bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal changes in the accessory protein mutations of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants and their predicted structural and functional effects
Authors: Cruz Christian Alfredo K. , Medina Paul Mark B.
Published: June 2022

Emerging variants enable the continuous spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 in humans. The factors contributing to behavioral differences in variants remain elusive despite associations with several Spike protein mutations. Exploring accessory proteins may provide a wider understanding of these differences since these proteins may affect viral processes that occur beyond infection. Various bioinformatics tools were utilized to identify significant accessory protein mutations and determine their structural and functional effects over time. The ViruClust web application was used to retrieve accessory protein amino acid sequences and determine mutation frequencies in these sequences across time. The structural and functional effects of the mutations were determined using Missense3D and PROVEAN, respectively. The accessory and Spike protein mutations were compared using mutation densities. Q57H and T151I of ORF3a; T21I and W27L of ORF6; G38V, V82A, and T120I of ORF7a; S31P and T40I of ORF7b; and R52I, C61F, and I121L of ORF8 were highly frequent in most variants of concern and were within known functional domains. Thus, these are good candidates for further experimental evaluation. Among the accessory proteins, ORF6 and ORF8 were highlighted because of their strong and weak correlation with Spike protein mutations, respectively.
Introduction of a guideline for measurements of greenhouse gas fluxes from soils using non‐steady‐state chambers
Authors: Maier Martin , Weber Tobias K. D. , Fiedler Jan , Fuß Roland , Glatzel Stephan , Huth Vytas , Jordan Sabine , Jurasinski Gerald , Kutzbach Lars , Schäfer Klaus , Weymann Daniel , Hagemann Ulrike
Published: June 2022

Soils represent a major global source and sink of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Many studies of GHG fluxes between soil, plant and atmosphere rely on chamber measurements. Different chamber techniques have been developed over the last decades, each characterised by different requirements and limitations. In this manuscript, we focus on the non‐steady‐state technique which is widely used for manual measurements but also in automatic systems. Although the measurement method appears very simple, experience gained over the years shows that there are many details which have to be taken into account to obtain reliable measurement results.

This manuscript aims to share lessons learnt and pass on experiences in order to assist the reader with possible questions or unexpected challenges, ranging from the planning of the design of studies and chambers to the practical handling of the chambers and the quality assurance of the gas and data analysis. This concise introduction refers to a more extensive Best Practice Guideline initiated by the Working Group Soil Gases (AG Bodengase) of the German Soil Science Society (Deutsche Bodenkundliche Gesellschaft). The intention was to collect and aggregate the expertise of different working groups in the research field. As a compendium, this Best Practice Guideline is intended to help both beginners and experts to meet the practical and theoretical challenges of measuring soil gas fluxes with non‐steady‐state chamber systems and to improve the quality of the individual flux measurements and thus entire GHG studies by reducing sources of uncertainty and error.
Late Pleistocene history of aggradation and incision within a bedrock gorge, Narmada River, central India: implications for resurgent tectonic activity and changing climate
Authors: Sridhar Alpa , Bhattacharya Falguni , Vanik Naimisha , Maurya D. M. , Chamyal L. S.
Published: June 2022

Bedrock gorges occurring on the Indian Peninsula are sites of intense erosive activity where thick sequences of fluvial sediments are conspicuously absent. We identified unusually thick and coarse fluvial sequences within the Dhadgaon (DG) gorge in the lower reaches of the Narmada River in central India. Stratigraphic interpretations, sediment character and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages revealed episodic aggradation at ~70 ka and ~28 ka in response to tectonically induced steepening of the upstream channel gradient. Incision of the DG gorge and sedimentation of the alluvial fan downstream was facilitated by a climatically induced decrease in the sediment supply/discharge ratio in addition to the tectonic slope. The final evacuation of sediments from the DG gorge and incision of the Banganga channel occurred during the early Holocene. Collectively, the results show a major influence of tectonics, hillslope processes and lithology on aggradation–incision patterns supported by climatic conditions during the late Quaternary.
Implications of leukocytosis following distal pancreatectomy splenectomy (DPS) and association with postoperative complications
Authors: Labib Jessica Y. , Lovasik Brendan P. , Lad Neha , Saltalamacchia Julia , Maithel Shishir K. , Sarmiento Juan M. , Staley Charles A. , Sweeney John F. , Kooby David A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Early identification of complications after distal pancreatectomy splenectomy (DPS) poses challenges, as white blood cell count (WBC) is confounded by physiologic leukocytosis. We examined WBC patterns associated with complications after DPS.

Methods

Clinicopathologic data were collected for patients who underwent DPS in our system from 2009 to 2016. We examined WBC, temperature, platelet count (PC), and ratios of these variables as potential early indicators of patients at risk of infections or major complications (MCs).

