bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analytical performance of multiple plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 assays and their ability to predict positron emission tomography amyloid positivity
Authors: Zicha Stephen , Bateman Randall J. , Shaw Leslie M. , Zetterberg Henrik , Bannon Anthony W. , Horton Wesley A. , Baratta Mike , Kolb Hartmuth C. , Dobler Iwona , Mordashova Yulia , Saad Ziad S. , Raunig David L. , Spanakis Emmanouil (Manos) , Li Yan , Schindler Suzanne E. , Ferber Kyle , Rubel Carrie E. , Martone Robert L. , Weber Christopher J. , Edelmayer Rebecca M. , Meyers Emily A. , Bollinger James G. , Rosenbaugh Erin G. , Potter William Z. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI),   Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) Biomarkers Consortium Plasma Aβ as a Predictor of Amyloid Positivity in Alzheimer's Disease Project Team
Published: July 2022

Introduction

This report details the approach taken to providing a dataset allowing for analyses on the performance of recently developed assays of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides in plasma and the extent to which they improve the prediction of amyloid positivity.

Methods

Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative plasma samples with corresponding amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) data were run on six plasma Aβ assays. Statistical tests were performed to determine whether the plasma Aβ measures significantly improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting amyloid PET status compared to age and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype.

Results

The age and APOE genotype model predicted amyloid status with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.75. Three assays improved AUCs to 0.81, 0.81, and 0.84 (P < .05, uncorrected for multiple comparisons).

Discussion

Measurement of Aβ in plasma contributes to addressing the amyloid component of the ATN (amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration) framework and could be a first step before or in place of a PET or cerebrospinal fluid screening study.

Highlights

The Foundation of the National Institutes of Health Biomarkers Consortium evaluated six plasma amyloid beta (Aβ) assays using Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative samples.

Three assays improved prediction of amyloid status over age and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype.

Plasma Aβ42/40 predicted amyloid positron emission tomography status better than Aβ42 or Aβ40 alone.
Bound States In and Out of the Continuum in Nanoribbons with Wider Sections: A Novel Algorithm based on the Recursive S‐Matrix Method
Authors: Díaz Ricardo Y. , Ramírez Carlos
Published: July 2022

A novel method to find bound states in general tight‐binding Hamiltonians with semi‐infinite leads is reported. The method is based on the recursive S‐matrix method, which allows to compute iteratively the S‐matrix of a general system in terms of the S‐matrices of its subsystems. The condition that the S‐matrices of the subsystems must accomplish to have a bound state at energy E is established. Energies that accomplish this relation, can be determined with high accuracy and efficiency by using the Taylor series of the S‐matrices. The method allows to find bound states energies and wavefunctions in (BIC) and out (BOC) of the continuum, including degenerate ones. Bound states in nanoribbons with wider sections are computed for square and honeycomb lattices. Using this method, the bound states in a graphene nanoribbon with two quantum‐dot‐like structures which are reported to have BICs by using another technique are verified. However, this new analysis reveals that such BICs are double, one with even and the other with odd wavefunction, with slightly separated energies. In this way, the new method can be used to efficiently find new BICs and to improve precision in previously reported ones.
Crystal Structure Based Mutagenesis of Cattleyene Synthase Leads to the Generation of Rearranged Polycyclic Diterpenes
Authors: Xing Baiying , Xu Houchao , Li Annan , Lou Tingting , Xu Meng , Wang Kaibiao , Xu Zhengren , Dickschat Jeroen S. , Yang Donghui , Ma Ming
Published: July 2022

The crystal structures of cattleyene synthase (apo‐CyS), and CyS complexed with geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) were solved. The CySC59A variant exhibited an increased production of cattleyene and other diterpenes with diverse skeletons. Its structure showed a widened active site cavity explaining the relaxed selectivity. Isotopic labeling experiments revealed a remarkable cyclization mechanism involving several skeletal rearrangements for one of the novel diterpenes.
A novel 2‐D accordion like Al‐BPED MOF as reusable and selective catalyst for N‐alkylation of amines with dialkylcarbonates
Authors: Sharma Ashutosh , Verma Khushboo , Kaushal Sandeep , Badru Rahul
Published: July 2022

