bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zwitterionic Aromaticity on Azulene Extrapolated to carbo‐Azulene
Authors: Poater Jordi , Heitkämper Juliane , Poater Albert , Maraval Valérie , Chauvin Remi
Published: November 2021

Azulene is stabilized by “zwitterionic aromaticity”, what about its ring carbo‐mer? The greater dipole moment of the latter is oriented in the opposite direction, while providing an enhanced zwitterionic aromatic character. Comparison of local aromaticity indices for the two rings, with 5 and 7 C−C bonds in azulene or C−C2−C edges in carbo‐azulene, allows analysis of the quasi‐independent influence of size on the π‐electronic properties of these aromatic bicyclic molecules exhibiting quasi‐identical shapes and π‐resonance schemes between their common set of sp2C−H vertices. The electrostatic features of such dipolar hydrocarbons are also analyzed by comparison with their respective radical cation and anion, and with their apolar bicyclic isomer, naphthalene and carbo‐naphthalene.
Electrochemically activated polyaniline based ambipolar organic electrochemical transistor
Authors: Mello Hugo José Nogueira Pedroza Dias , Faleiros Murilo Calil , Mulato Marcelo
Published: November 2021

The organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are largely applied as bio‐ and ion‐sensor devices due to their performance in an aqueous environment with electrochemical doping/dedoping (reversible redox reactions) of the semiconducting layer through ion injection and also low (around 1 V) operation potentials. Aiming for the complementary circuits’ development and improvement of the sensors device, we report the application of spin coated polyaniline (PANI) in ambipolar OECT. The OECT operation is based on electrochemical protonation/deprotonation of PANI upon applied gate potential that was verified by cyclic voltammograms (CV) of PANI sample. The device operates in accumulation mode with on‐currents on the milliampere range due to the use of interdigitated array (IDA) microelectrodes architecture with a larger active area. Acid (HCl) doped PANI were applied in OECT device for comparison, and it presented improved performance with increasing drain‐source current up to 38%, reaching 4.8 mA for then‐type device. This current increase is due to the narrower bandgap of doped PANI that affects the injection barrier. The HCl doped PANI was evaluated by UV‐Vis spectrophotometry and CV analysis. Using deionized water as electrolyte defunctionalized the PANI‐based OECT (no current modulation observed) because the absence of ions in the electrolyte interrupts the electrochemical doping. This is the opposite for the poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)‐based electrolyte‐gated organic field‐effect transistor (EGOFET) due to the polymeric hydrophobicity nature that allows for field‐effect modulation in the electrolyte/semiconductor interface. The results presented may open new possibilities for bio‐ and ion‐sensors devices.
Degradation issues and stabilization strategies of protonic ceramic electrolysis cells for steam electrolysis
Authors: Su Hanrui , Hu Yun Hang
Published: November 2021

Protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) are attractive electrochemical devices for converting electrical energy to chemicals due to their high conversion efficiency, favorable thermodynamics, fast kinetics, and inexpensive materials. Compared with conventional oxygen ion‐conducting solid oxide electrolysis cells, PCECs operate at a lower operating temperature and a favorable operation mode, thus expecting high durability. However, the degradation of PCECs is still significant, hampering their development. In this review, the typical degradations of PCECs are summarized, with emphasis on the chemical stability of the electrolytes and the air electrode materials. Moreover, the degradation mechanism and influencing factors are assessed deeply. Finally, the emerging strategies for inhibiting long‐term degradations, including chemical composition modifications and microstructure tuning, are explored.
Dilation of cortical capillaries is not related to astrocyte calcium signaling
Authors: Del Franco Armani P. , Chiang Pei‐Pei , Newman Eric A.
Published: November 2021

The brain requires an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to maintain proper function as neuronal activity varies. This is achieved, in part, through neurovascular coupling mechanisms that mediate local increases in blood flow through the dilation of arterioles and capillaries. The role of astrocytes in mediating this functional hyperemia response is controversial. Specifically, the function of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling is unclear. Cortical arterioles dilate in the absence of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling, but previous work suggests that Ca2+ increases are necessary for capillary dilation. This question has not been fully addressed in vivo, however, and we have reexamined the role of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in vessel dilation in the barrel cortex of awake, behaving mice. We recorded evoked vessel dilations and astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in response to whisker stimulation. Experiments were carried out on WT and IP3R2 KO mice, a transgenic model where astrocyte Ca2+ signaling is substantially reduced. Compared to WT mice at rest, Ca2+ signaling in astrocyte endfeet contacting capillaries increased by 240% when whisker stimulation evoked running. In contrast, Ca2+ signaling was reduced to 9% of WT values in IP3R2 KO mice. In all three conditions, however, the amplitude of capillary dilation was largely unchanged. In addition, the latency to the onset of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling lagged behind dilation onset in most trials, although a subset of rapid onset Ca2+ events with latencies as short as 0.15 s occurred. In summary, we found that whisker stimulation‐evoked capillary dilations occurred independent of astrocyte Ca2+ increases in the cerebral cortex.
The stroma in oral potentially malignant disorders: An overlooked denominator?
Authors: Merchant Yash , Rao Vishal , Ramaswamy Veena
Published: November 2021

see page 574‐575
Photolytic Studies on the Generation and Trapping of 6‐Oxomethylidenecyclohexa‐2,4‐diene‐1‐one Derivatives with Various Nucleophiles
Authors: Mies Thomas , White Andrew J. P. , Parsons Philip J. , Barrett Anthony G. M.
Published: November 2021

