bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on Amygdalin's genotoxicological safety and modulatory activity in human peripheral lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Erikel Esra , Yuzbasioglu Deniz , Unal Fatma
Published: May 2023

Amygdalin (AMY), a plant secondary metabolite containing nitrile, is a major component of the seeds of Rosaceae family plants. It is known that this compound has many pharmacological activities such as cancer prevention, antipyretic, and cough suppressant. In this study, the genotoxic and modulatory effects of amygdalin were assessed by chromosomal aberration (CA), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), and cytokinesis‐block micronucleus assay (CBMN) assays using human peripheral lymphocytes (HPLs) in the absence and presence of metabolic activator (S9 mix). Lymphocytes were exposed to various concentrations of amygdalin (0.86, 1.72, 3.43, 6.86, and 13.75 μg/mL) alone and in combination with mitomycin‐C (MMC, 0.20 μg/mL) or cyclophosphamide (CP, 12 μg/mL). The mitotic index (MI), replication index (RI), cytokinesis‐block proliferation index (CBPI), and cytostasis were also evaluated to determine cytotoxicity. Amygdalin alone did not exhibit genotoxic and cytotoxic effects at all the tested concentrations both in the absence and presence of the S9 mix. In contrast, amygdalin significantly reduced the frequencies of CA (especially at 48 h treatments), SCE, and MN (except 0.86 μg/mL in pre‐ and simultaneous treatment) induced by MMC in all the tested concentrations and treatment protocols. It has also considerably decreased CP‐induced CA and SCE frequencies at all the concentrations (except 0.86 μg/mL) in simultaneous treatment. This study demonstrated that amygdalin alone was not genotoxic, on the contrary, it has revealed modulatory effects against chemotherapy agents that induced genomic damage in human lymphocytes, suggesting its chemopreventive potential.
Improved Supercapacitor Performance with Enhanced Interlayer Spacing of Nanoflower MoS2 in Long Discharge Time in LED‐Glowing Application
Authors: Pani Jitesh , Maru Devkaran , Chaudhary Priyanka , Gangwar Jitendra , Kumar Kanapuram Uday , Yadav Bal Chandra , Borkar Hitesh
Published: May 2023

The 2D materials have seen recent significant development in terms of material features with superior electrochemical capability. This urges for extensive research as potential aspirants for energystorage applications. Herein, the synthesis of MoS2 nanostructures with molar ratio 1:30 (nanosheets) and 1:15 (nanoflower) of ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate and thiourea single‐steps hydrothermal methods through different reaction times and observed enhanced interlayer spacing is reported. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals that synthesized MoS2 nanostructure has 3D flower‐like and ultrathin 2D sheet‐like morphologies. The enhanced interlayer spacing in nanoflower over nanosheet is confirmed through high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The X‐ray diffraction and Raman studies reveal the hexagonal crystalline phase of MoS2 (2H‐MoS2). Surface functional groups present are studied by Fourier transform infrared. Through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the chemical composition with its binding energy of prepared MoS2 is observed. Specific surface area and pore‐size distribution of both 2H‐MoS2 nanosheets and nanoflower are examined by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda analysis. Owing to these excellent physicochemical properties, nanoflower also exhibits energy‐storage device capability. MoS2 nanoflower demonstrates high specific capacitance and cyclic stability in three‐electrode systems. A practical approach is investigated to test the practical application of enhanced interlayer spacing by studying the time of charge and discharge of light‐emitting diode.
The Enhancing Effect of α–FeOOH on Ni Surfaces Toward Electrolytic Water Splitting
Authors: Heath Megan M. , Poureshghi Fatemeh , Seland Frode , Sunde Svein , Kriek Roelof J.
Published: May 2023

For decades Ni has been known as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER); however, the crucial role that Fe plays in enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of Ni still requires deeper investigation and understanding. Herein, some light on the role of Fe by studying the structural evolution of different Ni‐based electrocatalysts upon the electrolytic addition of different quantities of Fe are shaded. Colloidal Ni and NiO, as well as Ni, NiO, and NiNiO nanoparticles, are synthesized and electrochemically characterized in Fe‐free and Fe‐doped KOH electrolytes. Voltammetry and in situ Raman spectroscopy show that higher concentrations of Fe in the electrolyte lead to lower OER overpotentials due to the presence of α–FeOOH.
Electronic and electrocatalytic applications based on solution‐processed two‐dimensional platinum diselenide with thickness‐dependent electronic properties
Authors: Cho Yun Seong , Rhee Dongjoon , Lee Jihun , Jung Su Yeon , Eom Jeongha , Mazanek Vlastimil , Wu Bing , Kang Taeho , Baek Sungpyo , Choi Haeju , Sofer Zdeněk , Lee Sungjoo , Kang Joohoon
Published: May 2023

Platinum diselenide (PtSe2) has shown great potential as a candidate two‐dimensional (2D) material for broadband photodetectors and electrocatalysts because of its unique properties compared to conventional 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. Synthesis of 2D PtSe2 with controlled layer number is critical for engineering the electronic behavior to be semiconducting or semimetallic for targeted applications. Electrochemical exfoliation has been investigated as a promising approach for mass‐producing in a cost‐effective manner, but obtaining high‐quality films with control over electronic properties remains difficult. Here, we demonstrate wafer‐scale 2D PtSe2 films with pre‐determined electronic types based on a facile solution‐based strategy. Semiconducting or semimetallic PtSe2 nanosheets with large lateral sizes are produced via electrochemically driven molecular intercalation, followed by centrifugation‐based thickness sorting. Finally, gate‐tunable broadband visible and near‐infrared photodetector arrays are realized based on semiconducting PtSe2 nanosheet films, while semimetallic films are used to create catalytic electrodes for overall water splitting with long‐term stability.

