bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immobilization of Microbial Consortium for Glutaric Acid Production from Lysine
Authors: Gao Cong , Wang Jiaping , Guo Liang , Hu Guipeng , Liu Jia , Song Wei , Liu Liming , Chen Xiulai
Published: October 2021

Glutaric acid is an important C5 platform compound for the synthesis of nylon polymers. However, its production titer and cost are limited by the need for expensive cofactors addition as well as the difficulty of reusing microbial catalysts. Herein, to address these problems, two regeneration systems each for NAD(P)+ and α‐ketoglutaric acid were introduced into a five‐enzyme cadaverine pathway for a whole‐cell biocatalytic approach. We demonstrated the efficient conversion of lysine to glutaric acid in a synthetic microbial consortium manner, producing 73.2 g/L glutaric acid with a 74 % molar yield in a 5‐L bioreactor scale. Moreover, with a colloidal chitin‐based immobilization, the engineered microbial consortium exhibited good stability and reusability in a five‐cycle bioconversion. This study provides an efficient microbial platform for glutaric acid production by developing a cheaper and universal cell immobilization approach.
A Lead Mixed Halide with Three Different Coordinated Anions and Strong Second‐Harmonic Generation Response
Authors: Shui Qi‐Rui , Fu Rui‐Biao , Zhou Zi‐Qi , Ma Zu‐Ju , Tang Hong‐Xin , Wu Xin‐Tao
Published: October 2021

Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are widely applied in information technology, micro‐manufacturing and medical treatment. Herein, a new lead mixed halide with strong second‐harmonic generation (SHG) response, Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2Br3I2, has been designed and rationally synthesized. Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2Br3I2 represents the rare NLO crystal featuring that three different anions (I−, Br− and O2−) simultaneously coordinate the Pb(II) atom to form a severely distorted [PbBr2I2O2] polyhedron with a large polarizability. Remarkably, Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2Br3I2 not only exhibits a very strong phase‐matching SHG response of 9×KH2PO4 (KDP), but also possesses a large birefringence (0.27@1064 nm) and high laser damage threshold (LDT). The strong SHG effect of Cs3Pb2(CH3COO)2Br3I2 mainly originates from the oriented arrangement of [Pb2Br3I2] chains. This study points out an effective strategy to develop new NLO crystals with strong SHG response.
Kreuz‐Gegenstrom‐Verschaltung zum Numbering‐up der Pfropfenströmung zu Extraktionszwecken
Authors: Schwarz Christian Andreas , Mendelawi Mehdy , Agar David W.
Published: October 2021

In der Mikroverfahrenstechnik limitiert die Miniaturisierung den maximalen Durchsatz einer µ‐Mixer‐Settler‐Einheit. Eine Steigerung der Produktion kann daher nur durch die Parallelisierung mehrerer Extraktionseinheiten erfolgen. Ein Strang aus n im Gegenstrom verschalteten Stufen benötigt dabei n + 1 Pumpen, der parallele Betrieb von m Strängen bereits m (n + 1) Pumpen. Ein neues Verschaltungskonzept wird vorgestellt, das die notwendige Pumpenzahl auf 2m + n – 1 reduziert. Das Konzept wird theoretisch diskutiert. Experimente belegen die prinzipielle Realisierbarkeit der Fluiddynamik.
Oncological patients' reactions to COVID‐19 pandemic: A single institution prospective study
Authors: Onesti Concetta Elisa , Schroeder Hélène , Rorive Andrée , Sautois Brieuc , Lecocq Marie , Goffin Marie , Gonne Elodie , Collinge Astrid , Nicolaers Laurence , Wéra Odile , Catot Amandine , Loly Catherine , Paulus Astrid , Sibille Anne , Lousberg Laurence , Troisfontaine Florence , Collignon Joëlle , Gennigens Christine , Frères Pierre , Polus Marc , Duysinx Bernard , Vaillant Frédérique , Marchal Nathalie , Poncin Aurélie , Jerusalem Guy
Published: October 2021

Background

The spread of the COVID‐19 pandemic has led to a rapid reorganization in all human and hospital activities, with impact on cancer patients.

Aim

An analysis of cancer patients fears, and awareness of COVID‐19 has been done in this study.

Methods and results

We analyzed cancer patients' reactions to the pandemic and their perception of oncological care reorganization, through a 12‐item survey, proposed at the peak of pandemic and 3 months later. Overall, 237 patients were included in the study. During the peak of pandemic 34.6% of patients were more worried about COVID‐19 than cancer versus 26.4% in the post‐acute phase (p = .013). Although 49.8% of patients in the acute phase and 42.3% in the post‐acute phase considered their risk of death if infected ≥50%, and more than 70% of patients thought to be at higher risk of complications, the majority of them did not consider the possibility to stop or delay their treatment. Patients were more interested in following news about COVID‐19 than cancer and they complied with all preventive measures in more than 90% of the cases.