α‐Oxoketenes and cyclohexadiene α‐oxoketenes are reactive intermediates, particularly the latter due to their high re‐aromatization potential. In this communication, we report photolytic studies on the generation of such species from 4‐OMe and 4‐OMOM protected resorcylate dioxinones and their trapping to give resorcylate esters and amides as well as the formation of adducts with enol‐ethers as trapping reagents.
Detection and significance of main anchoring villus in early pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Zhikun , Wang Chengji , Yu Yang , Xie Qing , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2021

Objective

To find and explore the relationship among the length of the embryo's main anchoring villus and the week of gestation, embryonic crown‐rump length (CRL), and maternal blood human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during early pregnancy using ultrasound.

Methods

A total of 108 women with singleton pregnancies underwent ultrasound examination of the fetus during the early months of their pregnancy (5+5–13+6 weeks of pregnancy). The main anchoring villus was detected using HD‐Flow and SlowflowHD mode ultrasound. The detection rate and length of the main anchoring villus were recorded. The correlations among main anchoring villus with gestational weeks, CRL, and blood hCG were obtained.

Results

The main anchoring villus was detected in all women (108/108). It could be found throughout the early gestational weeks from as early as 4+6 weeks. The length of the main anchoring villus increased with gestational age, and was positively correlated with CRL and the logarithm of hCG (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results showed that the detection rate of the main anchoring villus was 100% and the length of the main anchoring villus was correlated with gestational week, CRL, and blood hCG. The main anchoring villus could represent where the embryo implanted.
Effect of a simulated overdose response on student ability to counsel on naloxone use
Authors: Franko Thomas
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Pharmacist training on naloxone is often assessed by determining perceptions of self‐confidence in counseling; however, the impact of a specific training on counseling quality has not been well established.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine if completing a simulated overdose with naloxone response results in an improved ability to counsel a patient on naloxone use.

Methods

Students in the third professional year were provided live training on naloxone information and use as part of a required skills lab. Immediately afterward, students were randomized to complete an overdose simulation with naloxone response or to counsel an individual on naloxone use. Following completion of their initial activity, students then completed the other. A checklist adapted from previously published work and the recommended naloxone training from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was used to assess the counseling session. Counseling results of students who completed the overdose simulation first were compared with those who completed the simulation second.

Results

Here, 100% of eligible students (N = 138) participated in the simulation and 134 (97%) participated in the counseling session. The median scores for the counseling activity were 82% (interquartile range [IQR] = 27%) for students who completed the simulation prior to counseling and 82% (IQR = 27%) for students who did not complete the simulation prior to counseling (P = .61). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between any checklist item among the two groups.

Conclusion

There was no difference in counseling ability between students who completed a simulated naloxone response and those who did not. Additional research is needed to better determine the effect of simulation on patient counseling skills. As naloxone training programs are further refined, consideration should be given to streamline the process to include evidence‐based methods of training which result in improved skills in both administration and counseling.
Photodynamic inactivation ofStreptococcus pneumoniaewith external illumination at 808 nm through the ex vivo porcine thoracic cage
Authors: Díaz Tovar Johan Sebastián , Kassab Giulia , Buzzá Hilde Harb , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , Kurachi Cristina
Published: November 2021

Pneumonia is responsible for high mortality rates around the world, and its major treatment is based on antibiotic treatment. Antimicrobial resistance has been increasing in the last years, resulting in relevant public health concern. A promising alternative for pneumonia is antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 808 nm wavelength is able to be transmitted through the biological tissues of the thoracic wall and be delivered in enough energy inside the cage to activate indocyanine green and promote photodynamic response. A light source panel was developed composed of 200 lasers centered at 808 nm with an irradiance of 77.8 ± 10.0 mW/cm2and tested in an ex vivo thoracic cage model. Monte Carlo simulations were used to understand the photon migration through all the tissues at the thoracic wall. It was observed that tissues responsible for the major absorption of photons are the skin and subcutaneous fat. Experimental measurement of the irradiance was obtained after the light pass‐through ex vivo pig thoracic cage, obtaining 3% to 5% of the emitted irradiance. Finally, it was observed that even with 3% of the initial irradiance, a 99.9% reduction of theStreptococcus pneumoniaewas successfully achieved after 42.6 minutes of irradiation.
Probiotic supplementation attenuates age‐related sarcopenia via the gut–muscle axis in SAMP8 mice
Authors: Chen Li‐Han , Chang Shy‐Shin , Chang Hsin‐Yi , Wu Chieh‐Hsi , Pan Chun‐Hsu , Chang Chun‐Chao , Chan Ching‐Hung , Huang Hui‐Yu
Published: November 2021

Background

Age‐related muscle dysfunctions are common disorders resulting in poor quality of life in the elderly. Probiotic supplementation is a potential strategy for preventing age‐related sarcopenia as evidence suggests that probiotics can enhance muscle function via the gut–muscle axis. However, the effects and mechanisms of probiotics in age‐related sarcopenia are currently unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS), a probiotic previously reported to improve muscle function in young adult mice.

