bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiota induced epigenetic modifications in the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis
Authors: Tang Ruiqi , Liu Rongrong , Zha Hua , Cheng Yiwen , Ling Zongxin , Li Lanjuan
Published: June 2023

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a growing global health concern that can lead to liver disease and cancer. It is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, unrelated to excessive alcohol consumption. Studies indicate that the gut microbiota‐host crosstalk may play a causal role in NAFLD pathogenesis, with epigenetic modification serving as a key mechanism for regulating this interaction. In this review, we explore how the interplay between gut microbiota and the host epigenome impacts the development of NAFLD. Specifically, we discuss how gut microbiota‐derived factors, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), can modulate the DNA methylation and histone acetylation of genes associated with NAFLD, subsequently affecting lipid metabolism and immune homeostasis. Although the current literature suggests a link between gut microbiota and NAFLD development, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying this crosstalk remains limited. Therefore, more comprehensive epigenomic and multi‐omic studies, including broader clinical and animal experiments, are needed to further explore the mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to NAFLD‐associated genes. These studies are anticipated to improve microbial markers based on epigenetic strategies and provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of NAFLD, ultimately addressing a significant unmet clinical need.
Li metal anode interface in sulfide‐based all‐solid‐state Li batteries
Authors: Li Jingyan , Luo Jiayao , Li Xiang , Fu Yongzhu , Zhu Jinhui , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: June 2023

Sulfide solid electrolyte (SSE)‐based all‐solid‐state Li batteries (ASSLBs) can overcome the problems of low energy density and safety concern of current Li‐ion batteries. However, the practical application of SSE‐based ASSLBs is suffered from several problems, especially interfacial issues between Li metal anode (LMA) and SSEs. Therefore, in this study, the problems of the LMA–SSE interface and their corresponding solutions are reviewed. First, the interfacial problems are summarized, namely the side reactions of SSEs, the Li dendrite growth, and poor contact between the electrode and electrolyte. Second, the available strategies to improve the robustness of the interface are discussed, including the protection of the LMA, substitution of the LMA, and modification of SSEs. Third, the characterization methods used to analyze the morphological and compositional evolution of the interface during cycling are introduced. Finally, the limitations and future research directions are proposed.

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Successful stereoelectroencephalography re‐evaluation in epilepsy patients after failed initial subdural grid evaluation
Authors: Joshi Stuti , Stephens Eleanor , Bleasel Andrew , Bartley Melissa , Wijayath Manori , Rahman Zebunnessa , Varikatt Winny , Dexter Mark , Wong Chong
Published: June 2023

Objective

Epilepsy surgery success is dependent on accurate localization of the epileptogenic zone. Despite the use of invasive EEG using subdural grids and strips, surgical failures can occur. In this series, we explore the utility of a second evaluation with stereoelectroencephalography in patients whose initial invasive evaluation with subdural grid electrodes was unsuccessful in localizing seizure origin.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent subdural grid evaluation (SDE) at our center and identified patients who underwent a re‐evaluation with stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG).

Results

We identified three patients who had both subdural and SEEG electrodes in the region of the identified epileptogenic zone in whom the initial SDE evaluation failed to make the patients seizure‐free. Two of these patients underwent a second resection and became seizure‐free.

Significance

Stereoelectroencephalography can be useful in the re‐evaluation and re‐operation of patients who previously had surgical failure using SDE.
Feeding the microbiota–gut–brain axis: Nucleotides and their role in early life
Authors: Qu Zhihao , Tian Peijun , Zhao Jianxin , Wang Gang , Chen Wei
Published: June 2023

Nucleotides ingested from breast milk and complementary foods during infancy play a vital role in the development of the immune and nervous system, as well as the maturation of gut function, and are considered a “special dietary nutrient.” Based on the existing research progress and theoretical basis, this review takes the distribution of dietary nucleotides (NTs) in the early life (after birth to the age of 3 years) diet and the in vivo metabolism/absorption process as the starting point and expounds on its potential impact and mechanism of action on early gastrointestinal and brain development. With the understanding of gut microbiota (GM), the interaction between dietary factors and GM has become a focus of food research. It is of great significance to reexamine the biological effects of early dietary nucleotide intake on infant gut–brain development from the perspective of the GM–gut–brain axis. This paper reveals the potential relationship between the NTs–GM–gut–brain axis and provides new ideas and theories for the research and application of NTs in the field of infant nutrition.
Mixed‐frequency predictive regressions with parameter learning
Authors: Leippold Markus , Yang Hanlin
Published: June 2023

We explore the performance of mixed‐frequency predictive regressions for stock returns from the perspective of a Bayesian investor. We develop a constrained parameter learning approach for sequential estimation allowing for belief revisions. Empirically, we find that mixed‐frequency models improve predictability, not only because of the combination of predictors with different frequencies but also due to the preservation of high‐frequency features such as time‐varying volatility. Temporally aggregated models misspecify the evolution frequency of the volatility dynamics, resulting in poor volatility timing and worse portfolio performance than the mixed‐frequency specification. These results highlight the importance of preserving the potential mixed‐frequency nature of predictors and volatility in predictive regressions.
Using health and performance data for efficient sheep production
Authors: Page Phillipa , Stubbings Lesley , Blyth Matthew
Published: June 2023

Background: It's important that practitioners have a deep understanding of how flock health can be measured and managed to improve animal health and efficiency, and help to drive productivity and profitability of their clients' farms.

