bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dick van Velzen and the Burnside warehouse organ scandal in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Wright James R. , Hibbitts William A.
Published: September 2023

Dick van Velzen practiced as a pediatric pathologist at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, England from September 1988 until December 1995; he then relocated to the IWK‐Grace Health Centre, a children's and maternity hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he practiced until he was fired for cause in January 1998. About a year and a half later, his practice in Liverpool came under increasing scrutiny, with the initial focus on the massive collection of post‐mortem pediatric organs he had accumulated for planned future research on sudden infant death syndrome. Soon, a Parliamentary Inquiry began investigating the full scope of his Liverpool practice. During the Inquiry, another organ‐hoarding scandal erupted; van Velzen, when leaving Halifax after his dismissal, had put his family's personal belongings into a storage facility at Burnside Industrial Park and then did not pay bills. As his belongings were being prepared for auction, formalin‐fixed organs were found, and a Canada‐wide arrest warrant for disrespect for human remains was issued by the Halifax Police. While the Alder Hey scandal resulted in a 535‐page‐long Parliamentary Report and the Human Tissue Act, van Velzen was never charged criminally in the UK. The largely unknown story of his second organ scandal in Halifax, is related here. Although he had obtained the body parts with the consent of the parents of the child to which they had belonged, his failure to properly identify and store them traumatized parents already impacted by his organ‐hoarding in the UK, traumatized additional parents in Halifax, and resulted in significant waste of public resources in investigating the case. He pled guilty to “indignity to a human body” in Canada and was fined and placed on 12 months' probation.
Single Atom Catalysts for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Jun Sang Eon , Lee Jae Kwan , Ryu Sangwoo , Jang Ho Won
Published: September 2023

Single atom catalysts (SACs) have attracted increasing attention in electrocatalysis due to their unprecedented catalytic activity with excellent atomic utilization efficiency derived from unique electronic states and coordination environments. In photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, atomically dispersed metal catalysts anchored to photoelectrodes offer the breakthrough to outperform the conventional thin‐film PEC catalysts by enlarging the catalytic sites and facilitating photogenerated charge carrier kinetics. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of SAC‐incorporated photoelectrodes for efficient PEC water splitting. Firstly, the representative characterization techniques for the identification of SACs and investigations in respect of photogenerated charge carrier kinetics and photon‐to‐current efficiency will be discussed. Then, we will introduce the state‐of‐the‐art PEC‐SACs classified into noble metal, non‐noble metal, and dual metal SACs. Finally, critical outlooks to realize the full potential of SACs in photoelectrocatalysis will be highlighted.
Recent Progress in Polymer Waste‐Derived Porous Carbon for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Song , Dou Jiali , Holze Rudolf , Zhang Tingting , Ye Lin , Duan Lin , Xue Jia , Li Sanxi , Chen Xuecheng
Published: September 2023

Due to the high power density, fast charging speed, and long cycling stability, supercapacitors have been developed rapidly in the area of electrical energy storage devices in the past decades. During the application of supercapacitors, it was found that the properties of the electrode material can greatly affect the supercapacitor performance. Recently, electrode materials based on polymer waste‐derived carbon materials (PWCM) have attracted much attention because of the low preparation cost, good electrode performance, and great benefits for environmental protection. This review aims to describe the recent research development and summarize the investigation state in the field of the PWCM electrodes prepared from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, etc. The preparation method and the electrode performance of the PWCM electrodes are compared. The relationship among the preparation methods, material structure, and electrochemical performance of the PWCM electrodes was explored. Furthermore, the prospects for the application of the PWCMs were provided.
Chiral‐at‐Metal Racemization Unraveled for MX2(a‐chel)2 by means of a Computational Analysis of MoO2(acnac)2
Authors: Dhimba George , Muller Alfred , Lammertsma Koop
Published: September 2023

Octahedral chiral‐at‐metal complexes MX2(a‐chel)2 (a‐chel=asymmetric chelate) can rearrange their ligands by four mechanisms known as the Bailar (B), Ray‐Dutt (RD), Conte‐Hippler (CH), and Dhimba‐Muller‐Lammertsma (DML) twists. Racemization involves their interconnections, which were computed for MoO2(acnac)2 (acnac=β‐ketoiminate) using density functional theory at ωB97x‐D with the 6‐31G(d,p) and 6‐311G(2d,p) basis sets and LANL2DZ for molybdenum. Racemizing the cis(NN) isomer, being the global energy minimum with trans oriented imine groups, is a three step process (DML‐CH‐DML) that requires 17.4 kcal/mol, while all three cis isomers (cis(NN), cis(NO), and cis(OO)) interconvert at ≤17.9 kcal/mol. The B and RD twists are energetically not competitive and neither are the trans isomers. The interconnection of all enantiomeric minima and transition structures is summarized in a graph that also visualizes valley ridge inflection points for two of the three CH twists. Geometrical features of the minima and twists are given. Lastly, the influence of N‐substitution on the favored racemization pathway is evaluated. The present comprehensive study serves as a template for designing chiral‐at‐metal MX2(a‐chel)2 catalysts that may retain their chiral integrity.
Modern Potentiometric Biosensing Based on Non‐Equilibrium Measurement Techniques
Authors: Mou Junsong , Ding Jiawang , Qin Wei
Published: September 2023