Results

348 patients met study inclusion, of whom 206 (59%) were women and the median patient age was 59 ± 15 years. Infectious and MC rates were 11% and 16%, respectively, with <1% 30‐day mortality. Postoperative WBC peaks were higher in patients with infections and MCs compared with no complication (23 vs. 17, p < 0.0001). WBC peak timing occurred postoperative day (POD) 2–3 for uncomplicated cases while peaks occurred POD9 for patients with infections and MCs.

Discussion

These data define patterns of leukocytosis following DPS. Although differences in infection markers were identified for patients with and without complications, no obvious thresholds were identified. Clinical suspicion for complications after DPS remains our best tool for early identification.
Corrosion protection of Mg‐SiC nanocomposite through plasma electrolytic oxidation coating process
Authors: Golhin Ali P. , Kamrani Sepideh , Fleck Claudia , Ghasemi Alireza
Published: June 2022

Understanding the role of nanoparticles in magnesium (Mg)‐based materials and protective coating provides valuable information to achieve an optimized combination of mechanical and corrosion protection properties of Mg nanocomposites. The present study investigates the effects of SiC nanoparticles on the corrosion behavior and structure of Mg‐SiC composites substrates coated by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). Moreover, the influence of different volume fractions of SiCn up to 10% on corrosion behavior and galvanic reactions between Mg matrix and SiC particles was also investigated. The morphology, distribution of the phases, and the microstructure of the coating were characterized by SEM, EDAX, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and XRD. The corrosion resistance of the samples was determined through dynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests before and after PEO coating treatment. The results indicate that the Mg nanocomposite with 1 vol% SiCn (M1Sn) coated by PEO coating shows higher corrosion resistance than the samples with a higher percentage of SiCn, as well as the sample without SiCn particles.
Polyphenol–Metal Functionalized Hydrogel Dressing with Sustained Release, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Properties for the Potential Treatment of Chronic Wounds
Authors: Zeng Zhiwen , Guo Cuiping , Lu Daohuan , Geng Zhijie , Pei Dating , Yu Shan
Published: June 2022

Infection and chronic inflammation caused by oxidative stress are the main challenges in chronic wound healing. In this study, a silk fibroin/kappa‐carrageenan (kCA)‐based hydrogel functionalized with epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and Cu2+ is fabricated for chronic wound healing. Polyphenol–metal functional complexes and ionic‐covalent entanglement networks are prepared by introducing Cu2+. Cu2+ coordinates with kCA to enhance the mechanical properties and chelates with EGCG to form an EGCG‐Cu2+ complex that continuously releases EGCG. The sustained release of EGCG enhances the antibacterial properties by synergizing with the effects of Cu2+. Furthermore, the prepared hydrogel exhibits a potent ability to scavenge excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species, controllable antioxidant bioactivity, and reliable biocompatibility. Ultimately, the resulting multifunctional hydrogel dressing provides a potential and effective strategy for chronic wound care management with increased mechanical strength and antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Two‐grid stabilized algorithms for the steady Navier–Stokes equations with damping
Authors: Zheng Bo , Shang Yueqiang
Published: June 2022

This paper presents and studies three two‐grid stabilized quadratic equal‐order finite element algorithms based on two local Gauss integrations for the steady Navier–Stokes equations with damping. In these algorithms, we first solve a stabilized nonlinear problem on a coarse grid, and then pass the coarse grid solution to a fine grid and solve a stabilized linear problem. Using some nonlinear analysis techniques, we analyze stability of the algorithms and derive optimal order error estimates of the approximate solutions. Theoretical and numerical results show that, when the algorithmic parameters are chosen appropriately, the accuracy of the approximate solutions computed by our two‐grid stabilized algorithms is comparable to that of solving a fully stabilized nonlinear problem on the same fine grid; however, our two‐grid algorithms save a large amount of CPU time than the one‐grid stabilized algorithm.
Cardiovascular risk factors in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A family design study of Swedish conscripts
Authors: Garcia‐Argibay Miguel , Du Rietz Ebba , Hartman Catharina A. , Lichtenstein Paul , Chang Zheng , Fava Cristiano , Cortese Samuele , Larsson Henrik
Published: June 2022

Objective

(1) investigate the associations of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, pulse pressure (PP), physical fitness, and BMI; (2) explore whether cardiovascular risk factors and ADHD share genetic and environmental influences; (3) assess if pharmacological treatment for ADHD influences these associations.

Methods

We identified 395,978 individuals born between 1973 and 1991 who had military conscription examinations at a mean age of 18.3 years (SD = 0.57) and their full‐siblings within the same cohort (N = 208,060) by linking population‐based registers in Sweden.

Results

Significantly increased risk of ADHD was observed in individuals with low systolic blood pressure (SBP) and PP, low physical fitness, and in those who had overweight or obesity after adjustments (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR] ranging from 1.10 to 1.45). Full siblings of individuals with low SBP, low physical fitness, and obesity were more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis compared to full siblings without those risk factors (OR ranging from 1.17 to 1.31). Additionally, analyses showed robust associations between ADHD and low SBP, low physical fitness, and obesity, even in ADHD medication‐naïve individuals.

