bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relapse of Hodgkin's disease revealed by skin involvement
Authors: Abakarim Ouadii , Maghnouj Oumaima , Hamdaoui Abderrachid , Lahlimi Fatima Zahra , Tazi Illias
Published: September 2022

We present a case of a relapse of HL revealed by a skin involvement. A biopsy of the skin lesion showed infiltration by a mixed cellularity and Reed–Sternberg cells. The immunoreactivity was positive for CD30 and CD15. The patient was undergoing ICE protocol with good improvement after three cycles.
Tracheal necrosis following two‐stage thyroidectomy: A case report
Authors: Colvin Taylor , Selinsky Chris
Published: September 2022

Tracheal necrosis is a rare complication of a thyroidectomy, almost exclusively following the resection of invasive thyroid carcinoma with tracheal involvement. We report a case of delayed tracheal necrosis following a routine thyroidectomy for noninvasive papillary thyroid carcinoma likely secondary to a postoperative seroma. This complication was successfully managed with a temporary tracheostomy.
Salmonella infantis ulcerative keratitis in a dog
Authors: Routh Brayden L. , McCool Emily S.
Published: September 2022

This manuscript describes a previously unreported clinical case of Salmonella enterica serovar infantis associated with ulcerative keratitis in a dog. Local immunosuppression of the corneal surface likely contributed to this opportunistic infection. Antimicrobial therapy with topical ofloxacin, tobramycin, and systemic enrofloxacin was successful in resolving the infection.
Urticaria multiforme in an adolescent: A rare benign rash not to be ignored
Authors: Dupont Manon , Theunis Anne , Vanhooteghem Olivier
Published: September 2022

Urticaria multiforme, first described in 1997, also called acute ring urticaria, is a clinical variant of acute urticaria. We relate the case of a 16‐year‐old adolescent with an extensive pruritic eruption of erythematous annular lesions of variable shapes, arciform, or polycyclic with an ecchymotic center. Urticaria multiforme is described in children aged from 4 months to 4 years, rarely in adolescents. As far as we know, this is the 4th case reported in the literature.
Neutrophilic dermatosis with necrobiotic changes as an unusual manifestation after the first shot of a COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine together with a high fever and liver injury
Authors: Iijima Shigeruko , Enami Chiaki , Sato Mikio , Tsunoda Takahiko , Otoyama Kazunobu
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) mRNA vaccines sometimes cause various skin rashes. We report an unusual case of erythema nodosum‐like nodules with vesicular and pustular papules, which arose after the first shot of a COVID‐19 mRNA vaccine. A skin biopsy showed marked neutrophilic infiltration with necrobiotic changes throughout the dermis and subcutis. Immunohistochemically, CD8+ cells were much more common than CD4+ cells in the dense neutrophilic infiltrates. Many CD68+ macrophages were present around the CD8+ cells. No cases of neutrophilic dermatosis with necrobiotic changes have been reported. Thus, our findings should be added to the cutaneous adverse effects of the vaccines.
Electronic structures and photophysical properties of carbazole‐ and thiophene‐based organic compounds used as hole‐injecting layer for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs)
Authors: Bourass Mohamed , Nicolas Yohann , Wazzan Nuha , Abarbri Mohamed , Tran‐Van François , Toupance Thierry
Published: September 2022

In this study, we have carried out a theoretical study on six organic compounds based on thiophene and carbazole, with the aim of using them as a hole‐injecting layer of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this study, we have tested two types of structures: D‐π‐D for MO1, MO2, MO3, and MO4 compounds and D‐π‐A for MO5 and MO6 compounds. The correlation structure‐properties of these studied compounds have been proceeded and discussed by analyzing highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), energy gap, polarization effect, atom transition density matrix, absorption, and photoluminescence (PL). This theoretical study, based on density functional theory (DFT)/TPSSTPSS/aug‐cc‐pVQZ and the integral‐equation‐formalism polarizable continuum model/Coulomb attenuated method‐Becke, 3‐parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr (IEFPCM/TD‐CAM‐B3LYP)/6‐31++G(d,p) is consolidated by experimental data for MO1, MO2, and MO4 compounds, allowing the determination of their structural and optoelectronic properties (HOMO, LUMO, gap [Eg], absorption, and emission parameters). The obtained results appear very conclusive and show that the performance of these compounds in terms of luminescence, absorption, and current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of OLED devices make them a promising candidate for the realization of light‐emitting diodes.
Influence of intensive lipid‐lowering on CT derived fractional flow reserve in patients with stable chest pain: Rationale and design of the FLOWPROMOTE study
Authors: Mortensen Martin B. , Sand Niels‐Peter , Busk Martin , Jensen Jesper M. , Grove Erik L. , Dey Damini , Iraqi Nadia , Updegrove Adam , Fonte Tim , Mathiassen Ole N. , Hosbond Susanne , Bøtker Hans E. , Leipsic Jonathon , Narula Jagat , Nørgaard Bjarne L.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Coronary CT angiography (CTA) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) shows high diagnostic performance when compared to invasively measured FFR. Presence and extent of low attenuation plaque density have been shown to be associated with abnormal physiology by measured FFR. Moreover, it is well established that statin therapy reduces the rate of plaque progression and results in morphology alterations underlying atherosclerosis. However, the interplay between lipid lowering treatment, plaque regression, and the coronary physiology has not previously been investigated.