Modern potentiometric sensors based on polymeric membrane ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) have achieved new breakthroughs in sensitivity, selectivity, and stability and have extended applications in environmental surveillance, medical diagnostics, and industrial analysis. Moreover, nonclassical potentiometry shows promise for many applications and opens up new opportunities for potentiometric biosensing. Here, we aim to provide a concept to summarize advances over the past decade in the development of potentiometric biosensors with polymeric membrane ISEs. This Concept article articulates sensing mechanisms based on non‐equilibrium measurement techniques. In particular, we emphasize new trends in potentiometric biosensing based on attractive dynamic approaches. Representative examples are selected to illustrate key applications under zero‐current conditions and stimulus‐controlled modes. More importantly, fruitful information obtained from non‐equilibrium measurements with dynamic responses can be useful for artificial intelligence (AI). The combination of ISEs with advanced AI techniques for effective data processing is also discussed. We hope that this Concept will illustrate the great possibilities offered by non‐equilibrium measurement techniques and AI in potentiometric biosensing and encourage further innovations in this exciting field.
Diversification of the Carbodicarbene Class by Embedding an Anionic Component in its Scaffold
Authors: Yu Cheng‐Han , Au‐Yeung Ka‐Chun , Liu Ruiqin , Lee Chao‐Hsien , Jiang Dandan , Semagne Aweke Bamlaku , Wu Chia‐Hung , Wang Yu‐Jou , Wang Ting‐Hsuan , Voon Kong Kien , Yap Glenn P. A. , Chen Wen‐Ching , Frenking Gernot , Zhao Lili , Ong Tiow‐Gan
Published: September 2023

Carbodicarbene (CDC) has become an emerging ligand in many fields due to its strong σ‐donating ability. <We report the first synthesis of the anionic CDC Pd complexes containing a BF2‐ moiety within the framework to leverage the electronic feature of carbon carbone. The elucidation of X‐ray crystal structures, ligand competition as well as transmetallation experiments suggest that the anionic moiety has enhanced the overall donor strength of the traditional neutral CDC. Importantly, this anionic scaffold exhibits a facile second coordination toward Au(I), Ag(I) and Pd(II) without any external ligand assistance, whereas previously reported neutral pincer CDC complexes do not possess a two‐fold donor capacity. The analysis of the bonding situation via theoretical methods shows that the description of the anionic CDC moieties in terms of dative bonding is preferred over the model of delocalized positive charge, as it accounts for the two‐fold donor ability of the divalent carbon atom, preserving a characteristic feature of a carbone.
Ag‐Doped Free‐Standing 2D TiO2 Sheets: Electronic, Optical, Magnetic, and Self‐Healing Behaviour
Authors: Pradhan Itishree , Mahapatra Anwesha , Bandyopadhyay Arkamita , Nayak Alpana , Kumar Prashant
Published: September 2023

Beyond a critical doping level, Ag–2D TiO2 sheets (ATO) are deemed to be a flexible transparent conductor, useful for visible‐range functional photonic/optoelectronic devices/sensors, sunlight‐sensitive catalysis, and light‐activated resistive switching. Due to the lack of control of surface energy which often leads to the formation of structural defects and even dimensionality crossover (2D to 0D) of materials during doping reaction, it is challenging to obtain ATO with a controlled doping level. Gauging the urgency, therefore we report the surface energy‐controlled synthesis of ATO employing liquid phase exfoliation of TiO2 and subsequent hydrothermal Ag‐doping in the presence of Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA). Electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy reveal ATO sheets with large lateral dimensions. 6‐fold, 4‐fold, and strain‐mediated crystallographic phases of 2D ATO have been revealed by high‐resolution electron imaging. Successful tuning of the band gap down to ~2 eV with Ag doping up to ~10 % is obtained. Synthesized 2D ATO have been investigated for their electrical, optical, optoelectronic, photoluminescence, and ferromagnetic behaviour. Visible light‐sensitive thermally/structurally robust semiconductor/conductor via tuneable doping will pave the way for their flexible as well as wearable device applications. Self‐healing effect of AFM tip‐generated mechanical stress has also been demonstrated.
Single‐stage triple‐output Cuk power factor correction converter
Authors: Yan Tiesheng , Wen Hao , Xia Haogang , Tao Quanbao , Zhou Guohua
Published: September 2023