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Development of a bidirectional rocking isolation bearing system (Bi‐RIBS) to control excessive seismic response of bridge structures
Authors: He Xinhao , Unjoh Shigeki , Yamazaki Shinsuke , Noro Tadayuki
Published: May 2023

A bidirectional rocking isolation bearing system (Bi‐RIBS) is proposed to provide seismic protection for bridge structures. By using the 3‐D rocking motion of the Bi‐RIBS, this system acts as a mechanical fuse to limit the maximum force transmitted to the bridge piers and as a restoring component to control an excessive girder response. Possible applications in bridge structures were discussed. A simple analytical model was established to characterize the dynamics of an example bridge featuring such a Bi‐RIBS. A series of dynamic analyses were performed by using the proposed model to investigate the effects of several factors on controlling the seismic responses of the bridge, for example, the design parameters of Bi‐RIBS including inclined angle and size, the damping property at the support interface, and the mass ratio. The peak ground accelerations of the bidirectional ground motion record were scaled to various levels to evaluate the maximum performance indices of the bridge structure and the response control effectiveness of the Bi‐RIBS compared to the uncontrolled counterparts. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed Bi‐RIBS could effectively control the maximum pier displacement while keeping the bearing from overturning if suitable parameters were selected. In particular, the control effectiveness on the maximum pier response becomes more significant as the seismic intensity increases, due to its distinctive negative stiffness property.
Ecological cosmopolitan citizenship
Authors: Bourban Michel
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the ecological components and implications of cosmopolitan citizenship. Supporters of the model of cosmopolitan citizenship tend to take the natural environment as a background assumption. In contrast, this article argues that if they want to fulfill the demands of cosmopolitan justice, cosmopolitan citizens should also be ecological citizens. The first part highlights that cosmopolitan citizenship relies on two ecological claims: the environmental impacts claim and the environmental precondition claim. The second part addresses two tensions between cosmopolitan citizenship and ecological citizenship: the tension between economic development and environmental protection and the tension between resourcism and strong environmental sustainability. The third part explores two implications of the convergence between ecological citizenship and cosmopolitan citizenship: the interconnection of the public and the private spheres and the move from anthropocentrism to nonanthropocentrism. The objective is to link cosmopolitan theory with green political theory by taking a fresh look at cosmopolitan citizenship.
Continuation methods for lab experiments of nonlinear vibrations
Authors: Tatzko Sebastian , Kleyman Gleb , Wallaschek Jörg
Published: May 2023

In this work, we will give an overview of our recent progress in experimental continuation. First, three different approaches are explained and compared which can be found in scientific papers on the topic. We then show S‐Curve measurements of a Duffing oscillator experiment for which we derived optimal controller gains analytically. The derived formula for stabilizing PD‐controller gains makes trial and error search for suitable values unnecessary. Since feedback control introduces higher harmonics in the driving signal, we consider a harmonization of the forcing signal. This harmonization is important to reduce shaker‐structure interaction in the treatment of nonlinear frequency responses. Finally, the controlled nonlinear testing and harmonization is enhanced by a continuation algorithm adapted from numerical analysis and applied to a geometrically nonlinear beam test rig for which we measure the nonlinear forced response directly in the displacement‐frequency plane.
Utility of modified Glasgow prognostic score for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luan Chih‐Wei , Kuo Liang‐Tseng , Wang Yun‐Ting , Liao Chun‐Ta , Kang Chung‐Jan , Lee Yi‐Chan , Chen Kuan‐Yin , Lai Chia‐Hsuan , Tsai Yuan‐Hsiung , Huang Ethan I. , Tsai Ming‐Shao , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Chang Geng‐He , Tsai Yao‐Te
Published: May 2023

Whether the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) is useful for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains controversial. An electronic database search on EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 30 June 2022 was performed for study selection and data extraction. The associations between the mGPS and survival outcomes were evaluated using a random‐effects meta‐analysis and expressed as pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. We included 11 studies involving a total of 2017 patients with HNSCC. A higher mGPS was associated with poorer progression‐free survival (HR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.69–3.38), overall survival (HR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.94–2.98), disease‐specific survival (HR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.71–3.88), and disease‐free survival (HR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.51–4.73, all p ≤ 0.001) in HNSCC. The mGPS can function as a valid prognostic biomarker for patients diagnosed as having HNSCC.
Ultrasound‐guided puncture into newborn rat brain
Authors: Ma Rui‐Fang , Pao Ping‐Chieh , Zhang Kun , Liu Jin‐Xiang , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2023