A novel 2‐D flakes like Al‐BPED ((N1,N2‐bis [pyridine‐2‐yl]methyl)ethane‐1,2‐diamine) metal–organic framework (MOF) have been explored for its catalytic potential in the N‐alkylation of amines with dialkyl carbonates. The Al‐BPED MOF catalyst has been synthesized by hydrothermal route. The X‐ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR), and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) images were used to analyze the morphology of the synthesized Al‐BPED MOF samples. With the use of Al‐BPED MOF, the primary and secondary aromatic amines were selectively and efficiently methylated with dimethyl carbonate. The effect of process conditions has been investigated toward N‐methylation, N‐ethylation, and N‐benzylation of aromatic amines. Under the optimal conditions with 10 mol% of the MOF catalyst, a maximum aniline conversion of 88% and a selectivity >90% toward N‐alkylation was achieved. The kinetic studies revealed the N‐alkylation reaction in presence of Al‐BPED MOF followed pseudo‐first order rate kinetics.
In situ synthesis of Cu‐doped ZIF‐8 for efficient photocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Varangane Sagar , Vennapoosa Chandra Shobha , Tiwari Amritanjali , Nataraj Sanna Kotrappanavar , Yendrapati Taraka Prabhu , Pal Ujjwal
Published: July 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) reached a new level of research in photocatalysis by their virtue of tunable structure, modifiable pores, and a large surface area. Herein, we employed a simple metal ion exchange method to change ZIF‐8 from UV light to visible light absorption photocatalyst. In this work, Cu2+ ions are integrated within the ZIF‐8 framework to synthesize Cu‐doped ZIF‐8 photocatalysts and well characterized by using both the spectroscopic and electrochemical studies. The Cu@ZIF‐8 (CDZ‐20) photocatalyst shows enhanced light‐harvesting ability and remarkable hydrogen generation rate of 13.9 mmolg−1 h−1 with an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 9.08%, which is 17 times higher than that of pristine ZIF‐8 photocatalyst. The higher photocurrent density of 34 μA/cm2 in CDZ‐20 further reinforced the superiority over the ZIF‐8 (1 μA/cm2). This work paves the way to engineer robust copper doped ZIFs photocatalyst under mild synthesis approach for efficient H2 evolution.
Assessing the Immune Cell Subset and Genetic Mutations in Patients With Palindromic Rheumatism Seronegative for Rheumatoid Factor and Anti–Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide
Authors: Yang Chin‐An , Li Ju‐Pi , Lai Yi‐Hua , Huang Ya‐Ling , Lin Chien‐Yu , Lan Joung‐Liang
Published: July 2022

Objective

The etiology underlying cases of palindromic rheumatism (PR) not associated with other rheumatic diseases in patients who are seronegative for rheumatoid factor and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (seronegative PR) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the immune cells and genes involved.

Methods

This was a single‐center comparative study of 48 patients with seronegative PR and 48 healthy controls. Mass cytometry and RNA sequencing were used to identify distinct immune cell subsets in blood. Among the 48 seronegative PR patients, plasma samples from 40 patients were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for cytokine levels, and peripheral blood samples from 25 patients were evaluated by flow cytometry for mononuclear cell subsets. Plasma samples from 21 patients were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for differential gene and protein expression, and samples from 3 patients were analyzed with whole‐exome sequencing for gene mutations.

Results

Immunophenotyping revealed a markedly increased frequency of CD14+CD11b+CD36+ and CD4+CD25–CD69+ cells in seronegative PR patients with active flares compared with healthy controls (P < 0.0001 for both cell subset comparisons). Gene enrichment analyses of RNA‐sequencing data from sorted CD14+CD11b+CD36+ and CD4+CD25–CD69+ cells showed involvement of the inflammatory/stress response, phagocytosis, and regulation of apoptosis functional pathways. Up‐regulated expression of CXCL16 and IL10RA was observed in monocytes from PR patients. Up‐regulation of PFKFB3, DDIT4, and TGFB1, and down‐regulation of PDIA6 were found in monocytes and lymphocytes from PR patients with active flares and PR patients in intercritical periods. Plasma levels of S100A8/A9 and interleukin‐1β were elevated in PR patients. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed novel polygenic mutations in HACL1, KDM5A, RASAL1, HAVCR2, PRDM9, MBOAT4, and JRKL.

Conclusion

In seronegative PR patients, we identified a distinct CD14+CD11b+CD36+ cell subset that can induce an inflammatory response under stress and exert antiinflammatory effects after phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, and a CD4+CD25–CD69+ T cell subset with pro‐ and antiinflammatory properties. Individuals with genetic mutations involving epigenetic modification, potentiation and resolution of stress‐induced inflammation/apoptosis, and a dysregulated endoplasmic reticulum stress response could be predisposed to seronegative PR.
Biogenic and facile synthesis of selenium nanoparticles using Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract and anticancer activity against in vitro model of breast cancer
Authors: Gharbavi Mahmoud , Mousavi Mousa , Pour‐Karim Mahsa , Tavakolizadeh Mahdi , Sharafi Ali
Published: July 2022

Biogenic synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) using plant extracts has emerged as a promising alternative approach to traditional chemical synthesis. The current study aims to introduce a safe, low‐cost, and green synthesis of SeNPs using fresh fruit extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. The biogenic synthesis of SeNPs was confirmed by different analyses including ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray. Also, the crystalline nature, size, and morphology of the obtained SeNPs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The SeNPs were successfully synthesized with fruit extract of V. arctostaphylos L. in a regular spherical form and narrow size distribution with suitable zeta‐potential values and exhibited appropriate biocompatibility. It revealed that the synthesized SeNPs can significantly inhibit the growth of 4T1 breast cancer cells with an IC50 of ∼84.19 ± 25.96 µg/ml after 72 h treatment. Overall, it can be concluded that the green synthesized SeNPs can be attractive, nontoxic, and eco‐friendly candidates for drug delivery or medicinal applications.
STEMI in nonagenarians: Never too old
Authors: Sheldon Mark , Blankenship James C.
Published: July 2022

Key Points

The mortality rate of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is increased in the elderly whether or not they undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

If a nonagenarian presents with a STEMI, a more aggressive approach including pPCI can positively influence their chance of survival.