Traditional multiple‐output AC‐DC power supply with power factor correction (PFC) function usually employs a two‐stage cascaded topology that is composed of prestage PFC converter and N independent poststage DC‐DC converters to achieve PFC and voltage or current regulation of N outputs. Hence, the conventional two‐stage cascaded multiple‐output AC‐DC power supply needs N + 1 magnetic components as power inductors or transformers and N + 1 controllers, which increases the cost and size of the multioutput converters. The conventional multiple‐string AC‐DC LED driving circuits usually employ a two‐stage topology to realize PFC and independent current regulation of each LED string. To address the issue of complexity, high cost, and large size of the two‐stage multistring LED driving circuit, a single‐stage triple‐output Cuk PFC converter is proposed by cascading boost converter and single‐inductor triple‐output buck converter with sharing main power switch in this paper. The topology operation principle, control strategy, design consideration, and operation characteristics of the proposed circuit are investigated in detail. With the switch sharing and inductor multiplexing technologies at the same time, the proposed converter utilizes only single‐stage converter to achieve PFC function, independent regulation of triple‐channel output current, and flicker‐free with low twice line frequency LED current ripple. The proposed converter is verified by a 50‐W experimental prototype of LED driver for triple string LEDs. The proposed converter only uses two power inductors and a set of controller to achieve greater than 0.945 PF, up to 90.5% efficiency, low LED current ripple, and independent current regulation for triple LED strings with different forward voltage, which may significantly reduce the cost and size of the traditional AC‐DC multistring LED driving circuit.
What is the purpose of the Supreme Court? Academic leaders should know
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: September 2023

I took constitutional law in my junior year of college as part of my broad‐area major. It wasn’t my favorite course of all time; I didn’t particularly enjoy reading all those cases. But what I learned in that class has stayed with me for more than 40 years. I’m not sure how many people take a course in constitutional law or pay close attention when the topic is covered in high school or college government class.
Correlations of the root–shoot ratio with soil water content in the patchy alpine grassland of the north‐eastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau using electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Zuo Fenglin , Li Xiaoyan , Yang Xiaofan , Jiang Zhiyun , Li Zhongkai , Wang Yang
Published: September 2023

The root–shoot biomass ratio (R:S) changing the soil water redistribution is not well understood due to a lack of nondestructive technology to characterize the coexistence of plants and soil. This study aims to assess the correlations of the R:S ratios of Achnatherum splendens with soil water content by electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) on the north‐western Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP). During the growing season, an experimental plot including bare patches (BK) and low‐ (LD) and high‐density (HD) A. splendens subplots was designed to quantify soil volumetric water content under different soil depths and antecedent total precipitation conditions for 7 days (AP7). The results showed that the R:S ratio was positive with soil water content in the surface soil layer of 0–10 cm. The synergistic effect of the R:S ratio on soil water in the surface soil layer promoted an increase in surface soil water. However, the nonsynergistic effect in the middle soil layer weakened the soil water increasing, and the effect of the R:S ratio on soil water in the deep soil layer of 40–80 cm was not obvious. In HD, soil water increased between 0.08% and 0.95% and was highest under AP7 > 20 mm conditions. In LD, soil water increased in the surface and deep soil layers but decreased in the middle soil layer, especially under AP7 = 10–20 mm conditions (−1.23%). These findings provide valuable insights that patchy alpine grass survival strategy under future climate change on the QTP, and the results are beneficial to the development of soil–plant–atmosphere continuum models.
Conduction system pacing and atrioventricular node ablation in heart failure: The PACE‐FIB study design
Authors: Rodríguez Muñoz Daniel , Crespo‐Leiro María Generosa , Fernández Lozano Ignacio , Zamorano Gómez José Luis , Peinado Peinado Rafael , Manzano Espinosa Luis , de Juan Bagudá Javier , Marco del Castillo Álvaro , Arribas Ynsaurriaga Fernando , Salguero Bodes Rafael
Published: September 2023

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) worsens the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF). Successful treatments are still very scarce for those with permanent AF and preserved (HFpEF) or mildly reduced (HFmrEF) ejection fraction. In this study, the long‐term benefits and safety profile of heart rate regularization through left‐bundle branch pacing (LBBP) and atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) will be explored in comparison with pharmacological rate‐control strategy.

Methods and results

The PACE‐FIB trial is a multicentre, prospective, open‐label, randomized (1:1) clinical study that will take place between March 2022 and February 2027. A total of 334 patients with HFpEF/HFmrEF and permanent AF will receive either LBBP followed by AVNA (intervention arm) or optimal pharmacological treatment for heart rate control according to European guideline recommendations (control arm). All patients will be followed up for a minimum of 36 months. The primary outcome measure will be the composite of all‐cause mortality, HF hospitalization, and worsening HF at 36 months. Other secondary efficacy and safety outcome measures such as echocardiographic parameters, functional status, and treatment‐related adverse events, among others, will be analysed too.

Conclusion

LBBP is a promising stimulation mode that may foster the clinical benefit of heart rate regularization through AV node ablation compared with pharmacological rate control. This is the first randomized trial specifically addressing the long‐term efficacy and safety of this pace‐and‐ablate strategy in patients with HFpEF/HFmrEF and permanent AF.
Photoelectrochemical immunoassay of carcinoembryonic antigen based on hollow In2O3/In2S3 nanocolumn
Authors: Zhang Zhishan , Cai Fan , Wu Shijia , Luo Shimu , Lin Yao , Zheng Tingjin
Published: September 2023