Since the brain structure of neonatal rats was not fully formed during the first 4 days, it cannot be detected using ultrasound. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of ultrasound to guide puncture in the normal coronal brain structure and determine the puncture depth of the location of the cortex, hippocampus, lateral ventricle, and striatum of newborn rats of 5−15 days. The animal was placed in a prone position. The specific positions of the cortex, hippocampus, lateral ventricle, and striatum were measured under ultrasound. Then, the rats were punctured with a stereotaxic instrument, and dye was injected. Finally, the brains of rats were taken to make frozen sections to observe the puncture results. By ultrasound, the image of the cortex, hippocampus, lateral ventricle, and striatum of the rat can be obtained and the puncture depth of the cortex (8 days: 1.02 ± 0.12, 10 days: 1.02 ± 0.08, 13 days: 1.43 ± 0.05), hippocampus (8 days: 2.63 ± 0.07, 10 days: 2.77 ± 0.14, 13 days: 2.82 ± 0.09), lateral ventricle (8 days: 2.08 ± 0.04, 10 days: 2.26 ± 0.03, 13 days: 2.40 ± 0.06), and corpus striatum (8 days: 4.57 ± 0.09, 10 days: 4.94 ± 0.31, 13 days: 5.13 ± 0.10) can be accurately measured. The rat brain structure and puncture depth changed with the age of the rats. Ultrasound technology can not only clarify the brain structure characteristics of 5—15‐day‐old rats but also guide the puncture and injection of the rat brain structure. The results of this study laid the foundation for the future use of ultrasound in experimental animal models of neurological diseases.
Probing Intermediates of Ion/Molecule Reactions by their Independent Gas‐Phase Synthesis and Fragmentation – The Thiomethoxymethyl Complexes [(bipy)M(CH2SCH3)]+ (M=Pt, Pd, Ni)
Authors: Stebens Gilles , Butschke Burkhard
Published: May 2023

In the ion/molecule reaction (IMR) of “rollover”‐cyclometalated [(bipy−H)Pt]+ with (CH3)2S, the loss of C2H4 from the encounter complex was observed as the main process some years ago. The cationic complex [(bipy)Pt(CH2SCH3)]+ was identified as a crucial intermediate by DFT calculations. In order to prove its key role experimentally, the cation has now been generated independently and studied by collision‐induced dissociation (CID). The main process is C2H4 loss, which proves [(bipy)Pt(CH2SCH3)]+ to be an intermediate also in the IMR of [(bipy−H)Pt]+ with (CH3)2S. Based on DFT calculations, the thiomethoxymethyl complexes [(bipy)M(CH2SCH3)]+ (M=Pd and Ni) would also serve as intermediates in the IMRs of [(bipy−H)M]+. While these IMRs cannot be studied explicitly, because the parent ions cannot be generated, the potential intermediate [(bipy)M(CH2SCH3)]+ has been subjected to CID. The main fragmentation channels for both metals corresponds to C2H4 loss. The CID experiments thus provide insights into the hypothetical IMRs of [(bipy−H)M]+ with (CH3)2S. The comparison of the DFT calculations for all three metals Ni, Pd, and Pt with the experimental findings uncovers subtle aspects of the underlying reaction mechanisms. This work highlights the suitability of CID experiments of potential reaction intermediates for the elucidation of reaction mechanisms of IMRs as well as the limitations of this approach.
From Immunogenic Peptides to Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Authors: Dyson H. Jane , Wright Peter E.
Published: May 2023

It is hard to evaluate the role of individual mentors in the genesis of important ideas. In the case of our realization that proteins do not have to be stably folded to be functional, the influence of Richard Lerner and our collaborative work in the 1980s on the conformations of immunogenic peptides provided a base level of thinking about the nature of polypeptides in water solutions that led us to formulate and develop our ideas on the importance of intrinsic disorder in proteins. This review describes how the insights gained into the behavior of peptides led directly to the realization that proteins were not only capable of being functional while disordered, but also that disorder provided a distinct functional advantage in many important cellular processes.
Retinal image preprocessing techniques: Acquisition and cleaning perspective
Authors: Pandey Anuj Kumar , Singh Satya Prakash , Chakraborty Chinmay
Published: May 2023

Image preprocessing is a method to transform raw image data into clean image data. The objective of preprocessing is to improve the image data by suppressing undesired distortions. Enhancement of some image features which are relevant for further processing of image and analysis task is also done in preprocessing. Screening and diagnosis of various eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, Choroidal Neovascularization(CNV), DRUSEN, etc. are possible using digital retinal images. This paper aims to provide a better understanding and knowledge of the computer algorithms used for retinal image preprocessing. In this paper, various image preprocessing techniques are incorporated such as color correction, color space selection, noise reduction, and contrast enhancement on retinal images. Retinal blood vessels are better seen in Green color space instead of Red or Blue color space. Noise reduction through Block matching and 3D(BM3D) techniques show a significant result as compared to Total Variation Filter (TVF) and Bilateral Filter (BLF). Contrast enhancement through Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) outperforms Global Equalization (GE) or Adaptive Histogram Equalization (AHE). Evaluation parameters such as Mean square error, Peak Signal Noise ratio, Structured similarity index measures, and Normalized root mean square error values for BM3D noise filtering are 0.0029, 25.3370, 0.6839 and 0.0998 respectively which shows that BM3D outperforms the others.
Breaks and productivity: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Nastasi Jessica A. , Tassistro Isabella B. , Gravina Nicole E.
Published: May 2023