Conclusions

Although cancer patients worried about COVID‐19 and evaluated the risk of complication or death due to COVID‐19 as extremely high, they were still asking for the best oncological treatment.
Multi‐GPU room response simulation with hardware raytracing
Authors: Thoman Peter , Wippler Markus , Hranitzky Robert , Gschwandtner Philipp , Fahringer Thomas
Published: October 2021

Time‐of‐flight camera systems are an essential component in 3D scene analysis and reconstruction for many modern computer vision applications. The development and validation of such systems require testing in a large variety of scenes and situations. Accurate room impulse response simulation greatly speeds up development and validation, as well as reducing its cost, but large computational overhead has so far limited its applicability. While the overall algorithmic requirements of this simulation differ significantly from 3D rendering, the recently introduced hardware raytracing support in GPUs nonetheless provides an interesting new implementation option. In this article, we present a new room response simulation method, implemented in a vendor‐independent fashion with Vulkan compute shaders and leveraging NVIDIA VKRay hardware raytracing. We also extend this method to multi‐GPU computation with asynchronous streaming and introduce a domain‐specific high‐performance compression scheme in order to overcome the limitations of on‐board GPU memory and PCIe bandwidth when simulating very large scenes. Our implementation is, to the best of our knowledge, the first ever combined application of Vulkan hardware raytracing and multi‐GPU compute in a non‐rendering simulation setting. Compared to a state‐of‐the‐art multicore CPU implementation running on 12 CPU cores, we achieve an overall speedup factor of up to 20 on a single consumer GPU, and 71 on four GPUs.
Preemptive positive parenting intervention in infants reduces ASD at age 3
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2021

Typically, intervention for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) doesn't begin until the condition is diagnosed, and diagnosis doesn't occur before age 3. The first trial of an intervention administered to infants before diagnosis has found a statistically significant reduction in ASD behaviors by age 3 years. Treating ASD during the prodromal period is efficacious, the randomized clinical trial found.
Marijuana use by college students up, alcohol use down
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2021

The Monitoring the Future (MTF) study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) every year shows higher‐than‐ever marijuana use by college students this year. According to the survey, released in September, the prevalence — 44% in the past year — is the highest since the 1980s. The survey also found that vaping of marijuana and nicotine leveled off after sharp increases since 2017.
New medications for the treatment of acne
Authors: Horissian Mikael , Zaenglein Andrea L.
Published: October 2021

Several new medications, both with novel molecules and modified delivery systems, have been developed for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Trifarotene 0.005% cream, tretinoin 0.05% lotion, and tazarotene 0.045% lotion expand topical retinoid options while minocycline 4% foam and systemic sarecycline provide new antibiotic choices for patients. Clascoterone 1% cream is a first in class topical antiandrogen recently FDA approved for acne. This review provides an update on these medications, including their mechanism of action, clinical data, and where they currently fit in the acne treatment algorithm as well as practical application tips.
Homogenization of terrestrial mammals in fragmented rainforests: the loss of species turnover and its landscape drivers
Authors: Arce‐Peña Norma P. , Arroyo‐Rodríguez Víctor , Avila‐Cabadilla Luis Daniel , Moreno Claudia E. , Andresen Ellen
Published: October 2021

Understanding the factors and mechanisms shaping differences in species composition across space and time (β‐diversity) in human‐modified landscapes has key ecological and applied implications. This topic is, however, challenging because landscape disturbance can promote either decreases (biotic homogenization) or increases (biotic differentiation) in β‐diversity. We assessed temporal differences in intersite β‐diversity of medium‐bodied and large‐bodied mammals in the fragmented Lacandona rainforest, Mexico. We hypothesized that, given the relatively short history of land‐use changes in the region, and the gain and loss of some species caused by landscape spatial changes, β‐diversity would increase through time, especially its nestedness component. We estimated β‐diversity between 24 forest sites (22 forest patches and two continuous forest sites) in 2011 and 2017 to assess whether β‐diversity is decreasing or increasing in the region, and calculated its turnover and nestedness components to understand the mechanisms responsible for changes in β‐diversity, separately assessing mammal groups with different body mass, feeding guild, and habitat specialization. We then related such temporal changes in β‐diversity to temporal changes in five landscape variables (forest cover, matrix openness, number of patches, edge density and interpatch distance) to identify the landscape drivers of β‐diversity. In contrast with our expectations, β‐diversity decreased over time, suggesting an ongoing biotic homogenization process. This pattern was mostly driven by a decrease in species turnover in all mammal groups, especially in landscapes with decreasing forest cover and increasing forested matrices. Although the nestedness component showed a three‐fold increase through time, species turnover was 22 and six times higher than nestedness in 2011 and 2017, respectively. The decreased turnover appears to be driven by an increase in dispersal (i.e., spillover) of native species among patches. The prevalence of species turnover over nestedness indicates that different forest sites have a fairly distinct subset of species (i.e., high complementarity in species composition). Therefore, conserving all remaining forest patches and increasing forest cover is of utmost importance to effectively maintain β‐diversity and conserve the total diversity (γ) of mammal assemblages in this Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot.
Cu‐Catalyzed Phenol O‐Methylation with Methylboronic Acid
Authors: Bartlett Mairead E. , Zhu Yingchuan , Gaffney Uma Bhagwat , Lee Joyce , Wu Miranda , Sharew Betemariam , Chavez Angela K. , Gorin David J.
Published: October 2021