This work presents a split‐type photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunoassay platform for ultrasensitive determination carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) using In2O3/In2S3 nanocolumn as the photoactive matrix. Initially, In2O3/In2S3 nanocolumn with high photocurrent response was obtained by vulcanizing metal‐organic framework‐derived hollow In2O3 nanomaterials for surface modification. Subsequently, sandwich immunoreactions were conducted utilizing an alkaline phosphatase‐labeled secondary antibody that served as a signal pointer. A large amount of ascorbic acid was produced by the biocatalytic reaction, which enhanced the anodic photocurrent of the In2O3/In2S3 nanocolumn‐modified electrode. Under optimized conditions, the In2O3/In2S3 nanocolumn‐based PEC immunoassay exhibited a promising photocurrent response to the target CEA in the operational scope of 0.02 ng/mL to 10 ng/mL, with a limit of detection of 8.4 pg/mL. Benefiting from the excellent photoelectrochemical response of In2O3/In2S3 nanocolumn to ascorbic acid and the separated detection operation, the constructed PEC immunosensing platform has the advantages of great precision and strong anti‐jamming capability, and the detection results are comparable to those of commercial ELISA kits. Collectively, this study not only offered an efficacious semiconducting surface modification strategy to enhance photocurrent response activity, but also offered a novel thought for the sensitive measurement of a marker of cancer.
Gravity‐based focusing and size‐dependent separation of metal microparticles in lubricating oil
Authors: Gan Chong‐Shan , Fan Liang‐Liang , Zhao Liang
Published: September 2023

The separation of wear microparticles in lubricating oil is crucial for improving the accuracy and throughput of the subsequent detection. However, there are few kinds of research on the separation of high‐density metallic microparticles in high‐viscosity lubricating oil. In this paper, a passive method for separating the metallic microparticles in oil is proposed. Gravity sedimentation was adopted to realize three‐dimensional (3D) focusing of the particle by using an inclined capillary. The gravity‐based 3D focusing made the sheath flow no longer responsible for the particle focusing and effectively reduced the sheath flow. Then, the separation of different‐sized metallic microparticles was achieved in a horizontal channel with the aid of a sheath flow based on the different driving forces. The present method solved the problem of nonsynchronous separation of the particle in comparison to the traditional methods. This device has a simple structure with high separation efficiency, and it is easy to integrate with the detection channel. The influence of numerous parameters on the gravity‐based focusing and separation was systematically studied by the numerical simulation and the experiment. The design criteria were established, which is useful in designing and employing the device, expanding its application to other non‐neutral buoyancy particle separation cases, and opening up more prospects for microfluidic technology.
Physics symbolic learner for discovering ground‐motion models via NGA‐West2 database
Authors: Chen Su , Liu Xianwei , Fu Lei , Wang Suyang , Zhang Bin , Li Xiaojun
Published: September 2023

Ground‐motion model (GMM) is the basis of many earthquake engineering studies and practices. In this study, a novel physics‐informed symbolic learner (PISL) method is proposed to automatically discover mathematical equation operators as symbols. The sequential threshold ridge regression algorithm is utilized to distill a concise and interpretable explicit characterization of complex systems of ground‐motions. In addition to the basic variables retrieved from previous GMMs, the current PISL incorporates three priori physical conditions, namely, distance, magnitude, and site amplification saturation. Based on the Next Generation Attenuation West2 database, GMMs developed using the PISL, an empirical regression method (ERM), and an artificial neural network (ANN) are compared in terms of residuals and extrapolation of peak ground acceleration and velocity. The results show that the inter‐ and intra‐event standard deviations of the three methods are similar. The functional form of the PISL is more concise than that of the ERM and ANN. The extrapolation capability of the PISL is more accurate than that of the ANN. The PISL‐GMM used in this study provide a new paradigm of regression that considers both physical‐ and data‐driven machine learning and can be used to identify the implied physical relationships and prediction equations of ground‐motion variables.
Recent trends in metal‐organic frameworks mediated lipase immobilization: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Patil Prasanna J. , Dong Xiaoxiao , Usman Muhammad , Bhambore Nandini R. , Shah Haroon , Zhang Chengnan , Li Xiuting
Published: September 2023

Immobilized lipase is a powerful biocatalytic system with numerous applications in industries, particularly in the energy, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Reusability, simple recovery, and high chemical and thermal stability make it an attractive alternative to traditional chemical catalysts in industrial applications. Novel methods and support materials for immobilizing lipases have recently attracted much attention. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of materials for enzyme immobilization carriers due to their appealing features, including a high specific surface area, high specific porosity, a stable framework structure, and a wide variety of functional sites. Due to the protection provided to enzymes by MOFs, several reported MOFs‐lipase composites display exceptional catalytic characteristics relative to free lipases. This includes increased enzyme efficiency, stability, selectivity, and recyclability. Herein, we summarize an updated review of the most recent advances in MOFs immobilizing lipases. This review sheds light on the numerous aspects of lipase‐MOF immobilization, with special emphasis on different techniques of designing lipase‐MOF platforms and the advantages of lipase‐MOF composites. Subsequently, molecular simulation approaches in lipase‐MOF immobilization are briefly introduced. Moreover, practical applications of MOFs‐lipase composites have been outlined. Finally, potential limitations and future directions for MOFs‐lipase immobilization research are highlighted.
IDH‐negative chondrosarcoma with metachronous dedifferentiation only in the metastatic site—A diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Sekita Tetsuya , Yoshida Akihiko , Kawai Akira , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Kobayashi Eisuke
Published: September 2023