Methods

We administered LcS (1 × 108 or 1 × 109 CFU/mouse/day) by oral gavage to senescence‐accelerated mouse prone‐8 mice for 12 weeks (16‐ to 28‐week‐old). Sixteen‐week‐old and 28‐week‐old SMAP8 mice were included as non‐aged and aged controls, respectively. Muscle condition was evaluated using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for muscle mass, holding impulse and grip strength tests for muscle strength, and oxygen consumption rate, gene expressions of mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitochondrial number assays for mitochondria function. Inflammatory cytokines were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was utilized to measure the short‐chain fatty acid levels. The gut microbiota was analysed based on the data of 16S rRNA gene sequencing of mouse stool.

Results

The LcS supplementation reduced age‐related declines in muscle mass (>94.6%, P < 0.04), strength (>66% in holding impulse and >96.3% in grip strength, P < 0.05), and mitochondrial function (P < 0.05). The concentration of short‐chain fatty acids (acetic, isobutyric, butyric, penic, and hexanoic acid) was recovered by LcS (>65.9% in the mice given high dose of LcS, P < 0.05) in the aged mice, and LcS attenuated age‐related increases in inflammation (P < 0.05) and reactive oxygen species (>89.4%, P < 0.001). The high dose of LcS supplementation was also associated with distinct microbiota composition as indicated by the separation of groups in the beta‐diversity analysis (P = 0.027). LcS supplementation altered predicted bacterial functions based on the gut microbiota. Apoptosis (P = 0.026), p53 signalling (P = 0.017), and non‐homologous end‐joining (P = 0.031) were significantly reduced, whereas DNA repair and recombination proteins (P = 0.043), RNA polymerase (P = 0.008), and aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis (P = 0.003) were increased. Finally, the genera enriched by high‐dose LcS [linear discriminant analysis (LDA) score > 2.0] were positively correlated with healthy muscle and physiological condition (P < 0.05), while the genera enriched in aged control mice (LDA score > 2.0) were negatively associated with healthy muscle and physiological condition (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lactobacillus casei Shirota represents an active modulator that regulates the onset and progression of age‐related muscle impairment potentially via the gut–muscle axis.
Effects of TNF-α deletion on iNKT cell development, activation, and maturation in the steady-state and chronic alcohol-consuming mice
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Faya , Modrak Samantha
Published: November 2021

Cytokines play critical roles in regulating iNKT cell development, activation, and maturation. TNF-α co-occurs with iNKT cells in steady-state and many disease conditions. How TNF-α affects iNKT cell function has not been thoroughly investigated. It was found that chronic alcohol consumption enhanced iNKT cell activation and maturation. The underlying mechanism is not known. Herein, a TNF-α KO mouse model was used to address these issues. It was found that the depletion of TNF-α mitigated alcohol consumption-enhanced iNKT cell activation and maturation. In steady-state, depletion of TNF-α did not affect the frequency of iNKT cells in the thymus and spleen but decreased iNKT cells in the liver and increased liver iNKT cell apoptosis. The portion of stage-2 immature iNKT cells increased, stage-3 mature iNKT cells decreased in the thymus of TNF-α KO mice, suggesting that depletion of TNF-α impairs iNKT cell development and maturation. The percentage of CD69+ iNKT cells was significantly lower in the thymus, spleen, and liver of TNF-α KO mice compared to their wild-type littermates, suggesting that depletion of TNF-α inhibits iNKT cell activation. Moreover, the percentage of splenic IL-4- and IFN-γ-producing iNKT cells was significantly lower in TNF-α KO mice than in their wild-type littermates. The depletion of TNF-α increased PLZF+ iNKT cells in the thymus and down-regulated the expression of CD122 on iNKT cells. Collectively, these results support that TNF-α plays a vital role in the regulation of iNKT cell development, activation, and maturation, and alcohol consumption enhances iNKT cell activation and maturation through TNF-α.
Analysis of long‐term antibody response in COVID‐19 patients by symptoms grade, gender, age, BMI, and medication
Authors: Ozgocer Tuba , Dagli Şeyda N. , Ceylan Mehmet R. , Disli Faruk , Ucar Cihat , Yildiz Sedat
Published: November 2021

