5 min. The ability of this novel CRISPR‐empowered SPR (CRISPR‐eSPR) sensing platform to rapidly, precisely, sensitively, and specifically detect a target gene sequence provides a new on‐chip optic approach for clinical gene analysis.
Plaque‐Targeted Rapamycin Spherical Nucleic Acids for Synergistic Atherosclerosis Treatment
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Qin Jingcan , Zhao Qianqian , Yang Jiapei , Wei Xiaoer , Huang Yu , Xie Miao , Zhang Chuan , Li Yuehua
Published: March 2022

Atherosclerosis with unstable plaques is the dominant pathological basis of lethal cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases, which can cause acute death due to the rupture of plaques. Plaque‐targeted drug delivery to achieve promoted treatment remains the main challenge because of the systemic occurrence of atheroma. Herein, a rapamycin (RAP) spherical nucleic acid (SNA) structure, capable of specifically accumulating in plaques for synergistic atherosclerosis treatment is constructed. By designing consecutive phosphorothioate (PS) at 3’ terminus of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strand, multiple hydrophobic RAPs are covalently grafted onto the PS segment to form an amphiphilic drug‐grafted DNA (RAP‐DNA), which successively self‐assembles into micellar SNA (RAP‐SNA). Moreover, the phosphodiester‐DNA segment constitutes the outer shell of RAP‐SNA, enabling further hybridization with functional siRNA (targeting lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1, LOX‐1) to obtain the drug codelivered SNA (LOX‐1/RAP‐SNA). With two active ingredients inside, LOX‐1/RAP‐SNA can not only induce robust autophagy and decrease the evil apoptosis of the pathological macrophages, but also simultaneously prohibit the LOX‐1‐mediated formation of damageable foam cells, realizing the effect of synergistic therapy. As a result, the LOX‐1/RAP‐SNA significantly reduces the progression of atheroma and stabilizes the plaques, providing a new strategy for synergistically targeted atherosclerosis treatment.
Cytotoxicity of Metal‐Based Nanoparticles: From Mechanisms and Methods of Evaluation to Pathological Manifestations
Authors: Xiong Peizheng , Huang Xiangming , Ye Naijing , Lu Qunwen , Zhang Gang , Peng Shunlin , Wang Hongbo , Liu Yiyao
Published: March 2022

Metal‐based nanoparticles (NPs) are particularly important tools in tissue engineering‐, drug carrier‐, interventional therapy‐, and biobased technologies. However, their complex and varied migration and transformation pathways, as well as their continuous accumulation in closed biological systems, cause various unpredictable toxic effects that threaten human and ecosystem health. Considerable experimental and theoretical efforts have been made toward understanding these cytotoxic effects, though more research on metal‐based NPs integrated with clinical medicine is required. This review summarizes the mechanisms and evaluation methods of cytotoxicity and provides an in‐depth analysis of the typical effects generated in the nervous, immune, reproductive, and genetic systems. In addition, the challenges and opportunities are discussed to enhance future investigations on safer metal‐based NPs for practical commercial adoption.
What should we teach? A human‐centered data science graduate curriculum model design for iField schools
Authors: Wu Dan , Xu Hao , Sun Yaqi , Lv Siyu
Published: March 2022

The information schools, also referred to as iField schools, are leaders in data science education. This study aims to develop a data science graduate curriculum model from an information science perspective to support iField schools in developing data science graduate education. In June 2020, information about 96 data science graduate programs from iField schools worldwide was collected and analyzed using a mixed research method based on inductive content analysis. A wide range of data science competencies and skills development and 12 knowledge topics covered by the curriculum were obtained. The humanistic model is further taken as the theoretical and methodological basis for course model construction, and 12 course knowledge topics are reconstructed into 4 course modules, including (a) data‐driven methods and techniques; (b) domain knowledge; (c) legal, moral, and ethical aspects of data; and (d) shaping and developing personal traits, and human‐centered data science graduate curriculum model is formed. At the end of the study, the wide application prospect of this model is discussed.
Information organization and representation in digital cultural heritage in Brazil: Systematic mapping of information infrastructure in digital collections for data science applications
Authors: Martins Dalton Lopes , Lemos Daniela Lucas da Silva , de Oliveira Luis Felipe Rosa , Siqueira Joyce , do Carmo Danielle , Medeiros Vinicius Nunes
Published: March 2022

This paper focuses on data science in digital cultural heritage in Brazil, where there is a lack of systematized information and curated databases for the integrated organization of documentary knowledge. Thus, the aim was to systematically map the different forms of information organization and representation applied to objects from collections belonging to institutions affiliated with the federal government's Special Department of Culture. This diagnosis is then used to discuss the requirements of devising strategies that favor a better data science information infrastructure to reuse information on Brazil's cultural heritage. Content analysis was used to identify analytical categories and obtain a broader understanding of the documentary sources of these institutions in order to extract, analyze, and interpret the data involved. A total of 215 hyperlinks that can be considered cultural collections of the institutions studied were identified, representing 2,537,921 cultural heritage items. The results show that the online publication of Brazil's digital cultural heritage is limited in terms of technology, copyright licensing, and established information organization practices. This paper provides a conceptual and analytical view to discuss the requirements for formulating strategies aimed at building a data science information infrastructure of Brazilian digital cultural collections that serves as future projects.
Recent Progress in Small‐Molecule Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Dual‐Modal Probes for the In‐Vivo Detection of Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Zhou Yongqing , Zhang Wen , Wang Xin , Li Ping , Tang Bo
Published: March 2022