The Fair Labor Standards Act suggests that short rest periods of 5–20 min may improve employee productivity, but there is limited experimental research on the topic. The current study compared productivity when breaks were not required (i.e., control session) compared with when breaks were programmed by the experimenter (i.e., experimental session). Sixteen undergraduate students completed two 2‐hr sessions of a simulated check‐processing task. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive the experimental session (5‐min breaks every 20 min) first with the control session second, and the other half received the control first and the experimental session second. The results showed that 75% of participants completed more checks during the experimental session than during the control session and the difference was statistically significant. Most participants took more unprogrammed break time during control sessions compared with experimental sessions. Implications for future research and the value of work breaks are discussed.
Impact of risk on capital structure adjustments: Evidence from the African markets
Authors: Amelot Lydie Myriam Marcelle , Subadar Agathee Ushad , Seetanah Boopendrah
Published: May 2023

Employing panel data analysis, the study investigated the impact of risk on speed and costs of adjustments on target leverage on listed firms from the African markets—a panel data set of 2790 observations for 12 years spanning from 2008 to 2019. Based on the results of the Unit root test and Granger causality test, there are bidirectional relationships between risk and capital structure and vice versa. Additionally, Panel DOLS and System GMM were applied for regression and comparison analysis between the African markets and South Africa. The estimates disclose that when companies experience lower risk, the costs of adjustment toward the target are higher. Hence, companies can re‐adjust their capital structure more easily by issuing external capital over periods of stable economic environments, thereby improving their market value. Considering the case of South Africa, the first DOLS results outlined similar estimates compared to the African market. Conversely, when measured with System GMM, the estimates imply that firms incur difficulties in adjusting costs, thus reducing leverage due to unfavorable macroeconomic indicators in line with the pecking order theory stating that in African economies, companies spend more on expenses and adjust their capital structure slowly to reach their optimal target position.
Identifying nostalgia in text: The development and validation of the nostalgia dictionary
Authors: Chen Jia , Layous Kristin , Wildschut Tim , Sedikides Constantine
Published: May 2023

Nostalgia is a prevalent emotion that confers psychological benefits and influences consumer behavior. We developed and validated the 98‐word Nostalgia Dictionary to automatize the assessment of nostalgicity in narratives (e.g., customer reviews, social media). First, we created an initial wordlist by identifying the most frequently used words in nostalgia narratives and by relying on the nostalgia literature. Second, we finalized the dictionary by testing experimentally the expanded wordlist for its capacity to differentiate nostalgia from related emotions. Third, we validated the dictionary by demonstrating that it corresponds to self‐reports and coder‐ratings of nostalgia, produces result patterns expected by theory, and predicts favorability ratings of books and consumer experiences, even after adjusting for positive emotion words. We discuss the potential of the Nostalgia Dictionary to advance research and practice.
The Efficacy of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Neurogenic Cough: A Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Tipton Courtney B , Walters Rameen , Gudipudi Rachana , Smyre Drasti , Nguyen Shaun , O'Rourke Ashli K
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Chronic cough is a common and debilitating problem. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block for neurogenic cough through a placebo‐controlled, prospective trial.

Methods

Patients were recruited in an outpatient tertiary care center. Inclusion criteria included a history consistent with neurogenic cough and age ≥ 18. Exclusion criteria included patients with untreated other etiologies of chronic cough (i.e., uncontrolled reflux) and current neuromodulating medication use. Patients were randomized into the treatment (1–2 mL of a 1:1 triamcinolone 40 mg: 1% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrines) or placebo (saline) group and received two unilateral injections at approximately 2‐week intervals. Outcomes were measured primarily by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and a patient symptom log including a visual analog scale of cough severity.

Results

17 patients completed the study, including 10 in the treatment group and seven in the placebo group. Eight (80%) patients in the treatment group reported improvement with at least one of the injections, whereas only 1 (14.3%) patient reported improvement in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). Average total LCQ scores increased in the treatment group from 10.09 to 13.15 (p = 0.03), with the most change occurring in the social domain. There was no statistically significant change in LCQ scores for the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events.

