bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic Peptide Catalytic Bond‐Forming Utilizing a Mild Brønsted Acid
Authors: Nakashima Erika , Yamamoto Hisashi
Published: May 2022

Since the global peptide drug market demand has been predicted to increase, highly efficient and inexpensive mass scale peptides are required. However, the production process raises questions about the cost of energy input, scale‐up production, raw materials, and solvents treatment. This paper introduces 2 methods for the 2–4 mer oligopeptides bond formation for batch reaction utilizing 50–100 mol% of a mild Brønsted acid under the mild condition. One of the methods has been capably adapted to flow synthesis at room temperature using organic solvents with boiling points below 100 °C. The method applies the tert‐butoxycarbonyl amino methoxy group, forming the desired dipeptide without solvent at mild temperatures. Furthermore, the conversion of the carboxylic acid leaving the group to phenyl ester promotes peptide bond formation, and the reaction were applied to di, tri, and tetrapeptide bond formation in excellent yield without notable racemization at ambient temperature (up to >99 % yield and 99 : 1 dr). Finally, this study proposes this new production method to overcome the limited scale‐up production by reaction device scale: liquid phase biomimetic catalytic peptide flow synthesis utilizing a mild Brønsted acid.
Structural validity of the Eating Disorder Examination—Questionnaire: A systematic review
Authors: Jenkins Paul E. , Rienecke Renee D.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The main aim was to perform a systematic literature review of studies investigating the factor structure of the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q), a widely used measure of eating pathology. Secondary aims were to summarize the quality of reporting of latent variable (factor) analyses in these studies and review support for different factor solutions.

Method

Literature was identified through Scopus, Medline, PsycInfo, and ProQuest databases published up to February 23, 2022 and outreach via an international listserv. All studies published in English reporting factor analysis of the EDE‐Q were included with few restrictions. Sixty studies including 63,389 participants met inclusion criteria.

Results

The originally proposed four‐factor solution received little empirical support, although few alternative models have been robustly evaluated. Items assessing shape and weight concerns frequently coalesce in factor solutions, suggesting that these constructs are closely related. Investigations of brief versions of the EDE‐Q have produced more consistent findings, suggesting that these measures, particularly a seven‐item version, might be useful alternatives to the full version. Quality of studies was reasonable, with important methodological elements of factor analysis often reported.

Discussion

The findings are of relevance to practitioners and researchers, suggesting that the “original” factor structure of the EDE‐Q should be reconsidered and that use of a seven‐item version is to be encouraged.

Public Significance

Self‐report questionnaires are widely used in the assessment of disordered eating. The current study found that there is little consensus about the structure of a common measure of eating psychopathology. There is more consistent support for a brief, seven‐item, version assessing dietary restraint, body dissatisfaction, and overvaluation of weight and shape.
Understanding the Role of Surfactants in the Interaction and Hydrolysis of Myoglobin by Zr‐MOF‐808
Authors: Simms Charlotte , Savić Nada D. , De Winter Kimmy , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: May 2022

Controlled protein hydrolysis is an important procedure in proteomics applications and is used to aid the understanding of protein structure and function. The hydrolysis of hydrophobic proteins is particularly challenging, as due to their poor solubility the use of surfactants, which typically inactivate natural enzymes, is often required. Such limitations of natural enzymes prompted the development of chemical catalysts for the selective hydrolysis of proteins. In this study, the nanozymatic potential of MOF‐808, a Zr6O8 based metal organic framework, has been investigated towards protein hydrolysis in the presence of several surfactants which differ in structure and polarity. The influence of ionic SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), neutral TX‐100 (Triton X‐100) and zwitterionic Zw3‐12 (n‐dodecyl‐N,N‐dimethyl‐3‐ammonio‐1‐propanesulfonate) and CHAPS (3‐[(3‐cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]‐1‐propanesulfonate) surfactants on the hydrolysis of horse heart myoglobin in the presence of MOF‐808 has been examined. The hydrolysis of horse heart myoglobin by MOF‐808 was followed using sodium dodecyl sulfate poly(acrylamide) gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), which showed that nanozymatic activity of MOF‐808 can be tuned by using appropriate surfactants. To understand the observed reactivity patterns, the interactions between surfactant, MOF and protein were further investigated using a range of spectroscopic methods, which included Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), 1H NMR, UV‐Vis, Circular Dichroism and UV‐Vis Spectroscopy. While the presence of SDS increased the number of observed peptide fragments due to protein unfolding and increased protein‐MOF interaction, the use of zwitterionic and neutral surfactant reduced the hydrolytic efficiency, most likely by hindering the efficient protein‐MOF interaction.
Hydrogenated TiO2 Nanoparticles Loaded with Au Nanoclusters Demonstrating Largely Enhanced Performance for Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrogen to Ammonia
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Cheng Xing , Kups Thomas , Sun Shaorui , Chen Ge , Wang Dong , Schaaf Peter
Published: May 2022

