bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Umbilical vein blood flow: State‐of‐the‐art
Authors: Barbieri Moira , Di Martino Daniela Denis , Ferrazzi Enrico Mario , Stampalija Tamara
Published: February 2023

Placental blood supply to the fetus can be measured by evaluating the umbilical vein blood flow. Despite its potential application in healthcare, the umbilical vein blood flow volume is still used only in research setting. One of the reasons is a concern regarding its reproducibility, partly due to technology issues. Nowadays, technology improvements make this evaluation accurate and reproducible. The aim of this review is to refresh basic elements of the physiology of umbilical vein blood flow and its analysis. Its evaluation in normal and abnormal fetal growth is also discussed.
Evaluation of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with acute‐phase Kawasaki disease by hematological indices, layer‐specific left ventricular longitudinal strain and global myocardial work
Authors: Li Li , Li Guang‐an , Huang Jun
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To evaluate subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in aKD patients by hematological indices, global layer‐specific LV longitudinal strain and myocardial work (MW).

Methods

Forty‐three normal controls and 42 aKD patients were enrolled in the present study. The peak systolic epimyocardial (GLSEpi), middle layer (GLSMid) and endomyocardial (GLSEndo) longitudinal strain, global myocardial work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and myocardial work efficiency (GWE) were measured by two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography in apical three‐chamber, four‐chamber, and two‐chamber views.

Results

The absolute values of GLSEpi, GLSMid, and GLSEndo in aKD patients were significantly lower than those in normal controls (p < .01). The values of GCW and GWE were significantly lower than those of normal controls (p < .05). There were no significant differences among the AUCs of layer‐specific LV GLS and global MW (p > .05). The correlation test showed that layer‐specific LV GLS showed a good correlation with GCW. Multivariable analysis showed that Hb and LVEF were independent factors for GCW.

Conclusion

In this research, we found that subclinical LV systolic dysfunction was detected by layer‐specific GLS and MW in aKD patients. GCW has the same diagnostic value as layer‐specific LV GLS. Hb and LVEF are independent factors of LV myocardial function.
Use of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray for urine analysis: A preliminary investigation
Authors: Yacouba Abdourahamane , Bellali Sara , Haddad Gabriel , Mavros Noelle , Fontanini Anthony , Dubourg Grégory , Lagier Jean‐Christophe , Raoult Didier , Bou Khalil Jacques
Published: February 2023

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) are powerful tools to study the ultrastructure of numerous specimens and to determine their elemental composition, respectively. However, results have not yet been reported on their application to urine samples in routine clinical laboratory practice. Herein we investigate urine sediment by using SEM and EDX to detect and identify different urine components. A total of 206 urine samples from patients with and without urinary tract infections were analyzed using SEM and EDX. Microorganisms, crystals, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and erythrocytes were targeted in urine sediment samples. The identification of urine components was based on their morphology, size, contrast, and elemental composition. SEM‐analysis allowed us to identify and classify microorganisms in urine sediments into the categories of gram‐negative bacilli, cluster cocci, chain cocci, gram‐negative bacilli, gram‐positive bacilli, and yeasts. In addition, various types of epithelial cells such as renal, transitional, and squamous epithelial cells were found. Furthermore, leukocytes and erythrocytes were well identified, with the detection of various morphological forms of erythrocytes, such as dysmorphic and isomorphic erythrocytes. Using SEM–EDX analysis, calcium oxalate was the most frequently‐identified crystal (92.0%), with prominent peaks of C, O, and Ca elements, followed by struvite (6%), with peaks of Mg, P, O, and N. These preliminary data suggest that the two complementary SEM–EDX analyses can be used to detect and identify microorganisms and crystals in urine samples. Further studies are still needed to apply SEM–EDX to urine sediment analysis.

SEM–EDX analyses provided comparative results with the routine results, with accurate identification, high resolution and deep focus compared to the routine urinalysis

SEM‐analysis allowed us to identify and classify microorganisms in urine sediments into the categories of gram‐negative bacilli, cluster cocci, chain cocci, gram‐negative bacilli, gram‐positive bacilli and yeasts.

SEM–EDX analysis enabled the accurate identification of crystals based on both morphology and elemental composition.
Effectiveness and Accuracy of MRI‐Ultrasound Fusion Targeted Biopsy Based on PI‐RADS v2.1 Category in Transition/Peripheral Zone of the Prostate
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Wang Shuai , Xu Guang , Zhou Bangguo , Zhang Ying , Ye Beibei , Xiang Lihua , Zhang Yifeng , Xu Huixiong
Published: February 2023

Background

MRI‐ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy (MRI‐TBx) improves the clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection with fewer cores. However, whether systematic biopsy‐guided by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS‐SBx) can be omitted when undergoing MRI‐TBx in transition zone (TZ) and peripheral zone (PZ) remains unclear.

Purpose

To assess the performance and effectiveness of MRI‐TBx based on PI‐RADS v2.1 for csPCa diagnosis in TZ and PZ, respectively.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

A total of 309 selected cases (median age 70 years) with 356 lesions who underwent both MRI‐TBx and TRUS‐SBx were enrolled.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T, multiparametric MRI (mp‐MRI) including T2‐weighted turbo‐spin echo imaging (T2WI), diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo echo planar imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with time‐resolved T1‐weighted imaging (DCE).