Conclusion

An SLN block is a safe and efficacious procedure for the treatment of neurogenic cough. Further studies are needed to optimize treatment protocol and assess long‐term follow‐up of patient outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 133:3068–3074, 2023
Total alkalinity measurement using an open‐source platform
Authors: Sandborn Daniel E. , Minor Elizabeth C. , Hill Craig
Published: May 2023

Total alkalinity is a pivotal water quality parameter dictating the response of natural waters to acid–base system perturbations such as ocean acidification and acid mine drainage. Its value as a biogeochemical and ecological variable is enhanced not just by high measurement quality, but also by measurement accessibility. This research demonstrates an instrument that advances the accessibility of high‐precision, high‐accuracy total alkalinity measurement using open‐source, and low‐cost instrumentation. Repeated testing of water samples from Lake Superior demonstrated a measurement precision (standard deviation or SD) of 3.0 μmol kg−1. Analysis of standards and reference materials demonstrated an uncertainty of 5.3 μmol kg−1 as well as robustness to freshwater and saltwater matrices. This instrument adds to the wealth of inorganic carbon measurement technologies in marine and lacustrine settings and stands to enhance the ability of both communities to generate accurate and accessible measurements of total alkalinity.
The power set and the set of permutations with finitely many non‐fixed points of a set
Authors: Shen Guozhen
Published: May 2023

For a cardinal , we write for the cardinality of the set of permutations with finitely many non‐fixed points of a set which is of cardinality . We investigate the relationships between and for an arbitrary infinite cardinal  in  (without the axiom of choice). It is proved in  that for all infinite cardinals , and we show that this is the best possible result.
The Boring, Everyday Workday
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: May 2023

I recently found myself, along with dozens of other passengers, unexpectedly waiting in an airport terminal for a flight on a Sunday afternoon. Having found a highly prized seat near an outlet, I plugged in my computer and enjoyed the prized view through the window at the tarmac. For hours, I watched this sequence unfold: A plane arrives. Two workers with oddly long, red flashlights move their arms up and around in a pattern that, while random to me, guides a multimillion‐dollar piece of aerospace engineering and dozens of passengers safely to the gate. When finished, one of the workers plays a quick “drum solo” with his flashlights on a nearby vehicle before returning to the terminal.
Far upstream element‐binding protein 1 confers lobaplatin resistance by transcriptionally activating PTGES and facilitating the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway in osteosarcoma
Authors: Ma Qiong , Sun Jin , Wang Huan , Zhou Chengpei , Li Chenyu , Wu Yonghong , Wen Yanhua , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ren Xingguang , Guo Zheng , Gong Li , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2023

Drug resistance is a major obstacle in cancer treatment and recurrence prevention and leads to poor outcomes in patients suffering from osteosarcoma. Clarification of the mechanism of drug resistance and exploration of effective strategies to overcome this obstacle could lead to clinical benefits for these patients. The expression of far upstream element‐binding protein 1 (FUBP1) was found to be markedly elevated in osteosarcoma cell lines and clinical specimens compared with osteoblast cells and normal bone specimens. High expression of FUBP1 was correlated with a more aggressive phenotype and a poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. We found that overexpression of FUBP1 confers lobaplatin resistance, whereas the inhibition of FUBP1 sensitizes osteosarcoma cells to lobaplatin‐induced cytotoxicity both in vivo and in vitro. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐seq and RNA‐seq were performed to explore the potential mechanism. It was revealed that FUBP1 could regulate the transcription of prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES) and subsequently activate the arachidonic acid (AA) metabolic pathway, which leads to resistance to lobaplatin. Our investigation provides evidence that FUBP1 is a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma patients. Targeting FUBP1, its downstream target PTGES and the AA metabolic pathway may be promising strategies for sensitizing chemoresistant osteosarcoma cells to lobaplatin.
Parkin Maintains Robust Pacemaking in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived A9 Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Pu Jiali , Lin Lin , Jiang Houbo , Hu Zhixing , Li Hong , Yan Zhen , Zhang Baorong , Feng Jian
Published: May 2023

Background

The degeneration of nigral (A9) dopaminergic (DA) neurons results in cardinal motor symptoms that define Parkinson's disease (PD). Loss‐of‐function mutations in parkin are linked to a rare form of early‐onset PD that is inherited recessively.

Objective

We generated isogenic human A9 DA neurons with or without parkin mutations to establish the causal relationship between parkin mutations and the dysfunction of human A9 DA neurons.

Methods

Using TALEN (transcription activator‐like effector nuclease)‐ or CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene targeting, we produced two isogenic pairs of naivetropic induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by repairing exon 3 deletions of parkin in iPSCs derived from a PD patient and by introducing the PD‐linked A82E mutation into iPSCs from a healthy subject. The four lines of isogenic iPSCs were differentiated to A9 DA neurons, which fired spontaneous pacemaking action potentials (AP) dependent on L‐type Ca2+ channels.

Results

The frequency of the pacemaking APs was significantly reduced by parkin mutations introduced to normal neurons. Consistent with this, isogenic repair of parkin mutations significantly increased the frequency from that observed in patient‐derived neurons.