Intracellular bioactive molecules are essential for the maintenance of homeostasis in living organisms. Abnormal levels of them are closely related to the occurrence and development of some diseases. Hence, the direct and accurate visualization of these bioactive molecules is of vital importance for exploring their pathological roles. However, the low‐content, short‐lived, and widely distributed properties of bioactive molecules impede the comprehensive analysis of them dramatically. Fluorescence and photoacoustic dual‐mode imaging technology provides a new solution to the above issue. Specifically, the combination of fluorescence and photoacoustic, which possesses the advantages of high resolution and in‐depth tissue analysis, enables a more in‐depth and systematic exploration of the pathogenic mechanisms of bioactive molecules. Moreover, due to the structural tailorability of small molecule probes, numerous small molecule dual‐mode probes have been developed to meet the demand for real‐time tracking and visualization of bioactive molecules in living cells or in vivo. Hence, in this review, we briefly summarize the key advances in small molecule fluorescence and photoacoustic dual‐modal probes within recent years (2015–2021). A particular focus is placed on the design strategies and biological applications of probes for the detection of various bioactive molecules in vivo. Furthermore, the challenges and further prospects in this hot field are highlighted.
Young convalescent COVID‐19 pneumonia with extensive pneumomediastinum emphysema: Case report
Authors: Jagosz Marta , Guzik Wiktoria , Moczała Łukasz , Rydel Mateusz , Misiołek Hanna , Białka Szymon
Published: March 2022

The development of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic caused a common appearance of severe pulmonary complications, rarely seen as a result of the other infections. These are pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, emphysematous bullae, cavitary lung lesions, or subcutaneous emphysema. Their formation is influenced by both—the natural course of the disease and the treatment strategy adopted.
Crystal Structures of Iron‐Based Oxides and Their Catalytic Efficiencies for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: A Trend in Alkaline Media
Authors: Sugawara Yuuki , Ueno Satomi , Kamata Keigo , Yamaguchi Takeo
Published: March 2022

Invited for this month's cover picture are the groups of Prof. Takeo Yamaguchi and Prof. Keigo Kamata at Tokyo Institute of Technology. The cover picture illustrates the data‐driven investigation of the trend in the crystal structures of iron‐based oxides and their electrocatalysis on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The investigation using 24 kinds of iron‐based oxides concluded that the OER efficiency on iron‐based oxides was uniquely determined by the Fe–O bond length in the bulk crystals of the materials. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202101679.
Computer assisted diagnosis of bipolar disorder using invariant features
Authors: Ganasigamony Wiselin Jiji , Antony Arul Selvaraj Muthuraj
Published: March 2022

In the study, a supervised learning framework is focused to identify the bipolar disorder (BD) using structural magnetic resonance imaging is focused. The work is based on the newly developed 3D SIFT and 3D SURF feature vectors with pattern recognition technique. The overall hypothesis is to deduct BD results from dysfunctional cellular metabolism within specific brain systems (i.e., anterior limbic brain network) as reflected in abnormalities in brain activation patterns and in specific neurochemical measures. The proposed method is used to integrate neuroimaging in exploring the biomarkers of BD to reveal the mechanism. In the method, two newly developed feature vectors and kernel PCA are combined or connected to project the feature vectors. Diagnosis process is done by random forest. The results reveal that the method has high potential to identify the BD than earlier works, and an average accuracy of 77.77% is reached. This research reveals that neuroimaging studies will help to differentiate BD from healthy controls.
Asia‐Inclusive Clinical Research and Development Enabled by Translational Science and Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology: Toward a Culture That Challenges the Status Quo
Authors: Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Gupta Neeraj , Smith Patrick F. , Lin Tiffany , Lineberry Neil , Ishida Tatiana , Wang Lin , Rogge Mark
Published: March 2022