This increased chance of survival after pPCI comes at the expense of having a modest increase in the chance of readmission to the hospital in the first 30 days.
Amorphous and Crystalline Vanadium Orthophosphate and Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites as Anode Materials in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Basa Anna , Gajko Ewelina , Goclon Jakub , Wilczewska Agnieszka Z. , Winkler Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

Invited for this issue's Front Cover is the group of Prof. Krzysztof Winkler from the Department of Chemistry, University of Bialystok (Poland). The cover picture schematically illustrates the electrode process that runs during reduction of a composite consisting of the vanadium phosphate and multiwalled carbon nanotubes for a sodium‐ion battery. Such material exhibits promising capacitance properties, good rate performance and long lifetime. It can be used as anode material in sodium‐ion batteries. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202200174.
Reversible Oxidative Addition of Zinc Hydride at a Gallium(I)‐Centre: Labile Mono‐ and Bis(hydridogallyl)zinc Complexes
Authors: Morris Louis J. , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Maron Laurent , Okuda Jun
Published: July 2022

In the presence of TMEDA (N,N,N’,N’‐tetramethylethylenediamine), partially deaggregated zinc dihydride as hydrocarbon suspensions react with the gallium(I) compound [(BDI)Ga] (I, BDI={HC(C(CH3)N(2,6‐iPr2‐C6H3))2}−) by formal oxidative addition of a Zn−H bond to the gallium(I) centre. Dissociation of the labile TMEDA ligand in the resulting complex [(BDI)Ga(H)−(H)Zn(tmeda)] (1) facilitates insertion of a second equiv. ofIinto the remaining Zn−H to form a thermally sensitive trinuclear species [{(BDI)Ga(H)}2Zn] (2). Compound1exchanges with polymeric zinc dideuteride [ZnD2]nin the presence of TMEDA, and with compoundsIand2via sequential and reversible ligand dissociation and gallium(I) insertion. Spectroscopic and computational studies demonstrate the reversibility of oxidative addition of each Zn−H bond to the gallium(I) centres.
Highly Oxygenated Dimeric Grayanane Diterpenoids as Analgesics: TRPV1 and TRPA1 Dual Antagonists from Rhododendron molle
Authors: Huang Lang , Zheng Guijuan , Feng Yuanyuan , Jin Pengfei , Gao Biao , Zhang Hanqi , Ma Xiaomin , Zhou Junfei , Yao Guangmin
Published: July 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Six highly oxygenated dimeric grayanane diterpenoids (1—6) including three new ones, bismollethers A—C (1—3), were isolated from the flowers of Rhododendron molle collected at Qichun, Hubei, China. The structures and relative configurations of 1—6 were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and 13C NMR calculation with DP4+ analysis. The absolute configurations of bismollethers A—C (1—3) and birhodomollein B (5) were indubitably assigned by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, revealing the head‐to‐tail linking manner of diterpenoid monomers. Bismollether A (1) is a caged dimeric grayanane diterpenoid linked through two oxygen‐bridges of C‐2 − O − C‐14′ and C‐14 − O − C‐2′, featuring a unique 1,8‐dioxacyclotetradecane motif. The plausible biosynthesis pathways of 1—6 are proposed. All the isolates displayed significant analgesic activities and their structure‐activity relationships were discussed. Grayanane diterpenoid dimers were found to be TRPV1 and TRPA1 dual antagonists, and docking studies provide a structural basis to design potent analgesics.
In pursuit of equity in cancer care: Moving beyond the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Dee Edward Christopher , Pierce Lori J. , Winkfield Karen M. , Lam Miranda B.
Published: July 2022

Lay summaryLay summary

Although Medicaid Expansion under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been associated with many improvements for patients with cancer, Snyder et al. provide evidence demonstrating the persistence of racial disparities in cancer.

This Editorial describes why insurance coverage alone does not ensure access to health care, highlights various manifestations of structural racism that constitute barriers to access beyond the direct costs of care, and calls for not just equality, but equity, in cancer care.
Association of Medicaid expansion with racial disparities in cancer stage at presentation
Authors: Snyder Rebecca A. , Hu Chung‐Yuan , DiBrito Sandra R. , Chang George J.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates the independent association of Medicaid expansion on stage of presentation among patients of Black and White race with colorectal (CRC), breast, or non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

A cohort study of patients with CRC, breast cancer, or NSCLC (2009–2017) in the National Cancer Database was performed. Difference‐in‐differences (DID) analysis was used to compare changes in tumor stage at diagnosis between Medicaid expansion (MES) and non‐expansion states (non‐MES) before and after expansion. Predictive margins were calculated by race, year, and insurance status to account for effect heterogeneity. Stage migration was determined by measuring the combined proportional increase in stage I and decrease in stage IV disease at diagnosis.