Assessment

Mp‐MRI was assessed by two radiologists using PI‐RADS v2.1. The csPCa detection rates provided by MRI‐TBx, TRUS‐SBx and combined biopsy in TZ and PZ were calculated, respectively.

Statistical Tests

McNemar test was used to compare the csPCa detection rates in TZ and PZ, respectively. The frequencies and distribution of all detected prostate cancers by different biopsy methods were also compared. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Among 356 lesions in 309 patients, 208 (68 in TZ, 140 in PZ) were pathologically confirmed as csPCa. In TZ, there were significant differences for csPCa detection with PI‐RADS 3 between combined biopsy and TRUS‐SBx (23.5% vs. 15.3%), MRI‐TBx (23.5% vs. 16.3%), respectively. MRI‐TBx detected 23% (19/83) cases missed by TRUS‐SBx in which 68% (13/19) were csPCa. In PZ, there were no statistical differences between MRI‐TBx and combined biopsy with PI‐RADS 3–5 (P = 0.21, 0.25, 0.07, respectively). In 9% (14/152) cases only detected by MRI‐TBx, 86% (12/14) were clinically significant. Five percent (7/152) of cases only detected by TRUS‐SBx were completely nonclinically significant.

Data Conclusion

MRI‐TBx played a positive role on csPCa diagnosis in TZ, but combined biopsy might be the best choice especially in the subgroup PI‐RADS 3. In PZ, MRI‐TBx had an advantage over TRUS‐SBx for csPCa detection.

Evidence Level

2.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
High‐Speed T2‐Corrected Multiecho Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Quantitatively Detecting Skeletal Muscle Fatty Infiltration and Predicting the Loss of Ambulation in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Xu Ting , Xu Ke , Song Yu , Zhou Ziqi , Fu Hang , Xu Rong , Cai Xiaotang , Guo Yingkun , Ye Pengfei , Xu Huayan
Published: February 2023

Background

High‐speed T2‐corrected multiecho MRS (HISTO‐MRS) is emerging as a quantitative modality for detecting muscle fat infiltration (MFF). However, the predictive value of HISTO‐MRS for the loss of ambulation (LoA) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is unknown.

Purpose

To determine the feasibility of HISTO‐MRS for assessing MFF in DMD and further identify the predictive value of HISTO‐MRS for the LoA.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

A total of 134 DMD boys (9.20 ± 2.43 years old) and 21 healthy boys (9.25 ± 2.10 years old).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T, fast spin echo T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI), two‐point‐Dixon gradient echo sequence (2‐pt‐Dixon) and HISTO‐MRS.

Assessment

Subjective T1WI fat grades by three radiologists, ROI analysis for MFF on 2 pt‐Dixon (Dixon MFF) and MFF on HISTO‐MRS (HISTO MFF) by two radiologists. Clinical motor function: North Star Ambulatory Assessment, 10‐m run/walk time, Gowers maneuver, and time to four‐stairs climb and descend.

Statistical Tests

Spearman rank correlation was used to assess the relation of fat filtration assessments and motor ability. Bland–Altman plots was performed to determine the agreement of HISTO MFF and Dixon MFF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed to determine the discriminating ability of above MRI modalities for ambulatory and nonambulatory DMD. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictor of LoA. Variables with P < 0.05 in univariate logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

HISTO MFF was significantly correlated with Dixon MFF. Bland–Altman plots show good agreement of HISTO MFF and Dixon MFF. ROC curves indicated that HISTO MFF show similar discrimination of LoA for DMD with Dixon MFF but better value than T1WI fat grades. Logistic regression showed that HISTO MFF was an independent predictor for LoA.

Data Conclusion

HISTO‐MRS is a potential quantitative method for assessing fat infiltration and shows predictive value for LoA in DMD patients.

Level of Evidence

1.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5.
Dysbiosis of the stool DNA and RNA virome in Crohn's disease
Authors: Kong Cheng , Liu Guang , Kalady Matthew F. , Jin Tao , Ma Yanlei
Published: February 2023

Pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD) relates to gut microbiome dysbiosis. However, less is known about the viral microbiome, consisting of bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses, in CD. Here, we profiled the stool virome, viral functions, and viral‐bacterial correlations that involved in CD pathogenesis. Metagenomics and metaviromics with novel viral identification and data analysis workflow were performed on stool of non‐CD household controls, CD flare and remission patients. Both bacteriome and DNA/RNA virome alterations were characterized and correlated with disease status. There was a decreased diversity and extreme heterogeneity in both DNA and RNA virome in CD. We observed CD‐specific dysbiosis in virome, particularly the prominent DNA eukaryotic Torque teno virus (TTV), disease‐associated Faecalibacterium phage and Escherichia phage, and RNA tomato diet‐related virus in CD, while some diverse prokaryotic viruses were more abundant in healthy subjects. Compared with the remission, inflammation‐associated eukaryotic TTV and prokaryotic Staphylococcus phages were predominated in the flare, and displayed a link with complications and multiple therapeutic approaches. Multiple viral functions, particularly functions of viral DNA replication, integration and modification as well as the eukaryotic TTV‐related capsid protein, were markedly enriched in CD. Furthermore, the virus–bacteria interactions became more specialized in CD, and the combination of bacteriome and virome composition provided better classification between CD and health. Our study presents a global view of the comprehensive viral component change in the CD patients' gut microbiome, and highlights the great potential of virome biomarkers in pathogenesis and accurate diagnostics of CD risk and disease status.
Interactions between large‐scale and mesoscale processes define long‐term rainfall variability and availability of water resources in Western Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Pousa Raphael , Costa Marcos Heil
Published: February 2023