Access lag to innovative therapies in Asian populations continues to present a challenge to global health. Recent progressive changes in the global regulatory landscape, including newer guidelines, are enabling simultaneous global drug development and near‐simultaneous global drug registration. The International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) E17 guideline outlines general principles for the design and analysis of multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs). We posit that translational research and quantitative clinical pharmacology tools are core enablers for Asia‐inclusive global drug development aligned with ICH E17 principles. Assessment of ethnic sensitivity should be initiated early in the development lifecycle to inform the need for, and extent of, Asian phase I ethno‐bridging data. Relevant ethno‐bridging data may be generated as standalone Asian phase I trials, as part of Western First‐In‐Human trials, or under accelerated development settings as a lead‐in phase in an MRCT. Quantitative understanding of human clearance mechanisms and pharmacogenetic factors is vital to forecasting ethnic sensitivity in drug exposure using physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models. Stratification factors to control heterogeneity in MRCTs can be identified by reverse translational research incorporating pharmacometric disease models and model‐based meta‐analyses. Because epidemiological variations can extend to the molecular level, quantitative systems pharmacology models may be useful in forecasting how molecular variation in therapeutic targets or pathway proteins across populations might impact treatment outcomes. Through prospective evaluation of conservation in drug‐ and disease‐related intrinsic and extrinsic factors, a pooled East Asian region can be implemented in Asia‐inclusive MRCTs to maximize efficiency in substantiating evidence of benefit‐risk for the region at‐large with a Totality of Evidence approach.
Fundamentals of Cr and Fe Atomic Defects Formation in Nonstoichiometric ZnS Crystals for Infrared Lasers
Authors: Potapova Ksenia A. , Zykova Marina P. , Avetisov Roman I. , Avetissov Igor Сh.
Published: March 2022

Using the method of graphical thermodynamics and information about T‐X projections of binary and quasi‐binary systems, 76 isothermal cross‐sections are constructed in the temperature range 300–2500 K for the Zn‐S‐Fe system and 75 isothermal cross‐sections in the temperature range 300–2700 K for the Zn‐S‐Cr system from complete melting of the system to the state when the liquid phase in the entire concentration triangle has ceased to exist. The monovariant equilibria of the Zn‐S‐Fe/Cr ternary systems are studied by high‐temperature annealing in silica ampoules followed by quenching. The synthesized samples are investigated using X‐ray diffraction analysis, which confirms the presence of phases participating in these equilibria and the correctness of the constructed cross‐sections. In the ternary systems under study, it is assumed that there are 18 nonvariant and 39 monovariant equilibria for the Zn‐S‐Fe system, 35 nonvariant and 45 monovariant equilibria for the Zn‐S‐Cr system. The information obtained can be used to improve the technology of IR lasers based on active elements ZnS:Cr and ZnS:Fe.
C−H Direct Arylation: A Robust Tool to Tailor the π‐Conjugation Lengths of Non‐Fullerene Acceptors
Authors: Liu Hui , Tao Yang‐Dan , Wang Li‐Hong , Ye Dong‐Nai , Huang Xu‐Min , Chen Na , Li Chang‐Zhi , Liu Shi‐Yong
Published: March 2022

Facile synthesis without involvement of toxic reagents is of great significance in the practical application of photovoltaic materials. In this work, four acceptor‐donor‐acceptor (A−D−A) type unfused‐ring acceptors (UFRAs) with stepwise extension in π‐conjugation, i. e., CPFB‐IC‐n (n=1–4), involving cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and 1,4‐difluorobenzene (DFB) as cores, are facilely synthesized by an atom‐, step‐economic and labor‐saving method through direct arylation of C−H bond (DACH). Among them, CPFB‐IC‐4 has the longest conjugation lengths among the molecular UFRA ever reported. The dependence of optoelectronic properties and photovoltaic performances of CPFB‐IC‐n (n=1–4) on conjugation length were systematically investigated. CPFB‐IC‐2 with near zero highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) offsets (ΔEHOMO=0.06 eV) achieves the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE), due to the significantly enhanced open voltage (VOC) and short current (JSC) caused by the balanced frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and complementary light absorption. Our work demonstrates that the optical properties and FMOs of UFRAs can be finely tuned by the stepwise elongation of conjugation lengths. Meanwhile, DACH coupling as a powerful tool here established will be a promising candidate for synthesizing high‐performance oligomeric UFRAs.
Stereoselective Oxidative Mannich Reaction of Ketones with Dihydrodibenzo‐Oxazepines via a Merger of Photoredox‐/Electro‐Catalysis with Organocatalysis
Authors: Hussain Yaseen , Sharma Deepak , Kotwal Namrata , Kumar Indresh , Chauhan Pankaj
Published: March 2022

An enantio‐ and diastereoselective sp3‐sp3 coupling of acyclic/cyclic ketones with dihydrodibenzo‐oxazepines has been developed by merging visible light photo‐redox‐ or electro‐catalysis with organocatalysis. This approach parallelly utilizes Eosin Y or graphite electrodes for the co‐catalyst‐free oxidative conversion of dihydrodibenzo‐oxazepines to oxazepines, followed by L‐Proline catalyzed direct Mannich‐type reaction with ketones. A series of enantioenriched dihydrodibenzo‐oxazepines have been prepared in high yields and enantioselectivity. This method shows substantial advantages over the existing protocols by using potentially safer starting materials and cheap commercially available catalysts.
Instrumental validation of free water, peak‐width of skeletonized mean diffusivity, and white matter hyperintensities: MarkVCID neuroimaging kits
Authors: Maillard Pauline , Lu Hanzhang , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Gold Brian T. , Bauer Christopher E. , Zachariou Valentinos , Stables Lara , Wang Danny J.J. , Jann Kay , Seshadri Sudha , Duering Marco , Hillmer Laura J. , Rosenberg Gary A. , Snoussi Haykel , Sepehrband Farshid , Habes Mohamad , Singh Baljeet , Kramer Joel H. , Corriveau Roderick A. , Singh Herpreet , Schwab Kristin , Helmer Karl G. , Greenberg Steven M. , Caprihan Arvind , DeCarli Charles , Satizabal Claudia L. ,   for the MarkVCID Consortium
Published: March 2022