Pristine TiO2/Au (P‐TiO2/Au) is modified by hydrogen plasma (H‐TiO2/Au) or hydrogen and oxygen plasma (H‐O‐TiO2/Au) treatment, and then used as electrochemical catalysts for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). H‐TiO2/Au shows enhanced performance for the NRR process compared with both P‐TiO2/Au and H‐O‐TiO2/Au. After hydrogenation treatment, some disordered regions on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles are formed, and a large number of oxygen vacancies are incorporated into the TiO2 crystalline structures. When the samples are used as catalysts for electrochemical NRR, the yield of NH3 of H‐TiO2/Au is about ten times compared to that of P‐TiO2/Au and about three times that of H‐O‐TiO2/Au, while the highest Faradaic efficiency of 2.7% is also obtained at the potential of −0.1 V for the H‐TiO2/Au catalyst. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation results confirm that H‐TiO2/Au with oxygen vacancies and the disordered surface layer is much preferred energetically for the NRR process. It proves that enhanced adsorption of N2 molecules on the catalyst and reduced reaction barriers due to the presence of defects play an important role in improving catalysts’ performances. The results show that the plasma hydrogenation technique can be used as an efficient method to modify catalysts for electrochemical NRR processes.
Polyaniline/Small‐Sized MXene/Carbon Cloth Electrodes with 3D Hierarchical Porous Structure for All‐Solid‐State Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Xiaotian , Zhang Ganghong , Zhao Xing , Liu Renpeng , Liu Zhengying , Yang Wei , Yang Mingbo
Published: May 2022

The porous structure of electrodes can exert a significant impact on electrochemical performances of supercapacitors. Herein, the polyaniline/small‐sized MXene/carbon cloth (PANI/S‐MXene/CC) electrodes with 3D hierarchical porous structure are fabricated by a facile single‐step pulsed electrodeposition. First, the PANI/S‐MXene nanowires closely overlap each other and form a nanosized pore structure, which provides large specific surface area and abundant ion diffusion channels. Second, the CC with a large pore structure can facilitate permeation of gel electrolyte. S‐MXene with small lateral size not only decreases charge transfer resistance of electrodes, but also ensures an interconnected porous framework. Consequently, the assembled all‐solid‐state flexible device delivers a high areal capacitance (478.4 mF cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2), a superior rate capability (307.5 mF cm−2 at 10 mA cm−2), a remarkable energy density (42.5 μWh cm−2), favorable cycle stability (75.4% capacitance retention after 4000 cycles), as well as 93.2% capacitance retention after 180° mechanical bending with 1000 cycles. Herein, it is revealed that size selection of nanomaterials is a priority when the porous structure is designed.
Assessing the Extent of Environmental Risks From Nickel in European Freshwaters: A Critical Reflection of the European Commission's Current Approach
Authors: Peters Adam , Wilson Iain , Merrington Graham , Schlekat Christian , Middleton Ellie , Garman Emily
Published: May 2022

Nickel (Ni) has a been a Priority Substance under the European Water Framework Directive since 2008. As such it is deemed to present an European Union-wide risk to surface waters. Since 2013, the Ni Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) has been bioavailability-based, and new European Guidance supports accounting for bioavailability in assessing Ni compliance with the EQS. The European Commission has developed an approach to determine whether Priority Substances present a sufficient European Union-wide risk to justify an ongoing statutory monitoring programme, effectively to deselect a substance. This is a key step to ensure that finite monitoring resources are targeted at delivering environmental benefit, when there is an ever-growing burden of determinands to measure for all regulators. When the European Commission performed this exercise for Ni without accounting for bioavailability, they concluded that Ni should not be deselected, and Ni is an European Union-wide risk. Performing this same exercise with the same methodology, using regulatory monitoring data for over 300 000 samples, from more than 19 000 sites across Europe, and accounting for bioavailability, as detailed in the Directive, >99% of sites comply with the Ni EQS. Nickel shows very low risks for all of the criteria identified by the European Commission that need to be met for deselection. Accounting for bioavailability is key in the assessment of Ni risks in surface waters to deliver ecologically relevant outcomes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1604–1612. © 2022 NiPERA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
A study on the effect of symbiotic fermented milk products on human gastrointestinal health: Double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Liao Wenyan , Su Miya , Zhang Dong
Published: May 2022

Several studies have claimed that the consumption of fermented dairy products can improve human gastrointestinal (GI) health. However, the numbers of systematic clinic trials are limited. In this study, a yogurt containing both probiotics and prebiotics was developed and a double‐blind randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of the product on human gastrointestinal health in three different aspects: (1) the effect on functional constipation (FC) and functional diarrhea (FD); (2) the effect on gastrointestinal (GI) tract immune system; and (3) the changes in GI tract microbiota. Participants who suffered FC or FD were randomized into three groups (n = 66 each group): the first group was treated with fermented milk with Lactobacillus plantarum ST‐III (7 mg/kg) and inulin (1.5%), the second group was treated with L. plantarum ST‐III (7 mg/kg) and inulin (1.0%), and the third group (control group) was treated without probiotics and prebiotics. Half of the participants stopped the treatment after 14 days and the rest of the group continued the trial to the full 28 days. The fecal samples of participants were analyzed regarding their short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and microbiota. A survey on GI tract health was conducted and the Bristol stool scale was recorded. The results showed that the consumption of the symbiotic yogurt for 14 days and 28 days can both improve the digestive system, with the continual consumption of product containing L. plantarum ST‐III (7 mg/kg) and inulin (1.5%) for 28 days showing the most significance. The consumption of this product may be used as a potential functional food.
Skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio as a predictor of NAFLD in lean and overweight men and women with effect modification by sex
Authors: Cho Yoosun , Chang Yoosoo , Ryu Seungho , Jung Hyun‐Suk , Kim Chan‐won , Oh Hyungseok , Kim Mi Kyung , Sohn Won , Shin Hocheol , Wild Sarah H. , Byrne Christopher D.
Published: May 2022