Western Bahia, a region in Northeast Brazil highly dependent on water availability due to the large concentration of irrigated lands, has been suffering from decreasing precipitation in the last decades. The mean climate of Northeast Brazil and its variability have been linked to teleconnections with the Atlantic and Pacific sea surface temperatures, including the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). This study investigates how large‐scale (AMO) and mesoscale (orographic) interactions are related to precipitation patterns in the region. Time series of precipitation and naturalized flows (corresponding to the flow that would occur in the river section if there were no anthropogenic actions) for the period 1981–2020 are analysed, indicating an average reduction of 11.5% in rainfall since the 1980s. The analyses show a significant (α = 0.05) rainfall reduction in the wettest months, the December and January bimester (DJ). A strong and significant negative correlation between AMO and precipitation (R = −0.62, α = 0.01) indicates a decrease in DJ rainfall when the AMO index is positive. The five rainiest and five driest DJ bimesters between 1981 and 2020 were selected to investigate the changes in atmospheric circulation. In the rainiest years, large‐scale mechanisms interact with the local topography to promote a major convection centre over Western Bahia. The driest years show suppressed convection over the topographic gradient and a change in the convection centre several hundred kilometres to the west. The continued increase in temperatures in the North Atlantic may perpetuate the decline in Western Bahia precipitation, putting pressure on water availability and impacting economic activities in the region.
Lipid strategies to prevent intestinal failure–associated liver disease in neonates: A pilot trial
Authors: Huff Katie A. , Cruse Wendy , Vanderpool Charles
Published: February 2023

Background

Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) occurs in up to 50% of neonates treated with prolonged parenteral nutrition. Preventative strategies for IFALD include soybean oil lipid emulsion (SOLE) minimization and use of mixed‐oil intravenous lipid emulsions (ILE). We conducted a pilot study prospectively comparing these two ILE strategies in the prevention of IFALD in neonates who required abdominal surgery.

Methods

We randomized eligible neonates to SOLE at 1 g/kg/day (SOLE Min) or mixed‐oil ILE containing fish oil (MOLE) at 3 g/kg/day. These treatment groups were also compared with historic controls who received SOLE at 2–3 g/kg/day (SOLE Historic). We defined IFALD as a direct bilirubin >2 mg/dl on two measurements. Secondary outcomes included laboratory, growth, clinical, and nutrition outcomes.

Results

A total of 24 prospective and 24 historic patients were included. There was no difference in the rate of IFALD. However, there was a difference in the weekly change of direct bilirubin levels (SOLE Historic +0.293 mg/dl/week vs MOLE, P < 0.001; SOLE Min +0.242 mg/dl/week vs MOLE, P < 0.001). The MOLE group also had a lower direct bilirubin at study completion (SOLE Historic, 1.7 ± 1.7 mg/dl; SOLE Min, 1.6 ± 1.4 mg/dl; MOLE, 0.4 ± 0.4 mg/dl; P = 0.002) and received greater total calories (P = 0.008).

Conclusion

The rate of IFALD did not differ when comparing ILE strategies in neonates requiring abdominal surgery. However, the MOLE group maintained significantly lower direct bilirubin levels over time while receiving increased calories. This pilot study highlights the need for further randomized controlled trials comparing these ILE strategies.
Association between congenital heart disease and parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease in neonates: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Santharam Yasasvhinie , Nitkin Christopher R. , Rajgarhia Ayan , Oschman Alexandra , Lee Brian , Fischer Ryan , Feldman Keith
Published: February 2023

Objective

Infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) are at increased risk of PN‐associated liver disease (PNALD), which can lead to hepatic fibrosis. Congenital heart disease (CHD) represents a risk factor for hepatic fibrosis, so this study sought to better understand whether infants with CHD were at elevated risk of PNALD when receiving long‐term PN.

Study Design

This study includes a retrospective cohort of infants at a level IV neonatal intensive care unit from 2010 to 2020 who received long‐term PN during the first 8 weeks of life. A time‐varying Cox survival model was used to model risk of PNALD between infants with and without CHD, adjusted for demographics, surgical intervention, and PN exposure, using a 5000‐iteration bootstrap estimation. Secondary analyses evaluated risk against discrete CHD diagnoses, and sensitivity analysis was performed on the magnitude and quantity of direct bilirubin laboratory measurements making up the PNALD definition.