Introduction

To describe the protocol and findings of the instrumental validation of three imaging‐based biomarker kits selected by the MarkVCID consortium: free water (FW) and peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD), both derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume derived from fluid attenuation inversion recovery and T1‐weighted imaging.

Methods

The instrumental validation of imaging‐based biomarker kits included inter‐rater reliability among participating sites, test–retest repeatability, and inter‐scanner reproducibility across three types of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners using intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

The three biomarkers demonstrated excellent inter‐rater reliability (ICC >0.94, P‐values < .001), very high agreement between test and retest sessions (ICC >0.98, P‐values < .001), and were extremely consistent across the three scanners (ICC >0.98, P‐values < .001).

Discussion

The three biomarker kits demonstrated very high inter‐rater reliability, test–retest repeatability, and inter‐scanner reproducibility, offering robust biomarkers suitable for future multi‐site observational studies and clinical trials in the context of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID).
Malignant progression of liver cancer progenitors requires lysine acetyltransferase 7–acetylated and cytoplasm‐translocated G protein GαS
Authors: Zhou Ye , Jia Kaiwei , Wang Suyuan , Li Zhenyang , Li Yunhui , Lu Shan , Yang Yingyun , Zhang Liyuan , Wang Mu , Dong Yue , Zhang Luxin , Zhang Wannian , Li Nan , Yu Yizhi , Cao Xuetao , Hou Jin
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims:

Hepatocarcinogenesis goes through HCC progenitor cells (HcPCs) to fully established HCC, and the mechanisms driving the development of HcPCs are still largely unknown.

Approach and Results:

Proteomic analysis in nonaggregated hepatocytes and aggregates containing HcPCs from a diethylnitrosamine‐induced HCC mouse model was screened using a quantitative mass spectrometry–based approach to elucidate the dysregulated proteins in HcPCs. The heterotrimeric G stimulating protein α subunit (GαS) protein level was significantly increased in liver cancer progenitor HcPCs, which promotes their response to oncogenic and proinflammatory cytokine IL‐6 and drives premalignant HcPCs to fully established HCC. Mechanistically, GαS was located at the membrane inside of hepatocytes and acetylated at K28 by acetyltransferase lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7) under IL‐6 in HcPCs, causing the acyl protein thioesterase 1–mediated depalmitoylation of GαS and its cytoplasmic translocation, which were determined by GαS K28A mimicking deacetylation or K28Q mimicking acetylation mutant mice and hepatic Kat7 knockout mouse. Then, cytoplasmic acetylated GαS associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to impede its interaction with suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, thus promoting in a feedforward manner STAT3 phosphorylation and the response to IL‐6 in HcPCs. Clinically, GαS, especially K28‐acetylated GαS, was determined to be increased in human hepatic premalignant dysplastic nodules and positively correlated with the enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation, which were in accordance with the data obtained in mouse models.

Conclusions:

Malignant progression of HcPCs requires increased K28‐acetylated and cytoplasm‐translocated GαS, causing enhanced response to IL‐6 and driving premalignant HcPCs to fully established HCC, which provides mechanistic insight and a potential target for preventing hepatocarcinogenesis.
Transcriptomic analysis of dorsal and ventral subiculum after induction of acute seizures by electric stimulation of the perforant pathway in rats
Authors: Aoyama Beatriz B. , Zanetti Gabriel G. , Dias Elayne V. , Athié Maria C. P. , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Schwambach Vieira André
Published: March 2022