Aim of the article: This article provides guidance on how to develop flock health visits so that they add value and have an impact on driving efficiency, as well as on how to deliver proactive advice based on farm data and key performance indicators (KPIs). The article also discusses the types and levels of data and ways it can be collected, and provides an overview of the most useful KPIs and how to use them to set priorities for the farm and assess the impacts and benefits of interventions for the flock.
Determining Kostiakov–Lewis infiltration coefficients using the water advance relationship and optimization
Authors: Panahi Amir , Seyedzadeh Amin , Bahrami Mehdi , Maroufpoor Eisa
Published: June 2023

Two exponential relationships ([1] from the beginning to the midpoint of the field, [2] from the beginning to the endpoint of the field) were considered for the advance curve of surface irrigation water along a field. The constant coefficients of these advance relationships were determined using the least squares optimization method. These relationships were compared with the advanced relationships obtained by the Elliott and Walker method (EW) using the advanced data related to 14 irrigation events and using root mean square error deviation (dRMS) and Nash–Sutcliffe (NSE) indices. The results of this evaluation showed that the advanced relationships obtained from the method presented in this research (TR) have better accuracy, with average values of 7.05 min and 0.984 for dRMS and NSE, respectively. Then, using the TR method for deriving the advance relationships and using the volume balance method, the coefficients of the Kostiakov–Lewis infiltration relationship were determined. The infiltration relationships derived from the TR method were compared with the infiltration relationships obtained from the two‐point method of EW. The results of this investigation showed that the TR method predicts the average infiltration depth with an average absolute relative error of 6%, which is more accurate than that of EW.
IFRS diffusion and earnings quality: Moderating role of firm size and IFRS specialists
Authors: Bansal Manish
Published: June 2023

The study investigates the learning curve impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption on earnings quality. In other words, the study investigates how IFRS affects the quality of earnings over time. The study also examines the moderating role of firm size and IFRS specialists/experts on the issue. We use firm‐level data of Bombay Stock Exchange listed firms and analyze it through the “Difference in Difference” technique. We find that the association between IFRS and earnings quality changes favorably as the introduction grows longer. In particular, we find that earnings quality is lower during the initial years of IFRS adoption, however, it improves in the later years of adoption, consistent with the notion of diffusion and learning curve theory. Our subsequent tests suggest that small firms are taking more time to percolate through the IFRS system, however, it does not hold when small firms hire IFRS specialists/experts to migrate their older accounts to IFRS, consistent with the notion of resource dependency theory of innovation. Overall, IFRS is found to be a continuous improvement process in emerging nations whose benefit can be derived in the initial years by providing sufficient infrastructural and institutional support, particularly to small firms. Our findings are robust to the problem of endogeneity and offer real‐world ramifications for regulatory authorities, accounting‐standard setters, and investors.
Preclinical teaching of periodontal surgical concepts using common instructional models: A comparative assessment
Authors: Eswaran Sridhar , Dowlatshahi Sahar , Weltman Robin , Zhu Liang , Elangovan Satheesh , Lee Chun‐Teh
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Some commonly used models utilized for teaching periodontal surgical techniques to dental students include pig mandible and periodontal typodonts. Currently, no study compares the learning and teaching outcomes following the use of one model to the other. This study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the preclinical laboratory component on student understanding of concepts taught in the periodontal surgical course and assessing students’ and faculty members’ satisfaction with the instructional models.

Methods

As part of the surgical periodontics course, 98 students took the final exam, with eighty students participating in only the pig mandible session and twenty‐three students participating in both the pig jaw mandible and an additional session utilizing periodontal typodonts under the supervision of ten periodontal faculty members. Examination scores of students attending or not attending the laboratory session were analyzed by a two‐sample t‐test. A questionnaire evaluating the effectiveness of both models was given to faculty members and students who participated in both laboratory sessions. These results were analyzed by paired t‐test.