Results

Neonates with CHD were found to be at higher risk for PNALD during or soon after long‐term PN exposure. A pattern of increasing association strength with increasing bilirubin threshold suggests infants with CHD may also experience higher degrees of injury.

Conclusions

This work offers a step in understanding how diagnoses can be factored into neonate PN prescription. Future work will explore modifications in lipid profiles and timing to mitigate risk in patients with CHD.
Encapsulation of Lactobacillus plantarumELB90 by electrospraying in a double emulsion (W1/O/W2) loaded alginate beads to improve the gastrointestinal survival and thermal stability
Authors: Karakaş Canan Yağmur , Yildirim Rusen Metin , Karadag Ayse
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

In the present study, the Lactobacillus plantarum ELB90 was encapsulated in double emulsion (W1/O/W2) loaded alginate beads (emulbeads) by electrospraying and compared with emulsion‐free control beads. The viability of encapsulated and free cells was assessed by exposing them to thermal processing (65 °C for 30 min and 72 °C for 3 min) and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The beads were characterized by optical, scanning electron, fluorescence, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, as well as Fourier transform infrared and gel strength analysis.

RESULTS

After the intestinal stage of digestion, the survival rate of free bacteria was 38% [3.70 log colony‐forming units (CFU) g−1], only increased to 43% and 53% for bare and chitosan‐coated control beads, and it elevated the survival rate to 75% and 84% (8.70 log CFU g−1) for bare and chitosan‐coated emulbeads, respectively. The presence of inulin increased gastrointestinal viability only in uncoated emulbeads. The bacteria loaded in emulbeads retained greater viability (5.90–6.90 log CFU g−1) against thermal treatment, compared to control beads (2.07–4.10 log CFU g−1) and free bacteria (2.57–3.11 log CFU mL−1). Encapsulation of L. plantarum ELB90 only in emulsion‐free beads may not be appropriate for providing thermal stability. Inulin addition and chitosan‐coating of the beads increased the size, and emulbeads presented smoother surfaces compared to emulsion‐free beads.

CONCLUSION

The contribution of a double emulsion into the gel matrix of electrosprayed alginate beads exhibited enhanced protection for probiotic bacteria that could be useful for the development of functional foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on soil organic matter priming and net carbon balance in alpine meadows
Authors: Li Jin Hua , Han Yong Wei , Ye Lu Feng , Deng Hao Dan , Gao Xin Ting , Soromotin Andrey V. , Kuzyakov Yakov , Knops Johannes M. H. , Abbott Lynette K.
Published: February 2023

Fertilizers‐induced priming effects of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition influences net carbon balance and nutrient release. We hypothesize that very strong limitation of plant productivity and microbial activities by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), common in Tibetan meadows, retard SOM decomposition and turnover. Consequently, N and/or P fertilization will induce priming effects of SOM and have implications for carbon balance. Soils from a nine‐year fertilization experiment (N alone, P alone, NP together, and control) from a Tibetan alpine meadow were used to investigate priming effect of SOM and carbon balance after addition of 13C labeled glucose. N and/or P fertilization acidified soil by 0.5 pH unit, decreased SOM content, and increased total and available N, total P. Regardless of fertilization, glucose addition accelerated SOM decomposition with priming effects of 30–60 μg C g−1 soil during 78 days. Alleviation of N and P limitation by N and NP fertilization lowered the priming effect by 17% and 14%, respectively, but P fertilization increased priming effect by 67%. The negative correlation of priming effect intensity with SOM, nitrate or total N, and microbial biomass contents indicated that fertilization‐induced differences in soil N and the microbial community are responsible for the priming effects. Positive correlation of carbon balance with total N and ammonium contents suggested that soil N accounts for carbon sequestration. Therefore, long‐term N and/or P fertilization accelerate SOM decomposition and reduce SOM storage in alpine meadows, of which P fertilization induces the highest priming effect and the lowest SOM storage.
Mercury stable isotopes reveal sources of methylmercury and prey in giant Pacific bluefin tuna from the western North Pacific Ocean
Authors: He Xiaoshuai , Chen Yi‐Sheng , Ang Shin‐Jing , Shiao Jen‐Chieh , Tseng Chun‐Mao , Reinfelder John R.
Published: February 2023

Sources of methylmercury (MeHg) in adult Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis, PBT) from the western North Pacific Ocean (WPO) were examined using mercury stable isotopes. Significant increases in δ202Hg and Δ199Hg values with PBT size and age, along with those of potential prey, indicate a shift in the source of MeHg accumulated by PBT as they age. Among adults from the WPO, this shift likely involves greater accumulation of MeHg from epipelagic prey in the Kuroshio extension in large vs. small and medium‐sized PBT. For all adults, little MeHg is accumulated in the spawning grounds near Taiwan. Significantly lower Δ199Hg/Δ201Hg ratios in adult PBT and their prey from the WPO than from the central and eastern North Pacific indicate different sources or transformations of MeHg prior to accumulation in the WPO food web than further east. Our results show that MeHg sources to oceanic food webs vary across the North Pacific Ocean and regionally within the WPO.
NJAMHAA's new ‘Diverse Faces’ campaign encourages investments in BH workforce
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