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is a subtype of chondrosarcoma with a biphasic histological appearance of a chondrosarcoma component transitioning to a high‐grade, noncartilaginous sarcoma. It is particularly difficult to confirm the diagnosis when a sarcoma lacking cartilaginous component occurs at a distant location from the primary lesion. The patient was a 72‐year‐old woman with multiple lesions in the pelvis, lungs, and liver, 18 months after resection of grade 2 central chondrosarcoma of the sternum. Imaging showed no cartilage component in any location. Although a needle biopsy from the pelvic region confirmed the diagnosis as high‐grade sarcoma without a cartilage component, it was difficult to distinguish between a new primary sarcoma and metachronous metastatic lesions from patient's known prior dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. We therefore performed a comparative molecular analysis by whole‐exome sequencing of the biopsy sample and the resected sternal central chondrosarcoma. Both lesions had no IDH1/2 mutations but shared 19 somatic mutations and wide‐range chromosomal losses, indicating similar origin. This case illustrates the challenge is coupling a diagnosis of metastatic dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma when no chondroid component is evident. Our study also highlights the benefit of genomic analysis in this differential diagnosis, especially in the context of dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma lacking IDH1/2 mutations.
DCELANM‐Net: Medical image segmentation based on dual channel efficient layer aggregation network with learner
Authors: Lu Chengzhun , Xia Zhangrun , Przystupa Krzysztof , Kochan Orest , Su Jun
Published: September 2023

Segmenting medical images is a principal component of computer vision. The UNet model framework has taken over as the standard framework for this activity across a wide range of medical picture segmentation applications. Due to convolutional neural networks (CNNs) convolution operation limitations, the model's global modeling ability is not absolutely perfect. Moreover, a single convolution operation cannot gather feature information at various scales, which will have an impact on the quality of the global feature extraction as well as the localization of local details. The DCELANM‐Net structure, which this article offers, is a model that ingeniously combines a Dual Channel Efficient Layer Aggregation Network (DCELAN) and a Micro Masked Autoencoder (Micro‐MAE). On the one hand, for the DCELAN, the features are more effectively fitted by deepening the network structure, which in turn can successfully learn and fuse the features, helping to locate the local feature information more accurately; and the utilization of each layer of channels is more effectively improved by widening the network structure and residual connections. We adopt Micro‐MAE as the learner of the model. In addition to being straightforward in its methodology, it also includes a self‐supervised learning method, which has the benefit of being incredibly scalable for the model. This scalable method enables the generalization of high‐volume models, and the models can show good scaling behavior. It is also shown that Micro‐MAE is a powerful and adaptable learner that we can incorporate it into our network design to improve the model's accuracy and stability for tasks involving medical picture segmentation. Superior metrics and good generalization are demonstrated by DCELANM‐Net on the datasets Kvasir‐SEG and CVC‐ClinicDB. In the experiments, we set DCELANM‐S and DCELANM‐L to represent different sizes of the model, and since DCELANM‐L has the best performance, DCELANM‐L is determined as the base model for all experiments, called DCELANM.
Remote ultrasound real‐time consultation and quality control system
Authors: Zhang Yong , Luo Yan , Qiu Li , Lu Qiang , Lu Xiao
Published: September 2023

Ultrasound examination is widely used, but there are problems such as difficulties in quality control and unbalanced distribution of ultrasound resources in primary hospitals. In this article, a novel remote ultrasound real‐time consultation and quality control system was developed. The system uses advanced information science technology, medical image acquisition equipment, audio and video coding and decoding technology, combined User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) transfer protocols, server cluster design technology. It realizes remote real‐time medical consultation and quality control between the doctors in the consulation center and doctors in the ultrasound examination room. The image similarity, transmission delay, and efficiency of ultrasound treatment were tested. System test data show that the quality of ultrasound images transmitted to the consultation center is the same as the quality of the original ultrasound images, the distortion is less than 1%, and the audio and video transmission delay is less than 0.2 s. The system significantly improves the efficiency and quality of ultrasound diagnosis and treatment through its high interactivity, and can also help improve the level of ultrasound diagnosis and treatment in primary hospitals.
Do geographic distances proxy a high probability of foreign divestment? Evidence from Japanese multinational firms
Authors: Jiang Yanwen , Noma Mikiharu
Published: September 2023

We aim to provide an unambiguous explanation for the positive influence of the geographic distance between a firm's home and host country on divestment decisions of Japanese multinational firms’ outbound merger and acquisition (M&A). Our analysis of 868 acquisitions made by 496 firms in 45 countries and regions from 2005 to 2015 highlights the importance of drawing a clear distinction among various foreign divestment motives before inferring the impact of geographic distances rashly, especially whether it is failure‐driven or global business strategy‐driven. We further find that its impact hinges on parent firm‐ and deal‐level attributes, that is, geographic distance is less salient for large firms, young firms, and foreign operations under a complete control mode; however, the opposite was the case for firms with a high debt burden.
Top management team incentive dispersion and audit fees
Authors: Kalelkar Rachana , Shi Yuan , Xu Hongkang
Published: September 2023