A Cu‐catalyzed oxidative cross‐coupling of phenols with methylboronic acid to form aryl methyl ethers has been developed, expanding the scope of Chan‐Evans‐Lam alkylation. Electron‐deficient phenol derivatives with a broad array of functional groups are methylated in high yields. Increased reaction temperature and catalyst loading enables the methylation of substrates incorporating pyridine and dihydroquinolone motifs. Electron‐rich phenol derivatives are poor substrates for the methylation; the characterization of C−H homodimerization products formed from these substrates illuminates a competing mechanistic pathway.
Set student employees up for success with training program
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: October 2021

“What makes your university unique?” On the surface, it's a simple question that a lot of prospective students ask admissions tour guides. But if your employees — especially student employees — aren't prepared to answer it, it can have a negative impact on whether those prospective students choose to enroll at your institution.
Accessibility tools and resources: A reminder to create inclusive content
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: October 2021

When you're creating social media graphics, downloadable lead magnets, new academic program pages for your website, and email newsletters, are you keeping accessibility in mind? I certainly hope so. It's not only required by federal law for many colleges and universities, but it's simply the right thing to do — and will most likely lead to a better experience for all, not just for students with disabilities.
Take lessons from politicians’ good — and bad — leadership decisions
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: October 2021

Earlier this year I had my own bout with COVID‐19. Unless you're over the age of 100, and were alive for the Spanish Influenza, we've never seen anything like this in our lifetimes.
A mindset favoring decentralization encourages individualized service
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: October 2021

Frank Blalark, Ph.D., encountered a much more decentralized operation when he made the transition to Registrar at Duke University from holding the same post at Purdue University. While variations among the colleges at Duke can present challenges in scheduling and other operational areas, Blalark sees the structure as ideal for tailoring the student experience to individual circumstances.
Classifying etiology of infantile spasms syndrome in resource‐limited settings: A study from the South Asian region
Authors: Wanigasinghe Jithangi , Sahu Jitendra Kumar , Madaan Priyanka , Fatema Kanij , Linn Kyaw , Chand Prem , Poudel Prakash , Hamed Esmatullah , Mynak Mimi L. , Hassan Samaahath
Published: October 2021

Objective

Etiological classification of infantile spasms syndrome (ISS) is important, considering the influence on prognosis based on the presence or absence of a known etiology. This study was performed to describe the limitations and difficulties experienced within the South Asian region when classifying the etiology of ISS according to the current recommendation.

Method

Data on healthcare indices and facilities related to management of ISS for the nine countries in the South Asian region were gathered by the South Asian West Syndrome Research Group. A Google survey was performed among three hundred and thirty pediatric neurologists in the region. The capacity within each country for investigating etiology of ISS according to current described benchmarks was evaluated. The difficulties experienced in this regard and the potential solutions were investigated.

Results

One hundred and sixty pediatric neurologists (response rate 48%) from Bangladesh (19/25), India (94/255), Myanmar (11/11), Nepal (6/8), Pakistan (19/25), and from Sri Lanka (7/8) responded. Three countries had no pediatric neurology services. Fifty‐six percent attempted to classify ISS etiology according to classification outlined by International League Against Epilepsy in 2017. The facilities to perform metabolic, genetic, and immunological investigations were very limited. Lack of funding for investigations and poor laboratory support were the two most frequent barriers encountered. Sixty percent indicated that a separate classification is suitable for low‐income setting; 78% suggested inclusion of separate category as “incompletely investigated” as an alternative solution to mitigate the barrier of achieving a better understanding of the etiological subtypes seen more frequently in this region.

Significance

The resources in South Asian region are limited to meet the recommendations for investigating etiology of ISS. Including the etiological subcategory “incompletely investigated” is proposed as an alternative to understand the true proportions of children in this region, with a definite known etiology and those with an unknown etiology.
Neuroblastoma—Telomere maintenance, deregulated signaling transduction and beyond
Authors: Stainczyk Sabine A. , Westermann Frank
Published: October 2021

The childhood malignancy neuroblastoma belongs to the group of embryonal tumors and originates from progenitor cells of the sympathoadrenal lineage. Treatment options for children with high‐risk and relapsed disease are still very limited. In recent years, an ever‐growing molecular diversity was identified using (epi)‐genetic profiling of neuroblastoma tumors, indicating that molecularly targeted therapies could be a promising therapeutic option. In this review article, we summarize the various molecular subtypes and genetic events associated with neuroblastoma and describe recent advances in targeted therapies. We lay a strong emphasis on the importance of telomere maintenance mechanisms for understanding tumor progression and risk classification of neuroblastoma.
Poly‐L‐lysine‐coated α‐lactalbumin nanoparticles: preparation, effect of pH, and stability under in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Jiménez‐Cruz Esmeralda , Cuevas‐Gómez Andrea P. , Unsworth Larry , Cornejo‐Mazón Maribel , Arroyo‐Maya Izlia J. , Hernandez‐Sanchez Humberto
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The development of bioactive compound delivery systems using protein‐based nanoparticles as carriers is a rapidly growing field of study. α‐Lactalbumin (α‐La) nanoparticles are adequate for this task because they are nonantigenic, biodegradable, and easily modifiable via the surface physical adsorption of other molecules. Here, the effect of poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) coating of α‐La nanoparticles on the stability against enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract was investigated.