More than a year after a campaign highlighting the diversity of New Jerseyans and the need for mental health services and access to social determinants was launched by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies Inc. (NJAMHAA), the organization has developed another campaign — this time with an emphasis on needed investments in the state's behavioral healthcare workforce.
California earns groundbreaking waiver for Medicaid pre‐release services
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2023

Prospects for incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs received a significant boost last month when the federal government granted California a first‐of‐its‐kind Medicaid waiver amendment to support pre‐release mental health and substance use services.
NYC advocates upset over court ruling in controversial policy
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

New York City mental health advocates said they are disappointed following a court ruling last month that denied a motion brought by individuals and mental health organizations in December to reject expanding involuntary commitment for individuals with serious mental illness and homeless.
Advocates applaud the president's SOTU remarks on MH, SUD
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

Improving school‐based mental health, enhancing crisis services and improving the capacity of the 988 Lifeline, reducing veteran suicide and expanding access to peer support, including mental health services for veterans, are among the goals outlined in President Biden's Fact Sheet, released Feb. 7, ahead of his State of the Union (SOTU) address.
California county to offer free virtual MH for K‐12 students
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2023

Citing a need to bring much needed mental health support to students across Los Angeles County, officials this month announced plans to provide free mental health telehealth services to more than one million K‐12 public school students.
Fragment‐based deep molecular generation using hierarchical chemical graph representation and multi‐resolution graph variational autoencoder
Authors: Gao Zhenxiang , Wang Xinyu , Blumenfeld Gaines Blake , Shi Xuetao , Bi Jinbo , Song Minghu
Published: February 2023

Graph generative models have recently emerged as an interesting approach to construct molecular structures atom‐by‐atom or fragment‐by‐fragment. In this study, we adopt the fragment‐based strategy and decompose each input molecule into a set of small chemical fragments. In drug discovery, a few drug molecules are designed by replacing certain chemical substituents with their bioisosteres or alternative chemical moieties. This inspires us to group decomposed fragments into different fragment clusters according to their local structural environment around bond‐breaking positions. In this way, an input structure can be transformed into an equivalent three‐layer graph, in which individual atoms, decomposed fragments, or obtained fragment clusters act as graph nodes at each corresponding layer. We further implement a prototype model, named multi‐resolution graph variational autoencoder (MRGVAE), to learn embeddings of constituted nodes at each layer in a fine‐to‐coarse order. Our decoder adopts a similar but conversely hierarchical structure. It first predicts the next possible fragment cluster, then samples an exact fragment structure out of the determined fragment cluster, and sequentially attaches it to the preceding chemical moiety. Our proposed approach demonstrates comparatively good performance in molecular evaluation metrics compared with several other graph‐based molecular generative models. The introduction of the additional fragment cluster graph layer will hopefully increase the odds of assembling new chemical moieties absent in the original training set and enhance their structural diversity. We hope that our prototyping work will inspire more creative research to explore the possibility of incorporating different kinds of chemical domain knowledge into a similar multi‐resolution neural network architecture.
The global well‐posedness for nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the delta potential in the energy space
Authors: Cui Qiuhua , Tang Xingdong , Yu Xiaoqing
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we concern with the global well‐posedness for nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a Dirac delta potential (
‐NLS):

Firstly, we give a new variational characterization of the solitary waves of (
‐NLS) by making use of the symmetric decreasing rearrangement and constrained minimization argument. Secondly, we construct an invariant set
, via the variational characterization of the solitary waves. Finally, we show the solutions, with initial data in
, exist globally.
Worries and anxiety in parents of adult survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study‐Parents
Authors: Christen Salome , Roser Katharina , Harju Erika , Gumy‐Pause Fabienne , Mader Luzius , Vetsch Janine , von Bueren Andre O. , Michel Gisela
Published: February 2023

Objective

Having a child diagnosed with cancer is distressing for parents. We aimed to compare worries and anxiety in parents of adult childhood cancer survivors with parents of the Swiss general population (GP‐parents), and to evaluate characteristics associated with worry in parents of survivors.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide, population‐based study in parents of survivors (survivors aged ≥20 years at study, ≤16 years at diagnosis, >5 years post diagnosis) and GP‐parents (≥1 child aged ≥20 years at study). We used the Worry and Anxiety Questionnaire (WAQ), and computed the WAQ total score (worries; possible range 0–80) and caseness for generalized anxiety disorder (anxiety), cognitive, somatic, and any criteria. We used multilevel, multivariable linear regression to identify characteristics associated with worries in parents of survivors.

Results

We included 787 parents of 513 survivors (41.0% fathers) and 478 GP‐parents (42.3% fathers). Parents of survivors and GP‐parents did not differ regarding worries (16.6 vs. 17.1, p = .977), anxiety (2.7% vs. 3.6%, p = .536), cognitive (p = .440), and somatic criteria (p = .067). Less parents of survivors met any criteria (17.7% vs. 24.0%, p = .039). Half of parents reported current cancer‐related worries. Higher cancer‐related worries were reported by mothers (β = 4.1; 95% CI: 2.0–6.2), parents with one child (β = 5.9; 95% CI: 2.0–9.7), currently experiencing disadvantages because of their child's former disease (β = 7.3; 95% CI: 4.0–10.6), or with support needs (β = 9.0; 95% CI: 3.9–14.2; p = .001).