The effect of sarcopenic visceral obesity on the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is uncertain. We investigated (a) whether the skeletal muscle mass to visceral fat area ratio (SV ratio), as a measure of sarcopenic visceral obesity, is a risk factor for NAFLD; and (b) whether the SV ratio adds to conventional adiposity measures to improve prediction of incident NAFLD. Adults without NAFLD (n = 151,017) were followed up for a median of 3.7 years. Hepatic steatosis was measured using ultrasonography, and liver fibrosis scores were estimated using the Fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) and the NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS). Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine sex‐specific adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]). The incremental predictive performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement. Multivariable aHRs (95% CIs) for incident NAFLD comparing the lowest versus the highest quintile of SV ratio were 3.77 (3.56–3.99) for men and 11.69 (10.46–13.06) for women (p–interaction by sex < 0.001). For incident NAFLD with intermediate/high FIB‐4, aHRs were 2.83 (2.19–3.64) for men and 7.96 (3.85–16.44) for women (similar results were obtained for NFS). Associations remained significant even after adjustment for body mass index, waist circumference, and time‐varying covariates. These associations were also more pronounced in nonobese than obese participants (p–interaction < 0.001). The addition of SV ratio to conventional adiposity measures modestly improved risk prediction for incident NAFLD. SV ratio was inversely associated with risk of developing NAFLD, with effect modification by sex and obesity. Conclusion: Low SV ratio is a complementary index to conventional adiposity measures in the evaluation of NAFLD risk.
NAFLD polygenic risk score and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in an East Asian population
Authors: Thomas Claire E. , Diergaarde Brenda , Kuipers Allison L. , Adibi Jennifer J. , Luu Hung N. , Chang Xuling , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Heng Chew‐Kiat , Khor Chiea‐Chuen , Wang Renwei , Jin Aizhen , Koh Woon‐Puay , Yuan Jian‐Min
Published: May 2022

It is difficult to identify people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who are at high risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A polygenic risk score (PRS) for hepatic fat (HFC‐PRS) derived from non‐Asians has been reported to be associated with HCC risk in European populations. However, population‐level data of this risk in Asian populations are lacking. Utilizing resources from 24,333 participants of the Singapore Chinese Health Study (SCHS), we examined the relationship between the HFC‐PRS and HCC risk. In addition, we constructed and evaluated a NAFLD‐related PRS (NAFLD‐PRS) with HCC risk in the SCHS. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of HCC incidence with both HFC‐PRS and NAFLD‐PRS. The HFC‐PRS and NAFLD‐PRS were highly correlated (Spearman r = 0.79, p < 0.001). The highest quartiles of both the HFC‐PRS and the NAFLD‐PRS were associated with significantly increased risk of HCC with HR of 2.39 (95% CI 1.51, 3.78) and 1.77 (95% CI 1.15, 2.73), respectively, compared with their respective lowest quartile. Conclusion: The PRS for hepatic fat content or NAFLD may be useful for assessing HCC risk in both Asian and European populations. The findings of this and prior studies support a potential causal role of genetically determined NAFLD in HCC development.
Electrical stimulated GLUT4 signalling attenuates critical illness‐associated muscle wasting
Authors: Addinsall Alex B. , Cacciani Nicola , Backéus Anders , Hedström Yvette , Shevchenko Ganna , Bergquist Jonas , Larsson Lars
Published: May 2022

Background

Critical illness myopathy (CIM) is a debilitating condition characterized by the preferential loss of the motor protein myosin. CIM is a by‐product of critical care, attributed to impaired recovery, long‐term complications, and mortality. CIM pathophysiology is complex, heterogeneous and remains incompletely understood; however, loss of mechanical stimuli contributes to critical illness‐associated muscle atrophy and weakness. Passive mechanical loading and electrical stimulation (ES) therapies augment muscle mass and function. While having beneficial outcomes, the mechanistic underpinning of these therapies is less known. Therefore, here we aimed to assess the mechanism by which chronic supramaximal ES ameliorates CIM in a unique experimental rat model of critical care.

Methods

Rats were subjected to 8 days of critical care conditions entailing deep sedation, controlled mechanical ventilation, and immobilization with and without direct soleus ES. Muscle size and function were assessed at the single cell level. RNAseq and western blotting were employed to understand the mechanisms driving ES muscle outcomes in CIM.