RESULTS

Black patients gained less Medicaid coverage than White patients (6.0% vs 13.1%,p < 0.001) after expansion. Among Black and White patients, there was a shift towards increased early‐stage diagnosis (DID 3.5% and 3.5%, respectively;p < 0.001) and decreased late‐stage diagnosis (DID White: −3.5%; Black −2.5%;p < 0.001) in MES compared to non‐MES following expansion. Overall stage migration was greater for White compared to Black patients with CRC (10.3% vs. 5.1%) and NSCLC (8.1% vs. 6.7%) after expansion. Stage migration effects in patients with breast cancer were similar by race (White 4.8% vs. Black 4.5%).

CONCLUSION

An increased proportion of Black and White patients residing in Medicaid expansion states presented with earlier stage cancer following Medicaid expansion. However, because the proportion of Black patients is higher in non‐expansion states, national racial disparities in cancer stage at presentation appear worse following Medicaid expansion.
Efficacy of a password‐protected, pill‐dispensing device with mail return capacity to enhance disposal of unused opioids after cancer surgery
Authors: Cogan Jacob C. , Accordino Melissa K. , Beauchemin Melissa P. , Spivack John H. , Ulene Sophie R. , Elkin Elena B. , Melamed Alexander , Taback Bret , Wright Jason D. , Hershman Dawn L.
Published: July 2022

Background

Opioid misuse is a public health crisis, and unused postoperative opioids are an important source. Although 70% of pills prescribed go unused, only 9% are discarded. This study evaluated whether an inexpensive pill‐dispensing device with mail return capacity could enhance disposal of unused opioids after cancer surgery.

Methods

A prospective pilot study was conducted among adult patients who underwent major cancer‐related surgery. Patients received opioid prescriptions in a mechanical device (Addinex) linked to a smartphone application (app). The app provided passwords on a prescriber‐defined schedule. Patients could enter a password into the device and receive a pill if the prescribed time had elapsed. Patients were instructed to return the device and any unused pills in a disposal mailer. The primary end point was feasibility of device return, defined as ≥50% of patients returning the device within 6 weeks of surgery. Also explored was total pill use and return as well as patient satisfaction.

Results

Among 30 patients enrolled, the majority (n = 24, 80%) returned the device, and 17 (57%) returned it within 6 weeks of surgery. In total, 567 opioid pills were prescribed and 170 (30%) were used. Of 397 excess pills, 332 (84% of unused pills, 59% of all pills prescribed) were disposed of by mail. Among 19 patients who obtained opioids from the device, most (n = 14, 74%) felt the benefits of the device justified the added steps involved.

Conclusions

Use of an inexpensive pill‐dispensing device with mail return capacity is a feasible strategy to enhance disposal of unused postoperative opioids.
Assessment of chemotherapy‐induced neurotoxicity using a point‐of‐care nerve conduction study device
Authors: Jokimäki Anna , Iivanainen Sanna , Mikkonen Raija , Mika Kallio , Koivunen Jussi
Published: July 2022

Background

Management for chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) includes prompt recognition and dose reduction or discontinuation of the neurotoxic agents. CIPN remains under‐detected in routine clinical practice and better methods for its early detection are warranted.

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility of a point‐of‐care device in the early detection of CIPN.

Methods and Results

Cancer patients (n = 12) scheduled to receive neurotoxic chemotherapy docetaxel, oxaliplatin (OX), or vincristine were recruited for the pilot study (NCT04778878). The patients were assessed with a point‐of‐care nerve conduction study device (Mediracer® NCS), EORTC QLQ‐CIPN20 and NPSI questionnaires, and healthcare professional‐assessed CTCAE‐based grading at baseline and thereafter every 6‐weeks up to 18 weeks or until chemotherapy discontinuation. The set‐up of point‐of‐care device was easy but it only provide successful NCS measurement results in 55% of the patients. The factors related to failed measurement were older age, more frequent comorbidities, and a history of smoking. With the follow‐up measurements, decreasing median nerve mean conduction velocity and amplitude, and increasing median nerve mean distal latency were detected on OX‐patients. Of the used questionnaires, NPSI was found to be non‐feasible with majority of the patients failing to complete the questionnaire while CIPN20 was feasible on all the subjects. CIPN20 score did not show any changes in the follow‐up.

Conclusions

Point‐of‐care assessment for NCS was feasible but measurements frequently failed especially on patients with pre‐existing high‐risk for neuropathy. OX‐treated showed decreasing NCS results while other measures were unable to access the change. The system should be further validated with a larger patient cohort preferably treated with OX and low‐risk for pre‐existing neuropathy.
Privacy‐preserving clustering of unstructured big data for cloud‐based enterprise search solutions
Authors: Zobaed Sm , Amini Salehi Mohsen
Published: July 2022