Results

Participation in the laboratory sessions did not significantly impact the final exam scores (p = 0.722). Students who had better didactic performance in the course performed better in the final exam, irrespective of laboratory participation. Both students and faculty members preferred typodont to the pig mandibles in learning or teaching periodontal surgical concepts, but both felt gaining flap management and flap refection experience to be better with the pig mandible model without statistical significance (p = 0.119 and p = 0.070, respectively).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that laboratory sessions did not significantly improve student performance on the exam. Students and faculty members generally gave positive feedback on both instructional models. Periodontal typodont could be an alternative model for teaching dental students, periodontal surgical concepts.
The development of the digestive system and the fate of the yolk syncytial layer in postembryogenesis of Stenodus leucichthys nelma (Teleostei)
Authors: Kondakova Ekaterina A. , Bogdanova Vera A. , Ottesen Oddvar , Alexandrov Alexey A.
Published: June 2023

Stenodus leucichthys nelma is an economically important species for cold‐water aquaculture. Unlike other Coregoninae, S. leucichthys nelma is a piscivore. Here, we describe in detail the development of the digestive system and the yolk syncytial layer from hatching to early juvenile stage using histological and histochemical methods to determine their common and specific characteristics and to test the hypothesis that the digestive system of S. leucichthys nelma rapidly acquires adult features. The digestive tract differentiates at hatching and starts to function before the transition to mixed feeding. The mouth and anus are open, mucous cells and taste buds are present in the buccopharyngeal cavity and esophagus, pharyngeal teeth have erupted, the stomach primordium is seen, the intestinal epithelium with mucous cells is folded and the intestinal valve is observed; the epithelial cells of the postvalvular intestine contain supranuclear vacuoles. The liver blood vessels are filled with blood. The cells of exocrine pancreas are loaded with zymogen granules, and at least two islets of Langerhans are present. However, the larvae remain dependent on maternal yolk and lipids for a long time. The adult features of the digestive system develop gradually, the most significant changes take place approximately from 31 to 42 days posthatching. Then, the gastric glands and pyloric caeca buds appear, the U‐shaped stomach with glandular and aglandular regions develops, the swim bladder inflates, the number of islets of Langerhans increases, the pancreas becomes scattered, and the yolk syncytial layer undergoes programmed death during the larval‐to‐juvenile transition. During postembryonic development, the mucous cells of the digestive system contain neutral mucosubstances.
Identification and screening of fungicides against Piper nigrum basal Fusarium wilt disease in Hainan, China
Authors: Liu Shichao , Liu Ruibing , Chu Bo , Li Zhuang , Meng Qianqian , Gou Yafeng , Xue Chao , Tian Tian , Chen Pengyun , Wei Fei , Wen Siwei , Liu Yanan , Sun Shiwei , Gao Shengfeng
Published: June 2023

Fusarium wilt has occurred in the main Piper nigrum cultivation regions, which seriously affects the yield and quality of P. nigrum. To identify the pathogen of this disease, the diseased roots were collected from a demonstration base in Hainan Province. The pathogen was obtained by tissue isolation method and confirmed by pathogenicity test. Based on the morphological observation, sequence analyses of TEF1‐α nuclear gene, Fusarium solani was identified as the pathogen causing P. nigrum Fusarium wilt and induced symptoms on inoculated plants, including chlorosis, necrotic spots, wilt, drying, and root rot. The experiments for the antifungal activity showed that all the 11 fungicides selected in this study showed certain inhibitory effects on the colony growth of F. solani, where 2% kasugamycin AS, 45% prochloraz EW, 25 g·L−1 fludioxonil SC and 430 g·L−1 tebuconazole SC exhibited relative higher inhibitory effects with EC50 as 0.065, 0.205, 0.395, and 0.483 mg·L−1, respectively, and were selected to perform SEM analysis and test in seeds in vitro. The SEM analysis showed that kasugamycin, prochloraz, fludioxonil, and tebuconazole might have exerted their antifungal effect by damaging F. solani mycelia or microconidia. These preparations were applied as a seed coating of P. nigrum Reyin‐1. The kasugamycin treatment was most effective in reducing the harmful impact of F. solani on the seed germination. These results presented herein provide useful guidance for the effective control of P. nigrum Fusarium wilt.
Why a large‐scale monsoon does not exist in North America: Orographic effects
Authors: Qin Ruyan , Chen Hongli , Xu Haiming , Deng Jiechun , Ma Jing , Hu Mei
Published: June 2023

To understand why a large‐scale monsoon does not exist in North America, we performed a series of sensitivity simulations to investigate orographic effects of the Rocky Mountains (RMs) using the Community Atmosphere Model version 5.1. Results show that the height of the RMs plays a fundamental role in shaping the monsoon over North America that is confined to a small area from northwestern Mexico to the southwestern United States. When the RMs' height is increased by five times their actual height, a larger part of the non‐monsoon region over North America becomes a monsoon region. The mechanical effects of the RMs uplift dominate in winter, while thermal effects dominate in summer. During winter the mechanical effects induce an equivalent barotropic atmospheric response in the troposphere. With the uplift of the RMs, the ridge and trough located on the western and eastern sides of Canada are strengthened. Most areas of North America are influenced by the northerlies during winter such that enhanced descending motion over the eastern RMs favours a dry winter climate. However, thermal effects dominate during summer through enhanced baroclinic atmospheric responses. The Mexico high and lower‐level cyclonic circulation are strengthened with the RMs uplift, triggering large‐scale ascending motion. Eastern North America is mainly controlled by the enhanced southerly wind along the western flank of the North Atlantic subtropical high. Thus, the enhanced water‐vapour transport and upward motion on the eastern side of the RMs increase summer precipitation. As a result, an obvious seasonal variation with the feature of ‘dry winter and wet summer’ finally develops, indicating that the height of the RMs plays a crucial role in shaping the monsoon over the central United States. Additional experiments show that the base area of the RMs has little effect on the large‐scale monsoon formation over North America.
Fatigue and Quality of Life in Children with Hearing Loss or Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Zhang Amy L. , Lin Rebecca Z. , Landes Emma K. , Ensing Amy E. , Getahun Henok , Lieu Judith E. C.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate the fatigue levels of children with hearing loss (HL) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypothesizing that the fatigue experienced by children with HL is under‐recognized.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