Aim

To test whether lipid lowering therapy is associated with significant improvement in FFRCT, and whether there is a dose–response relationship between lipid lowering intensity, plaque regression, and coronary flow recovery.

Methods

Investigator driven, prospective, multicenter, randomized study of patients with stable angina, coronary stenosis ≥50% determined by clinically indicated first‐line CTA, and FFRCT ≤ 0.80 in whom coronary revascularization was deferred. Patients are randomized to standard (atorvastatin 40 mg daily) or intensive (rosuvastatin 40 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg daily) lipid lowering therapy for 18 months. Coronary CTA scans with blinded coronary plaque and FFRCT analyses will be repeated after 9 and 18 months. The primary endpoint is the 18‐month difference in FFRCT using (1) the FFRCT value 2 cm distal to stenosis and (2) the lowest distal value in the vessel of interest. A total of 104 patients will be included in the study.

Conclusion

The results of this study will provide novel insights into the interplay between lipid lowering, and the pathophysiology in coronary artery disease.
An improved anti‐phishing model utilizing TF‐IDF and AdaBoost
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Singh Parvinder
Published: September 2022

A behavior over the internet, which results into false utilization of the resources is termed as phishing and the techniques to identify them are termed as anti‐phishing frames and algorithms. This research work introduces a new relative similarity approach utilizing similarity index co‐relation by applying Cosine similarity. In order to incorporate the co‐relation, term frequency and inverse document frequency (TF‐IDF) is also calculated. AdaBoost is employed to improve the classification accuracy of the proposed work by means of enhancing the performance of weak learner to classify website into legitimate and phishing one. The simulation analysis has shown that the proposed work outperformed the existing works in terms of accuracy, TPR, and precision of detecting phishing sites to offer secure browsing. Overall model evaluation against 50,000 URL instances have demonstrated an average precision, TPR, F‐measure, accuracy and execution time of 98.64%, 96.52%, 97.56%, 98.014%, and 3.485 s, respectively for phishing detection. This proves the success of the proposed model in shielding phishing attack.
A survey on improving pattern matching algorithms for biological sequences
Authors: Hamed Belal A. , Ibrahim Osman Ali Sadek , Abd El‐Hafeez Tarek
Published: September 2022

Pattern matching is a highly useful procedure in several stages of the computational pipelines. Furthermore, some research trends in this research domain contributed to growing biological databases and updated them throughout time. This article proposes an comparison and analysis of different algorithms for match equivalent pattern matching like complexity, efficiency, and techniques. Which algorithm is best for which DNA sequence and why? This describes the different algorithms for various activities that include pattern matching as an important aspect of functionality. This article shows that BM, Horspool, ZT, QS, FS, Smith, and SSABS methods employ the bad character preprocessing function. In addition, BM, SSABS, TVSBS, and BRFS methods are using two approaches in the preprocessing stage, which decreases the preprocessing time. Furthermore, KR, QS, SSABS, BRFS, and Shift‐Or are not recommended for the long pattern, whereas ZT, FS, d‐BM, Raita, and Smith are not recommended for the short pattern. This is because they are time‐consuming and certain algorithms, such as ZT and DCPM, use a lot of time and space during the matching and search process, while others, such as d‐BM and TSW, save space and time. Although DCPM, BRFS, and QS are quicker than other algorithms, FLPM, PAPM, and LFPM rank highest in terms of complexity time.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model Development, Validation, and Application for Prediction of Eliglustat Drug–Drug Interactions
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Siddhee A. , Cheng Shen , Al‐Kofahi Mahmoud , Jarnes Jeanine R. , Weinreb Neal J. , Kartha Reena V.
Published: September 2022

Eliglustat is a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor indicated as a long‐term substrate reduction therapy for adults with type 1 Gaucher disease, a lysosomal rare disease. It is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6), and variants in the gene encoding this enzyme are important determinants of eliglustat pharmacokinetics (PK) and drug–drug interactions (DDIs). The existing drug label addresses the DDIs to some extent but has omitted scenarios where both metabolizing CYPs (2D6 and 3A4) are mildly or moderately inhibited. The objectives of this study were (i) to develop and validate an eliglustat physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model with and without drug interactions, (ii) to simulate untested DDI scenarios, and (iii) to explore potential dosing flexibility using lower dose strength of eliglustat (commercially not available). PK data from healthy adults receiving eliglustat with or without interacting drugs were obtained from literature and used for the PBPK model development and validation. The model‐predicted single‐dose and steady‐state maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) of eliglustat were within 50–150% of the observed values when eliglustat was administered alone or coadministered with ketoconazole or paroxetine. Then as model‐based simulations, we illustrated eliglustat exposure as a victim of interaction when coadministered with fluvoxamine following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) dosing recommendations. Second, we showed that with lower eliglustat doses (21 mg, 42 mg once daily) the exposure in participants of intermediate and poor metabolizer phenotypes was within the outlined safety margin (Cmax <250 ng/mL) when eliglustat was administered with ketoconazole, where the current recommendation is a contraindication of coadministration (84 mg). The present study demonstrated that patients with CYP2D6 deficiency may benefit from lower doses of eliglustat.
Crystal Structure, Magnetic Study, and Antidiabetic Activity of Ni(II) Complex with N,O‐Donors Ligands
Authors: Selmi Ahmed , Said Khemais , Nasri Saber , Tachoua Wafa
Published: September 2022