Cloud‐based enterprise search services (e.g., Amazon Kendra) are enchanting to big data owners by providing them with convenient search solutions over their enterprise big datasets. However, individuals and businesses dealing with confidential big data (e.g., criminal reports) are reluctant to fully embrace such cloud services due to valid data privacy concerns. Solutions based on client‐side encryption have been developed to mitigate these concerns. Nonetheless, such solutions hinder data processing, especially, data clustering, which is pivotal in applications such as real‐time search on large corpora (e.g., big datasets). To cluster encrypted big data, we propose privacy‐preserving clustering schemes, called ClusPr, for three forms of unstructured datasets, namely static, semi‐dynamic, and dynamic. ClusPr functions based on statistical characteristics of the datasets to: (A) determine the suitable number of clusters; (B) populate the clusters with topically relevant tokens; and (C) adapt the cluster set based on the dynamism of the underlying dataset. Experimental results, obtained from evaluating ClusPr against other schemes in the literature, on three different test datasets demonstrate between and improvement on the cluster coherency. Moreover, we notice that employing ClusPr within a privacy‐preserving enterprise search system can reduce the search time by up to , while improving the search accuracy by up to .
PECCO: A profit and cost‐oriented computation offloading scheme in edge‐cloud environment with improved Moth‐flame optimization
Authors: Wu Jiashu , Dai Hao , Wang Yang , Shen Shigen , Xu Chengzhong
Published: July 2022

With the fast growing quantity of data generated by smart devices and the exponential surge of processing demand in the Internet of Things (IoT) era, the resource‐rich cloud centers have been utilized to tackle these challenges. To relieve the burden on cloud centers, edge‐cloud computation offloading becomes a promising solution since shortening the proximity between the data source and the computation by offloading computation tasks from the cloud to edge devices can improve performance and quality of service. Several optimization models of edge‐cloud computation offloading have been proposed that take computation costs and heterogeneous communication costs into account. However, several important factors are not jointly considered, such as heterogeneities of tasks, load balancing among nodes and the profit yielded by computation tasks, which lead to the profit and cost‐oriented computation offloading optimization modelPECCOproposed in this article. Considering that the model is hard in nature and the optimization objective is not differentiable, we propose an improved Moth‐flame optimizerPECCO‐MFIwhich addresses some deficiencies of the original Moth‐flame optimizer and integrate it under the edge‐cloud environment. Comprehensive experiments are conducted to verify the superior performance of the proposed method when optimizing the proposed task offloading model under the edge‐cloud environment.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Cellulose‐to‐H2 Conversion by MoS2/ZnIn2S4 Photocatalyst with Cellulase Assistance
Authors: Liu Qing‐Yu , Wang Pei , Zhang Fu‐Guang , Yuan Yong‐Jun
Published: July 2022

Visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic cellulose‐to‐H2 conversion system was successfully designed by using MoS2/ZnIn2S4 as the photocatalyst and cellulase as the enzyme catalyst. At first, the cellulose was converted to glucose by cellulase. The generated glucose acted as an efficient hole trapper and electron donor, which was further converted into H2 through photocatalytic reaction over MoS2/ZnIn2S4 under visible light irradiation. The optimum H2 generation rate achieved under visible light irradiation (λ>420 nm) was 12.2 μmol ⋅ h−1 ⋅ g−1 in the presence of 100 mg of 3 % MoS2/ZnIn2S4, 100 mg cellulase and 2 g poplar wood chip. These results open up a new possibility for the development of efficient visible‐light‐responding photocatalytic cellulose to H2 conversion system that combine photocatalysis and enzyme technology.
An Automated Computer‐Vision “Bubble‐Counting” Technique to Characterise CO2 Dissolution into an Acetonitrile Flow Stream in a Teflon AF‐2400 Tube‐in‐Tube Flow Device
Authors: O'Brien Matthew , Moraru Ruxandra
Published: July 2022

A Teflon AF‐2400 based tube‐in‐tube device was used to generate flow streams of CO2 in acetonitrile and a computer‐vision based ‘bubble counting’ technique was used to estimate the amount of CO2 that had passed into solution whilst in the tube‐in‐tube device by quantifying the amount of CO2 that left solution (forming separate gas‐phase segments) downstream of the back‐pressure regulator. For both CO2 pressures used, there appeared to be a minimum residence time below which no CO2 was observed to leave solution. This was assumed to be due to residual CO2 below (or close to) the saturation concentration at atmospheric pressure and, by taking this into account, we were able to fit curves corresponding to simple gradient‐driven diffusion and which closely matched previously obtained colorimetric titration data for the same system. The estimated value for the residual concentration of CO2 (0.37 M) is higher than, but in reasonable general correspondence with, saturation concentrations previously reported for CO2 in acetonitrile (0.27 M).
Interviews show there are many barriers to metabolic monitoring of SGAs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2022

Prescription of SGAs are increasing across the world, including in Australia, where a recent study found that the recommended monitoring of patients can't always be done. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved risperidone and aripiprazole to treat irritability associated with autism, and older SGAs such as olanzapine, clozapine, and quetiapine are also commonly used off‐label in children.
Ketamine for psychiatric disorders: Barriers and utilization
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2022

Researchers, including Samuel T. Wilkinson, M.D., who wrote a seminal article on off‐label use of ketamine in 2017, reported in a letter to the editor of the American Journal of Psychiatry on a survey of physicians who were involved with ketamine, either by membership in a social media group or ketamine‐related organization. The May 2022 letter describes the results of the survey in an update to current use of ketamine.
Effects of long‐term marijuana use include cognitive deficits in midlife
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2022