The first aim of the study was to analyze the change in antibody titer at 15‐day intervals until 60 days postsymptom onset (PSO). The second aim was to analyze the relationship between antibody titer and symptom grade, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), medications, vitamin supplements, and herbal therapies. Blood samples were collected from 43 patients (5 mild, 21 moderate, 17 severe diseases), 18 women (41.9%), and 25 men (58.1%), on 15, 30, 45, and 60 days PSO after COVID‐19 infection. The serum antibody titers were determined by measuring the COVID‐19 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). Associations between the duration of symptoms, demographic and clinical parameters, medications and vitamins used, and herbal therapies were evaluated by interviewing the participants. Within the first 15 days of illness, 81.4% of the patients were positive. From Day 45 PSO, seropositivity was 89.5%. The anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titers were statistically higher in men than women at all times (p < 0.01). Antibody titer was higher in older participants compared to younger participants (p < 0.02). Plaquenil or favipiravir use did not affect antibody response (p > 0.05). Men had a higher fever (p = 0.006), shortness of breath (p = 0.004), and chest pain (p = 0.03) than women. We found powerful antibody response by 60 days PSO, as well as higher antibody response and severity of symptoms in the men gender. Data also showed that SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies are higher in individuals with older age, whereas BMI, concomitant chronic disease, and medications had no effect on antibody titers.
Carrier transport mechanism in bottom gate thin‐film transistor with SnO as active layer for CMOS displays
Authors: Sivathanu Vallisree , Lenka Trupti Ranjan , Goyal Vishal , Nguyen Hieu Pham Trung
Published: November 2021

In this work, we report on four tin monoxide (SnO) thin‐film transistor (TFT) grain boundary (GB) models of carrier transport considering the native defects in the thin film, interface traps, and GB deep/tail states. The changes in the activation energy and the GB barrier potential on the application of gate electric field are thoroughly investigated. The shift in Fermi level and the charge carrier transport mechanisms are examined for the two‐channel model by the application of external potential. Four models are developed to study the impact of phase transformation of SnO material on the TFT characteristics. Among the four developed models which are considered as four different cases, Case (iv) shows excellent performance and the simulation results revealed that the location of Fermi level closer to the mid gap are suggested to favor the ambipolar behavior. Also, the influence of SnO material thickness and the effect of different dielectrics on the ambipolar device characteristics are examined aiming at optimized performance of the device. The developed optimized model will help the process engineers in tuning the SnO material parameters for achieving better performance in both p‐type and n‐type TFTs when employed in CMOS based displays.
Potential influence of sea surface temperature representation in climate model simulations over CORDEX‐SEA domain
Authors: Magnaye Angela Monina T. , Narisma Gemma T. , Cruz Faye T. , Dado Julie Mae B. , Tangang Fredolin , Juneng Liew , Ngo‐Duc Thanh , Phan‐Van Tan , Santisirisomboon Jerasorn , Singhruck Patama , Gunawan Dodo , Aldrian Edvin
Published: November 2021

Regional climate simulations from the Southeast Asia Regional Climate Downscaling/Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment – Southeast Asia (SEA) indicated model biases in temperature and rainfall over SEA. Given the influence of sea surface temperature (SST) variability on SEA climate, this study examines SST representation in climate models to investigate its potential contribution to the resulting model biases over the Philippines. Observed SST over SEA is first characterized by its spatial patterns and temporal variability. An analysis of the SST representation over SEA and its potential influence on modelled climate over the Philippines in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) global climate models (GCMs) is then conducted, followed by an assessment of the potential influence of SST representation in CMIP5 GCMs on downscaled regional climate output. Our results show that GCMs with well represented SSTs (i.e., low bias, well captured variability, and pattern) can produce climate simulations well over the Philippines. Whether or not the GCMs with poor SST representation can perform well is inconclusive. During boreal winter (summer), climate variables with high (low) spatial correlation with model SST get poor (better) spatial correlation with observed climate. Over west of the Philippines, where model SST seasonal variability is captured well, models also adequately simulate climate variables. Results suggest that the negative temperature biases, and positive precipitation and wind speed biases, in both GCMs and downscaled simulations, are associated with negative model SST biases. These findings give a better understanding on how SST potentially influences modelled climatology over the Philippines.
Excessive livestock grazing overrides the positive effects of trees on infiltration capacity and modifies preferential flow in dry miombo woodlands
Authors: Lulandala Lufunyo , Bargués‐Tobella Aida , Masao Catherine Aloyce , Nyberg Gert , Ilstedt Ulrik
Published: November 2021