Coordination chemistry of divalent ions involving multidentate ligands have received limited attention. The present work reports the synthesis of a mixed ligand complex of Ni(II) which is characterized by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction, thermal, IR spectroscopy, magnetic, and in vitro antidiabetic activity. The atomic arrangement of the complex consists of two Ni(II) bridged by two ligands of organic molecules 5‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ide (Ligand L1) and 2‐(4‐chlorobenzoyl)benzoate (Ligand L2) which throw their nitrogen and oxygen atoms. The Ni2+ adopts a distorted octahedral geometry (NiO2N2(OH2)2). Infrared spectroscopy shows the existence of O─H, C─N, C═O, and absorption bands Ni─(O,N). The thermal study proves that this compound undergoes dehydration then decomposition over a large domain of temperature. The magnetic properties of the complex demonstrate an antiferromagnetic interaction between two adjacent nickel atoms mediated by throw ligand (L1). The antidiabetic effect of this compound is supported by a biological test in vitro and is confirmed by molecular docking suggesting good inhibitory activity of the prepared complex for α‐amylase.
Maximum power point tracking controller implementation in multiple input converter for effective solar energy harvesting using maximum power point resistance method
Authors: Rao Chereku Kamesh , Patel Ramnarayan , Sahu Lalit Kumar , Gupta Krishna Kumar , Barwar Manish Kumar
Published: September 2022

Solar energy is widely acknowledged as one of the most promising renewable energy sources for addressing future electrical energy demands. Photovoltaic modules (PVms) convert solar energy into electrical energy and are highly sensitive to nonlinear changes in environmental circumstances, which in turn affect the generation of electricity from the PVms. The module‐level maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of PVms using multiple input converters (MICs) is the effective and cost‐efficient method among all the methodologies and techniques. MICs, on the other hand, suffer from a cross power‐sharing difficulty due to their modular design, which implies that the individual cells that make up the device impact on each other's power‐sharing operation. The solution to which have been ignored in the literature. The objective of this paper is to employ the maximum power point resistance (MPPR) approach to determine an appropriate duty ratio range for the proposed MIC while taking into consideration the cross effect of different cells. Steady‐state, power loss, and efficiency analysis of the proposed MIC structure with less component count have been included. The proposed approach has been validated experimentally and further, a comparative analysis with recently reported various approaches has also been included to prove the suitability of the proposed approach.
Detailed bladder cancer immunoprofiling reveals new clues for immunotherapeutic strategies
Authors: Viveiros Nicole , Flores Bianca CT , Lobo João , Martins‐Lima Cláudia , Cantante Mariana , Lopes Paula , Deantonio Cecilia , Palu Cintia , Sainson Richard CA , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Bladder cancer (BlCa) is the tenth most frequent malignancy worldwide and the costliest to treat and monitor. Muscle‐invasive BlCa (MIBC) has a dismal prognosis, entailing the need for alternative therapies for the standard radical cystectomy. Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has been approved for high‐grade non‐muscle‐invasive BlCa (HG NMIBC) and metastatic disease, but its effectiveness in localised MIBC remains under scrutiny. Herein, we sought to characterise and compare the immune infiltrate of HG NMIBC and MIBC samples, including ICOS expression, a targetable immune checkpoint associated with regulatory T cell(Tregs)‐mediated immunosuppression.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry for CD83, CD20, CD68, CD163, CD3, CD8, CD4, FoxP3/ICOS and PD‐L1 was performed in HG NMIBC and MIBC samples (n = 206), and positive staining was quantified in the peritumoral and/or intratumoral tissue compartments with QuPath imaging software.

Results

CD20+ B cells, CD68+ and CD163+ tumor‐associated macrophages were significantly increased in MIBCs and associated with poor prognosis. In turn, higher infiltration of T cells was associated with prolonged survival, with exception of the CD4+ helper subset. Intratumoral expression of CD3 and CD8 was independent prognostic factors for increased disease‐free survival (DFS) in multivariable analysis. Remarkably, Tregs (FoxP3+/FoxP3+ICOS+) were found differentially distributed between tissue compartments. PD‐L1 immunoexpression independently predicted a shorter DFS and associated with higher infiltration of FoxP3+ICOS+ Tregs.