Subtle cognitive deficits and structural brain differences are seen in cannabis users, but a new study has found that long‐term cannabis use is associated with permanent brain deficits.
Beneficial Arthropods in the Cotton Belt: Parasitoids
Authors: Winsor Susan
Published: July 2022

This article is the third in a three‐part series on beneficial arthropods. It will focus on the parasitoid category of beneficial insects in cotton cropping systems. This article is based upon expertise from Auburn University, Louisiana State University, Texas A&M, and the Universities of Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Nebraska, and Tennessee. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of circularly polarized Gaussian laser pulse in a magnetized plasma
Authors: Milani Mohammad Reza Jafari
Published: July 2022

Spatiotemporal evolution of intense circularly polarized Gaussian laser pulse propagating in plasma is investigated. Self‐focusing and self‐compression properties of the laser pulse are studied, taking into account the ponderomotive nonlinearity, magnetic field, and state of wave polarization effects. The coupled differential equations governing the beam width (in space) and pulse length (in time) parameters are obtained via paraxial ray and Wentze−Kramers−Brillouin approximations and solved numerically. Numerical simulation showed that the pulse is compressed (in time and space) to a significant extent at a different normalized distance due to the effect of the nonlinearity of the medium. It is shown that for the right‐hand circularly polarized laser, the strength of both self‐focusing and self‐compression of the laser pulse along the propagation direction is increased by increasing the value of the magnetic field, and consequently, the normalized intensity of the pulse is enhanced as it propagates through the plasma. In the case of a left‐hand circularly polarized laser, an increase in the magnetic field causes a decrease in the strength of both self‐focusing and self‐compression of the laser pulse, especially in the higher values. To analyse the evolution of the laser spot size, a three‐dimensional view of the normalized laser intensity at different points of the distance of propagation has also been plotted. Moreover, the results indicate a specific laser intensity range with a “saturation point” where the compression process reaches its maximum value, and outside of this range, it vanishes.
Four‐radiator ultra‐wideband multiple‐input multiple‐output antenna with high performance and dual‐band rejection features for high‐speed communications
Authors: Aboelleil Heba , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Khalaf Ashraf A. M.
Published: July 2022

We are discussing a compact, four elements with high‐performance ultra‐wideband (UWB) multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna with dual band‐notched traits. The antenna has a partial ground plane and the radiator has truncation to enhance the matching through the frequency range 2.5–12 GHz. The coupling between ports was reduced by assorting the elements of the antenna in an orthogonal manner and applying four stubs between them. The proposed antenna achieves two band‐notched characteristics by introducing a T‐shaped strip etched in the radiating elements and adding an open‐loop resonator near the feeding line. The results, which were simulated and measured, indicate that the proposed design achieved a wideband from 2.5 to 12 GHz with two band‐notched characteristics within 3.3–3.6 GHz (WiMAX implementations) and within 5.2–5.8 GHz (Wireless Local Area Network [WLAN] applications). As well as, the proposed antenna has high isolation >20 dB and a low‐envelope correlation coefficient <0.005 through the band except for the band notches. These outcomes demonstrate the adequacy of the proposed UWB MIMO antenna for UWB MIMO applications.
Variations in immune parameters with age in a wild rodent population and links with survival
Authors: Bichet Coraline , Régis Corinne , Gilot‐Fromont Emmanuelle , Cohas Aurélie
Published: July 2022

Recent findings suggest that immune functions do not unidirectionally deteriorate with age but that a potentially adaptive remodeling, where functions of the immune system get downregulated while others get upregulated with age could also occur. Scarce in wild populations, longitudinal studies are yet necessary to properly understand the patterns and consequences of age variations of the immune system in the wild. Meanwhile, it is challenging to understand if the observed variations in immune parameters with age are due to changes at the within‐individual level or to selective (dis)appearance of individuals with peculiar immune phenotypes. Thanks to a long‐term and longitudinal monitoring of a wild Alpine marmot population, we aimed to understand within‐ and between‐individual variation in the immune phenotype with age, in order to improve our knowledge about the occurrence and the evolutionary consequences of such age variations in the wild. To do so, we recorded the age‐specific leukocyte concentration and leukocyte profile in repeatedly sampled dominant individuals. We then tested whether the potential changes with age were attributable to within‐individual variations and/or selective (dis)appearance. Finally, we investigated if the leukocyte concentration and profiles were correlated to the probability of death at a given age. The leukocyte concentration was stable with age, but the relative number of lymphocytes decreased, while the relative number of neutrophils increased, over the course of an individual's life. Moreover, between individuals of the same age, individuals with fewer lymphocytes but more neutrophils were more likely to die. Therefore, selective disappearance seems to play a role in the age variations of the immune parameters in this population. Further investigations linking age variations in immune phenotype to individual fitness are needed to understand whether remodeling of the immune system with age could or could not be adaptive.
Co‐occurrence models fail to infer underlying patterns of avoidance and aggregation when closure is violated
Authors: Lonsinger Robert C.
Published: July 2022