Conclusions

The results show that parkin maintains robust pacemaking in human iPSC‐derived A9 DA neurons. The function is critical to normal DA transmission required for controlling voluntary locomotor activities. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nosocomial infection undergoing superselective intra‐arterial chemoradiation therapy for maxillary gingival carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Koizumi Toshiyuki , Ohya Takashi , Oguri Senri , Iwai Toshinori , Kioi Mitomu , Mitsudo Kenji
Published: May 2023

Background

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, has changed cancer treatment. However, specific guidelines for patients with oral cancer and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, especially for chemoradiation therapy (CRT), are lacking.

Case Presentation

We report a case of a woman with oral squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed with SARS‐CoV‐2 nosocomial infection, although she had no COVID‐19 symptoms, while undergoing superselective intra‐arterial CRT. She received sotrovimab while continuing CRT and achieved a complete response.

Conclusion

The general condition of the patient and the CRT regimen characteristics should be considered in the treatment of patients with COVID‐19 and cancer.
Covalent grafting of zwitterion polymer and REDV peptide onto NiTi alloy surface for anticoagulation and proendothelialization
Authors: Wang Meiyu , Wan Ye , Liu Wen , Gao Bin , Wang Xiaoyu , Li Wenzhong , Xia Shihai , Zhang Wencheng , Wang Kai , Feng Yakai
Published: May 2023

Although stent implantation is an effective treatment for cardiovascular diseases, restenosis and thrombosis still remain great challenges clinically. To address these problems, modifying the stent surface with the bifunctions of anticoagulation and proendothelialization is considered as a promising strategy. Herein, zwitterion polymer poly (α‐methacrylic acid‐co‐2‐methylacryloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMAMPC) and endothelial cells (ECs)‐selective adhesion peptide REDV were co‐modified onto the surface of NiTi stent by chemical graft to obtain NiTi‐PMAMPC/REDV stent. The introduction of PMAMPC and REDV peptide equip NiTi‐PMAMPC/REDV stent with satisfactory anticoagulation performance and enhanced endothelialization, respectively. The in vitro studies showed that NiTi‐PMAMPC/REDV surface had excellent blood compatibility, and could effectively promote the adhesion, proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Additionally, NiTi‐PMAMPC/REDV surface were capable of decreasing the adhesion of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In vivo studies demonstrated that the NiTi‐PMAMPC/REDV stent could maintain good blood patency and form a relatively complete endothelial layer on the surface after 30 days in the rat aorta model. This bifunctional surface might hold great potential in relieving thrombosis and restenosis in the field of stent implantation.
Stereospecific radical polymerization of methacrylate bearing oxazolidone structure and improvement of glass transition temperature of urethane methacrylate copolymers
Authors: Yoshinaga Yuki , Yoshida Yoshiaki
Published: May 2023

We synthesized the novel methacrylate monomer bearing an oxazolidone structure (M1) and performed radical polymerization of M1 by traditional procedures. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the obtained polymer (P1) was a significantly high value compared to that of poly(methyl methacrylate) and typical poly(urethane methacrylate)s. The copolymers of M1 and monofunctional urethane methacrylate derived from 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and phenyl isocyanate (M2) exhibited a linear rise of the Tg values depending on the composition ratio of M1. The NMR analysis and the estimation of monomer reactivity ratio and Q–e values suggested that the improvement of glass transition temperature resulted from a stereoregularity, meaning a syndiotacticity of the copolymers improved with increasing the composition ratio of M1. Furthermore, the thermal curing reaction of M1 or M2 with bifunctional urethane acrylate successfully proceeded, then the Tg value of the cured product from M1 was much higher than that from M2.
Comparison of open‐source three‐dimensional reconstruction pipelines for maize‐root phenotyping
Authors: Liu Suxing , Bonelli Wesley Paul , Pietrzyk Peter , Bucksch Alexander
Published: May 2023

Understanding three‐dimensional (3D) root traits is essential to improve water uptake, increase nitrogen capture, and raise carbon sequestration from the atmosphere. However, quantifying 3D root traits by reconstructing 3D root models for deeper field‐grown roots remains a challenge due to the unknown tradeoff between 3D root‐model quality and 3D root‐trait accuracy. Therefore, we performed two computational experiments. We first compared the 3D model quality generated by five state‐of‐the‐art open‐source 3D model reconstruction pipelines on 12 contrasting genotypes of field‐grown maize roots. These pipelines included COLMAP, COLMAP+PMVS (Patch‐based Multi‐View Stereo), VisualSFM, Meshroom, and OpenMVG+MVE (Multi‐View Environment). The COLMAP pipeline achieved the best performance regarding 3D model quality versus computational time and image number needed. In the second test, we compared the accuracy of 3D root‐trait measurement generated by the Digital Imaging of Root Traits 3D pipeline (DIRT/3D) using COLMAP‐based 3D reconstruction with our current DIRT/3D pipeline that uses a VisualSFM‐based 3D reconstruction on the same dataset of 12 genotypes, with 5–10 replicates per genotype. The results revealed that (1) the average number of images needed to build a denser 3D model was reduced from 3000 to 3600 (DIRT/3D [VisualSFM‐based 3D reconstruction]) to around 360 for computational test 1, and around 600 for computational test 2 (DIRT/3D [COLMAP‐based 3D reconstruction]); (2) denser 3D models helped improve the accuracy of the 3D root‐trait measurement; (3) reducing the number of images can help resolve data storage problems. The updated DIRT/3D (COLMAP‐based 3D reconstruction) pipeline enables quicker image collection without compromising the accuracy of 3D root‐trait measurements.
Microfluidic Device for the Manipulation of Microparticles for Flow Cytometry Application
Authors: Attard Matthew , Coral David , Pedrol Èric , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc , Mateos Xavier
Published: May 2023