We study whether heterogeneity in pay‐performance sensitivities (PPS) across top management team (TMT) members influences audit fees. Evidence from current literature reveals that the heterogeneity in PPS among TMT affects TMT managers’ motivation to coordinate their activities to manipulate earnings. Since the quality of earnings lowers auditors’ financial reporting risk, we posit that audit fees will be lower when dispersion in the PPS among TMT is high. We demonstrate that audit fees are negatively linked with dispersion in PPS among TMT members. This finding is robust to numerous sensitivity testing. Overall, our findings suggest that firms benefit from the heterogeneity in PPS among TMT members in the form of lower audit fees.
Identification of PPA1 inhibitor candidates for potential repurposing in cancer medicine
Authors: Menteş Muratcan , Yandım Cihangir
Published: September 2023

Inorganic pyrophosphatase 1 (PPA1) is pivotal to cellular metabolism as it facilitates the hydrolysis of PPi—a by‐product of various metabolic processes that influence cell growth and differentiation. Overexpression of PPA1 enzyme has been linked to diminished patient survival and was shown to influence tumor cell dynamics, thereby positioning it as a potential therapy target for a variety of cancers including colorectal cancer, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, and lung adenocarcinoma. Despite this therapeutic promise, there are no known inhibitors of PPA1 as of today. In this study, we searched for potential PPA1 inhibitors using a molecular docking screen of 30 470 compounds with a history of clinical trials and/or US Food and Drug Administration approval. We specifically targeted the active pocket that coincides with the established catalytic domain. Our screen identified promising hits, which we further subjected to ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) filtering. Subsequent molecular dynamics (MD) analyses were conducted on devazepide, quinotolast, and tarazepide—the three substances that successfully navigated all filters. MD analyses reinforced the stability of the protein‐ligand complexes and confirmed ligand binding, as substantiated by our root mean square deviation, radius of gyration and secondary structures of proteins analyses. Furthermore, Molecular Mechanics Poisson‐Boltzmann Surface Area calculations post‐MD identified devazepide and quinotolast as showing higher binding affinities; being supported by principal component analysis, free energy landscape, and dynamic cross‐correlation matrix results. Overall, our study reveals devazepide and quinotolast as potential candidates for PPA1 inhibition which could be considered for repurposing studies that need further experimental validation. These results not only reveal a potential for clinical repurposing for PPA1 inhibition but they also offer valuable insights into the development of future compounds for targeting the crucial PPA1 enzyme.
Generalizations of some Nordhaus–Gaddum‐type results on spectral radius
Authors: Lu Junying , Wang Lanchao , Chen Yaojun
Published: September 2023

Let be a simple graph and the spectral radius of . For , a ‐edge decomposition is spanning subgraphs such that their edge sets form a ‐partition of the edge set of . In this paper, we obtain some sharp lower and upper bounds for in terms of the clique number of and the size of , and discuss what ‐edge decomposition can maximize when is a complete graph. These generalize some Nordhaus–Gaddum‐type results on spectral radius for , due to Nosal, Hong and Shu, and Nikiforov.
The comparative of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticle versus ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid on the smear layer removal: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of in vitro study
Authors: İlhan Hasan , Cakici Elif Bahar , Cakici Fatih
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this systematic review of meta‐analysis was to compare the effectiveness of removing the smearing layer using EDTA versus Chitosan (Ch) and Chitosan nanoparticles (Ch‐NPs). A search was performed in four electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane). The included studies were assessed by two reviewers using Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklist for the quasi‐experimental studies. Outcomes obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and conventional methods were presented as standardized mean differences alongside 95% confidence intervals. Seven investigations employed 212 single‐root teeth. In the apical section (p = .317, 95% CI = −0.820 to 0.266, Tau2 = 0.387), middle segment (p = .914, 95% CI = −1.019 to 0.912, Tau2 = 1.027), and coronal segment (p = .277, 95% CI = −1.008 to 0.289, Tau2 = 0.378). This meta‐analysis found no difference between Ch, Ch‐NPs, and EDTA in removing the smear layer in the three segments. This systematic review is designed to show evidence related to the PICO question, in which our outcome is smear layer removal and not the clinical success of such a treatment.

Research Highlights

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in removing the smear layer, a layer of debris and organic material on the tooth surface, through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

The removal of the smear layer is crucial for successful dental treatments, as it enhances the adhesion of restorative materials and improves the penetration of antimicrobial agents into dentinal tubules.

The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis, searching various databases of electron microscopy results for relevant in vitro studies comparing the effects of chitosan or chitosan nanoparticles with EDTA on smear layer removal.