Conclusions

It is encouraging that most parents of adult survivors report similar worries and anxiety as GP‐parents, but cancer‐related worries are still prevalent. Efforts should be made to empower parents to seek psycho‐social support if required.
Mediating role of psychological resilience between social support and negative emotions in nursing interns in the post‐COVID‐19 era: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Chen Mengjie , Liu Man , Wang Xiaoxia , Pu Lihui , Zhang Mingjiao , Wang Qin , Tang Hongxia , Zhong Mengting , Li Zhe , Zeng Jing , Xiong Zhenzhen
Published: February 2023

Background

The increasing burden of mental health problems continues in the post‐COVID‐19 era, and nursing interns were particularly likely to experience negative emotions during the pandemic. Both psychological resilience and social support affect negative emotion, but the relationship among the three has not been explored in nursing interns in the postpandemic era.

Objectives

To explore the current prevalence of negative emotions among nursing interns and the role of psychological resilience in mediating the relationship between social support and negative emotions in the postpandemic era.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of 788 nursing interns was conducted. The instruments included Psychological Resilience Scale, Social Support Scale, Beck Anxiety Scale and Beck Depression Scale. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the mediating role of psychological resilience.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety disorder among nursing interns was 24.7%, while that of depression was 10.5%. Pearson correlation analysis showed that both social support and psychological resilience negatively correlated with negative emotions, while psychological resilience positively correlated with social support. Psychological resilience showed a partial mediating effect (53.9%) between social support and negative emotion, with an effect value of −0.1456.

Conclusion

Psychological resilience and social support protect nursing students from negative emotions, and psychological resilience partially mediates the relationship between social support and negative emotion in the postpandemic era.
Comparative proteomics of saliva of healthy and gingivitis individuals from Rio de Janeiro
Authors: da Silva Carlos Vinicius Ferreira , Bacila Sade Youssef , Naressi Scapin Sandra Mara , da Silva‐Boghossian Carina M. , de Oliveira Santos Eidy
Published: February 2023

Purpose

In this work, we identified human and bacterial proteomes in the saliva from volunteers with gingivitis or healthy.

Experimental Design

The reported population consisted of 18 volunteers (six with gingivitis and 12 healthy controls). Proteomics characterization was performed using a quantitative mass spectrometry method.

Results

A total of 74 human and 116 bacterial proteins were identified in saliva. The major functional category that was modified in the human proteome was the immune response, followed by transport and protease inhibition. In the bacterial proteome, most of the proteins identified were from the Fusobacteria phylum, followed by Chlamydiae and Spirochaetes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

We observed statistically relevant differences in the data between the groups. The 15 most important human proteins affecting the variation between case and control groups included cystatin S, alpha amylase, lactotransferrin, and negative elongation factor E. We found that bacterial proteins from Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum subsp. nucleatum related to the red and orange complexes were closely correlated with the occurrence of periodontal diseases.
Status of the biopesticide market and prospects for new bioherbicides
Authors: Marrone Pamela G.
Published: February 2023

Biopesticides (commonly called Biocontrol or more recently bioprotection) have been experiencing double digit growth and now comprise about 10% of the global pesticide market driven by increased return on investment, restrictions on chemical pesticides, and pesticide resistance and residue management. However, despite the large need for new herbicides due to widespread and increasing resistance to herbicides with almost most of the chemical modes of action, bioherbicides are an insignificant percentage of the total. The technical difficulty in finding bioherbicides that can compete with the spectrum and price of chemical herbicides has left agriculture with a paucity of new bioherbicides. Billions of dollars of investment capital are being invested in new, innovative startups, but only a small number focus on bioherbicide discovery and development, due to a perception of higher risk than plant biotech, biostimulants, bionutrients and other categories of biopesticides. However, the exciting new technologies that these startups are developing such as RNAi, sterile pollen, and systemic metabolites have potential to impact the market in 10 years or less. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
An adaptive sliding mode fault‐tolerant control of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle with actuator faults and model uncertainties
Authors: Wang Ban , Shen Yanyan , Li Ni , Zhang Youmin , Gao Zhenghong
Published: February 2023

An adaptive sliding mode fault‐tolerant control strategy is proposed for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle in this article to accommodate actuator faults and model uncertainties. First, a new reaching law is proposed, with which a sliding mode control (SMC) law is constructed. The proposed reaching law is made up of a sliding variable and the distance between it and a designated boundary layer, and it can effectively suppress the unexpected control chattering while preserving the necessary system tracking performance. Then, an adaptive SMC scheme is proposed to further solve the fault and uncertainty compensation problem. The proposed adaptation law helps to prevent overestimation of the adaptive control parameters, as well as avoiding control chattering. Finally, a number of comparative simulation tests are carried out to validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control strategy. The demonstrated quantitative comparison results confirm its advantages.
Spatial scales in instream flow modeling: Why and how to use ecologically appropriate resolutions
Authors: Railsback Steven F.
Published: February 2023