Results

Following 8 days of controlled mechanical ventilation and immobilization, soleus muscle mass, myosin : actin ratio, and single muscle fibre maximum force normalized to cross‐sectional area (CSA; specific force) were reduced by 40–50% (P < 0.0001). ES significantly reduced the loss of soleus muscle fibre CSA and myosin : actin ratio by approximately 30% (P < 0.05) yet failed to effect specific force. RNAseq pathway analysis revealed downregulation of insulin signalling in the soleus muscle following critical care, and GLUT4 trafficking was reduced by 55% leading to an 85% reduction of muscle glycogen content (P < 0.01). ES promoted phosphofructokinase and insulin signalling pathways to control levels (P < 0.05), consistent with the maintenance of GLUT4 translocation and glycogen levels. AMPK, but not AKT, signalling pathway was stimulated following ES, where the downstream target TBC1D4 increased 3 logFC (P = 0.029) and AMPK‐specific P‐TBC1D4 levels were increased approximately two‐fold (P = 0.06). Reduction of muscle protein degradation rather than increased synthesis promoted soleus CSA, as ES reduced E3 ubiquitin proteins, Atrogin‐1 (P = 0.006) and MuRF1 (P = 0.08) by approximately 50%, downstream of AMPK‐FoxO3.

Conclusions

ES maintained GLUT4 translocation through increased AMPK‐TBC1D4 signalling leading to improved muscle glucose homeostasis. Soleus CSA and myosin content was promoted through reduced protein degradation via AMPK‐FoxO3 E3 ligases, Atrogin‐1 and MuRF1. These results demonstrate chronic supramaximal ES reduces critical care associated muscle wasting, preserved glucose signalling, and reduced muscle protein degradation in CIM.
Bioprocess characterization of virus‐like particle production with the insect cell baculovirus expression system at nanoparticle level
Authors: Puente‐Massaguer Eduard , González‐Domínguez Irene , Strobl Florian , Grabherr Reingard , Striedner Gerald , Lecina Martí , Gòdia Francesc
Published: May 2022

Background. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are a multivalent platform showing great promise for the development of vaccines, gene therapy, diagnostic, and drug delivery approaches. Particularly, HIV‐1 Gag VLPs provide a robust and flexible scaffold for the presentation of a variety of antigens. The insect cell baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is nowadays one of the reference systems to produce these complex nanoparticles, but information about VLP quality, quantity, stability, as well as cell performance is scarce, especially at bioreactor scale. Results. VLPs produced in the reference High Five and Sf9 insect cell lines share similar physicochemical properties, with VLPs produced in Sf9 cells showing lower levels of double stranded DNA and protein contaminants, and a higher degree of VLP assembly. Besides VLPs, other nanoparticle populations are divergently encountered in each cell line. Hi5 supernatants contain a higher load of extracellular vesicles, while Sf9 supernatants exhibit higher concentrations of baculovirus particles. Similar titers are achieved when comparing Gag to Gag‐eGFP VLP production, with the size of most of the nanoparticles produced comprised at the 150–250 nm range. Eventually, Gag VLP production in a 2 L stirred tank bioreactor is successfully demonstrated, validating bioprocess transference to the final product candidate. Conclusions. This work provides two potentially valuable strategies for the production of HIV‐1 Gag VLPs and a detailed analysis of the different nanoparticle populations produced. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Comparison of separation methods for immunomodulatory extracellular vesicles from helminths
Authors: Borup Anne , Boysen Anders T. , Ridolfi Andrea , Brucale Marco , Valle Francesco , Paolini Lucia , Bergese Paolo , Nejsum Peter
Published: May 2022

Helminths survive within their host by secreting immunomodulatory compounds, which hold therapeutic potential for inflammatory conditions. Helminth‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are one such component proposed to possess immunomodulatory activities. Due to the recent discovery of helminth EVs, standardised protocols for EV separation are lacking. Excretory/secretory products of the porcine helminth, Ascaris suum, were used to compare three EV separation methods: Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ultracentrifugation (UC) and a combination of the two. Their performance was evaluated by EV yield, sample purity and the ability of EVs to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in vitro. We found that all three separation methods successfully separated helminth EVs with a similar EV yield. Functional studies showed that EVs from all three methods reduced LPS‐induced levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF‐α) in a dose‐dependent manner. Overall, the three separation methods showed similar performance, however, the combination of UC+SEC presented with slightly higher purity than either method alone.
Can aeration improve bamboo soil fertility of soil below bamboo and fungal diversity under mulching conditions?
Authors: Qian Zhuangzhuang , Zhuang Shunyao , Gao Jianshuang , Tang Luozhong
Published: May 2022

Aeration can alleviate soil hypoxia stress of Phyllostachys praecox bamboo under mulching conditions, but how aeration affects soil properties, soil fungal community structure, and bamboo development is unclear. We studied the responses of soil properties, fungal community structure, bamboo shoots, and rhizome growth to organic mulching (TM), mulching with aeration (TA1 and TA2), and no‐mulching treatments (CK) from a field experiment in March and July, 2019. During the mulching period (March), the aeration improvement treatment (TA2) improved soil O2 content, bamboo shoots yield, and soil nutrient availability significantly when compared with TM. TA2 treatment showed significantly higher relative abundances of the genus Trichoderma and functional group endophyte than TM treatment, which might be conducive to soil nutrient transformation and bamboo growth. The TA2 treatment had higher fungal diversity indices than that of the TA1 treatment, suggesting that optimal aeration conditions enhance soil fungal diversity. The fungal community structure also showed strong temporal dynamics in all treatments. Mantel test results indicated soil O2 is the primary factor driving fungal community structure under mulching conditions, while has no impact on the fungal community in summer; fungal community structure was primarily controlled by soil pH in summer. Structural equation model revealed soil NO3−‐N content was responsible directly for bamboo rhizome growth and shoot yield. Our results indicate short‐term mulching is beneficial to soil nutrients improvement and bamboo yield increase, while rational aeration can further facilitate sustainable plantation development under hypoxic soil conditions.
Effect of preaging temperature on microstructure evolution, mechanical and corrosion behavior of RRA‐treated high‐zinc 7068 alloy
Authors: Kumar Ankur , Chaudhari Gajanan P. , Nath Sumeer K.
Published: May 2022