The results encourage further exploration of chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles for clinical use in dentistry, while considering their specific applications and long‐term effects.
The impact of COVID‐19 on Japanese patients with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders during the vaccination era
Authors: Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Sawada Akinari , Higashimori Akira , Nakata Rieko , Tanoue Kojiro , Nishida Yu , Maruyama Hirotsugu , Ominami Masaki , Fukunaga Shusei , Otani Koji , Hosomi Shuhei , Kamata Noriko , Tanaka Fumio , Nagami Yasuaki , Taira Koichi
Published: September 2023

Background

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are chronic allergic diseases categorized as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and non‐EoE EGIDs. Few studies regarding the association between EGIDs and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been reported. Although most Japanese individuals received the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccine, the incidence of COVID‐19 remained high in 2022. This study examines the incidence of COVID‐19 in patients with EGIDs during the vaccination era.

Methods

Patients with EGIDs who visited our department between October and December 2022 were enrolled in the study. The incidence and severity of COVID‐19 prior to October 1, 2022 were determined. Patients who reported having COVID‐19 also reported their hospitalization history, intensive care unit admissions, and EGID flares. The number of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations received and treatment for EGIDs were obtained from the patients' medical records.

Results

Of 111 patients with EGIDs (65 with EoE and 46 with non‐EoE EGIDs) included in this study, 31 (28%) patients reported having COVID‐19, including 14 (22%) with EoE and 17 (37%) with non‐EoE EGIDs. Fifty‐nine (84%) patients received two or more vaccinations, and 11 (16%) patients received no vaccinations. COVID‐19 was mild in all but one patient who had moderate symptoms. COVID‐19 was not associated with EGID flares. EGID treatments and an unvaccinated status were not associated with an increased risk of COVID‐19.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 was mild in patients with EGIDs and not associated with EGIDs flares during the vaccination era. There was a relatively high incidence of COVID‐19 among patients with non‐EoE EGIDs.
PIGO‐CDG: A case study with a new genotype, expansion of the phenotype, literature review, and nosological considerations
Authors: Starosta Rodrigo Tzovenos , Kerashvili Nino , Pruitt Cassandra , Schultz Matthew J. , Boyer Suzanne W. , Morava Eva , Lasio Maria Laura Duque , Grange Dorothy K.
Published: September 2023

The phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis class O protein (PIGO) enzyme is an important step in the biosynthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI), which is essential for the membrane anchoring of several proteins. Bi‐allelic pathogenic variants in PIGO lead to a congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG) characterized by global developmental delay, an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase levels, congenital anomalies including anorectal, genitourinary, and limb malformations in most patients; this phenotype has been alternately called “Mabry syndrome” or “hyperphosphatasia with impaired intellectual development syndrome 2.” We report a 22‐month‐old female with PIGO deficiency caused by novel PIGO variants. In addition to the Mabry syndrome phenotype, our patient's clinical picture was complicated by intermittent hypoglycemia with signs of functional hyperinsulinism, severe secretory diarrhea, and osteopenia with a pathological fracture, thus, potentially expanding the known phenotype of this disorder, although more studies are necessary to confirm these associations. We also provide an updated review of the literature, and propose unifying the nomenclature of PIGO deficiency as “PIGO‐CDG,” which reflects its pathophysiology and position in the broad scope of metabolic disorders and congenital disorders of glycosylation.
Postchemoradiation magnetic resonance imaging circumferential resection margin predicts treatment failure after multidisciplinary directed sphincter preservation in low rectal cancer
Authors: Kim Sun Jung , Lee Yong Joon , Park Min Young , Yang Seung Yoon , Han Yoon Dae , Cho Min Soo , Hur Hyuk , Lee Kang Young , Lim Joon Seok , Min Byung Soh
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aimed to review the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of patients with low rectal cancer (LRC) undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and investigate the risk factors for treatment failure after sphincter preserving surgery following preoperative CRT based on multidisciplinary approach.

Objectives

Patients who underwent standard CRT and sphincter preserving radical surgery for LRC between January 2000 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Sphincter preservation failure (SPF) was defined as any one of the following: positive pathologic circumferential resection margin, local recurrence, failure to repair ileostomy, or permanent stoma formation due to anastomotic complications.

Results

Among the 191 patients, there were no overall significant differences between sphincter preservation success (n = 161) and SPF (n = 30) groups. SPF group showed a higher MRI circumferential resection margins (mrCRM) positive rate before and after CRT (before CRT: 33.3% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.027; after CRT: 23.3% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis showed that only mrCRM after CRT was associated with SPF (hazard ratio = 4.596, p = 0.005). SPF group showed worse 5‐year cancer‐specific survival (51% vs. 92.7%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

MRI‐based assessment of the tumor after CRT plays a crucial role in predicting the success and feasibility of sphincter preservation as well as oncological outcomes in patients with LRC.
Corrosion resistance of nonequiatomic FeNiCrMnAlx high entropy alloys in hexamine as inhibitor in 3.5% NaCl
Authors: Elkatatny Sally , Mohamed Lamiaa Z. , Abd‐Elaziem Walaa , Abdelfatah Aliaa
Published: September 2023