Preconditioning is a mechanism in which injuries induced by non‐lethal hypoxia or seizures trigger cellular resistance to subsequent events. Norwood et al., in a 2010 study, showed that an 8‐h‐long period of electrical stimulation of the perforant pathway in rats is required for the induction of hippocampal sclerosis. However, in order to avoid generalized seizures, status epilepticus (SE), and death, a state of resistance to seizures must be induced in the hippocampus by a preconditioning paradigm consisting of two daily 30‐min stimulation periods. Due to the importance of the subiculum in the hippocampal formation, this study aims to investigate differential gene expression patterns in the dorsal and ventral subiculum using RNA‐sequencing, after induction of a preconditioning protocol by electrical stimulation of the perforant pathway. The dorsal (dSub) and ventral (vSub) subiculum regions were collected by laser‐microdissection 24 h after preconditioning protocol induction in rats. RNA sequencing was performed in a Hiseq 4000 platform, reads were aligned using the STAR and DESEq2 statistics package was used to estimate gene expression. We identified 1176 differentially expressed genes comparing control to preconditioned subiculum regions, 204 genes were differentially expressed in dSub and 972 in vSub. The gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the most significant common enrichment pathway considering up‐regulated genes in dSub and vSub was steroid metabolism. In contrast, the most significant enrichment pathway considering down‐regulated genes in vSub was axon guidance. Our results indicate that preconditioning induces changes in the expression of genes related to synaptic reorganization, increased cholesterol metabolism, and astrogliosis in both dSub and vSub. Both regions also presented a decrease in the expression of genes related to glutamatergic transmission and an increase in expression of genes related to complement system activation and GABAergic transmission. The down‐regulation of proapoptotic and axon guidance genes in the ventral subiculum suggests that preconditioning may induce a neuroprotective environment in this region.
Characterization of internal thermohydraulic flow and heat transfer improvement in a three‐dimensional circular corrugated tube surfaces based on numerical simulation and design of experiment
Authors: Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Ramadhan
Published: March 2022

To meet the requirements of development in heat exchangers design, the effect of different tubes geometrical parameters on its flow field analysis and thermal heat transfer performance are investigated in the current research work. The hydraulic thermal fluid coupling with computational simulations is applied. The numerical results are solving used flow transport and heat transfer equations, then these results are validated with available experimental data. The behavior of hydraulic and thermal flow in the corrugated tube is discussed with different geometrical parameters' position and shape. Turbulent flow in the tube is calculated in three‐dimensional numerical simulations with optimization of a multiobjective algorithm are analyzed. The influences of various design parameters, for instance, the number of corrugated rings around the tube, distance between each corrugated ring, the diameter of the ring, and pitch of ring are investigated firstly in the flow field and then optimized by using the design of experiment (DOE). The influence of flow structural modifications such as static pressure, dynamic pressure, and pressure drop is taken into consideration as analyzed performance parameters. The DOE method is investigated based on implements and variances the L16 orthogonal arrays are chosen as the experimental strategy. Furthermore, the optimization results found that the maximum value of pressure difference was for corrugated diameter. The numerical method using DOE has enhanced heat transfer rate as compared to the smooth pipe. Moreover, the minimum Tout is for Case 11 (296.49°C) and the maximum Tout is for (303.10°C) hence the value of Nu number for both cases is 32.9 and 42, respectively. That means using this type of passive device can improve the heat transfer in the pipe. The outcomes illustrate that the performance evaluation factor (PEF) ratio of the corrugated pipe with different geometrical configurations is changed and increased as the corrugated pipe geometrically changed and the value of PEF is more than 1.3.
Lung fibrosis is a novel therapeutic target to suppress lung metastasis of osteosarcoma
Authors: Yui Yoshihiro , Kumai Jun , Watanabe Kenta , Wakamatsu Toru , Sasagawa Satoru
Published: March 2022

The prognosis of patients with metastatic and recurrent osteosarcoma has not improved over the last 30 years because no effective treatment strategy has been established for lung metastases. Although molecular‐targeted drugs that modify the extracellular environment, such as antifibrotic agents, have been developed for cancer treatment, the suppressive effects of antifibrotic agents on osteosarcoma lung metastasis are unclear. Osteosarcomas need to adapt to considerable changes with respect to the stiffness of the environment and fibrosis during lung metastasis and may thus be vulnerable to fibrotic suppression as they originate at the site of a stiff bone with considerable fibrosis. In our study, we investigated whether fibrosis was a therapeutic target for suppressing osteosarcoma metastasis. Lung tissue samples from patients and a mouse model (LM8‐Dunn model) showed that lung metastatic colonization of osteosarcoma cells proceeded with massive lung fibrosis. Metastatic osteosarcoma LM8 cells proliferated in a scaffold‐dependent manner; the proliferation was less dependent on YAP‐mediated mechanotransduction on soft polyacrylamide gels. The antifibrotic agents pirfenidone and nintedanib suppressed lung metastasis in the LM8‐Dunn model. The osteosarcoma cells did not show increased proliferation, as reported in breast cancer, after continuous culture in a soft environment. We speculated that the antifibrotic agents were effective because the osteosarcoma cells remained scaffold‐dependent in the soft tissue environment. Thus, antifibrotic strategies may be useful in suppressing lung metastasis of bone and soft tissue tumors with stiff primary sites such as those in osteosarcoma.
Sex Effect in the Decision to Perform Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome After Undergoing Vasodilator Stress MRI
Authors: Palau Patricia , Núñez Julio , Monmeneu Jose V. , Lopez‐Lereu Maria P. , Gavara Jose , Rios‐Navarro Cesar , de Dios Elena , Perez‐Sole Nerea , Marcos‐Garces Victor , Domínguez Eloy , Moratal David , Canoves Joaquim , Miñana Gema , Chorro Francisco Javier , Bodi Vicente
Published: March 2022

Background

Stress cardiac MRI permits comprehensive evaluation of patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). The impact of sex on the use of invasive cardiac angiography (ICA) after vasodilator stress cardiac MRI is unclear.