RESULTS

α‐La nanoparticles were prepared by desolvation with acetone. It was observed that the pH of the initial protein suspension did not have a significant effect on the size, polydispersity index (PDI), or ζ‐potential of the nanoparticles, so the subsequent experiments were performed at pH 9, where 151.2 nm nanoparticles with a PDI of 0.072 and a ζ‐potential of −29.7 mV were obtained. The nanoparticles coating was performed with two MW‐range PLL at three concentrations. Coating efficiency increased as the polymer concentration increased and this was independent of the PLL MW. The best coating efficiency (90–95%) was obtained in the case of the 1 mg mL−1 PLL coating. Most PLL‐coated nanoparticles showed a good stability to the conditions of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion compared with the uncoated nanoparticles.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that the acetone desolvation method at pH 9 is adequate to obtain α‐La nanoparticles with good characteristics. The process of PLL coating of nanoparticles showed an increase in efficiency with the increase in concentration of the polymer. The resulting coated nanoparticles had enhanced resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Using lysis therapy to treat five critically ill COVID‐19 patients who show echocardiographic criteria of right ventricular strain
Authors: Mahdy Ahmed , Abbas Eslam , Tarek Rawad , Jabbour Nawar , Al‐Foudri Huda
Published: October 2021

New options for treatment escalation in critically ill COVID‐19 patients are unmet need. Five critically ill patients were treated using a low‐dose protocol thrombolytic therapy in the form of intravenous alteplase infusion over 15 min (0.6 mg/kg). This therapeutic intervention yielded an immediate favorable outcome on follow up and all five patients were extubated and transferred to the ward. This report suggests that bedside echocardiography can be a beneficial tool in the urgent assessment of the right ventricle—to—pulmonary vascular coupling in mechanically ventilated COVID‐19 patients, and thrombolytic therapy may be beneficial in hemodynamically unstable patients who show echocardiographic criteria of right ventricular strain.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Disproportionate trauma, stress, and adversities as a pathway to health disparities among disenfranchised groups globally
Authors: Allwood Maureen A. , Ford Julian D. , Levendosky Alytia
Published: October 2021

Globally, individuals and communities that are marginalized based on their identities are at heightened risk for exposure to traumatic stress and socioeconomic hardship. Marginalization and disproportionate risk for many types of adversities correspond with disparities in physical health, mental health, and overall well‐being. Together, the 12 empirical studies, one systematic review, and commentary in this special issue of the Journal of Traumatic Stress highlight the impact of discrimination and disproportionate adversity among groups marginalized based on race, ethnicity, nativity, caste, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, and medical status. Although most studies in this issue focus on the United States, the articles that focus on disparities and risk factors in India, El Salvador, Uganda, and Burundi provides a multicontinent global perspective. The global perspective, including the impact of the global pandemic, invites further examination of how disproportionate exposure to traumatic stress and adversity are associated with inequitable burden and health disparities worldwide. This special issue further highlights the developmental and multigenerational burden of systemic marginalization by including studies of children, young adults, adults, and parent–child dyads. Pathways for change and intervention are illustrated through a liberatory consciousness perspective, with one study utilizing liberatory media skills (e.g., positive media images and messages) to mitigate the adverse effects of trauma exposure on at‐risk young adults of color. Worldwide, research on the effects of trauma, stress, and adversities must examine contextual factors (e.g., economic hardship), marginalization (e.g., discrimination, identity factors), and the differential impact on health among individuals and communities.
Periosteal medial femoral condyle free flap for metacarpal nonunion
Authors: Christen Thierry , Krähenbühl Swenn M. , Müller Camillo T. , Durand Sébastien
Published: October 2021

Background

Metacarpal nonunion is a rare condition. The osteogenic capacity of periosteal free flap was investigated in five patients with metacarpal nonunion and impaired bone vascularization.

Patients and methods

Surgery was performed between 64 and 499 days after the initial bone osteosynthesis. The average age was 27.6 (range 16–32) years. Nonunion was caused by excessive periosteal removal in two patients, extensive open trauma in three. Four nonunions were diaphyseal, one metaphyseal. A periosteal medial femoral condyle free flap was raised on the descending genicular artery for four patients, the superomedial genicular artery for one. After osteosynthesis with a plate, the flap was wrapped around the metacarpal, overlapping the bone proximally and distally. The recipient vessel were the dorsal branch of the radial artery and a vena comitans in the anatomical snuffbox in four patients, at the base of the first webspace in one.

Results

The flap size ranged from 5 × 3.5 cm to 8 × 4 cm. No postoperative complication occurred. Radiological bone union was achieved 3 to 8 months after surgery. One patient had a full range of motion, one a slight extension lag of the proximal interphalangeal joint, two moderate joint stiffness of the proximal interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint (one requiring plate removal and extensor tenolysis), one severe stiffness that allowed using a hook grip which was the aim of the surgery.