This paper discusses why and how to use ecologically appropriate spatial resolutions (e.g., cell size or range of cell sizes) when modeling instream flow effects on aquatic animals. Resolution is important because relations between habitat and animal habitat use vary with spatial resolution, and different habitat variables may best predict habitat use at different resolutions. Using appropriate resolutions consistently would bring clarity and coherence to how we quantify and model habitat characteristics and habitat use by fish, facilitate the use of standard and more credible measures of habitat preference, incorporate more fisheries knowledge to improve models for different kinds of fish, and avoid well‐known (and perhaps unknown) biases. Doing so involves describing habitat, and habitat use by fish, with spatially explicit measures with clear resolutions; using the same resolution for physical habitat and fish habitat use; selecting that resolution for ecological reasons; and using habitat variables and fish observation methods appropriate for the resolution. The choice of resolution considers factors such as how much space fish use for specific activities and the size of important habitat patches. For drift‐feeders, cell sizes and fish habitat use observations should use a resolution no smaller than feeding territories. Piscivores typically hunt over large areas so should be modeled with larger habitat units. Models of small and less‐mobile organisms (e.g., benthic invertivores) may need fine resolutions to capture the small areas of unusual habitat they depend on. Because of such differences, instream flow studies (like any spatial ecology exercise) should clearly state what resolution(s) they use and why.
Quantitative depth‐dependent analysis using the inelastic scattering backgrounds from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Murdoch Billy J. , Le Phuong Y. , Partridge James G. , McCulloch Dougal G.
Published: February 2023

The inelastic scattering contribution to an X‐ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) reflects the distribution of elements within the sample depth. Varying the energy of the incident photons changes the inelastic scattering contribution. We present a standardless, automated method that exploits this change to enable compositional analysis within the XPS information depth (also known as amount of substance, AOS3λ). In this method, the photoelectron intensities observed using two or more X‐ray photon energies are normalised using correction factors. These correction factors are derived to determine the AOS3λ from the inelastic scattering signals collected from different samples. The AOS3λ are then compared with the ratio of the elastic XPS peak intensities calculated for different sample depths to find the layer thickness. The method has been applied to analyse spectra collected from thin amorphous carbon films to yield quantitative, standardless and automated XPS analysis.
Semiconducting Titanate Supported Ruthenium Clusterzymes for Ultrasound‐Amplified Biocatalytic Tumor Nanotherapies
Authors: Zhu Huang , Deng Jiuhong , Yuan Minjia , Rong Xiao , Xiang Xi , Du Fangxue , Luo Xianglin , Cheng Chong , Qiu Li
Published: February 2023

The external‐stimulation‐induced reactive‐oxygen‐species (ROS) generation has attracted increasing attention in therapeutics for malignant tumors. However, engineering a nanoplatform that integrates with efficient biocatalytic ROS generation, ultrasound‐amplified ROS production, and simultaneous relief of tumor hypoxia is still a great challenge. Here, we create new semiconducting titanate‐supported Ru clusterzymes (RuNC/BTO) for ultrasound‐amplified biocatalytic tumor nanotherapies. The morphology and chemical/electronic structure analysis prove that the biocatalyst consists of Ru nanoclusters that are tightly stabilized by Ru‐O coordination on BaTiO3. The peroxidase (POD)‐ and halogenperoxidase‐like biocatalysis reveals that the RuNC/BTO can produce abundant •O2− radicals. Notably, the RuNC/BTO exhibits the highest turnover number (63.29 × 10−3 s−1) among the state‐of‐the‐art POD‐mimics. Moreover, the catalase‐like activity of the RuNC/BTO facilitates the decomposition of H2O2 to produce O2 for relieving the hypoxia of the tumor and amplifying the ROS level via ultrasound irradiation. Finally, the systematic cellular and animal experiments have validated that the multi‐modal strategy presents superior tumor cell‐killing effects and suppression abilities. We believe that this work will offer an effective clusterzyme that can adapt to the tumor microenvironment‐specific catalytic therapy and also provide a new pathway for engineering high‐performance ROS production materials across broad therapeutics and biomedical fields.
Sandwich Structured Metal oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Metal Oxide‐Based Polymer Electrolyte Enables Continuous Inorganic–Organic Interphase for Fast Lithium‐Ion Transportation
Authors: Zhang Wanyu , Su Zhe , Yi Shan , Chen Hongli , Wang Meihuang , Niu Bo , Zhang Yayun , Long Donghui
Published: February 2023