Conclusions

Immune infiltrates of HG NMIBC and MIBC display significant differences that may help selecting patients for immunotherapies. Considering ICOS immunoexpression results, it might constitute a relevant therapeutic target, eventually in combination with anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapies, for certain BlCa patient subsets.
Melanotic medullary thyroid carcinoma: A case report with review of the literature
Authors: Brzezinska Katarzyna A. , Bhardwaj Swati , Teng Marita S. , Si Qiusheng , Sun Jihong , Westra William H. , Zakowski Maureen F. , Szporn Arnold H.
Published: September 2022

Melanotic medullary thyroid carcinoma is morphologically defined by the presence of melanin deposits in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. It is an extremely rare variant with only 15 cases described in the literature to date and only one report of diagnosis by fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. A 51‐year‐old woman presented with neck swelling. An ultrasound examination revealed a single solid nodule in the right thyroid lobe that measured 5.4 × 4.7 × 4.3 cm. Laboratory examination revealed elevated levels of serum calcitonin (8643.0 pg/ml), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (86.2 ng/ml), and chromogranin A (123.2 ng/ml). An FNA biopsy of the thyroid nodule revealed predominantly single plasmacytoid cells with round to oval eccentric nuclei and dark brown intracytoplasmic granules. Immunohistochemical studies with Melan‐A performed on a cell block slide confirmed that the granules contained melanin. The tumor cells were also positive for calcitonin, CEA, synaptophysin, AE1/AE3, CAM5.2, and HMB‐45(focal); the tumor cells were negative for chromogranin, thyroglobulin, PAX8 and TTF‐1. The diagnosis was reported as melanotic variant of medullary thyroid carcinoma. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy which revealed tumor cell expression of insulinoma‐associated protein 1 and confirmed neuroendocrine differentiation. Shortly after she presented with tumor recurrence in the thyroidectomy bed. The tumor cells were positive for only S100, SOX10, and Melan‐A. Molecular analysis with the SEMA4 Solid Tumor Panel revealed mutations in the HRAS, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, MYC, and CCND3 genes. The final diagnosis was reported as melanocytic medullary thyroid carcinoma with high grade transformation and loss of epithelial and neuroendocrine expression.
Quantifying the vertical water exchange of dominant tree species in a reclaimed landscape in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta
Authors: Fettah Sarah , Petrone Richard M. , Elmes Matthew C. , Price Jonathan S.
Published: September 2022

Large‐scale oil sands mining in the Athabasca oil sands region has caused significant disturbance to forest and peatland ecosystems of the Western Boreal Plains in northeastern Alberta, Canada. Reclamation of these ecosystems has faced many challenges, including successful re‐vegetation of uplands. The trajectory of reclaimed uplands depends on the community structure of tree species, which in turn influences vertical water exchanges via increases in rainfall interception and transpiration. The trajectory therefore influences vadose zone moisture dynamics and reduces water available for recharge to adjacent reclaimed peatlands. The objectives of this study were to assess trends in transpiration of dominant tree species in a reclaimed upland and quantify canopy–rainfall dynamics and its impact on near‐surface soil moisture regime and tree water use. To assess these trends, throughfall, interception and stemflow were measured throughout the growing season. Tree transpiration was measured using sap flow sensors, along with soil tension measurements using soil tensiometers. Results indicate that tree transpiration and water use are controlled by water availability, and at this stage (6 years since reclamation), canopy interception has begun to play an important role in partitioning growing season rainfall. At this time in canopy development, transpiration accounted for 52% of water losses from the system, with broadleaf trees contributing 71%. However, coniferous trees had greater interception capabilities, as Picea mariana intercepted 35% and Pinus banksiana 32%, while broadleaf Populus tremuloides and Populus balsamifera contributed 29% and 26%, respectively. As this reclaimed upland canopy continues to evolve, moisture partitioning, including groundwater recharge to the adjacent fen will continue to change over time, suggesting that the successional pathway of constructed watersheds is strongly influenced by hydrometeorological conditions within the first decade.
Net effects of life‐history traits explain persistent differences in abundance among similar species
Authors: McWilliam Mike , Dornelas Maria , Álvarez‐Noriega Mariana , Baird Andrew H. , Connolly Sean R. , Madin Joshua S.
Published: September 2022

Life‐history traits are promising tools to predict species commonness and rarity because they influence a population's fitness in a given environment. Yet, species with similar traits can have vastly different abundances, challenging the prospect of robust trait‐based predictions. Using long‐term demographic monitoring, we show that coral populations with similar morphological and life‐history traits show persistent (decade‐long) differences in abundance. Morphological groups predicted species positions along two, well known life‐history axes (the fast‐slow continuum and size‐specific fecundity). However, integral projection models revealed that density‐independent population growth (λ) was more variable within morphological groups, and was consistently higher in dominant species relative to rare species. Within‐group λ differences projected large abundance differences among similar species in short timeframes, and were generated by small but compounding variation in growth, survival, and reproduction. Our study shows that easily measured morphological traits predict demographic strategies, yet small life‐history differences can accumulate into large differences in λ and abundance among similar species. Quantifying the net effects of multiple traits on population dynamics is therefore essential to anticipate species commonness and rarity.
Delayed trophic response of a marine predator to ocean condition and prey availability during the past century
Authors: Feddern Megan L. , Holtgrieve Gordon W. , Ward Eric J.
Published: September 2022