Mechanical and corrosion behavior of high‐strength, high‐zinc (>7 wt%) containing 7068 aluminum alloy is investigated after employing different retrogression and reaging (RRA) treatments. The effect of preaging conditions on the distribution of copper, zinc, and magnesium, the volume fraction of η′ phase, and the width of precipitate free zones (PFZ) have been investigated. Microstructural and compositional features characterized by scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscope, and differential scanning calorimetry are correlated with hardness and corrosion performance. The localized attack is manifested in the dissolution of second phase precipitates which occurs from selective leaching of magnesium and aluminum. A combination of two opposite effects, that is, the presence of nobler, high‐copper grain boundary precipitates and microgalvanic effect of PFZ along with the distribution of alloying elements, that is, Cu, Zn, and Mg govern the electrochemical behavior of RRA‐treated 7068 alloy. Optimum preaging and RRA conditions are identified for this high‐zinc 7xxx series alloy.
Janus Nanoparticle Coupled Double‐Network Hydrogel
Authors: Hou Hanyi , Yang Tiantian , Zhao Yanran , Qi Meiyuan , Song Zhining , Xiao Yi , Xu Lai , Qu Xiaozhong , Liang Fuxin , Yang Zhenzhong
Published: May 2022

For double network (DN) hydrogels, their performance can be tuned by adjusting the interaction between their two networks. A novel DN hydrogel toughening approach is proposed by employing Janus nanoparticles (JNs) as crosslinkers to gain a conjoined‐network hydrogel. First, a kind of JNs modified by amino groups and quaternary ammonium salt is synthesized, named R3N+‐JN‐NH2. The DN hydrogel is fabricated based on ionic coordination between calcium chloride (CaCl2) and sodium alginate (Alg), as well as covalent (benzoic imine) between glycol chitosan (GC) and benzaldehyde‐capped poly(ethylene oxide) (BzCHO−PEO−BzCHO). Based on the same covalent and ionic dynamic crosslinking mechanism, the added R3N+‐JN‐NH2 interacts with two networks to promote crosslinking to form a dually crosslinked structure. The R3N+‐JN‐NH2 effectively provides more energy dissipation, and the hydrogel with conjoined networks shows better compression resistance.
Some sufficient conditions for global asymptotic stability of a hepatitis C virus mathematical model considering host immune system
Authors: Guo Ke , Ma Wanbiao
Published: May 2022

For a hepatitis C virus (HCV) mathematical model considering host immune system which is studied by Blé et al. (2018), uniform persistence and global asymptotic stability of the endemic equilibrium of the model are considered, and a set of feasible sufficient conditions are obtained by constructing appropriate Lyapunov functions. Our results largely improved those in related works.
Multibody system transfer matrix method: The past, the present, and the future
Authors: Rui Xiaoting , Zhang Jianshu , Wang Xun , Rong Bao , He Bin , Jin Zhan
Published: May 2022

The multibody system transfer matrix method (MSTMM), a novel dynamics approach developed during the past three decades, has several advantages compared to conventional dynamics methods. Some of these advantages include avoiding global dynamics equations with a system inertia matrix, utilizing low‐order matrices independent of system degree of freedom, high computational speed, and simplicity of computer implementation. MSTMM has been widely used in computer modeling, simulations, and performance evaluation of approximately 150 different complex mechanical systems. In this paper, the following aspects regarding MSTMM are reviewed: basic theory, algorithms, simulation and design software, and applications. Future research directions and generalization to more applications in various fields of science, technology, and engineering are discussed.
Mercedes‐Benz MBUX Hyperscreen Merges Technologies into Digital Dashboard Application
Authors: Tarnowski Tomasz , Haidenthaler Robert , Pohl Matthias , Pross Achim
Published: May 2022

Mercedes successfully integrated all displays for instrument cluster, central information, and co‐driver applications seamlessly under one curved‐glass surface.
Specific nutrition evaluation of patients with advanced chronic liver disease: Development and validation
Authors: Boulhosa Ramona S. S. B. , Côrtes Daniela M. , de M. Cunha Carla , Oliveira Lucivalda P. M. , Lyra André C. , de Jesus Rosângela P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Malnutrition is frequently identified in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), and its early identification is necessary for effective nutrition treatment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a tool for specific nutrition evaluation of patients with ACLD (SNE‐ACLD).

Methods

SNE‐ACLD was developed by consensus among experts using Delphi technique. The initial proposal for the SNE‐ACLD had six domains (history of weight loss, changes in food intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, changes in functional capacity, presence of complications of liver disease, and a nutrition‐focused physical examination) and 11 items. Fifteen experts participated in content validation. In a cross‐sectional study design, the new tool was applied to 129 inpatients and outpatients from a gastrohepatology unit. Nutrition status was evaluated with SNE‐ACLD and subjective global assessment by one researcher. Content validation and semantic analysis were obtained by content validity index. To verify accuracy of SNE‐ACLD, the sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated.