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of sex on ICA use after vasodilator stress cardiac MRI.

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 6229 consecutive patients (age [mean ± standard deviation] 65.2 ± 11.5 years, 38.1% women).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 5‐T; a steady‐state free‐precession cine sequence; stress first‐pass perfusion imaging; late enhancement imaging.

Assessment

Patients underwent vasodilator stress cardiac MRI for known or suspected CCS. The ischemic burden (at stress first‐pass perfusion imaging) was computed (17‐segment model).

Statistical Tests

Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the potential differential association between ischemic burden and use of cardiac MRI‐related ICA across sex.

Results

A total of 1109 (17.8%) patients were referred to ICA, among which there were significantly more men (762, 19.7%) than women (347, 14.6%). Overall, after multivariate adjustment, female sex was not associated with lower use of ICA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.99; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.84–1.18, P = 0.934). However, significant sex differences were detected across ischemic burden. Whereas women with nonischemic vasodilator stress cardiac MRI (0 ischemic segments) were less commonly submitted to ICA (OR = 0.49; CI 95%: 0.35–0.69) in patients with ischemia (>1 ischemic segment), adjusted use of ICA was more frequent in women than men (OR = 1.27; CI 95%: 1.1–1.5).

Data Conclusions

In patients with known or suspected CCS submitted to undergo vasodilator stress cardiac MRI, cardiac MRI‐related ICA may be overused in men without ischemia. Furthermore, ICA referral in patients with negative ischemia resulted in greater odds of revascularization in men.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Knowledge and perceptions of outpatients regarding upper respiratory tract infections and awareness of an Antibiotics Smart Use campaign in Thailand
Authors: Phueanpinit Pacharaporn , Siriwattanasakul Nongchanok , Tichakorn Penpit , Klanbut Siranan
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The Antibiotic Smart Use (ASU) campaign, including educating the public in appropriate antibiotic use for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), has been conducted for several years in Thailand. This study's main objectives were to examine knowledge and perceptions of antibiotics for URTIs in outpatients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted at a 500‐bed tertiary care teaching hospital, using a self‐administered questionnaire directly distributed to people waiting for dispensed medicines in the out‐patient department.

Results

Of the 400 returned questionnaires, 61% of respondents (N = 243) had a history of antibiotic use. Nearly 70% (N = 270) had received antibiotic information. Posters promoting the ASU campaign had been seen by 65% (N = 259), of whom 70% (N = 182) had read the poster. Knowledge regarding antibiotics was generally poor, higher knowledge (2.6–3.2‐fold increase) was associated with middle‐aged compared to younger people (58.4% vs 31.2%, p = 0.004), people with a bachelor’s degree rather than a junior high school certificate (67.5% vs 14.3%, p = 0.020), and people receiving antibiotic information rather than not receiving information (84.4% vs 15.6%, p = 0.022). The perceived necessity for antibiotics for various respiratory symptoms was moderate, with lower expectations in those who have a high level of antibiotic knowledge and have read an ASU poster.

Conclusion

Overall knowledge of antibiotics was found to be low. However, perceptions of the necessity for antibiotic use in URTIs were encouragingly positive. Continuous promotion of ASU campaigns to limit antibiotic use is still necessary but may require adaptation to ensure accessibility for the wider public.
How diet affects Alzheimer's disease and small vessel disease
Authors: Lempiäinen Juha
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The number of people with memory disorders is increasing worldwide. Changing certain lifestyle factors can prevent the development of those disorders. Diet is a central factor that can be changed.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify peer‐reviewed articles that examined the relationship between a plant‐based diet and Alzheimer's disease or SVD.

Results

Whole‐food, plant‐based diets also seem to be a healthy choice for the brain. Berries, vegetables and fibre seem to be especially important. The amounts of saturated fat, refined carbohydrates and alcohol should be minimised. Single components (dietary supplements) are not beneficial if one has no deficiencies.

Conclusions

A plant‐based diet containing plenty of fibre, vitamins, and polyphenols seems to be a good choice for our memory and brain health.
Aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidation in a seasonally anoxic basin
Authors: Steinsdóttir Herdís G. R. , Schauberger Clemens , Mhatre Snehit , Thamdrup Bo , Bristow Laura A.
Published: March 2022