Understanding the response of predators to ecological change at multiple temporal scales can elucidate critical predator–prey dynamics that would otherwise go unrecognized. We performed compound‐specific nitrogen stable isotope analysis of amino acids on 153 harbor seal museum skull specimens to determine how trophic position of this marine predator has responded to ecosystem change over the past century. The relationships between harbor seal trophic position, ocean condition, and prey abundance, were analyzed using hierarchical modeling of a multi‐amino‐acid framework and applying 1, 2, and 3 years temporal lags. We identified delayed responses of harbor seal trophic position to both physical ocean conditions (upwelling, sea surface temperature, freshwater discharge) and prey availability (Pacific hake, Pacific herring, and Chinook salmon). However, the magnitude and direction of the trophic position response to ecological changes depended on the temporal delay. For example, harbor seal trophic position was negatively associated with summer upwelling but had a 1‐year delayed response to summer sea surface temperature, indicating that some predator responses to ecosystem change are not immediately observable. These results highlight the importance of considering dynamic responses of predators to their environment as multiple ecological factors are often changing simultaneously and can take years to propagate up the food web.
Manipulation of multiple floral traits demonstrates role in pollinator disease transmission
Authors: Van Wyk Jennifer I. , Lynch Amy‐Mei , Adler Lynn S.
Published: September 2022

Plants modulate multitrophic ecological interactions, and variation in plant traits can affect these interactions. Pollinators are exposed to pathogens at flowers and acquire or transmit pathogens at different rates on different plant species, but the traits mediating those interactions are almost entirely unknown. We experimentally manipulated five plant traits that span scales including flower, inflorescence, and plant, to determine their effects on pathogen transmission between foraging bees. Specifically, we manipulated two morphological traits (corolla lip length and flower orientation within an inflorescence) and three resource distribution traits (inflorescence nectar, plant patch nectar, and plant aggregation) in tents to test how plant traits affect bee pathogen transmission. We also quantified foraging behavior and fecal deposition patterns as potential mechanisms driving differences in transmission, and assessed trait manipulation consequences for bee reproduction. We found that pathogen transmission was reduced when we trimmed the corolla lip, evenly dispersed nectar distribution within an inflorescence, or aggregated plants in space. Some traits also affected bee reproduction; tents with trimmed corollas had more larval production than control tents, and tents with evenly distributed nectar across plant patches had more larval production than tents with clumped resources. Thus, some trait manipulations both reduced transmission and increased bee microcolony reproduction, although our design does not allow us to discern whether these are related or separate effects. Taken together, our results demonstrate causal effects of several floral traits on pathogen transmission and pollinator reproduction, indicating the importance of intraspecific plant trait variation for pollinator health and population dynamics.
Removal of cardiac AL amyloid with positive remodelling of cardiomyocytes and of restrictive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Frustaci Andrea , Verardo Romina , Galea Nicola , Alfarano Maria , Sansone Luigi , Russo Matteo Antonio , Chimenti Cristina
Published: September 2022

Herein, we describe histological mobilization of light chain cardiac amyloid documented by sequential left ventricular endomyocardial biopsies. These findings were associated with positive remodelling of cardiomyocytes and of restrictive cardiomyopathy resulting from 14 courses of chemotherapy over 17 years of time. Histological and ultrastructural findings of light chain cardiac amyloid removal led to increase in cardiomyocyte dimension and electrocardiogram voltages, reduction of biventricular wall thickness with improvement of left ventricular diastolic function, and NYHA class shifting from III to I.
A Gel Polymer Electrolyte with 2D Filler‐reinforced for Dendrite Suppression Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Pei Xin , Zhang Tao , Wang Liting , Hong Jianhe , Lu Yu , He Gang
Published: September 2022

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) incorporate both the high ionic conductivity of organic liquid electrolyte and the high safety performance of all‐solid‐state electrolytes (ASSEs), greatly improving the electrochemical performance of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). However, the practical application of GPEs is still limited by inferior interface compatibility, lithium dendrites, etc. Herein, we prepared GPEs based on poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) further co‐blended the two‐dimensional sheet inorganic filler hectorite and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to improve the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the GPEs. When the content of PMMA and hectorite is optimal, this GPEs have an ionic conductivity of 1.06×10−3 S cm−1 and outstanding lithium symmetric cells cycle time of more than 3000 h, indicating that the introduction of filler effectively inhibits the growth of lithium dendrites at room temperature. Moreover, the GPEs adopt a relatively simple solution casting method to provide a fresh idea for the synthesis of high‐performance GPEs.
Electrochromic Detection of Latent Fingermarks on Metal Surface Using 1,1′‐Dibenzyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium Dichloride
Authors: Zhang Lan , Kong Yawen , Wang Xinchu , Zhang Yujie , Xiao Debao
Published: September 2022