Introducing inorganic fillers into organic poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)‐based electrolyte has attracted substantial attention to enhance its ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, but limited inorganic–organic interphases are always caused by isolated particles agglomeration. Herein, a variety of sandwich structured metal oxide/reduced graphene oxide(rGO)/metal oxide nanocomposites to optimize lithium‐ion conduction by interconnected amorphous organic–inorganic interphases in lithium metal batteries, are proposed. With the support of high surface area rGO, the agglomeration of metal oxide particles is precluded, forming continuous amorphous organic–inorganic interphases with stacked layer‐by‐layer structure, thus creating 3D interconnected lithium‐ion transportation channels vertically and laterally. Besides, metal oxide nanoparticles with hydroxyls possess high affinity toward bis(tri‐fluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions by hydrogen bindings between hydroxyls and fluorine and metal‐oxygen bonds, releasing more free lithium ions. Consequently, PEO‐ZnO/rGO/ZnO electrolyte delivers superior ionic conductivity of 1.02 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C and lithium‐ion transference number of 0.38 at 60 °C. Furthermore, ZnO/rGO/ZnO insertion promotes the formation of LiF‐rich stable solid electrolyte interface, endowing Li symmetric cells with long‐term cycling stability over 900 hours. The corresponding LiFePO4 cathode possesses a high reversible specific capacity of 130 mAh g−1 at 0.5C after cycling 300 cycles with a poor capacity fading of 0.05% per cycle.
A grounded theory of selecting lean and agile practices for software development
Authors: Alqudah Mashal Kasem , Razali Rozilawati , Alqudah Musab Kasim , Al Dalaien Muawya N. , Alabool Hamzeh Mohammad , Alkhazaleh Hamzah Ali
Published: February 2023

The practices of lean and agile methods are important to manage and guide projects development in different situations. However, selecting the appropriate practices of lean and agile methods is a daunting task, owing to the availability of hundreds of practices. This wide variety of available practices bewilders potential users, in terms of the best practices that may yield satisfactory solution when applied to the project development. Lean and agile practices selection model is necessary to guide both academic and industrial experts to choose the appropriate practices for a specific project development. Thus, this study aimed to develop lean and agile practices selection (LAPS) model that presents a clear picture of how developers can use LAPS model to select and adopt different practices from various lean and agile methods. Qualitative research method (e.g., grounded theory) was used to interview 18 software developers across 13 countries. The validated qualitative analysis results showed that the proposed LAPS model consists of two main components, which are (1) lean and agile practices that include 41 best practices related to lean and agile methods and (2) factors that affect the process of lean and agile practices selection including five main factors and 17 subfactors associated with the five main factors. The two case studies conducted assured the validity and applicability of the lean and agile practices selection model.
Low‐Temperature Processing Methods for Tin Oxide as Electron Transporting Layer in Scalable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Haghighi Maryam , Ghazyani Nahid , Mahmoodpour Saba , Keshtmand Razieh , Ghaffari Aliakbar , Luo Huiming , Mohammadpour Raheleh , Taghavinia Nima , Abdi-Jalebi Mojtaba
Published: February 2023

Perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology experiences a remarkably rapid growth toward commercialization with certified efficiency of over 25%, along with the outstanding breakthrough in the development of SnO2. Owing to the wide bandgap, high electron mobility, chemical stability, and low photocatalytic activity, SnO2has been the rising star to serve as electron transporting layer (ETL). More importantly, the low‐temperature fabrication process (<200 °C) enables SnO2a promising candidate for the industry, making it compatible with the plastic substrates and large‐scale production, which is crucial for the flexible and scalable devices fabrication. In this review, the processing methods (solution‐based, vacuum‐based, and vapor‐based deposition) of low‐temperature SnO2(LT‐SnO2) and the pros and cons of them with a focus on their scalability are discussed. Additionally, the morphologies of obtained LT‐SnO2are investigated to guide the design and performance improvement of devices. The modification strategies to reduce undesired nonradiative recombination and passivate the defects in the bulk or at the interface of LT‐SnO2, influencing the quality of perovskite films, together with the efficiency and stability of cells are summarized. This review is a comprehensive overview of the studies on low‐temperature SnO2ETL and provides detailed instructions for scalable PSCs.
SmartCLIDEdesign pattern assistant: Adecision‐treebased approach
Authors: Polyzoidou Eleni , Papagiannaki Evangelia , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Ampatzoglou Apostolos , Mittas Nikolaos , Arvanitou Elvira Maria , Chatzigeorgiou Alexander , Manolis George , Manganopoulou Evdoxia
Published: February 2023

Design patterns are well‐known solutions to recurring design problems that are widely adopted in the software industry, either as formal means of communication or as a way to improve structural quality, enabling proper software extension. However, the adoption and correct instantiation of patterns is not a trivial task and requires substantial design experience. Some patterns are conceptually close or present similar design alternatives, leading novice developers to improper pattern selection, thereby reducing maintainability. Additionally, the mis‐instantiation of a GoF (Gang‐of‐Four) design pattern, leads to phenomena such as pattern grime or architecture decay. To alleviate this problem, in this work we propose an approach that can help software engineers to more easily and safely select the proper design pattern, for a given design problem. The approach relies on decision trees, which are constructed using domain knowledge, while options are conveyed to software engineers through an Eclipse Theia plugin. To assess the usefulness and the perceived benefits of the approach, as well as the usability of the tool support, we have conducted an industrial validation study, using various data collection methods, such as questionnaires, focus groups, and task analysis. The results of the study suggest that the proposed approach is promising, since it increases the probability of the proper pattern being selected, and various useful future work suggestions have been obtained by the practitioners.