We identified children aged 2–18 with HL, OSA, sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), and controls from a pediatric otolaryngology clinic and sleep center. Children and/or parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL MFS), Hearing Environments And Reflection on Quality of Life (HEAR‐QL), and OSA‐18.

Results

Responses of 50 children with HL, 79 with OSA, and 18 with SDB were compared with those of 49 recruited controls (RC) and literature controls (LC). Children with HL or OSA had higher fatigue than controls in the PedsQL MFS self‐reported (HL 65.4, OSA 54.7, RC 71.8, LC 80.5, p < 0.001) and parent‐reported (HL 64.6, OSA 59.3, RC 75.2, LC 89.6, p < 0.001). Children with HL had Cognitive Fatigue similar to that of children with OSA (self 60.4 vs. 49.5, p = 0.170; parent 56.0 vs. 56.7, p = 0.998), though with decreased Sleep/Rest Fatigue (self 67.8 vs. 56.3, p = 0.033; parent 69.8 vs. 57.5, p = 0.001). Children with HL or OSA had lower disease‐related quality of life (QOL) than controls in the HEAR‐QL and OSA‐18, respectively. Stratification with disease severity revealed no differences in fatigue.

Conclusion

Children with HL or OSA experience higher fatigue and lower QOL than controls. Similar Cognitive Fatigue in both groups suggests under‐recognized fatigue in children with HL.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:443–451, 2024
Aggregate‐associated soil organic carbon fractions in subtropical soil undergoing vegetative restoration
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Zhang Yi , Zhang Ling , Fang Xiangmin , Deng Wenping , Liu Yuanqiu
Published: June 2023

Precise assessment of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage requires understanding how vegetation and soil physico‐chemical properties differ in SOC fractions. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the dynamics of aggregate‐associated, labile organic carbon (LOC) fractions corresponding to depth to clarify the effect of vegetation and soil properties on water stable aggregate (WSA) mineral adsorption in subtropical, red soil with five vegetation restoration regimes. The results showed that the large macro‐aggregate fraction dominated the degraded red soil, which had the highest content of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). WSA‐associated, easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC) varied from 6.26 to 20.02 g/kg and was not affected by vegetation types. Schima superba pure forest significantly increased DOC (0.38 g/kg on average) and particulate organic carbon (POC, 7.92 g/kg on average), which had the highest biomass. Along with soil depth, WSA‐associated POC declined, while exhibiting a growth trend with decreasing particle size, for example, the highest POC was found in <0.053 mm aggregates. The redundancy analysis ordination indicated that soil porosity and total nitrogen (TN) were the main soil parameters that explained the most variance. Meanwhile, the vegetation biomass, except for litter, were all significantly positively correlated with <0.053 mm aggregates. Leaf biomass played the most important role on DOC in macro‐aggregates with a 53.42% contribution. For aggregate‐related POC, the largest contribution was from the interactions between branch biomass and pH (47.78%) followed by TN (35.1%) of micro‐aggregate‐related POC. Leaf biomass, <0.053 mm aggregates, and TN can be used as indicators to evaluate the impact of vegetation restoration on WSA‐associated SOC fractions. Broad‐leaved forest or in combination with indigenous coniferous species was a better choice for SOC sequestration improvement in the study area for managing C supply, process, and flux in subtropical terrestrial ecosystems.
Real‐Time 3D Visualization of the Formation of Micrograting Structures Upon Direct Laser Interference Patterning of Ge
Authors: Alvarez‐Alegria Miguel , Ruiz de Galarreta Carlota , Siegel Jan
Published: June 2023

Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) is a versatile technique that enables the fabrication of periodic micro‐ to nanometric scale structures over large areas in a variety of materials. The periodically modulated excitation pattern can be exploited to trigger a range of complex processes, including heating, melting, ablation, and matter reorganization.