Conclusion

In case of metacarpal nonunion with impaired bone vascularization, the periosteal medial femoral condyle free flap provides an effective and biomimetic approach to bone healing.
R0 estimation for COVID‐19 pandemic through exponential fit
Authors: Mingliang Zheng , Simos Theodore E. , Tsitouras Charalampos
Published: October 2021

We provide an easy and accurate method for approximating the reproduction number R0 defined in an SIR epidemic model. At first, we present a formula extracting the exact R0 in case of constant rates of infection and recovery assumed in an SIR model. Then, we proceed proposing an exponential fitting to various data taken from the real‐world epidemics. Certain applications for current COVID outbreak are considered, and figures describing the fluctuation of R0 in various countries are given.
Image‐based shading correction for narrow‐FOV truncated pelvic CBCT with deep convolutional neural networks and transfer learning
Authors: Rossi Matteo , Belotti Gabriele , Paganelli Chiara , Pella Andrea , Barcellini Amelia , Cerveri Pietro , Baroni Guido
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a standard solution for in‐room image guidance for radiation therapy. It is used to evaluate and compensate for anatomopathological changes between the dose delivery plan and the fraction delivery day. CBCT is a fast and versatile solution, but it suffers from drawbacks like low contrast and requires proper calibration to derive density values. Although these limitations are even more prominent with in‐room customized CBCT systems, strategies based on deep learning have shown potential in improving image quality. As such, this article presents a method based on a convolutional neural network and a novel two‐step supervised training based on the transfer learning paradigm for shading correction in CBCT volumes with narrow field of view (FOV) acquired with an ad hoc in‐room system.

Methods: We designed a U‐Net convolutional neural network, trained on axial slices of corresponding CT/CBCT couples. To improve the generalization capability of the network, we exploited two‐stage learning using two distinct data sets. At first, the network weights were trained using synthetic CBCT scans generated from a public data set, and then only the deepest layers of the network were trained again with real‐world clinical data to fine‐tune the weights. Synthetic data were generated according to real data acquisition parameters. The network takes a single grayscale volume as input and outputs the same volume with corrected shading and improved HU values.

Results: Evaluation was carried out with a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, computed on 18 unique CT/CBCT pairs from six different patients from a real‐world dataset. Comparing original CBCT to CT and improved CBCT to CT, we obtained an average improvement of 6 dB on peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), +2% on structural similarity index measure (SSIM). The median interquartile range (IQR) Hounsfield unit (HU) difference between CBCT and CT improved from 161.37 (162.54) HU to 49.41 (66.70) HU. Region of interest (ROI)‐based HU difference was narrowed by 75% in the spongy bone (femoral head), 89% in the bladder, 85% for fat, and 83% for muscle. The improvement in contrast‐to‐noise ratio for these ROIs was about 67%.

Conclusions: We demonstrated that shading correction obtaining CT‐compatible data from narrow‐FOV CBCTs acquired with a customized in‐room system is possible. Moreover, the transfer learning approach proved particularly beneficial for such a shading correction approach.
Utilizing flip angle/TR equivalence to reduce breath hold duration in hyperpolarized 129Xe 1‐point Dixon gas exchange imaging
Authors: Niedbalski Peter J. , Lu Junlan , Hall Chase S. , Castro Mario , Mugler John P. , Shim Yun M. , Driehuys Bastiaan
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To reduce scan duration in hyperpolarized 129Xe 1‐point Dixon gas exchange imaging by utilizing flip angle (FA)/TR equivalence.

Methods

Images were acquired in 12 subjects (n = 3 radiation therapy, n = 1 unexplained dyspnea, n = 8 healthy) using both standard (TR = 15 ms, FA = 20°, duration = 15 s, 998 projections) and “fast” (TR = 5.4 ms, FA = 12°, duration = 11.3 s, 2100 projections) acquisition parameters. For the fast acquisition, 3 image sets were reconstructed using subsets of 1900, 1500, and 1000 projections. From the resulting ventilation, tissue (“barrier”), and red blood cell (RBC) images, image metrics and biomarkers were compared to assess agreement between methods.

Results

Images acquired using both FA/TR settings had similar qualitative appearance. There were no significant differences in SNR, image mean, or image SD between images. Moreover, the percentage of the lungs in “defect”, “normal”, and “high” bins for each image (ventilation, RBC, barrier) was not significantly different among the acquisition types. After registration, comparison of 3D image metrics (Dice, volume similarity, average distance) agreed well between bins. Images using 1000 projections for reconstruction had no significant differences from images using all projections.

Conclusion

Using flip angle/TR equivalence, hyperpolarized 129Xe gas exchange images can be acquired via the 1‐point Dixon technique in as little as 6 s, compared to ~15 s for previously reported parameter settings. The resulting images from this accelerated scan have no significant differences from the standard method in qualitative appearance or quantitative metrics.
Nanocomposite interface coupled with thickness optimization promoting water dissociation in heterogeneous bipolar membrane
Authors: Eswaraswamy Bhuvanesh , Goel Priya , Mandal Priyabrata , Chandra Anusha , Chattopadhyay Sujay
Published: October 2021