The increase in livestock grazing in African drylands such as miombo woodlands threatens land productivity and ecosystem functioning. Trees have positive effects on soil hydraulic properties, but few studies have looked at grazing intensity and hydrological functioning in different land uses. Therefore, we conducted a biophysical survey in Morogoro Rural District, Tanzania, where we identified four main land uses and land cover types, that is, Forest reserve, open‐access forest, cropland under fallow, and active cropland. We assessed grazing intensity, measured infiltration capacity, and conducted dye tracer experiments to assess the degree of preferential flow in 64 plots. We also tested the effect of grazing exclusion on infiltration capacity in 12‐year‐old fenced plots. Our results show that irrespective of land use or cover type, soil bulk density increased by 10% from low to high grazing intensity, whereas infiltration capacity and soil organic carbon decreased by 55% and 28%, respectively. We found a positive relationship between infiltration capacity and tree basal area in plots with lowest grazing intensities. However, at higher grazing, the infiltration capacity remained low independently of the basal area. Preferential flow in deeper soils was six‐times higher in areas with no grazing, indicating higher deep soil and groundwater recharge potential at low grazing intensities. We conclude that the negative impacts on soil hydrological functioning of excessive livestock grazing override the positive effect of trees, but restricting grazing can reverse the impact.
Always ready? Primary production of Arctic phytoplankton at the end of the polar night
Authors: Hoppe Clara J. M.
Published: November 2021

The end of the polar night with the concurrent onset of photosynthetic biomass production ultimately leads to the spring bloom, which represents the most important event of primary production for the Arctic marine ecosystem. This dataset shows, for the first time, significant in situ biomass accumulation during the dark–light transition in the high Arctic, as well as the earliest recorded positive net primary production rates together with constant chlorophyll a‐normalized potential for primary production through winter and spring. The results indicate a high physiological capacity to perform photosynthesis upon re‐illumination, which is in the same range as that observed during the spring bloom. Put in context with other data, the results of this study indicate that also active cells originating from the low winter standing stock in the water column, rather than solely resting stages from the sediment, can seed early spring bloom assemblages.
Polarization Switching Between Electric and Magnetic Quasi‐Trapped Modes in Bianisotropic All‐Dielectric Metasurfaces
Authors: Evlyukhin Andrey B. , Poleva Maria A. , Prokhorov Alexei V. , Baryshnikova Kseniia V. , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Chichkov Boris N.
Published: November 2021

A general strategy for the realization of electric and magnetic quasi‐trapped modes located at the same spectral position is presented. This strategy's application makes it possible to design metasurfaces allowing switching between the electric and magnetic quasi‐trapped modes by changing the polarization of the incident light wave. The developed strategy is based on two stages: the application of the dipole approximation for determining the conditions required for the implementation of trapped modes at certain spectral positions and the creation of the energy channels for their excitation by introducing a weak bianisotropy in nanoparticles. Since excitation of trapped modes results in a concentration of electric and magnetic energies in the metasurface plane, the polarization switching provides possibilities to change and control the localization and distribution of optical energy at the sub‐wavelength scale. A practical method for spectral tuning of quasi‐trapped modes in metasurfaces composed of nanoparticles with a preselected shape is demonstrated. As an example, the optical properties of a metasurface composed of silicon triangular prisms are analyzed and discussed.
Controlling Quantum Cascade Laser Optical Frequency Combs through Microwave Injection
Authors: Schneider Barbara , Kapsalidis Filippos , Bertrand Mathieu , Singleton Matthew , Hillbrand Johannes , Beck Mattias , Faist Jérôme
Published: November 2021

In this work, control over the precise state emitted by quantum cascade laser frequency combs through strong radio‐frequency current modulation close to their repetition frequency is demonstrated. In particular, broadening of the spectrum from about 20 cm−1 to an average bandwidth of 60 cm−1 can be achieved throughout most of the current dynamical range while preserving the coherence, as measured by shifted wave interference Fourier transform spectroscopy (SWIFTS). The required modulation frequency to achieve this broadening is red‐shifted compared to the free‐running beatnote frequency at increasing modulation powers starting from 25 dBm, whereas the range where it occurs narrows. Outside of this maximum‐bandwidth range, the spectral bandwidth of the laser output is gradually reduced and the new center frequency is red‐ or blue‐shifted, directly dependent on the detuning of the modulation frequency. By switching between two modulation frequencies detuned symmetrically with respect to the free‐running beatnote, two multiplexed spectral regions with negligible overlap from the same device at rates of at least 20 kHz can be generated. In the time‐domain, with both SWIFTS and interferometric autocorrelation (IAC) measurements a transition from quasi‐continuous output to long‐pulsed ( ps) output is shown by ramping up the injection power to 35 dBm.
Immunogenicity and Adverse Effects of the 2‐Dose BNT162b2 Messenger RNA Vaccine Among Liver Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Davidov Yana , Tsaraf Keren , Cohen‐Ezra Oranit , Likhter Mariya , Ben Yakov Gil , Levy Itzchak , Levin Einav G. , Lustig Yaniv , Mor Orna , Rahav Galia , Ben Ari Ziv
Published: November 2021

The BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been shown to be safe and effective in immunocompetent patients. The safety and efficacy of this vaccine in liver transplantation (LT) recipients is still under evaluation. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine among transplant recipients. The immune responses of 76 LT recipients receiving 2 doses of the vaccine were compared with those of 174 age‐matched immunocompetent controls. Postvaccination immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of SARS‐CoV‐2 and neutralizing antibodies (NA) to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine were determined at least 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine. IgG antibody titers ≥1.1 were defined as positive antibodies. Adverse effects were monitored during the study period. Following administration of the second dose, transplant recipients showed reduced immune responses compared with controls (72% versus 94.2%; P < 0.001). At a median time of 38 days after the second vaccination, the geometric mean of RBD IgG and NA titers were 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6‐2.6) and 150 (95% CI, 96‐234) among transplant recipients and 4.6 (95% CI, 4.1‐5.1) and 429 (95% CI, 350‐528) in the control group, respectively (P < 0.001). Antibody responses were lower in transplant recipients who were receiving combined immunosuppression therapy and in those with impaired renal function. Among the LT recipients with negative antibody responses, 1 became infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, but no recipients with positive antibody responses became infected. Overall, most (n = 39 [51%]) adverse effects self‐reported by transplant recipients were mild and occurred more often in women than in men. Compared with patients who were immunocompetent, LT recipients had lower immune responses. The durability of immune responses to the BNT162b2 vaccine among LT recipients requires further investigation.
The profinite topology of free groups and weakly generic tuples of automorphisms
Authors: Sági Gábor
Published: November 2021

Let be a countable first order structure and endow the universe of with the discrete topology. Then the automorphism group of becomes a topological group. A tuple of automorphisms is defined to be weakly generic iff its diagonal conjugacy class (in the algebraic sense) is dense (in the topological sense) and the ‐orbit of each is finite. Existence of tuples of weakly generic automorphisms are interesting from the point of view of model theory as well as from the point of view of finite combinatorics.

The main results of the present work are as follows. In Theorem 2.6 we characterize the existence of tuples of weakly generic automorphisms with the aid of the profinite topology of free groups. In Corollary 2.12 we will show that if has finite topological rank r (and satisfies a further, mild technical condition) then the existence of a weakly generic tuple in implies the existence of weakly generic tuples in for all natural number . Finally, in Theorem 3.2 we show that if is a countable model of an ℵ0‐categorical, simple theory in which all types over the empty set are stationary and has a pair of weakly generic automorphisms then it has tuples of weakly generic automorphisms of arbitrary finite length.

At the technical level we will combine elementary investigations about the profinite topology of free groups with the results of [11] about topological ranks of the automorphism groups of some structures.
Integrated laser based pre‐tempering at laser welding of AISI 1045 steel by using 3D‐scanner optics
Authors: Steidle F. , Hofele M. , Ketzer‐Raichle G. , Gooßen M. , Riegel H.
Published: November 2021

Laser‐based pre‐heating of laser beam welding with a 3D scanning optics, applied to AISI 1045 steel, is studied. Laser beam welding of heat‐treatable steel is challenging due to martensitic hardening in combination with defects. Pre‐tempering aims the reduction of the cooling rates and martensitic microstructure within the weld seam. An oscillating defocused laser beam was guided over the surface for pre‐heating by means of a 3D scanner optics. During pre‐heating, the laser power, the scanning speed and the number of cycles were varied. Welding with 4000 W and 2 m/min with a focused laser beam was executed. Thus the resulting temperature profile behind the ongoing laser beam and cooling time T8|5 between 800 °C–500 °C was significantly extended. Two parameter combinations (15 cycles|600 W|50 mm/s(2) and 10 cycles|800 W|50 mm/s2) succeeded in a microstructure of bainite and martensite. By extending the cooling time T8|5 to 3.11 s(2) and 4.17 s2. Thus, average hardness for laser based pre‐tempering of 487 HV 0.5(2) and 455 HV 0.52 was achieved. As a reference, global pre‐heating at 400 °C using a heating plate can reduce the average hardness of the weld zone from 729 HV 0.5 at room temperature to 304 HV 0.5 at a cooling time T8|5 of 5.63 s.
Microstructure, mechanical and erosion wear analysis of post heat treated iron alloy based coating with varying chromium
Authors: Sharma R. K. , Das R. K. , Kumar S. R.
Published: November 2021

The present work focuses on the effect of annealing heat treatment on the microstructure, mechanical and erosion properties of iron alloy based coatings with varying chromium content. High velocity oxygen fuel coating method was used to deposit the coating over the substrate material 316 L stainless steel. The study was done in terms of microstructural analysis using x‐ray diffractometer, surface and cross‐sectional morphology using field emission scanning electron microscope, mechanical and erosion wear analysis. It was found that x‐ray diffractometer indicated presence of less amount of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) after heat treatment. However, the peaks of hardened phase of diironylidenetitanium (Fe2Ti) and iron‐chromium (Fe−Cr) was increased. Addition of chromium up to 10 wt. % improved the hardness and adhesion pull of strength by 16 % and 62 % respectively. On the other side heat treatment of iron alloy based coating having 10 wt. % chromium increased the hardness and adhesion pull off strength by 17.3 % and 35 % respectively. The erosion wear rate was also decreased with the annealing process. The study shows that the annealing process increases hardness and adhesion pull off strength but decreases porosity and erosion wear rate.
Analysis of tribological behaviour of aluminum‐titanium carbide‐basalt metal matrix composite
Authors: Muthu P.
Published: November 2021