Shallow coastal waters are dynamic environments that dominate global marine methane emissions. Particularly high methane concentrations are found in seasonally anoxic waters, which are spreading in eutrophic coastal systems, potentially leading to increased methane emissions to the atmosphere. Here we explore how the seasonal development of anoxia influenced methane concentrations, rates of methane oxidation, and the community composition of methanotrophs in the shallow eutrophic water column of Mariager Fjord, Denmark. Our results show the development of steep concentration gradients toward the oxic–anoxic interface as methane accumulated to 1.4 μM in anoxic bottom waters. Yet, the fjord possessed an efficient microbial methane filter near the oxic–anoxic interface that responded to the increasing methane flux. In experimental incubations, methane oxidation near the oxic–anoxic interface proceeded both aerobically and anaerobically with nearly equal efficiency reaching turnover rates as high as 0.6 and 0.8 d−1, respectively, and was seemingly mediated by members of the Methylococcales belonging to the Deep Sea‐1 clade. Throughout the period, both aerobic and anaerobic methane oxidation rates were high enough to consume the estimated methane flux. Thus, our results indicate that seasonal anoxia did not increase methane emissions.
Average saturation efficiency filter (ASEF) for CEST imaging
Authors: Jin Tao , Chung Julius Juhyun
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Endogenous CEST signal usually has low specificity due to contamination from the magnetization transfer effect and from fast exchanging labile protons with close Larmor frequencies. We propose to improve CEST signal specificity with an average saturation efficiency filter (ASEF).

Methods

ASEF measures the difference between CEST signals acquired with similar average irradiation power but largely different duty cycles (DC), for example, a continuous wave or a high DC pulse train versus a low DC one. Simulation and Cr phantom studies were performed to evaluate the characteristics of ASEF for CEST.

Results

Theoretical and simulation studies show that ASEF can suppress fast exchanging processes, with only a small loss of chemical exchange contrast for slow‐to‐intermediate exchange rates if the difference in DC is large. In the RF offset range of 2 to 5 ppm with an averaged saturation power of 0.8 and 1.6 microteslas, there is a mismatch of ∼0.1% to 2% in the magnetization transfer signal between saturation by continuous wave and a pulse train with DC = 15% and pulse duration of 24 ms, respectively. This mismatch can be minimized by careful selection of saturation power, pulse duration, and DC differences or by applying a small fudge factor between the 2 irradiation powers. Phantom studies of Cr confirmed that ASEF can minimize the magnetization transfer effect and reduce sensitivity to fast exchange processes.

Conclusion

ASEF can improve the specificity of slow‐to‐intermediate exchanging CEST signal with a relatively small loss of sensitivity.
MR‐assisted PET respiratory motion correction using deep‐learning based short‐scan motion fields
Authors: Chen Sihao , Fraum Tyler J. , Eldeniz Cihat , Mhlanga Joyce , Gan Weijie , Vahle Thomas , Krishnamurthy Uday B. , Faul David , Gach H. Michael , Binkley Michael M. , Kamilov Ulugbek S. , Laforest Richard , An Hongyu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We evaluated the impact of PET respiratory motion correction (MoCo) in a phantom and patients. Moreover, we proposed and examined a PET MoCo approach using motion vector fields (MVFs) from a deep‐learning reconstructed short MRI scan.

Methods

The evaluation of PET MoCo was performed in a respiratory motion phantom study with varying lesion sizes and tumor to background ratios (TBRs) using a static scan as the ground truth. MRI‐based MVFs were derived from either 2000 spokes (MoCo2000, 5–6 min acquisition time) using a Fourier transform reconstruction or 200 spokes (MoCoP2P200, 30–40 s acquisition time) using a deep‐learning Phase2Phase (P2P) reconstruction and then incorporated into PET MoCo reconstruction. For six patients with hepatic lesions, the performance of PET MoCo was evaluated using quantitative metrics (SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean, lesion volume) and a blinded radiological review on lesion conspicuity.

Results

MRI‐assisted PET MoCo methods provided similar results to static scans across most lesions with varying TBRs in the phantom. Both MoCo2000 and MoCoP2P200 PET images had significantly higher SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean and significantly lower lesion volume than non‐motion‐corrected (non‐MoCo) PET images. There was no statistical difference between MoCo2000 and MoCoP2P200 PET images for SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean or lesion volume. Both radiological reviewers found that MoCo2000 and MoCoP2P200 PET significantly improved lesion conspicuity.

Conclusion

An MRI‐assisted PET MoCo method was evaluated using the ground truth in a phantom study. In patients with hepatic lesions, PET MoCo images improved quantitative and qualitative metrics based on only 30–40 s of MRI motion modeling data.
Sovereignty and Coloniality in the French‐Speaking Pacific: A Reflection on the Case of New Caledonia, 1980–2021
Authors: Leblic Isabelle
Published: March 2022

Following the end of Indigénat rule (1946), Kanaks as the Indigenous people of New Caledonia entered the political world to claim their rights as full French citizens, demand recognition of their identity, and subsequently assert their independence and the sovereignty of their own country. Nine years after the May 4, 1989 drama of Ouvéa, where Jean‐Marie Tjibaou, Yeiwéné Yeiwéné and Jubely Wea were killed, the Noumea Accord (May 1998) introduced the idea of a new form of French citizenship for the people living in New Caledonia and provided a framework for three consultations on the country's accession to full sovereignty. The Accord also raised the foundational question of how any form of incorporation in the French state could avoid denying Kanak identity while taking into account the political desires of various other populations who lived in New Caledonia before 1988. From the stance of an anti‐colonial anthropologist rooted in the colonial metropole and conducting fieldwork in a colonial context, this article undertakes a review of almost half a century of debates over the articulations of independence versus sovereignty at the heart of the New Caledonian debate, the campaigns for the referendums and their results, and the diverse forces present. Ultimately, I conclude that what is sometimes put forward as ‘decolonization inside the republic’ may also be understood as a form of re‐colonization.
Synthesis of bio‐based polyesters with crystallization properties comparable to poly(butylene terephthalate)
Authors: Fei Xuan , Zhu Yingkang , Wang Jinggang , Jia Zhen , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: March 2022