In this work, a novel strategy is developed to combine deep‐ultraviolet (UV) DLIP (λ = 193 nm, τ = 23 ns) and real‐time optical reflectivity and diffraction techniques to unravel the formation dynamics of grating structures with periods down to Λ = 740 nm. Applied to crystalline Ge wafers, single‐pulse topography modulation profiles with amplitudes up to 85 nm can be imprinted. Moreover, the dynamics of the melting and solidification processes, as well as the surface topography deformation, can be followed in real‐time. Combined with a model, changes in topography over time with ns resolution can be obtained. The results unambiguously reveal that the formation process of the 3D structures can only be understood when taking both Marangoni convection and thermocapillary waves into account. The technique presented here has the potential to unravel the formation dynamics of a wide range of periodic structures in other materials.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser and a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser for the treatment of freckles in Asian patients: A two‐center randomized, split‐face, controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Mengli , Zheng Huiying , Ge Yiping , Yang Yin , Guo Lifang , Wu Qiuju , Zeng Rong , Shi Hualing , Huang Yuqing , Zhao Wenwen , Cai Pingping , Zhao Hongyi , Lin Tong
Published: June 2023

Objective

The 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser is a novel laser that shows promising results in treating freckles. This study aimed to further investigate the efficacy and safety of the 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser for treating freckles in Asian patients compared with those of the 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser.

Methods

Each face of 86 participants was split into two parts and randomly assigned either one session of 730 or 755 nm picosecond‐laser treatment each. Efficacy and safety were determined based on blinded visual evaluations and self‐reports at each follow‐up visit.

Results

The treatment outcomes of the 730 nm picosecond laser for the treatment of freckles were comparable to those of the 755 nm picosecond laser, with 68.99 ± 7.42% and 69.27 ± 7.75% clearance, respectively (p > 0.05). Participants achieved similar Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores (4.04 ± 0.31 vs. 4.02 ± 0.30, respectively [p > 0.05]). Additionally, the 730 nm picosecond laser was perceived to be less painful than the 755 nm picosecond laser (4.69 ± 1.63 vs. 5.65 ± 1.80 nm, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The 730 nm picosecond laser is safe and effective for the treatment of freckles in Asian patients. Besides, the 730 nm picosecond laser is less painful than the 755 nm picosecond laser.
Martingale inequalities on Musielak–Orlicz Hardy spaces
Authors: He Lechen , Peng Lihua , Xie Guangheng
Published: June 2023

Given a probability space and a Musielak–Orlicz function , we investigate martingale inequalities in the framework of Musielak–Orlicz spaces by constructing atomic decompositions. Especially, the obtained results for Musielak–Orlicz functions with particular structure, including the variable Orlicz functions , , the variable double phase‐growth , and the perturbed variable exponent function are also new. Hence, we handle the martingale inequality for the above functional in a universal way.
To neglect or to consider? Opportunity cost consideration during product sampling can accelerate satiation
Authors: Bilgin Baler , Lefkeli Deniz
Published: June 2023

Sampling provides limited experience with an offering to promote its purchase, either now or later. Sampling involves an ongoing choice about whether to buy the sampled option. We propose that ongoing choice feels more like a choice when people consider opportunity costs. Consequently, we predict that opportunity cost consideration will accentuate the impact of ongoing choosing on enjoyment over time of the sampled option (i.e., a slope effect). It follows that when ongoing decision evolves toward not choosing the sampled option today, its negative impact on enjoyment should become more pronounced when people consider their opportunity costs, decreasing overall enjoyment. Studies 1, 2, and 3 provided support for this key prediction. Studies 4 and 5 showed that when the best alternative use of a resource people considered was more attractive, they experienced accelerated satiation from an unchosen sampled option. While previous research showed that opportunity cost consideration accentuated the impact of one‐time choice on evaluation (i.e., intercept effect), we showed that it accentuated the impact of ongoing choice on enjoyment over time (i.e., slope effect). We also contribute to the understanding of the factors that increase overall enjoyment of a sampling experience, which should influence future purchase likelihood.
Poly(thiophene iminoborane): A Poly(thiophene vinylene) (PTV) Analogue with a Fully BN‐Doped Backbone
Authors: Chorbacher Johannes , Maier Matthias , Klopf Jonas , Fest Maximilian , Helten Holger
Published: June 2023

An unprecedented poly(thiophene iminoborane)—a boron–nitrogen analogue of the well‐established conjugated organic polymer poly(thiophene vinylene)—is presented. The polymer synthesis is achieved by selective Si/B exchange polycondensation of a 2,5‐diborylthiophene with a 2,5‐diaminothiophene derivative. For the latter, a facile synthetic strategy is devised, which makes this versatile, strongly electron‐releasing building block easily accessible. The novel polymer and a series of monodisperse thiophene iminoborane oligomers reveal systematic bathochromic shifts in their absorption with increasing chain length, and thus extended π‐conjugation over the BN units along the backbone, which is further supported by TD‐DFT calculations.
Real‐World Driving Data Indexes Dopaminergic Treatment Effects in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Chang Jun Ha , Bhatti Danish , Rizzo Matthew , Uc Ergun Y. , Bertoni John , Merickel Jennifer
Published: June 2023

Background

Driving is a complex, everyday task that impacts patient agency, safety, mobility, social connections, and quality of life. Digital tools can provide comprehensive real‐world (RW) data on driver behavior in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), providing critical data on disease status and treatment efficacy in the patient's own environment.