This work produces a unique microfluidic device that acts as a “lab on a chip,” conducting separation, mixing, and concentration of microparticles similar to that required by cell sorting flow cytometry applications. The passive two‐dimensional device shows to be successful at separating polystyrene (PS) beads between 5 and 20 µm in diameter, mixing them with an external media, and concentrating them by 250% continuously with minimal sample preparation, while still being inexpensive, and effective. By implementing the microfluidic device, the processing steps are done within seconds due to its high throughput of 2 mL min−1, wherein different hydrodynamic phenomena such as Dean's forces, inertial lift forces, and enhanced diffusion are taken advantage of.
Theoretical study of the void collapse and shear band formation mechanism for β‐HMX
Authors: Long Yao , Chen Jun
Published: May 2023

Based on molecular dynamics simulation, we obtain a shear band formation mechanism for β‐HMX. The shock wave reflected at void face induces rarefaction wave, and the velocity difference between rarefaction wave zone and shock wave zone induces slipping. A set of physical models are developed to describe the wave reflection, shear band expansion and energy dissipation. The orientation angle, face indices, expansion velocity and formation energy of shear bands are calculated. A complete physical picture for shear band formation is obtained.
Transformational leadership vs. proactive personality: Contributing factors to physiotherapists proactive behaviors and burnout during the SARS‐COV‐2 pandemic
Authors: Myaskovetsky Vadim , Shmueli Liora
Published: May 2023

Background

In May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) added burn out to the list of occupational phenomena in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11). Soon thereafter, in March 2020, a global pandemic of SARS‐COV‐2 was declared.

Objective

To investigate the interplay between transformational leadership, a proactive personality, employee proactive behaviors, and burn out in the field of physiotherapy during the SARS‐COV‐2 pandemic.

Methods

Physiotherapists working at the Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) were asked to fill an online cross‐sectional survey, in which they were asked to evaluate the transformational behavior of their manager and to assess their own burn out rate, degree of self‐efficacy, proactive personality, and proactive behaviors. Eighty‐one physical therapists (average age of 37.3 years (SD = 9.0)) responded to the survey, most of whom were female (67.9%, n = 55).

Results

Transformational leadership and proactive personality were negatively associated with occupational burn out (β = −0.231, p < 0.05, β = −0.243, p < 0.05, respectively) among physiotherapists. The effect of the interaction between transformational leadership and proactive personality on proactive behaviors at work was not significant. However, a strong, significant positive relationship was found between proactive personality and proactive behaviors (β = 0.425, p < 0.001), and between self‐efficacy and proactive behaviors (β = 0.479, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This up‐to‐date survey of transformational leadership and proactive personality among physiotherapists highlights these traits' important impact on burn out and proactive behaviors during the SARS‐COV‐2 pandemic. Furthermore, the transformational manager plays an important role in reducing burnout levels among physiotherapists, especially during a crisis such as the SARS‐COV‐2 pandemic.
Discovery of novel glucosinolates inhibiting advanced glycation end products: Virtual screening and molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: Cao Lan , Wang Yueyang , Chen Xin'an , Deng Fanyu , Li Zongchang , Wang Maosheng , Zhang Yiqing , Su Rui , Kim Chan Kyung
Published: May 2023

Protein glycation can result in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which pose a potential health risk due to their association with diabetic complications. Natural products are a source of drugs discovery and the search for potential natural inhibitors of AGEs is of great significance. Glucosinolates (GSLs) mainly from cruciferous plants have potential antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐glycation activities. In this study, the inhibitory activity of GSLs on bovine serum albumin (BSA) along with its mechanism was investigated by virtual screening and various computational simulation techniques. Virtual screening revealed that 174 GSLs were screened using Maestro based on the glide score and 89% of the compounds were found to have potential anti‐glycation ability with the docking scores less than −5 kcal/mol. Molecular docking showed that the top 10 GSLs were bound to the IIA structural domain of BSA. Among them, glucohesperin (1) and 2‐hydroxyethyl glucosinolate (2) had the lowest docking scores of −9.428 and −9.333 kcal/mol, respectively, reflecting their good binding affinity. Molecular dynamics simulations of 1 (ΔG = −43.46 kcal/mol) and 2 (ΔG = −43.71 kcal/mol) revealed that the complexes of these two compounds with proteins had good stability. Further binding site analysis suggested that the mechanism of inhibition of protein glycation by these two active ingredients might be through competitive hydrogen bonding to maintain the structural integrity of the protein, thus inhibiting glycation reaction. Moreover, the ADMET values and CYP450 metabolism prediction data were within the recommended values. Therefore, it can be concluded that 1 and 2 may act as potential anti‐glycation agents.
Residue behavior and efficacy of benzothiazole in grains under different fumigation conditions
Authors: Cui Kaidi , Zhou Lin , Jiang Chaofan , Yang Song , Zou Nan , Liu Feng , He Leiming , Mu Wei
Published: May 2023

Background

Benzothiazole is a potential grain fumigant for Tribolium castaneum. However, its safety profile and suitable fumigation conditions remain unknown. We therefore investigated the insecticidal efficacy, accumulation and dissipation of benzothiazole in grains (wheat, corn and rice) under different temperatures.