Bipolar membranes (BPMs) are multilayered composite film containing an interface layer sandwiched between cation exchange layer (CEL) and anion exchange layer (AEL), and are capable of dissociating water molecules under reverse bias potential. Woven fabric supported heterogeneous bipolar membranes (HBMs) were synthesized adopting layer‐by‐layer solvent casting technique. Nanocomposite layer based on sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) and GO (graphene oxide) were applied at the interface of CEL/AEL made of cation/anion exchange resins and poly (vinyl chloride) as binder to advance water dissociation in HBMs. Thickness of monopolar layers were initially optimized without any interfacial layer. Introduction of SPEEK interface substantially lowered onset water dissociation potential, Udiss (~1.87 V) relative to the HBM without interface (~3.27 V), which got further reduced (~1.80 V) by nanocomposite (GO + SPEEK) interface. Udiss recorded with SPEEK + GO as interface was much lower than some of the recently reported homogeneous BPM. The NaOH production from NaCl (1.0 mol⋅L−1) solution in a bipolar membrane electrodialysis set up containing synthesized HBM with nanocomposite interface (SPEEK + GO) was double than that of NaOH concentration obtained with HBM having no interface, where the current density was fixed at 50.0 mA·cm−2. Careful optimization of monopolar/interface layer thickness and composition of nanocomposite interface results in developing cost effective HBMs facilitating water dissociation at lower potential.
Infantile myofibromatosis: Excellent prognosis but also rare fatal progressive disease. Treatment results of five Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials and one registry
Authors: Sparber‐Sauer Monika , Vokuhl Christian , Seitz Guido , Sorg Benjamin , Tobias Möllers , von Kalle Thekla , Münter Marc , Bielack Stefan S. , Ladenstein Ruth , Ljungman Gustaf , Niggli Felix , Frühwald Michael , Loff Stefan , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa
Published: October 2021

Background

Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a rare benign soft tissue tumor and often a self‐limiting disease but rarely includes life‐threatening complications. Little is known about optimal treatment of primary localized (LD) and multifocal disease (MFD).

Methods

Treatment and outcome of 95 children with IM registered within five Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) trials and one registry (1981–2016) were evaluated.

Results

LD was diagnosed in 71 patients at a median age of 0.4 years (range 0.0–17.7). MFD was present in 24 patients. The mainstay of treatment was watch‐and‐wait strategy (w&w) after initial biopsy or resection. Low‐dose chemotherapy (CHT) was administered to 16/71 (23%) patients with LD and eight of 24 (33%) patients with MFD, imatinib was added in two. A delayed resection was possible in eight of 71 (11%) and five of 24 (21%) patients with LD and MFD, respectively. Overall, patients were alive in complete remission (n = 77) and partial remission (n = 10) at a median follow‐up time of 3.4 years after diagnosis (range 0.01–19.4); no data available (n = 5). Three patients died of progressive disease (PD) despite CHT. Gender, tumor size, and location correlated with a favorable event‐free survival (EFS) in patients with LD. The 5‐year EFS and overall survival of patients with LD were 73% (±12, confidence interval [CI] 95%) and 95% (±6, CI 95%), respectively; for MFD 51% (±22, CI 95%) and 95% (±10, CI 95%).

Conclusion

Prognosis is excellent in patients with LD and MFD. Targeted treatment needs to be evaluated for rare fatal PD.
Guidelines for radiotherapy of prostate cancer (2020 edition)
Authors: Li Gaofeng , Li Yexiong , Wang Junjie , Gao Xianshu , Zhong Qiuzi , He Liru , Li Chunmei , Liu Ming , Liu Yueping , Ma Mingwei , Wang Hao , Wang Xuan , Zhu Hui
Published: October 2021

In recent years, the incidence of prostate cancer in China has shown a trend of continuous growth. Prostate cancer has become a urinary malignant tumor that seriously affects the health of men in China. Radical surgery and precision radiotherapy are the main methods of radical treatment for prostate cancer. Standardized diagnosis and treatment via a multidisciplinary team should be the standard practice to improve cure rate. Rapid development in imaging, pathology and molecular gene diagnosis has significantly changed the management of prostate cancer. In radiation oncology, image‐guided intensity modulated radiotherapy has been widely adopted in the treatment of prostate cancer. The comprehensive approach centered with radiotherapy has achieved excellent curative effect while continuously reducing treatment‐related side effects.
Crystal‐structures‐guided design of fragment‐based drugs for inhibiting the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Luan Binquan , Huynh Tien
Published: October 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, scientists across the globe are racing to find a cure for the highly contagious infectious disease caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Despite many promising ongoing progress, there are currently no FDA approved drug to treat infected patients. Recently, the crowdsourcing of drug discovery for inhibiting the main protease (Mpro) of SARS‐CoV‐2 have yielded a plenty of drug fragments resolved inside the active site of Mpro via the crystallography method. Following the principle of fragment‐based drug design (FBDD), we are motivated to design a potent drug candidate (named B19) by merging three fragments JFM, U0P, and HWH. Through extensive all‐atom molecular dynamics simulation and molecular docking, we found that B19 among all designed ones is most stable inside the Mpro's active site and the binding free energy of B19 is comparable to or even a little better than that of a native protein ligand processed by Mpro. Our promising results suggest that B19 and its derivatives can potentially be efficacious drug candidates for COVID‐19.
Direct synthesis of reduced order H controllers for a class of multivariable plants
Authors: Gopmandal Falguni , Ghosh Arun
Published: October 2021