To enhance the crystallization of poly(butylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PBF) thus substitute its petroleum‐based analogue poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), a series of high molecular weight poly(butylene‐co‐1,4‐cyclohexanedimethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PBCF) copolyesters with low contents (0–19 mol%) of 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) are synthesized from 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethylene (CHDM) and BDO. Their chemical structures and compositions are confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR). Their number average molecular weights are from 20,500 to 36,100 g/mol with the polydispersity index (Ð) of 1.67–1.99. The thermal stability and crystallization behaviors are investigated by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Results show that PBCFs demonstrate comparable crystallization rate to PBT as the crystallization half time is from 18 to 29 s and the melting enthalpy is 34.1–41.4 J/g as well as the higher melting temperature of 238–263°C than 225°C for PBT. In addition, PBCFs exhibit excellent mechanical properties of tensile modulus between 1220 and 1510 MPa. These investigations suggest that a moderate amount CF unit can improve the melting temperature and enhance the originally weak crystallizability of furan‐based polyesters. Generally, PBCFs can be the engineering plastic with satisfied thermal and mechanical performance.
Mindfulness and intimate relationship satisfaction in daily life: The role of empathy
Authors: Wen Xue , Zhang Qian , Zhou Yuyang , Du Jiaxuan , Xu Wei
Published: March 2022

This study examined the role of empathy in the relationship between mindfulness and intimate relationship satisfaction (IRS). Using ecological momentary assessment, 100 pairs of university students who were in relationships participated in the study. The participants were invited to complete a questionnaire measuring their current states of mindfulness, IRS, and empathy three times a day for 14 days. The results showed that empathy at the within‐person level played a mediating role in the relationship between acceptance and IRS. Empathy at the within‐person level also moderated the relationship between monitoring and IRS. Findings illustrated the vital role of empathy in an intimate relationship. Limitations of the study were discussed.
Elucidating the Interaction and Stability of Withanone and Withaferin‐A with Human Serum Albumin, Lysozyme and Hemoglobin Using Computational Biophysical Modeling
Authors: Rajkhowa Sanchaita , Pathak Upasana , Patgiri Himangshu
Published: March 2022

Withania somnifera consists of various bioactive compounds, of which withanone (WT−N) and withaferin‐A (WT−A) are known to have many therapeutic properties. To understand drug metabolism and transportation methods, binding of endogenous and exogenous ingredients with transport proteins is of utmost importance. Therefore, to perceive the molecular recognition mechanism of WT−N and WT−A, the association of human serum albumin, human hemoglobin and human lysozyme with WT−N and WT−A were examined, using various in silico techniques. For our study, we have employed both quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics approaches. Resultantly, drug‐like properties and reactivity were calculated with WT−N and WT−A being the most reactive among all the withanolides. The protein HSA in presence of WT−N showed more stability than that of WT−A. However, HL and Hb showed better stability with WT−A as compared to WT−N. Several non‐covalent interactions contributed the utmost part in the binding of WT−N and WT−A with the proteins. The MD simulation studies also showed evidence in the conformational changes and other dynamical properties of the three proteins with both the ligands. Finally, MM‐PBSA results confirmed the free binding energy of the complexes. Our study has provided a substantial recognition of bioactive molecules WT−N and WT−A binding with the carrier proteins, which can significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of these molecules.
Unusual Boronium Salt Shows Antifungal Activity Comparable to a Commercial Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant
Authors: Ravine Terrence J. , Soltani Mohammad , Davis James H. , Salter Edward A. , Wierzbicki Andrzej
Published: March 2022

Previously, a boronium salt possessing a terminal benzyl group was reported to have greater antibacterial activity than a commercial quaternary ammonium disinfectant solution against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Results of the current study indicate that the same boronium salt without a benzyl group, exhibited equal or better antifungal activity against actively growing Candida albicans yeast and Aspergillus fumigatus mold when compared to the same quat disinfectant. This same compound also displayed antifungal activity against dormant A. fumigatus spores comparable to the quat disinfectant. In contrast, the boronium ion with a benzyl group was 4–16X less effective than either the non‐benzylated form or quat disinfectant for all 3 fungal test conditions. The observation that the boronium salt without a benzyl group exhibited substantial antifungal activity in the current study but did not display any antibacterial activity in the previous study is of particular interest. This finding represents a flip‐flop outcome from the previous bacterial testing. It suggests that the presence of a terminal benzyl group greatly influences the boronium ion's ability to interact with fungal membranes.