The corrosion performance of Fe35Ni20Cr12Mn(28−x)Al(5+x) high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) with varying aluminum (Al) content (x = 0, 5, and 10 at.%) was studied in a 3.5% NaCl solution. Additionally, different concentrations of hexamine inhibitors (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g) were employed to enhance the corrosion resistance. Polarization measurements were conducted using a three‐electrode electrochemical cell with a calomel reference electrode. Furthermore, polarization‐dynamics experiments were carried out at room temperature with a scan rate of 0.33 mV/s. The findings indicated that hexamine improved the corrosion resistance of the investigated HEAs. However, the effectiveness of hexamine decreased as the Al content increased up to 15 at.%. In the case of Fe35Ni20Cr12Mn18Al15 HEA with 0.3 g hexamine, the surface exhibited the presence of iron oxides. These results were confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and elemental mapping, which revealed the distribution of elements under different conditions.
Investigating electrochemical charging conditions equivalent to hydrogen gas exposure of X65 pipeline steel
Authors: Koren Erik , Hagen Catalina M. H. , Wang Dong , Lu Xu , Johnsen Roy
Published: September 2023

In this study, we systematically investigate electrochemical hydrogen charging conditions equivalent to hydrogen gas pressures relevant for hydrogen transportation in X65 pipeline steel. By performing hydrogen gas permeation, a relationship for Sieverts' law was established, which was used in combination with electrochemical hydrogen permeation to determine the equivalent hydrogen pressure. The results revealed that cathodic protection simulated condition at –1050 mVAg/AgCl was equivalent to a hydrogen pressure of 12.3 bar. The addition of thiourea, a hydrogen recombination poison, and changing the applied potential in the cathodic direction increased the equivalent hydrogen pressure. In this way, an electrochemical charging condition equivalent to a potential hydrogen gas pressure for hydrogen transportation (200 bar) was determined.
Electrochemically Driven Assembly of Chitosan Hydrogels on PEDOT Surfaces
Authors: Da Silva Aruã Clayton , Amadou‐Douah Celine , Koiliari Stavriani , Du Jinfei , Chauhan Riya K. K. , Paterson Thomas Edward , Minev Ivan Rusev
Published: September 2023

Hydrogels are attracting interest in the field of bioelectronics due to their ability to serve as coatings on electrodes, improving the electrochemical interface, addressing the mechanical mismatch, and offering potential for localized drug or cell delivery. Challenges persist in integrating hydrogels with electrodes typically composed of metals and/or organic semiconductors. Here, an electrochemically driven method is introduced for direct growth of chitosan hydrogels onto poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) surfaces. The growth of ionic gelation chitosan is triggered by electrical release of a specific dopant, tripolyphosphate (TPP), from PEDOT. As a result, chitosan hydrogels grow directly from the PEDOT surface and firmly attach to it. Although this process temporarily reduces PEDOT to the benzoid structure, its unique electroactivity allows for reversible conversion to the quinoid structure after chitosan hydrogel assembly. Once assembled, the chitosan hydrogel coating can be further functionalized. The introduction of covalent cross‐links and incorporation of additional interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) are explored. Electrochemical characterization reveals that an interface with favorable properties is formed between PEDOT and ionic‐covalent chitosan, functionalized with a PEDOT IPN. The electroactivity of the proposed method surpasses any other PEDOT/chitosan system reported in the literature. These results underscore the potential of this material for bioelectronics applications.
Ultraviolet Light Responsive N‐Nitroso Polymers for Antibacterial Nitric Oxide Delivery
Authors: Qiu Yusheng , Zhao Taoran , Lu Xin , Yuan Qingchun , Gregg Sharon , Nze René‐Ponce , Xiao Bo
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the incorporation of active secondary amine moieties into the polymer backbone by co‐polymerizing 2,4,6‐tris(chloromethyl)‐mesitylene with three diamines, namely 1,4‐diaminobutane, m‐phenylenediamine, and p‐phenylenediamine. This process results in the stabilization of the amine moieties and the subsequently introduced nitroso groups. Charging bioactive nitric oxide (NO) into the polymers is accomplished by converting the amine moieties into N‐nitroso groups. The ability of the polymers to store and release NO depends on their structures, particularly the amount of incorporated active secondary amines. With grafting photosensitive N‐nitroso groups into the polymers, the derived NO@polymers exhibit photoresponsivity. NO release is completely regulated by adjusting UV light irradiation. These resulting polymeric NO donors demonstrate remarkable bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity, effectively eradicating E. coli bacteria and inhibiting their growth. The findings from this study hold promising implications for combining NO delivery with phototherapy in various medical applications.
The impact of digital transformation on corporate innovation: Roles of analyst coverage and internal control
Authors: Zhou Yang (Eric) , Xu Jingjun (David) , Liu Zhiying
Published: September 2023

It is critical to explore the mechanisms by which digital transformation (DT) influences firms' innovation performance (IP) in the pervasive digital epoch. This study constructs a serial mediation model to test the underlying mechanism of how DT affects IP. We find that DT can promote IP significantly, and such impact is heterogeneous. Mechanism tests reveal that analyst coverage and internal control quality have the serial mediation effects in the path of DT affecting IP. These findings still hold after several robustness checks. Our discoveries provide new theoretical and practical implications to the DT and innovation research domains.