Objective

This pilot study examined the use of driving data as a RW digital biomarker of PD symptom severity and dopaminergic therapy effectiveness.

Methods

Naturalistic driving data (3974 drives) were collected for 1 month from 30 idiopathic PD drivers treated with dopaminergic medications. Prescriptions data were used to calculate levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD). The association between LEDD and driver mobility (number of drives) was assessed across PD severity, measured by the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS).

Results

PD drivers with worse motor symptoms based on self‐report (Part II: P = 0.02) and clinical examination (Part III: P < 0.001) showed greater decrements in driver mobility. LEDD levels >400 mg/day were associated with higher driver mobility than those with worse PD symptoms (Part I: P = 0.02, Part II: P < 0.001, Part III: P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Results suggest that comprehensive RW driving data on PD patients may index disease status and treatment effectiveness to improve patient symptoms, safety, mobility, and independence. Higher dopaminergic treatment may enhance safe driver mobility in PD patients with worse symptom severity.
Optimal fresh agricultural products private brand introduction and sourcing strategy considering different power structures
Authors: Cao Kaiying , Gao Ying
Published: June 2023

In recent years, many fresh e‐tailers have introduced private brands (PBs). The introduction of PBs will increase product competition and incur fixed fee for e‐tailers; thus, e‐tailers need to consider whether to introduce PBs and where do they source their fresh products. To address these challenges, this paper develops theoretical models. The results show that introducing PB benefits e‐tailers if the construction fee of the PBs is relatively low. Interestingly, national brand (NB) suppliers have an incentive to negotiate with e‐tailers to order PB products from them. Moreover, the willingness to introduce PBs is influenced by the power structure.
Recent advances in the development of Rho kinase inhibitors (2015–2021)
Authors: Xu Xiangrong , Yao Lei
Published: June 2023

Rho‐associated coiled‐coil kinases (ROCKs) are key downstream effectors of small GTPases. ROCK plays a central role in diverse cellular events with accumulating evidence supporting the concept that ROCK is important in tumor development and progression. Numerous ROCK inhibitors have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancers. In this article, we review recent research progress on ROCK inhibitors, especially those with potential for the treatment of cancers, reported in the literature from 2015 to 2021. Most ROCK inhibitors show potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities and have potential in the treatment of cancers.
A new inertial algorithm for equilibrium problem and a family of nonexpansive operators in Hilbert space
Authors: Asad Mohd
Published: June 2023

In this article, we suggest and study a new inertial algorithm combining inertial extrapolation, S‐iteration process and viscosity approximation method for computing a common solution of an equilibrium problem and a family of nonexpansive operators in real Hilbert space. We provide a strong convergence result of the suggested algorithm under some simple assumptions on control sequences. Further, we compare our suggested algorithm with some existing well‐known algorithms by an analytical example. Some prominent recent findings in this field have been improved, generalized, and extended as an outcome of this paper.
A high XPD performance design method for satellite CFRP dual‐reflector antenna without metallizing reflectors
Authors: Wan JiXiang , Li Li , Zhang QiaoShan , Gao MeiLi , Wang XuDong , Tao Xiao , Li ZhengJun
Published: June 2023

The depolarization effect of carbon‐fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) reflector is studied and a cross‐polarization discrimination (XPD) compensated method for dual‐reflector antenna without metallizing reflectors is presented in the paper. By setting the fibers direction of the main reflector orthogonal to that of the subreflector, the phase difference of the reflected electric field components from the first‐ and second‐layer of the CFPR sandwich can be compensated and depolarization effect would not happen. A dual‐reflector antenna operating at Ku band is designed, simulated and measured. The measured XPD of both the compensated and uncompensated designs are compared, and results show that XPD improves more than 3.0 dB. This method is a valid and low‐cost solution for dual‐reflector antennas in circular polarization to pursue excellent XPD performance, which is highly suitable for satellite larger‐aperture CFRP reflector antennas.
Passively Q‐switched Tm:YAG ceramic laser with TiS2 saturable absorber
Authors: Li Shixia , Cai Enlin , Zhang Kun , Xia Feng , Kong Weijing
Published: June 2023

A two‐dimensional titanium disulfide (TiS2) nanosheet film is prepared on a YAG crystal substrate. The saturated absorption behavior of TiS2 on the YAG substrate is investigated. Then, TiS2 is successfully employed as a modulation element to develop a Tm:YAG ceramic eye‐safe pulsed laser. With a 7.04 W absorbed pump light and a 3% transmission of output coupler, the greatest average optical power, and the least pulse width (PD) are 233 mW and 524 ns, separately. The pulse repeated frequency of 69 kHz is generated, while the single pulse energy (SPE) is 3.38 µJ. Based on the experimental results, TiS2 nanosheet films possess the practical value as saturable absorbers for 2.0 μm eye‐safe pulsed lasers.
Influence of hydraulic and geometric conditions on the early stages of the filtration process in idealised granular soils comprising spherical particles
Authors: Zhang Yingyi , Sufian Adnan , Scheuermann Alexander
Published: June 2023