In the recent years, particulate reinforced aluminum based matrix composites are playing an important role in automobile and aerospace applications due to their enhanced properties. In this work, an attempt has been made to optimize the tribological behaviour of aluminum 7075 matrix reinforced with titanium carbide (3 percent weight) and basalt particles (2 percent weight) using Taguchi based grey relational analysis. Composites are fabricated according to american society for testing materials standard using stir casting method dry sliding wear tests were carried out using pin on disc apparatus as per Taguchi's L9 orthogonal array. Grey relational analysis was used to obtain the optimum process parameters for multiple quality characteristics such as wear rate and coefficient of friction. Then significant contribution of wear parameters was determined by analysis of variance. A confirmatory test was carried out to validate the test result. Finally, the micro structural investigation on the worn surfaces was performed by scanning electron microscope.
Spontaneous Graft‐Induced Dyskinesias Are Independent of 5‐HT Neurons and Levodopa Priming in a Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Lane Emma L. , Harrison David J. , Ramos‐Varas Elena , Hills Rachel , Turner Sophie , Lelos Mariah J.
Published: November 2021

Background

The risk of graft‐induced dyskinesias (GIDs) presents a major challenge in progressing cell transplantation as a therapy for Parkinson's disease. Current theories implicate the presence of grafted serotonin neurons, hotspots of dopamine release, neuroinflammation and established levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.

Objective

To elucidate the mechanisms of GIDs.

Methods

Neonatally desensitized, dopamine denervated rats received intrastriatal grafts of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiated into either ventral midbrain dopaminergic progenitor (vmDA) (n = 15) or ventral forebrain cells (n = 14).

Results

Of the eight rats with surviving grafts, two vmDA rats developed chronic spontaneous GIDs, which were observed at 30 weeks post‐transplantation. GIDs were inhibited by D2‐like receptor antagonists and not affected by 5‐HT1A/1B/5‐HT6 agonists/antagonists. Grafts in GID rats showed more microglial activation and lacked serotonin neurons.

Conclusions

These findings argue against current thinking that rats do not develop spontaneous GID and that serotonin neurons are causative, rather indicating that GID can be induced in rats by hESC‐derived dopamine grafts and, critically, can occur independently of both previous levodopa exposure and grafted serotonin neurons. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Versatility of the lateral circumflex femoral artery sparing perforator‐based anterolateral thigh flaps in loco‐regional thigh reconstruction after skin cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma resection
Authors: Brunetti Beniamino , Salzillo Rosa , Tenna Stefania , Morelli Coppola Marco , Persichetti Paolo
Published: November 2021

Background

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap represents a workhorse in reconstructive microsurgery but its use in a free style fashion as perforator‐based flap has yet to be popularized. We describe our experience with lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) sparing perforator‐based ALT flaps for thigh reconstruction after oncological resection in a case series of 24 consecutive patients.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients underwent thigh reconstruction with 25 perforator‐based ALT flaps between 2014 and 2020. Defect etiology was related to skin cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma resection in 3, 7, and 14 cases respectively. Mean defect size was 15 × 8 cm. Six months postoperatively, patients were asked to rate on a 5‐point Likert scale the aesthetic and functional outcomes of the reconstructive procedure.

Results

Eight flaps were advanced in a V‐Y fashion (33.3%), whether 16 flaps (66.7%) were rotated in a propeller fashion. The average flap size was 19 × 8 cm, while mean operative time was 197.2 min. Donor sites were always closed by primary intention. Minor complications were registered in 5 cases and managed conservatively. Overall patients' satisfaction was high, with mean aesthetic and functional ratings of 4.46 and 4.21 respectively.

Conclusions

LCFA sparing perforator‐based ALT flaps proved to be a versatile and reproducible solution to address thigh reconstruction after oncological resection according to the different topographical sub‐units involved.
Recurrence relationship of successive level singulants
Authors: Say Fatih
Published: November 2021

We study the asymptotic behaviour of the solution to a singularly perturbed model differential equation. The analytical solution is asymptotically represented by a formal power series in the perturbation parameter. This paper provides an explanation of the relation between the pre‐factor functions P(z) and Q(z) and the singulants of the expansion of the general second‐order singularly perturbed differential equation in higher levels of the asymptotic analysis. Exponential asymptotics typically relies upon the derivation of the singulant function as it is crucial to determine the location of the Stokes lines. By doing the careful analysis, we connect the subsequent order singulants with the previous order singulants and determine the asymptotics of the late coefficients. By this relation, one can predict and investigate the Stokes phenomenon and exponential smoothing of the equations in the form of the model differential equation.
First assessment of thermoacoustic tomography for in vivo detection of rheumatoid arthritis in the finger joints
Authors: Chi Zihui , Huang Lin , Wu Dan , Long Xiaojun , Xu Xueliang , Jiang Huabei
Published: November 2021

Background

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is complicated because of the complexity of symptoms and joint structures. Current clinical imaging techniques for the diagnosis of RA have strengths and weaknesses. Emerging imaging techniques need to be developed for the diagnosis or auxiliary diagnosis of RA.