The electrochromic detection of latent fingermarks on polished or unpolished, flat or curved metal surfaces is described using electrochromic material, 1,1’‐dibenzyl‐4,4’‐bipyridinium dichloride. The surface area covered by fingermarks acts as an insulating mask, causing 1,1’‐dibenzyl‐4,4’‐bipyridinium dichloride to change color and produce inversed images of the fingermark. By changing the applied potential, the optical properties of 1,1’‐dibenzyl‐4,4’‐bipyridinium dichloride can be continuously and reversibly adjusted to optimize the visual contrast of fingermarks, so as to realize the detection of latent fingermarks on stainless steel surface. It is demonstrated that the fabricated electrochromic devices can detect the fingermarks on these types of surfaces within twenty seconds at −1.0∼−2.0 V. This work can qualify as a tangible improvement in fingermark detection of the natural fingermarks on the never‐cleaned (more than 3 years) and curved surfaces of daily‐used container, e. g. cup, and the handle of cleaning tool, mop.
Developmental validation of the Microreader Group Y Direct ID System: A novel six‐dye typing system with 54 Y‐chromosomal loci for forensic application
Authors: Song Mengyuan , Jiang Lanrui , Lyu Qiang , Ying Jun , Wang Zefei , Zhou Yuxiang , Song Feng , Luo Haibo , Song Xingbo , Ying Binwu
Published: September 2022

Y‐chromosome, as a gender‐determined biological marker, is inherited only between fathers and sons. The Y‐chromosome short tandem repeats (Y‐STRs) play an essential role in paternity lineage tracing as well as sexual assault cases. The Microreader Group Y Direct ID System as a six‐dye multiplex amplification kit, including 53 Y‐STR and one Y‐Indel locus, would improve performance and aid in obtaining more information through a greater number of loci with high polymorphism. In the present study, to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the kit, developmental validation was conducted by investigating sensitivity, species specificity, PCR inhibition, male–male and male–female mixtures, and reproducibility. The kit was tested using 311 male samples from Han and Qiang populations in Sichuan Province. The results showed that this kit had fairly high power for forensic discrimination (Han: haplotype diversity [HD] = 1, Qiang: HD = 0.999944). Additionally, 44 confirmed father–son pairs were also genotyped, among which 69 distinct haplotypes could be obtained. These father–son pairs cannot be distinguished by commonly used Y‐STR panels, indicating that adding these extra Y‐STRs to a single panel can achieve better discrimination performance. Collectively, the Microreader Group Y Direct ID System is robust and informative for forensic applications.
A novel hybrid backscatter and conventional algorithm for multi‐hop Internet of Things networks
Authors: Raeisi Mahmoud , Mahdavi Mehdi , Doost Hosseini Ali Mohammad
Published: September 2022

This article investigates a multi‐hop cognitive radio network in terms of end‐to‐end bit delivery. The network exploits backscatter communication (BackCom) and harvest‐then‐transmit (HTT) mode in a hybrid manner. Such a network can be used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications in which IoT users coexist with a primary network and use the primary spectrum to transmit data in both BackCom and HTT modes. Besides, such users can harvest energy from the primary signals. A novel hybrid backscatter and conventional transmission (HBCT) algorithm is proposed in order to maximize end‐to‐end bit delivery by jointly optimizing time and power allocations. For this goal, we formulate a nonconvex optimization problem. Next, we transform the problem into a convex one and develop a new analytical formulation by which we calculate the optimal power and time allocation in closed‐form equations. The numerical results demonstrate the superiority of HBCT compared with current schemes.
Smoldering ignition and emission dynamics of wood under low irradiation
Authors: Liang Zhirong , Lin Shaorun , Huang Xinyan
Published: September 2022

Wood is one of the longest‐standing and sustainable construction and building materials, and has gained a new renaissance for high‐rise buildings to achieve global carbon neutrality. However, wood can sustain both flaming and smoldering fires, and numerous timber structure fires have raised fire safety to be a public concern. This work investigates the smoldering ignition of wood blocks under long‐lasting low‐intensity irradiation and the robustness of smoldering fire after the removal of irradiation. We found a smoldering ignition map including three regimes, (i) no ignition, (ii) unsustained smoldering, and (iii) self‐sustained smoldering. The minimum irradiation for smoldering ignition of wood is about 5.5 kW/m2 after heating for hours. Without sufficient and in‐depth preheating, smoldering ignition cannot self‐sustain without irradiation. The criteria for self‐sustained smoldering on thick wood include the minimum surface temperature of 350 ± 20°C, the minimum smoldering front thickness of 30 ± 5 mm, and the minimum mass flux of 3.8 ± 0.4 g/m2 s before the irradiation is terminated. The CO/CO2 ratio of the smoldering wood under low irradiation varies between 0.1 and 0.2. This work helps evaluate the fire risk of wood materials and understand their burning behaviors under real fire scenarios.
The effect of environment on housing prices: Evidence from the Google Street View
Authors: Wang Guan‐Yuan
Published: September 2022

As Google Street View visually depicts areas with disparate social characteristics, we use them to analyze the effects of environmentally locational factors on housing prices by constructing a convolutional neural network model. Instead of manual classification and judgment, the model decomposes views' pixels then assigns latent scores for street views. This score factor can improve the interpretability and the prediction accuracy of hedonic models and machine learning models. We empirically show this score is statistically significant and has stronger predictive power, suggesting that Google Street View provides visual cues regarding the dwelling's location and improve the regional and housing research.
Novel control approach for integrating water electrolyzers to renewable energy sources
Authors: Al‐Sagheer Yousif , Steinberger‐Wilckens Robert
Published: September 2022