Given annth order,‐control input,p‐measured output generalized plant, this article proposes a simple, direct approach to design an output feedback Hcontroller with ordersatisfyingfor, orfor. For this purpose, the output feedback Hcontrol problem is transformed into an Hstate feedback problem for an augmented generalized system. A class of plants for which this transformation always exists and the ensuing controller has order as above, is identified. As a result, for such plants, the reduced order Hcontroller gains are found just by solving a simple linear matrix inequality problem used in state feedback based Hcontrol. The efficacy of the proposed approach is studied on some benchmark examples.
Global adaptive output feedback control for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with unknown homogeneous growth rates
Authors: Jiang Yan
Published: October 2021

This article focuses on the adaptive output feedback stabilization for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems whose drift and diffusion terms satisfy homogeneous growth conditions. Since the homogeneous growth rates are unknown, two dynamic gains are coupled into the full‐order homogeneous observer. By virtue of adding a power integrator technique and the homogeneity theory, two adaptive laws and a homogeneous output feedback controller are designed. Based on the celebrated nonnegative semimartingale convergence theorem and the general stochastic Barbˇlat's lemma, it is indicated that all the signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded almost surely, and all the system states of the closed‐loop system converge to origin almost surely. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by means of both numerical and practical examples.
Antifouling Performance of Cellulose Acetate Films Based on a New Benzoxazine Derivative
Authors: Musa Abdulrahman , Alamry Khalid A. , Hussein Mahmoud A. , Abdulrahman Idris
Published: October 2021

Fouling is an industrial problem that affects the maritime sector, and it has caused damages to equipment and vessels used in this industry. This research focuses on the synthesis of a novel arylidene‐based benzoxazine compound (HBC) and its use as a modifier for cellulose acetate (CA) matrix to form film samples and the investigation of their antifouling efficacy. The HBC compound was synthesized from a bis(arylidene)cyclopentanone diol compound and characterized appropriately using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods, respectively. Different weight ratios: 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 %w/w of HBC to CA were mixed to give the films; CA‐0, CA‐10, CA‐20, CA‐30, and CA‐40, respectively. The fabricated films were characterized by FTIR analysis, and their morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability of the films was also studied using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), while the antifouling performance of the films was tested against strains of natural, biofilm‐forming bacteria isolated from artificial nets submerged in the Red Sea. Biofilm inhibitory test and bactericidal assay were conducted on the fabricated film materials using well established standard methods. The results of this investigation indicate that the HBC modified CA films contain relevant bioactive molecules that can inhibit primary colonizers in biofouling formation and will make a good antifouling coating film candidate. The CA‐40 revealed an inhibitory activity of 37 % and a bacterial killing efficacy of 87 %.
A Robust Superhydrophobic/Conductive Composite Coating with Excellent Anticorrosive Performance
Authors: Xu Haidong , Zhang Liang , Wang Luyao , Lu Yong , Feng Huixia
Published: October 2021

Corrosion has caused huge economic losses each year in the world. Here, a robust superhydrophobic polysiloxane and metal oxide conductive polyaniline composite coating (POS‐RA‐OPAN) was prepared based on the innovation problem theory and the method (TRIZ), the superhydrophobic polysiloxane layer is mainly used to reduce chemical corrosion and the metal oxide conductive polyaniline composite layer is mainly used to reduce electrochemical corrosion. Contact angle (CA) and sliding angle (SA) of POS‐RA‐OPAN reach 157.4°±2.1 and 5.3°±1.5, respectively. Its protection efficiency is 99.99 %, the CA is only reduced to 148.1° from the initial 157.4° after the 196 times peeling tests. The open‐circuit potential (Eocp) remains at a high potential of 178 mV after the immersion of 792 h. POS‐RA‐OPAN has excellent superhydrophobicity, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and corrosion durability.
A Carbon Ionic Liquid Paste Sensor Modified with Lanthanum Nanorods /MWCNTs/Nafion Hybrid Composite for Carbamazepine Screening in Biological and Pharmaceutical Media
Authors: Tarahomi Somayeh , Rounaghi Gholam Hossein , Daneshvar Leili , Eftekhari Mohammad
Published: October 2021

In this original paper, a new electrochemical sensor for carbamazepine (CBZ) was developed. First, lanthanum nanorods (LaNRs) were synthesized by a simple microemulsion method. Then, a nanocomposite consist of lanthanum nanorods, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and nafion (LaNRs/MWCNTs/Nafion) was prepared and deposited at the surface of the carbon ionic liquid paste electrode (CILPE). X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure of synthesized LaNRs and the surface morphology of the modified electrode. Also, electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were utilized to investigate the performance of the proposed electrode. Under the optimal conditions, a linear relationship of the electrical signal versus the concentration of CBZ was obtained in the range from 0.06 μM to 20 μM with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.006 μM and quantification limit (LOQ) of 0.02 μM. Eventually, the fabricated sensor was satisfactorily applied for rapid and accurate determination of CBZ in real samples.
Synthesis, Structural Elucidation, In Vitro Antibacterial Activity and Antioxidant Property of a Novel Oxo‐Vanadium(V) Dimer Complex Incorporating Deferasirox Ligand
Authors: Zandvakili Tayebe , Fatemi S. Jamil , Ebrahimipour S. Yousef , Ebrahimnejad Hadi , Dusek Michal , Eigner Vaclav
Published: October 2021