Advances in multi‐species monitoring have prompted an increase in the use of multi‐species occupancy analyses to assess patterns of co‐occurrence among species, even when data were collected at scales likely violating the assumption that sites were closed to changes in the occupancy state for the target species. Violating the closure assumption may lead to erroneous conclusions related to patterns of co‐occurrence among species. Occurrence for two hypothetical species was simulated under patterns of avoidance, aggregation, or independence, when the closure assumption was either met or not. Simulated populations were sampled at two levels (N = 250 or 100 sites) and two scales of temporal resolution for surveys. Sample data were analyzed with conditional two‐species occupancy models, and performance was assessed based on the proportion of simulations recovering the true pattern of co‐occurrence. Estimates of occupancy were unbiased when closure was met, but biased when closure violations occurred; bias increased when sample size was small and encounter histories were collapsed to a large‐scale temporal resolution. When closure was met and patterns of avoidance and aggregation were simulated, conditional two‐species models tended to correctly find support for non‐independence, and estimated species interaction factors (SIF) aligned with predicted values. By contrast, when closure was violated, models tended to incorrectly infer a pattern of independence and power to detect simulated patterns of avoidance or aggregation that decreased with smaller sample size. Results suggest that when the closure assumption is violated, co‐occurrence models often fail to detect underlying patterns of avoidance or aggregation, and incorrectly identify a pattern of independence among species, which could have negative consequences for our understanding of species interactions and conservation efforts. Thus, when closure is violated, inferred patterns of independence from multi‐species occupancy should be interpreted cautiously, and evidence of avoidance or aggregation is likely a conservative estimate of true pattern or interaction.
The effects of silver and copper nanoparticles and selenium on Salmo trutta hatchlings
Authors: Sielska Anna , Skuza Lidia , Kowalska‐Góralska Monika
Published: July 2022

With the increase of nanotechnology applications, the risk of environmental adverse effects has emerged. It is known that nanoparticles (NPs) can induce oxidative stress, cause organ and DNA damage, or increase mortality rate in organisms, especially aquatic organisms. The present study aimed to investigate the potential genotoxicity of selenium, several nanoelements of copper, and a commercial product containing ionic silver colloids on Salmo trutta hatchlings based on the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach and assess in a second step whether the addition of selenium and NPs of copper and silver improves PCR precision and efficiency. Sea trout eggs were incubated in NPs solutions. Before presenting the results, PCR analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis were made. DNA of hatchlings from the eggs incubated in copper NPs were less degraded than those incubated in silver colloids or selenium, and in the second phase of the study, a PCR product was only generated for samples incubated in selenium (Se). In agarose gel electrophoresis of isolates containing copper compounds, products were obtained in all samples, except for those containing 0.125 and 1.0 nM of Cu, and 0.25 and 1.0 nM of CuZnFe2O4 and CuFe2O4. It has been shown that genotoxic effects of tested NPs vary in a concentration‐dependent manner. Copper compounds did not interfere with PCR efficiency, except for CuFe2O4, which improved product quality in all tested concentrations. Presented results give an opportunity for further studies on the effects of NPs on PCR reaction and genotoxicity.
3D Free‐Standing Carbon Nanofibers Modified by Lithiophilic Metals Enabling Dendrite‐Free Anodes for Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhuang Huifeng , Zhang Tengfei , Xiao Hong , Liang Xiao , Zhang Fanchao , Deng Jianlin , Gao Qiuming
Published: July 2022

Li metal with high‐energy density is considered as the most promising anode for the next‐generation rechargeable Li metal batteries; however, the growth of Li dendrites seriously hinders its practical application. Herein, 3D free‐standing carbon nanofibers modified by lithiophilic metal particles (CNF/Me, Me=Sn, Fe, Co) are obtained in situ by the electrospinning method. Benefiting from the lithophilicity, the CNF/Me composite may effectively prevent the formation of Li dendrites in the Li metal batteries. The optimized CNF/Sn–Li composite electrode exhibits a stable cycle life of over 2350 h during Li plating/stripping. When matched with typical commercial LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode, the LFP//CNF/Sn–Li full cell presents a high initial discharge specific capacity of 139 mAh g−1 at 1 C, which remains at 146 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles. When another state‐of‐the‐art commercial LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM(811)) cathode is used, the assembled NCM//CNF/Sn–Li full cell shows a large initial specific discharge capacity of 206 mAh g−1 at substantially enhanced 10 C, which keeps at the good capacity of 99 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles. These results are greatly superior to the counterparts with Li as the anodes, indicating the great potential for practical utilization of the advanced CNF/Sn–Li electrode.
Numerical Simulation of Electrochemical Systems by Coupling Analytical Calculation of the Diffuse Double Layer and Finite Element Description of Solution Bulk
Authors: Taherkhani Farid , Brogioli Doriano , La Mantia Fabio
Published: July 2022