Results

We established a universal detection method (modified QuEChERS coupled with GC–MS/MS) of benzothiazole residues in three grains, which provided high linearity (R2 > 0.999), sensitivity (limits of detection = 0.001 mg/kg, limits of quantification = 0.002–0.005 mg/kg), accuracy (recoveries = 88.18–118.75%) and precision (relative standard deviations < 4.78%). The insecticidal efficacy order of benzothiazole was 30 ≥ 10 > 20 °C and corn > wheat > rice. Temperature positively affected the accumulation/dissipation rate of benzothiazole. Rice was the most easily accumulated and dissipated grain for benzothiazole residues, while corn accumulated benzothiazole more than wheat but less than rice, with dissipation slower than wheat and rice.

Conclusion

Our results provide important references for the application of benzothiazole and other fumigants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimizing Output Performances in Stationery Papers–Based Hybrid Inorganic–Organic Flexible Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Mondal Bhargab P. , Das Surajit , Ranjan Priya , Datta Anuja
Published: May 2023

Flexible and foldable paper‐based thermoelectric generators (PTEGs) have drawn industrial attention due to the wide applications in heat energy harvesting and sensing. Herein, optimization of the output performances of flexible and hybrid inorganic–organic PTEGs fabricated on stationery paper substrates from poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and graphite as p‐type and n‐type materials, respectively, is presented. By choosing simplistic processes such as polyethyleneimine (PEI)‐treated graphite pencil traces and brush‐painted PEDOT:PSS films, robust and sustainable PTEG devices are fabricated. It is first time shown that different qualities of stationery papers can have significant impact on the output performance of PTEGs, attributed to their variance in substrate roughness. Thus, output powers of ≈1.93 and ≈0.68 nW for ΔT = 70 K are obtained for TE generators prepared from emery and office paper legs (four‐pair assembled on Kapton), respectively, suggesting emery paper to have significant better performance. Transient flexibility and fatigue of each device type are also tested where emery paper–based PTEG appears to be more robust. A detail comparison of the device performances on the different types of paper substrates are exclusively presented experimentally and thereafter computationally validated by COMSOL modeling to predictably control and enhance the output performance of reported PTEGs.
Predefined‐time guaranteed performance attitude takeover control for non‐cooperative spacecraft with uncertainties
Authors: Wang Zeng , Ma Jun , Hu Liangmou
Published: May 2023

This article addresses the predefined‐time guaranteed performance attitude tracking problem for takeover the non‐cooperative target spacecraft with model uncertainties, adversarial control torque and gravity gradient torque. Firstly, a novel prescribed performance function (NPPF) is exploited, and then a new non‐singular predefined‐time terminal sliding mode (NPTSM) surface with the transformed tracking error is constructed. Secondly, a non‐singular predefined‐time prescribed performance control (NPTPC) is designed to achieve the guaranteed performance within predefined‐time. It is proved that the proposed control can ensure that the attitude tracking error satisfies the prescribed performance boundaries all the time and converges to a preset small region centered around the equilibrium point within predefined time and then tends to the equilibrium point asymptotically. The appealing feature of the proposed control is predefined‐time stability with quantified transient performance and steady‐state accuracy. Simulations verify the effectiveness and improved performance of the proposed approach.
The Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft (TRiVIA)
Authors: Legleiter Carl J. , Kinzel Paul J.
Published: May 2023

Accurate knowledge of the speed at which water moves along a river is essential for understanding ecohydraulic processes and managing natural resources. Measuring flow velocity via remote sensing can be more efficient than conventional field methods, and powerful computational techniques for inferring velocity fields from videos or image time series have been developed. The development of dedicated software tools for particle image velocimetry (PIV) could facilitate greater use of these methods by the river community. This paper introduces a standalone app designed for this exact purpose: the Toolbox for River Velocimetry using Images from Aircraft, or TRiVIA. The program provides a complete workflow for producing spatially distributed velocity vectors from a video or sequence of images, all within an accessible graphical user interface. TRiVIA includes modules for extracting and resampling frames, stabilization and geo‐referencing images, defining a region of interest, enhancing images, performing PIV with an efficient ensemble correlation algorithm, visualizing results, assessing accuracy assessment, and exporting PIV output. We illustrate the software's capabilities using an example data set from a large river in Alaska. The initial release of the toolbox is now freely available. Augmenting TRiVIA to incorporate bathymetric information could enable discharge calculation functionality.