A novel V(V) dimer complex [VO(DFX)(BuO)]2.BuOH, (DFX=deferasirox, BuOH=1‐butanol) was synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, 1HNMR, 51V NMR, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molar conductivity. The spectroscopically predicted structure of the synthesized Vanadium complex was also verified by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The deferasirox ligand is coordinated to V(V) center in a tridentate fashion by two phenolate oxygen atoms and one triazole nitrogen atom, with one of the phenolates acting as bridging ligand in the dimer complex. The coordination sphere is completed by oxo group and butanolate anion. The antibacterial activities of deferasirox and its V(V) dimer complex were investigated using the zone of inhibition and the minimal inhibitory concentration of the dilution assays against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria strains. The antibiofilm potential of these compounds was also examined by evaluating their activity against biofilm formation of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria strains. Additionally, free‐radical‐scavenging ability of compounds was evaluated by their interaction with the stable free radical 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Generally, in all assays the V(V) synthesized complex, demonstrated a moderate and selective activity.
Contactless Series Resistance Imaging of Perovskite Solar Cells via Inhomogeneous Illumination
Authors: Mahboubi Soufiani Arman , Zhu Yan , Mussakhanuly Nursultan , Yun Jae Sung , Trupke Thorsten , Hameiri Ziv
Published: October 2021

A contactless effective series resistance imaging method for large‐area perovskite solar cells that is based on photoluminescence imaging with nonuniform illumination is introduced and demonstrated experimentally. The proposed technique is applicable to partially and fully processed perovskite solar cells if laterally conductive layers are present. The capability of the proposed contactless method to detect features with high effective series resistance is validated by comparison with various contacted mode luminescence imaging techniques. The method can reliably provide information regarding the severeness of the detected series resistance through photoexcitation pattern manipulation. Application of the method to subcells in monolithic tandem devices, without the need for electrical contacting the terminals, appears feasible.
Strontium‐Doped CsPbI3 Quantum Dots as an Interfacial Layer for Efficient Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Yinyan , Wang Qian , Zhang Lun , Lyu Mei , Lu Hongbo , Bai Tianxin , Liu Feng , Wang Mingkui , Zhu Jun
Published: October 2021

Interfacial recombination and nonradiative recombination in inorganic CsPbIBr2 solar cells impede the device performance. Herein, surface passivation of CsPbIBr2 inorganic perovskite layers with Sr‐doped CsPbI3 quantum dots (QDs), which act as an efficient interlayer to reduce interfacial recombination and enhance hole extraction as well, is reported for the first time. It is found that the simultaneous Sr2+ ion doping and surface Cl− ion passivation for CsPbI3 QDs results in an enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield with an increased carrier lifetime. The resulting perovskite solar cells achieve a highly efficient power conversion efficiency of 10.32% with enhanced high open circuit Voc of 1.20 V. It is logically inferred that this approach can be a promising tool for improving device performance in inorganic perovskite solar cells.
Near‐Field Optical Excitations in Silicon Subwavelength Light Funnel Arrays for Broadband Absorption of the Solar Radiation
Authors: Chauhan Ankit , Prajapati Ashish , Calaza Carlos , Fonseca Helder , Sousa Patrícia C. , Llobet Jordi , Shalev Gil
Published: October 2021

Broadband absorption is pivotal for the realization of green energy based on solar energy. Decoration of photovoltaic cells with arrays of subwavelength formations provides an efficient means for broadband absorption in thin films. Surface arrays of silicon light funnels (LFs) have been suggested as a promising platform to produce broadband absorption that is considerably superior to other subwavelength arrays such as the well‐known nanopillar (NP) arrays. The current study explores the underlying mechanism of broadband absorption in LF arrays. To this end, the optical near‐field of LF and NP arrays is experimentally probed using a near‐field scanning optical microscopy. It is shown that in LF arrays the near‐field increases as the array period decreases in contrast with NP arrays in which the near‐field decreases with decreasing array period. Also, the experimental near‐field of the arrays follows the numerically calculated absorption cross section of the array‐nested NPs/LFs. Therefore, the origin to the broadband absorption in compact LF arrays is due to field overlap of adjacent LFs which increases the absorption cross section of the individual LFs composing the array. This absorption cross‐sectional enhancement coupled with a higher filling ratio in compact arrays produces broadband absorption that is significantly greater than that of NP arrays.
The New Politics of Numbers: An Introduction
Authors: Mennicken Andrea , Salais Robert
Published: October 2021

This chapter sets out what is “new” in the politics of numbers and this volume’s approach to their study. Rather than asking what quantificationis, this volume is interested in describing and analysing what quantificationdoes, tracking and unpacking various quantification practices and their manifold consequences in different domains. The book revisits the power of numbers, and examines changing relations between numbers and democracy. It engages, for the first time, Foucault inspired studies of quantification and the economics of convention in a critical dialogue. In so doing, the volume seeks to account more systematically for the plurality of the possible ways in which numbers can come to govern, highlighting not only disciplinary effects but also the collective mobilization capacities quantification can offer.