Green hydrogen can be produced by integrating water electrolyzers to renewable energy sources. The integration confronts the problem of renewable power volatility that requires advanced control strategies. There are three main electrolyzer control approaches, which are: battery hysteresis cycle, model‐based scheduling, and frequency response. These approaches do not fully solve the problem of electrolyzer operation under power fluctuating conditions. This study introduces a novel integration and control approach for water electrolyzers based on model predictive control algorithm. The algorithm controls electrolyzer load so that steering the system into a breakeven energy balance across the main DC busbar that links generation and demand sides. However, the energy balance is subject to power conditioning losses and capacity constraints of electrolyzer. The novel approach uses simplified prediction models for the generation and demand and introduces a compensator for model uncertainty based on a novel role to the battery as a sensor of energy imbalance. The approach is tested on a 5 kW polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzer and showed that fully automated energy balancing is achievable for grid connected and stand‐alone systems. Also, the electrolyzer can operate at partial capacity with improved efficiency and hydrogen yield, and it is applicable to any mix of renewables.
Citric Acid‐Crosslinked Highly Porous Cellulose Nanofiber Foam Prepared by an Environment‐Friendly and Simple Process
Authors: Dinesh  , Wang Hanbin , Kim Jaehwan
Published: September 2022

In this study, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) foams are prepared by an environment‐friendly, time‐saving, and simple process using bio‐based citric acid (CA) as a green crosslinking agent. Scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy examine the foam morphology and confirm the crosslinking. The prepared foam shows a very high porosity (>98%) with a low density (24.02 mg cm−3) with more than 200% improvement in mechanical strength and modulus compared to the neat CNF foam. In addition, the inclusion of CA into CNF improves thermal stability, antioxidant activity, and hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the prepared foam demonstrates a good sound absorption behavior, suitable for environment‐friendly and lightweight sound‐absorbing foam.
The effect of self‐generated versus externally generated actions on timing, duration, and amplitude of blood oxygen level dependent response for visual feedback processing
Authors: Kavroulakis Eleftherios , van Kemenade Bianca M. , Arikan Belkis Ezgi , Kircher Tilo , Straube Benjamin
Published: September 2022

It has been widely assumed that internal forward models use efference copies to create predictions about the sensory consequences of our own actions. While these predictions have frequently been associated with a reduced blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response in sensory cortices, the timing and duration of the hemodynamic response for the processing of video feedback of self‐generated (active) versus externally generated (passive) movements is poorly understood. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that predictive mechanisms for self‐generated actions lead to early and shorter neural processing compared with externally generated movements. We investigated active and passive movements using a custom‐made fMRI‐compatible movement device. Visual video feedback of the active and passive movements was presented in real time or with variable delays. Participants had to judge whether the feedback was delayed. Timing and duration of BOLD impulse response was calculated using a first (temporal derivative [TD]) and second‐order (dispersion derivative [DD]) Taylor approximation. Our reanalysis confirmed our previous finding of reduced BOLD response for active compared to passive movements. Moreover, we found positive effects of the TD and DD in the supplementary motor area, cerebellum, visual cortices, and subcortical structures, indicating earlier and shorter hemodynamic responses for active compared to passive movements. Furthermore, earlier activation in the putamen for active compared to passive conditions was associated with reduced delay detection performance. These findings indicate that efference copy‐based predictive mechanisms enable earlier processing of action feedback, which might have reduced the ability to detect short delays between action and feedback.
The effect of hunger state on hypothalamic functional connectivity in response to food cues
Authors: Kullmann Stephanie , Veit Ralf , Crabtree Daniel R. , Buosi William , Androutsos Odysseas , Johnstone Alexandra M. , Manios Yannis , Preissl Hubert , Smeets Paul A. M.
Published: September 2022

The neural underpinnings of the integration of internal and external cues that reflect nutritional status are poorly understood in humans. The hypothalamus is a key integrative area involved in short‐ and long‐term energy intake regulation. Hence, we examined the effect of hunger state on the hypothalamus network using functional magnetic resonance imaging. In a multicenter study, participants performed a food cue viewing task either fasted or sated on two separate days. We evaluated hypothalamic functional connectivity (FC) using psychophysiological interactions during high versus low caloric food cue viewing in 107 adults (divided into four groups based on age and body mass index [BMI]; age range 24–76 years; BMI range 19.5–41.5 kg/m2). In the sated compared to the fasted condition, the hypothalamus showed significantly higher FC with the bilateral caudate, the left insula and parts of the left inferior frontal cortex. Interestingly, we observed a significant interaction between hunger state and BMI group in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Participants with normal weight compared to overweight and obesity showed higher FC between the hypothalamus and DLPFC in the fasted condition. The current study showed that task‐based FC of the hypothalamus can be modulated by internal (hunger state) and external cues (i.e., food cues with varying caloric content) with a general enhanced communication in the sated state and obesity‐associated differences in hypothalamus to DLPFC communication. This could potentially promote overeating in persons with obesity.
The Affordable Care Act and regulation: Coverage effects of guaranteed issue and ratings reform
Authors: Baughman Reagan A.
Published: September 2022