Results

After five evaluative sequences conducted by experts, experts excluded the domain for history of weight loss and its respective item. The final version of SNE‐ACLD consists of five domains and 10 items. The new instrument showed good accuracy in identifying any level of malnutrition (AUC = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.91) and severe malnutrition (AUC = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.79–1.00).

Conclusion

SNE‐ACLD can be used in nutrition assessment of patients with liver disease. Future works should investigate its agreement with other methods and its predictive value.
Delayed tension hemothorax after chest trauma in children
Authors: Piastra Marco , Ferrari Vittoria , Morena Tony C. , Picconi Enzo , Conti Giorgio
Published: May 2022

Blunt chest injury is commonly observed in the Pediatric Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit since up to 30% of children with traumatic injury sustain injury to the thorax. Differently from adults, who present with concomitant rib or sternoclavicular fractures in 70% of cases, more than half of childhood chest injuries occur without any bone fracture, mostly causing lung contusions. This lower rate of rib fractures and near absence of flail chest in children may be due to greater elasticity of the pediatric cartilaginous and bony skeleton. Whenever a rib fracture is present, underlying complications should be evaluated carefully (i.e., air leaks or blood effusions). Depending on the trauma mechanism, even minor injuries should raise the suspicion of pathologic bone fractures.
Diagnostic accuracy of point‐of‐care ultrasound compared to standard‐of‐care methods for endotracheal tube placement in neonates
Authors: Ariff Shabina , Ali Khushboo Q. , Tessaro Mark O. , Ansari Uzair , Morris Shaun , Soofi Sajid Bashir , Merali Hasan S.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable tool to determine endotracheal tube (ETT) placement; however, few studies have compared it with standard confirmation methods. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS and time‐to‐interpretation for correct identification of tracheal versus esophageal intubations compared to a composite of standard‐of‐care methods in neonates.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. All required intubations were performed as per NICU guidelines. The clinical team simultaneously determined the ETT placement using standard‐of‐care methods (auscultation, colorimetric capnography, and chest X‐ray) by POCUS. In addition, the clinical team was blinded to the POCUS images. Timings were recorded for each method by independent study staff.

Results

A total of 348 neonates were enrolled in the study. More than half (58%) of intubations were in an emergency scenario. POCUS user interpretation showed 100% sensitivity and 94% specificity using an expert as the reference standard. We found a 99.4% agreement (Kappa: 0.96; p < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy of POCUS compared with at least two standard‐of‐care methods demonstrated 99.7% sensitivity, 91% specificity, and 98.9% agreement (Kappa:0.93; p < 0.001). The median time required for POCUS interpretation was 3.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 3.0–4.0) seconds for tracheal intubation. The time recorded for auscultation and capnography was 6.0 (IQR 5.0–7.0) and 3.0 (IQR 3.0–4.0), respectively.

Conclusion

POCUS is a rapid and reliable method of identifying ETT placement in neonates. Early and correct identification of airway management is critical to save lives and prevent mortality and morbidity.
Manganese‐Induced Highly Fluorescent Oligodopamine for Sensitive Detection of Dopamine Neurotransmitter by Catalytic Action of H2O2/MnO2 Nanosheets
Authors: Koh Do Yeong , Kadam Abhijit Nanaso , Lee Sang-Wha
Published: May 2022

Dopamine (DA) is a catecholamine, which plays an important role as neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Optical sensing technology is commonly used for the rapid detection of DA through the formation of fluorescent polydopamine (PDA). However, it is difficult to quantify low levels of DA (≤10−8 m) because the resulting PDA has a low fluorescence (FL) efficiency. In this study, DA analyte is polymerized into highly fluorescent oligodopamine (F‐ODA) by the catalytic action of H2O2/MnO2 nanosheets, so‐called Mn2+@F‐ODA (i.e., manganese (2+) coordinated oligodopamine derivatives). Compared to the F‐ODA prepared by NaOH oxidation, Mn2+@F‐ODA exhibits a stronger FL intensity with a maximal peak at 465 nm. Mn2+@F‐ODA produces a distinct FL emission that allows for the detection of trace DA (10−8–10−12 m) with a detection limit of 10−13 m. The FL intensity of Mn2+@F‐ODA shows a suitable logarithmic linearity over four orders of the magnitude from 10−8–10−11 m. The developed chemical strategy suggests potential applications of Mn2+@F‐ODA for the sensitive detection of DA neurotransmitters.
Combined effects of soil moisture and microphysical perturbations on convective clouds and precipitation for a locally forced case over Central Europe
Authors: Baur Florian , Keil Christian , Barthlott Christian
Published: May 2022