The early stages of particle‐scale filtration in idealised granular soils were investigated using coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete Element Method. Filtration simulations were conducted for assemblies of finer base particles underlying coarser filter particles with upward seepage flow perpendicular to the base‐filter interface. A wide range of size ratios that covered the complete spectrum of filtration behaviours were considered, along with different ramping accelerations for seepage flow to investigate the combined influence of geometric characteristics and hydraulic loading. The influence of flow conditions and size ratios on the time‐dependent infiltration depth of transported base particles was observed to be universal with respect to a newly proposed dimensionless time parameter. The susceptibility to filtration during the early stages was quantitatively investigated with the number of infiltrating base particles and the filling degree of pores within the filter. The susceptibility during the early stages was shown to have a strong correlation with pore space geometry at the filter boundary, which was also reflected by the maximum pore filling degree of the filter. While filter susceptibility has been conventionally evaluated by the size ratio of the assembly, the consideration of the pore space geometry at the filter boundary provided an alternate approach of evaluating local filter susceptibility.
Constructing the field of values of decomposable and general matrices using the ZNN based path following method
Authors: Uhlig Frank
Published: June 2023

This paper describes and develops a fast and accurate path following algorithm that computes the field of values boundary curve for every conceivable complex or real square matrix . It relies on the matrix flow decomposition algorithm that finds a proper block‐diagonal flow representation for the associated hermitean matrix flow under unitary similarity if that is possible. Here is the 1‐parameter‐varying linear combination of the real and skew part matrices and of . For indecomposable matrix flows, has just one block and the ZNN based field of values algorithm works with directly. For decomposing flows , the algorithm decomposes the given matrix unitarily into block‐diagonal form with diagonal blocks whose individual sizes add up to the size of . It then computes the field of values boundaries separately for each diagonal block using the path following ZNN eigenvalue method. The convex hull of all sub‐fields of values boundary points finally determines the field of values boundary curve correctly for decomposing matrices . The algorithm removes standard restrictions for path following FoV methods that generally cannot deal with decomposing matrices due to possible eigencurve crossings of . Tests and numerical comparisons are included. Our ZNN based method is coded for sequential and parallel computations and both versions run very accurately and fast when compared with Johnson's Francis QR eigenvalue and Bendixson rectangle based method and compute global eigenanalyses of for large discrete sets of angles more slowly.
Efficient algorithms for computing rank‐revealing factorizations on a GPU
Authors: Heavner Nathan , Chen Chao , Gopal Abinand , Martinsson Per‐Gunnar
Published: June 2023

Standard rank‐revealing factorizations such as the singular value decomposition (SVD) and column pivoted QR factorization are challenging to implement efficiently on a GPU. A major difficulty in this regard is the inability of standard algorithms to cast most operations in terms of the Level‐3 BLAS. This article presents two alternative algorithms for computing a rank‐revealing factorization of the form , where and are orthogonal and is trapezoidal (or triangular if is square). Both algorithms use randomized projection techniques to cast most of the flops in terms of matrix‐matrix multiplication, which is exceptionally efficient on the GPU. Numerical experiments illustrate that these algorithms achieve significant acceleration over finely tuned GPU implementations of the SVD while providing low rank approximation errors close to that of the SVD.
The inherent strain rate method for thermo‐mechanical simulation of directed energy deposition additive manufacturing
Authors: Bellet Michel , Keumo Tematio Joël , Zhang Yancheng
Published: June 2023

To reduce the computational time of thermo‐mechanical simulation of additive manufacturing by directed energy deposition, a new method is proposed, consisting in linearizing the transient standard thermomechanical simulation, by taking advantage of the strong concentration of strain rates around the deposition zone. In practice, a predictor/corrector algorithm is developed. The predictor step consists of a linearized mechanical resolution, which is obtained by considering the scalar generalized viscoplastic strain rate as an inherent strain rate, deduced from resolutions performed during previous time steps. The corrector step consists of a local (e.g., in each finite element) reconstruction of the effective stress field by solving a local nonlinear scalar equation. This predictor/corrector strategy is employed to deal with the dynamic evolution of strain rates and stress, during the distinct stages of the process: deposition, inter‐layer dwell time, and final cooling. With the proposed method, a time gain of around 5 is obtained for both a single wall and a curved turbine blade mock‐up, while the results (distortion and stress) of the full nonlinear thermomechanical resolution are replicated with an excellent accuracy. This makes the new inherent strain rate method a very promising tool for additive manufacturing simulation.
Case reports of two siblings with autism spectrum disorder and 15q13.3 deletions
Authors: Furukawa Sawako , Kushima Itaru , Aleksic Branko , Ozaki Norio
Published: June 2023

Background

Copy number variations (CNVs) have been implicated in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Especially, 15q13.3 deletions are strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), schizophrenia (SCZ), attention deficithyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and mood disorder.