An important part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that has received relatively little research attention is regulatory reform in the small and non‐group markets, particularly guaranteed issue and rating restrictions. In order to identify the effect of this part of the ACA, I use states that already had these policies before 2014 as a control group for states newly exposed to them under the ACA. Overall, the reforms do not have any effect in states that expanded Medicaid but are associated with a 1.64 percentage point (or 2.16%) increase in the probability of having health insurance coverage in states that did not expand Medicaid. Effects are seen across broad age range, and are strongest for those whose incomes are slightly above the Medicaid threshold and qualify them for the highest Marketplace subsidy levels.
Identification of novel neutralizing determinants for protection against HCV
Authors: Alzua Garazi P. , Pihl Anne F. , Offersgaard Anna , Velázquez‐Moctezuma Rodrigo , Duarte Hernandez Carlos R. , Augestad Elias H. , Fahnøe Ulrik , Mathiesen Christian K. , Krarup Henrik , Law Mansun , Prentoe Jannick , Bukh Jens , Gottwein Judith M.
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims:

HCV evasion of neutralizing antibodies (nAb) results in viral persistence and poses challenges to the development of an urgently needed vaccine. N‐linked glycosylation of viral envelope proteins is a key mechanism for such evasion. To facilitate rational vaccine design, we aimed to identify determinants of protection of conserved neutralizing epitopes.

Approach and Results:

Using a reverse evolutionary approach, we passaged genotype 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, and 4a HCV with envelope proteins (E1 and E2) derived from chronically infected patients without selective pressure by nAb in cell culture. Compared with the original viruses, HCV recombinants, engineered to harbor substitutions identified in polyclonal cell culture–passaged viruses, showed highly increased fitness and exposure of conserved neutralizing epitopes in antigenic regions 3 and 4, associated with protection from chronic infection. Further reverse genetic studies of acquired E1/E2 substitutions identified positions 418 and 532 in the N1 and N6 glycosylation motifs, localizing to adjacent E2 areas, as key regulators of changes of the E1/E2 conformational state, which governed viral sensitivity to nAb. These effects were independent of predicted glycan occupancy.

Conclusions:

We show how N‐linked glycosylation motifs can trigger dramatic changes in HCV sensitivity to nAb, independent of glycan occupancy. These findings aid in the understanding of HCV nAb evasion and rational vaccine design, as they can be exploited to stabilize the structurally flexible envelope proteins in an open conformation, exposing important neutralizing epitopes. Finally, this work resulted in a panel of highly fit cell culture infectious HCV recombinants.
Psychometric properties of Nepalese preschool anxiety scale among preschool children: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maharjan Sabina , Rana Mita , Neupane Bidusha , Rijal Sujan , Shakya Suraj , Pradhan Pramesh Man , Ojha Saroj Prasad , Gautam Kamal , Singh Rakesh
Published: September 2022

Background

The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS)‐Parent version scale is a 28‐item measure designed to assess anxiety symptoms in preschoolers aged 3−6 years. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Nepali translated version of the PAS‐Parent version.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional design was used to collect data from 680 mothers among seven conveniently selected schools in Kathmandu.

Results

The difference in PAS‐Parent version scores across age groups was found to be statistically significant. In confirmatory factor analysis, 28 items showed a poor fit of the five‐factor original model for the data. However, removing three items (25 item version) through the five‐factor model indicated a better fit. Internal consistency measured by Cronbach's α for the PAS‐Parent version scale was of good range (0.87). Cronbach's α of the subscales: generalized anxiety (0.63), social phobia (0.67), physical injury fears (0.75), and separation anxiety (0.63) were in fair range; while it was in poor range for the obsessive‐compulsive subscale (0.567).

Conclusion

Nepali version of the PAS demonstrated fair psychometric properties, supporting its utility in screening and assessing a broad range of anxiety symptoms in Nepalese preschoolers.
Reconstruction of the record of tritium in precipitation in the temperate zone of South America
Authors: Basaldúa Alejandro , Alcaraz Emiliano , Quiroz‐Londoño Mauricio , Dapeña Cristina , Ibarra Eduardo , Vélez‐Agudelo Camilo , Copia Lorenzo , Martínez Daniel
Published: September 2022

Tritium, a radioisotope of hydrogen, is an ideal tracer for groundwater and surface dating and tracking since it is part of the water molecule. The knowledge of the history of tritium in precipitation and recharge is the key link for the calculation of groundwater tritium age. However, records of tritium in precipitation are usually sparse and discontinuous, especially in regions like South America, and often need to be reconstructed. To solve this problem, different reconstruction methods of the tritium input function have been analysed and compared. Clustering of Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation stations by regions and the correlation with the complete and continuous data recorded in Kaitoke (New Zealand) proved to be the most effective approach, having low relative errors and a much more extended coverage in time compared to other interpolation or reference curves methods. Thus, tritium time series for five different regions of the temperate zone of South America were obtained. These curves can be used as representative tritium input curves in future studies for these regions. The results obtained also allow a quick qualitative analysis of groundwater ages in these areas, based on their current or past tritium concentrations. In addition, they contributed to the understanding of the patterns and characteristics of tritium distribution in the atmosphere of the southern sector of South America.