To study the combined impact of soil moisture and microphysical perturbations on convective clouds and precipitation over Central Europe, an ensemble of five dozen real‐world weather prediction forecasts was conducted with the COnsortium for Small‐scale MOdeling (COSMO) model at convection‐permitting resolution for a case with weak large‐scale forcing (6 June 2016). We find a large sensitivity of precipitation, ranging from +10% to 23% in 12‐hr precipitation totals. While the homogeneous soil‐moisture bias of 25% primarily controls the timing of convection initiation and the amount of surface rainfall, the number of cloud condensation nuclei and width of the cloud droplet size distribution mainly control the number, size, and lifetime of convective clouds. In moisture‐limited conditions, mainly positive couplings are acting. Drier soils, cleaner air, and a broader cloud droplet size distribution result in less rainfall. Wetter soils and more polluted conditions lead to fewer, but larger, cloud clusters. Since microphysical process rates depend systematically on the sign of the perturbations, but rainfall does not, there are compensating effects at work that buffer microphysical perturbations directly and impact the cloud condensate amount and the rainfall at the ground.
Investigation of Novel Mucorales Fungal Inhibitors: Synthesis, In‐Silico Study and Anti‐Fungal Potency of Novel Class of Coumarin‐6‐Sulfonamides‐Thiazole and Thiadiazole Hybrids
Authors: Sabt Ahmed , Abdelrahman Mohamad T. , Abdelraof Mohamed , Rashdan Huda R. M.
Published: May 2022

A series of coumarin‐6‐sulfonamides derivatives bearing a thiazole and thiadiazole scaffold were synthesized, their chemical structures were inferred from correct spectral and microanalytical data. All the newly synthesized compounds have been screened for their ability to prevent the proliferation of Mucor racemosus, Syncephalastrum racemosum in vitro. The most potent compounds were chosen to determine the MIC value in compared to the standard antifungal agent (Posaconazole). Remarkably, an excellent anti‐mucormycosis was obtained by compounds known as 8 d, and 8 d with MIC value close to that observed by the standard Posaconazole. Amolecular. Docking study was performed where compounds 3, 5 a, 5 d, 8 d, 8 e, 10 c and 10 e were docked against the fungal enzyme sterol 14‐alpha demethylase (CYP51) “PDB id: 5FSA”. In silico, compounds 8 d & 8 e showed the best docking by forming 3H bonds and free binding energy (12.2 & 12 K cal/mol) close to the binding energy (12.2 K cal/mol) of the co‐crystalized inhibitor (posconazol. From wet lab and dry lab results, one can recommend compounds 8 d & 8 e for further antifungal drug development.
Critical review of bio‐inspired data optimization techniques: An image steganalysis perspective
Authors: Johnvictor Anita Christaline , Amalanathan Austin Joe , Pariti Venkata Ramya Meghana , Jethi Nishtha
Published: May 2022

Image steganalysis involves the discovery of secret information embedded in an image. The common method is blind image steganalysis, which is a two‐class classification problem. Blind steganalysis extracts all possible feature variations in an image due to embedding, select the most appropriate feature data, and then classifies the image. The dimensionality of the extracted image features are high and demand data reduction to identify the most relevant features and to aid accurate classification of an image. The classification is under two classes namely, clean (cover) image and stego (image with embedded secret data) image. Since the classification accuracy depends on selection of most appropriate features, opting for the best data reduction or data optimization algorithms becomes a prime requisite. Research shows that most of the statistical optimization techniques converge to local minima and lead to less classification accuracy as compared to bio‐inspired methods. Bio‐inspired optimization methods obtain improved classification accuracy by reducing the high‐dimensional image features. These methods start with an initial population and then optimize them in steps till a global optimal point is reached. Examples of such methods include Ant Lion Optimization (ALO), Fire Fly Algorithm (FFA), and literature shows around 54 such algorithms. Bio‐inspired optimization has been applied in various fields of design optimization and is novel to image steganalysis. This article analyses the various bio‐inspired optimization techniques and their accuracy in image steganalysis pertaining to the discovery of embedded information in both JPEG and spatial domain steganalysis.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Classification

Technologies > Computational Intelligence

Technologies > Artificial Intelligence
Ternary antimonide NaCd4Sb3: hydride synthesis, crystal structure and transport properties
Authors: Courteau Brittany , Gvozdetskyi Volodymyr , Lee Shannon , Cox Tori , Zaikina Julia V.
Published: May 2022

A new compound NaCd4Sb3 (R
m, a=4.7013(1) Å, c=35.325(1), Å, Z=3, T=100 K) featuring the RbCd4As3 structure type has been discovered in the Na−Cd−Sb system, in addition to the previously reported NaCdSb phase. NaCd4Sb3 and NaCdSb were herein synthesized using sodium hydride as the source of sodium. The hydride method allows for targeted sample composition, improved precursor mixing, and an overall quicker synthesis time when compared to traditional methods using Na metal as a precursor. The NaCd4Sb3 structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and contained the splitting of a Cd site not seen in previous isostructural phases. NaCd4Sb3 decomposes into NaCdSb plus melt at 766 K, as determined via in‐situ high‐temperature PXRD. The electronic structure calculations predict the NaCd4Sb3 phase to be semi‐metallic, which compliments the measured thermoelectric property data, indicative of a p‐type semi‐metallic material. The crystal structure, elemental analysis, thermal properties, and electronic structure are herein discussed in further detail.
Citizenship Learning: Contextual, Material and Political
Authors: Kontinen Tiina , Holma Katariina
Published: May 2022