Purpose

This study aimed to demonstrate the potential of thermoacoustic tomography (TAT) for in vivo detection of RA in the finger joints.

Methods

Finger joints were imaged by a TAT system using three different microwave illumination methods including pyramidal horn antenna, and parallel in‐phase and anti‐phase microwave illuminations. Both diseased and healthy joints were imaged and compared when the three microwave illumination methods were used. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of all the joints was performed to validate the TAT findings. In addition, two diseased joints were imaged at two time points by the pyramidal horn antenna‐based TAT to track/monitor the progression of RA during a time period of 16 months. Three‐dimensional (3‐D) TAT images of the joints were also obtained.

Results

The TAT images of the diseased joints displayed abnormalities in bone and soft tissues compared to the healthy ones. The TAT images by pyramidal horn antenna and in‐phase microwave illumination showed high similarity in image appearance, while the anti‐phase‐based TAT images provided different information about the disease. We found that the TAT findings matched well with the MRI images. The 3‐D TAT images effectively displayed the stereoscopic effect of joint lesions. Finally, it was evident that TAT could detect the development of the lesions in 16 months.

Conclusion

TAT can noninvasively visualize bone lesions and soft tissue abnormalities in the joints with RA. This first in vivo assessment of TAT provides a foundation for its clinical application to the diagnosis and monitoring of RA in the finger joints.
Comprehensive comparison of local effect model IV predictions with the particle irradiation data ensemble
Authors: Pfuhl Tabea , Friedrich Thomas , Scholz Michael
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The increased relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of ions is one of the key benefits of ion radiotherapy compared to conventional radiotherapy with photons. To account for the increased RBE of ions during the process of ion radiotherapy treatment planning, a robust model for RBE predictions is indispensable. Currently, at several ion therapy centers the local effect model I (LEM I) is applied to predict the RBE, which varies with biological and physical impacting factors. After the introduction of LEM I, several model improvements were implemented, leading to the current version, LEM IV, which is systematically tested in this study.

Methods

As a comprehensive RBE model should give consistent results for a large variety of ion species and energies, the particle irradiation data ensemble (PIDE) is used to systematically validate the LEM IV. The database covers over 1100 photon and ion survival experiments in form of their linear‐quadratic parameters for a wide range of ion types and energies. This makes the database an optimal tool to challenge the systematic dependencies of the RBE model. After appropriate filtering of the database, 571 experiments were identified and used as test data.

Results

The study confirms that the LEM IV reflects the RBE systematics observed in measurements well. It is able to reproduce the dependence of RBE on the linear energy transfer (LET) as well as on the αγ/βγ ratio for several ion species in a wide energy range. Additionally, the systematic quantitative analysis revealed precision capabilities and limits of the model. At lower LET values, the LEM IV tends to underestimate the RBE with an increasing underestimation with increasing atomic number of the ion. At higher LET values, the LEM IV overestimates the RBE for protons or helium ions, whereas the predictions for heavier ions match experimental data well.

Conclusions

The LEM IV is able to predict general RBE characteristics for several ion species in a broad energy range. The accuracy of the predictions is reasonable considering the small number of input parameters needed by the model. The detailed quantification of possible systematic deviations, however, enables to identify not only strengths but also limitations of the model. The gained knowledge can be used to develop model adjustments to further improve the model accuracy, which is on the way.
Combining multiple measures into a summary index: A step toward more reliable measurement
Authors: Robinson Lawrence R.
Published: November 2021

see article on pages 171–179 in this issue.
Assessing the roles of variable differences in attributes of nerve conduction studies
Authors: Thaisetthawatkul Pariwat
Published: November 2021

see article on pages 162–170 in this issue
Optimal control problems for a semi‐linear integro‐differential evolution system with infinite delay
Authors: Huang Hai , Fu Xianlong
Published: November 2021

We study in this work the optimal control and time optimal control problems for a semi‐linear integro‐differential evolution system with infinite delay in Hilbert space. We first study the existence and uniqueness result of mild solutions in space for the considered system, and the main tools here are the theory of resolvent operators and fractional powers of operators and norm. In this way the obtained results are more general and can be applied to the systems involving terms having spatial derivatives. Then we discuss the Lagrange optimal control problem for the system via limit arguments. The time optimal control problem is also proposed and investigated deliberately for it. Finally, an example is provided to show the applications of the obtained results.