Numerical modelling of electrochemical systems covers length scales from the nanometers up to the macroscopic scale. With finite element methods, the mesh must be extremely fine to describe the diffuse double layer, thus increasing the needed computational resources. We propose a method to describe the diffuse double layer by analytical equations, expressed as boundary conditions for the partial differential equations describing the solution bulk. We apply the method to a one‐dimensional system, i. e. to a cell with plane parallel electrodes, in the presence of a redox couple and a supporting electrolyte. We provide evidence of the precision of the method.
A unified service‐based capability exposure framework for closed‐loop network automation
Authors: Gramaglia Marco , Kajo Marton , Mannweiler Christian , Bulakci Ömer , Wei Qing
Published: July 2022

The ongoing quest for the tight integration of network operation and the network service provisioning initiated with the introduction of 5G often clashes with the capacity of current network architectures to provide means for such integration. Owing to the traditional design of mobile networks, which barely required a tight interaction, network elements offer capabilities for their continuous optimization just within their domain (eg, access, or core), allowing for a “silo‐style” automation that falls short when aiming at closed‐loop automation that embraces all the actors involved in the network, from network functions up to the service‐provider network functions. To this end, in this article, we make the case for the network‐wide capability exposure framework for closed‐loop automation by (i) defining the different entities that shall expose capabilities, and (ii) discussing why the state of the art solutions are not enough to support this vision. Our proposed architecture, which relies on registration and discovery, and exposure functions, allows for enhanced use cases that are currently not possible with state of the art solution. We prove the feasibility of our solution by implementing it in a real‐world testbed, employing Artificial Intelligence algorithms to close the loop for the management of the radio access network.
Amygdala subnuclei volumes and anxiety behaviors in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Seguin Diane , Pac Sara , Wang Jianan , Nicolson Rob , Martinez‐Trujillo Julio , Anagnostou Evdokia , Lerch Jason P. , Hammill Christopher , Schachar Russell , Crosbie Jennifer , Kelley Elizabeth , Ayub Muhammad , Brian Jessica , Liu Xudong , Arnold Paul D. , Georgiades Stelios , Duerden Emma G.
Published: July 2022

Alterations in the structural maturation of the amygdala subnuclei volumes are associated with anxiety behaviors in adults and children with neurodevelopmental and associated disorders. This study investigated the relationship between amygdala subnuclei volumes and anxiety in 233 children and adolescents (mean age = 11.02 years; standard deviation = 3.17) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and children with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), as well as typically developing (TD) children. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the children underwent structural MRI at 3 T. FreeSurfer software was used to automatically segment the amygdala subnuclei. A general linear model revealed that children and adolescents with ASD, ADHD, and OCD had higher anxiety scores compared to TD children (p < .001). A subsequent interaction analysis revealed that children with ASD (B = 0.09, p < .0001) and children with OCD (B = 0.1, p < .0001) who had high anxiety had larger right central nuclei volumes compared with TD children. Similar results were obtained for the right anterior amygdaloid area. Amygdala subnuclei volumes may be key to identifying children with neurodevelopmental disorders or those with OCD who are at high risk for anxiety. Findings may inform the development of targeted behavioral interventions to address anxiety behaviors and to assess the downstream effects of such interventions.
Diagnosis and treatment protocol for COVID‐19 patients (Trial Version 9)
Authors:   Released by National Health Commission & National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine on March 15, 2022
Published: July 2022

To further improve the diagnosis and treatment of COVID‐19, China National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine convened a group of experts to revise the relevant content of the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID‐19 Patients (Trial Version 8) and developed the Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID‐19 Patients (Trial Version 9), summarizing the etiological characteristics, epidemiological characteristics, pathological changes, clinical features, diagnosis, clinical classification, population with high risk of severe/critical illnesses, early warning predictors for severe/critical illnesses, differential diagnosis, case identification and reporting, treatment, nursing, discharge criteria and precautions after discharge, patient transfer, control of nosocomial infection in medical institutions, and disease prevention.
Prognostic role of baseline 18F‐FDG pet/CT in squamous cell carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses
Authors: Dondi Francesco , Pasinetti Nadia , Guerini Andrea , Piazza Cesare , Mattavelli Davide , Bossi Paolo , Berruti Alfredo , Ravanelli Marco , Farina Davide , Albano Domenico , Treglia Giorgio , Bertagna Francesco
Published: July 2022

Background

To retrospectively investigate the prognostic role of baseline 18F‐FDG PET/CT in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the paranasal sinuses.

Methods

Clinical features and PET/CT semiquantitative parameters of 49 patients were collected. Anova and Kruskall–Wallis tests were used to assess the relationship between these parameters. Kaplan–Meier, univariate, and multivariate analysis were performed to search for independent prognostic factors for progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Mean PFS was 29.95 months (SD 29.36) with relapse/progression of disease occurring in 18 patients; mean OS was 33.40 (SD 27.78) months with death occurring in 15 patients. Presence of nodal metastasis (14 subjects) was correlated with standardize uptake value (SUV) max, SUVmean, SUV/blood‐pool ratio, SUV/liver ratio, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis. SUVmax, SUVmean, and presence of nodal metastasis resulted as independent prognostic factors for OS.

Conclusion

18F‐FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters confirmed their prognostic role for SCC of paranasal sinuses.