Case Presentation

We present two siblings with ASD. They had a father with bipolar disorder (BD). Patient 1 is a 21‐year‐old female with ASD and mild ID, who had language delay and repetitive behavior in childhood, social difficulties, and refused to go to school because of bullying. She was hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital several times. Patient 2 is a 19‐year‐old male with ASD and ADHD. He did not have developmental delay, but had social difficulties and impulsiveness, then refused to go to school because of bullying. He was treated by a psychiatrist for anxiety and disrupted sleep rhythms. Array comparative genomic hybridization was performed for the siblings and parents. 15q13.3 deletions were detected in the siblings and their healthy mothers. No other pathogenic CNVs were detected. We performed whole‐genome sequencing of the family and identified 13 rare missense variants in brain‐expressed genes, which may be responsible for the phenotypic differences between the siblings and their mother.

Conclusions

This study shows incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in 15q13.3 deletions. We detected second‐hit variants that may explain the phenotypic differences within this family. In addition, detecting 15q13.3 deletions may lead to early diagnosis and a better prognosis with careful follow‐up.
Pepsin Increases the Proliferation of Vocal Cord Leukoplakia Epithelial Cells by Inducing Autophagy
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhang Jia‐Yu , Jiang Qian , Bao Yang‐Yang , Li Zhi‐Mei , Zhou Shui‐Hong , Zhong Jiang‐Tao , Fu Zi‐Ming , Cao Zai‐Zai , Fan Jun , Yao Hong‐Tian
Published: June 2023

Objective

To investigate the role of H+/K+ATPase in the proliferation of pepsin‐induced vocal cord leukoplakia (VCL) cells.

Study Design

Translation research.

Setting

Affiliated Hospital of University.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect pepsin, H+/K+ATPase (ATP4A and ATP4B subunits) in VCL cells with varying degrees of dysplasia. After primary cultures of VCL cells had been established, the effects of acidified pepsin on the proliferation, autophagy, and H+/K+‐ATPase distribution of VCL cells were investigated.

Results

The levels of pepsin, ATP4A, and ATP4B were significantly higher in VCL tissue with moderate‐to‐severe dysplasia than in normal tissue (p < .05); these levels gradually increased according to dysplasia severity. The expression levels of ATP4A and ATP4B were significantly correlated with the amount of pepsin in VCL cells (p < .01). Acidified pepsin enhanced the levels of proliferation and autophagy in human VCL epithelial cells. The cloning‐ and autophagy‐promoting effects of acidified pepsin on VCL cells were partially reversed by pantoprazole; these effects were completely blocked by the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine. Finally, acidified pepsin promoted the colocalization of H+/K+‐ATPase and lysosomes in VCL cells; it also mediated lysosome acidification.

Conclusion

Pepsin and H+/K+‐ATPase may contribute to the progression of VCL. Specifically, acidified pepsin may regulate lysosome acidification by promoting lysosomal localization of H+/K+‐ATPase.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Tracheostomy‐Dependent Children
Authors: Liu Palmila , Teplitzky Taylor B. , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Johnson Romaine F. , Chorney Stephen R.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To estimate the 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival and decannulation rates of children with a tracheostomy.

Study Design

Ambidirectional cohort.

Setting

Tertiary children's hospital.

Methods

All patients (<18 years) that had a tracheostomy placed between 2009 and 2020 were included and followed until 21 years of age, decannulation, or death. The Kaplan‐Meier method estimated cumulative probabilities of death and decannulation.

Results

A total of 551 children underwent tracheostomy at a median age of 7.2 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.8‐49.2). Children were followed for a median of 2.1 years (IQR: 0.7‐4.2, range 0‐11.5). The cumulative probability of mortality at 1 year was 11.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.4‐15.1), at 5 years was 26.1% (95% CI: 21.6‐31.3), and at 10 years was 41.6% (95% CI: 32.7‐51.8). Ventilator dependence at index discharge (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.10‐3.81, p = .03), severe neurologic disability (HR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.61‐4.84, p < .001), and cardiac disease (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08‐2.65, p = .02) were associated with time to death. The cumulative probability of decannulation was 10.4% (95% CI: 8.0‐13.5), 44.9% (95% CI: 39.4‐50.9), and 54.1% (95% CI: 47.4‐61.1) at 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years, respectively. Ventilator dependence (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31‐0.60, p < .001), severe neurologic disability (HR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.14‐0.30, p < .001), and tracheostomy indicated for respiratory failure (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48‐0.96, p = .03) correlated with longer decannulation times.

Conclusion

After tracheostomy, estimated mortality approaches 42% by 10 years and decannulation approaches 54%. Children with ventilator support at discharge and severe neurological disability had poorer long‐term survival and longer times to decannulation.