This chapter focuses on three intertwined dimensions central to contemporary studies of citizenship: the material, the cultural and the political. Based on these, it develops an account of citizenship learning that draws on socio-cultural and socio-material theories of learning and emphasizes everyday encounters and practices as spaces central to learning citizenship. It illustrates with examples from African contexts how contextual, material and political dimensions of citizenship manifest themselves in practices wherein citizenship is performed and learned. In conclusion, it suggests an account of citizenship learning which locates learning in the dynamic interaction between individuals and their cultural, social and material environments and is embedded in the specific social, economic and political conditions of a given society and state.
Ext4
Authors: Nordvik Rune
Published: May 2022

The Ext4 file system is often used by Android cell phones and by Linux distributions. As a mobile forensic expert, it is necessary to understand the structures of this file system to recover data, verify tool results, and detect anti-forensics techniques that may be present in the file system. In this chapter, we will have a deep dive into topics important for an investigation. Many digital forensic tools do not recover much from the Ext4 file system [52], and therefore we show some of the most useful Ext4 recovery techniques proposed by current research.

The Ext4 file system is often used by Android1 operating systems, and also by Linux desktop distributions [14], and this file system is open source. The Ext4 file system replaces the Ext2 and Ext3, but it is mostly backwards compatible. Carrier described Ext2 and Ext3 in his File System forensic analysis book [10], which includes information also relevant for Ext4. Fairbanks describes the Ext4 file system at a low level and from a Digital Forensics perspective. This chapter will describe file system information important for mobile forensic investigators and other digital forensic experts.
Forschungsstand zur Stressbewältigung durch Pflegekräfte und empirisches Vorgehen
Authors: Klingenberg Ingo
Published: May 2022

In Kapitel 2 wurden zentrale Elemente zu Stress und Stressbewältigung zusammengefasst und daraus wurde ein konzeptionelles Modell abgeleitet. Dieses Modell stellt auch den konzeptionellen Rahmen für die folgenden empirischen Analysen dar und liefert somit das Begriffsverständnis sowie das Verständnis über angenommene Zusammenhänge der Konstrukte. Wie eingangs erwähnt nimmt subjektiv empfundener Stress für die meisten Berufe zu, wobei Pflegekräfte besonders häufig betroffen sind und daher im Fokus dieser Arbeit stehen.
Probing heavy charged fermions at e+e− collider using the optimal observable technique
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhaditya , Jahedi Sahabub , Wudka Jose
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In this work we study the production of color-neutral and singly-charged heavy leptons at the proposed International Linear Collider. We use the optimal observable technique to determine the statistical accuracy to which the coupling of such fermions to the Z gauge boson (vector, axial or chiral) can be measured. We also consider a UV-complete model that contains these particles as well as a dark matter candidate, and consider some observable effects involving both; the correspondence to chargino production in supersymmetric models with heavy sleptons is briefly discussed.
Conformal Vector Fields and Null Hypersurfaces
Authors: Atindogbé Cyriaque , Olea Benjamín
Published: May 2022

We give conditions for a conformal vector field to be tangent to a null hypersurface. We particularize to two important cases: a Killing vector field and a closed and conformal vector field. In the first case, we obtain a result ensuring that a null hypersurface is a Killing horizon. In the second one, the vector field gives rise to a foliation of the manifold by totally umbilical hypersurfaces with constant mean curvature which can be spacelike, timelike or null. We prove several results which ensure that a null hypersurface with constant null mean curvature is a leaf of this foliation.
Detectability of Retinal Diffusion Restriction in Central Retinal Artery Occlusion is Linked to Inner Retinal Layer Thickness
Authors: Siebert E. , Rossel-Zemkouo M. , Villringer K. , Neumann K. , Bohner G. , Danyel L. A.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To investigate retinal microstructure differences in central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) patients with and without visible retinal diffusion restriction (RDR) on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI).

Methods

Consecutive CRAO patients with available optical coherence tomography (OCT) and DWI, both performed within 7 days after symptom onset, were included in a retrospective cohort study. The OCT scans were reviewed to assess retinal layer thickness, optical intensity and structural integrity. The OCT findings were compared between patients with and without visible RDR on DWI using Mann-Whitney U or Pearson’s Χ2 test.

Results

A total of 56 patients (mean age 70.8 ± 12.8 years) were included. RDR was observed in 38 subjects (67.9%) with visually correlating low ADC map in 26 of 38 cases (68.4%). Superior and inferior parafoveal macular thickness measurements (SMT, IMT) of RDR negative patients were significantly lower when compared to RDR+ patients (370.5 ± 43.8 µm vs. 418.2 ± 76.0 µm, p = 0.016; 374.4 ± 42.9 µm vs. 428.8 ± 63.2 µm, p = 0.004) due to differences in inner retinal layer thickness (IRLT, 188.8 ± 34.4 µm vs. 234.7 ± 49.0 µm, p = 0.002). IRLT values of RDR negative patients were higher in 1.5T compared to 3T the DWI (205.0 ± 26.0 µm vs. 168.6 ± 32.8 µm, p = 0.026).

Conclusions

Detectability of RDR is likely contingent upon the degree of ischemic retinal swelling in CRAO. Technical adjustments to the DWI protocol, such as increased field strength, may improve visibility of RDR.