Conclusions

Individuals with several cardiovascular risk factors are more often diagnosed with ADHD, regardless of psychiatric comorbidity. These association are not explained by ADHD pharmacotherapy, rather, they are in part due to shared familial risk factors.
A 32‐element loop/dipole hybrid array for human head imaging at 7 T
Authors: Avdievich Nikolai I. , Nikulin Anton V. , Ruhm Loreen , Magill Arthur W. , Glang Felix , Henning Anke , Scheffler Klaus
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To improve whole‐brain SNR at 7 Tesla, a novel 32‐element hybrid human head array coil was developed, constructed, and tested.

Methods

Our general design strategy is based on 2 major ideas: Firstly, following suggestions of previous works based on the ultimate intrinsic SNR theory, we combined loops and dipoles for improvement of SNR near the head center. Secondly, we minimized the total number of array elements by using a hybrid combination of transceive (TxRx) and receive (Rx) elements. The new hybrid array consisted of 8 folded‐end TxRx‐dipole antennas and 3 rows of 24 Rx‐loops all placed in a single layer on the surface of a tight‐fit helmet.

Results

The developed array significantly improved SNR in vivo both near the center (∼20%) and at the periphery (∼20% to 80%) in comparison to a common commercial array coil with 8 transmit (Tx) and 32 Rx‐elements. Whereas 24 loops alone delivered central SNR very similar to that of the commercial coil, the addition of complementary dipole structures provided further improvement. The new array also provided ∼15% higher Tx efficiency and better longitudinal coverage than that of the commercial array.

Conclusion

The developed array coil demonstrated advantages in combining complementary TxRx and Rx resonant structures, that is, TxRx‐dipoles and Rx‐loops all placed in a single layer at the same distance to the head. This strategy improved both SNR and Tx‐performance, as well as simplified the total head coil design, making it more robust.
Multi‐echo quantitative susceptibility mapping: how to combine echoes for accuracy and precision at 3 Tesla
Authors: Biondetti Emma , Karsa Anita , Grussu Francesco , Battiston Marco , Yiannakas Marios C. , Thomas David L. , Shmueli Karin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To compare different multi‐echo combination methods for MRI QSM. Given the current lack of consensus, we aimed to elucidate how to optimally combine multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo signal phase information, either before or after applying Laplacian‐base methods (LBMs) for phase unwrapping or background field removal.

Methods

Multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo data were simulated in a numerical head phantom, and multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo images were acquired at 3 Tesla in 10 healthy volunteers. To enable image‐based estimation of gradient‐recalled echo signal noise, 5 volunteers were scanned twice in the same session without repositioning. Five QSM processing pipelines were designed: 1 applied nonlinear phase fitting over TEs before LBMs; 2 applied LBMs to the TE‐dependent phase and then combined multiple TEs via either TE‐weighted or SNR‐weighted averaging; and 2 calculated TE‐dependent susceptibility maps via either multi‐step or single‐step QSM and then combined multiple TEs via magnitude‐weighted averaging. Results from different pipelines were compared using visual inspection; summary statistics of susceptibility in deep gray matter, white matter, and venous regions; phase noise maps (error propagation theory); and, in the healthy volunteers, regional fixed bias analysis (Bland–Altman) and regional differences between the means (nonparametric tests).

Results

Nonlinearly fitting the multi‐echo phase over TEs before applying LBMs provided the highest regional accuracy of and the lowest phase noise propagation compared to averaging the LBM‐processed TE‐dependent phase. This result was especially pertinent in high‐susceptibility venous regions.

Conclusion

For multi‐echo QSM, we recommend combining the signal phase by nonlinear fitting before applying LBMs.
An expanded access protocol of RT001 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—Initial experience with a lipid peroxidation inhibitor
Authors: Yerton Megan , Winter Allison , Kostov Anthony , Lieberman Cassandra , Gelevski Dario , Weber Harli , Doyle Michael , Kane Geli , Parikh Neil , Burke Katherine M. , Rohrer Margot , Stirrat Taylor , Bruno Margaret , Hochman Alison , Luppino Sarah , Scalia Jennifer , Skoniecki Debra , D'Agostino Derek , Sinani Ervin , Yu Hong , Sherman Alexander V. , Babu Suma , Berry James D. , Midei Mark G. , Milner Peter G. , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Paganoni Sabrina
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Aims

Lipid peroxidation is thought to play a biologically important role in motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 11,11 Di‐deuterated linoleic ethyl ester (RT001) prevents lipid peroxidation in cellular and mitochondrial membranes. Herein we report on the use of RT001 under expanded access (EA).

Methods

We provided RT001 to patients with ALS via EA at a single site. The starting dose was 2.88 g/day, which was increased to to 8.64 g/day as tolerated. Participants were not eligible for alternative clinical trials. Participants were followed for adverse events and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were measured approximately 3 months after RT001 initiation.

Results

Sixteen participants received RT001 (5.6 ± 1.6 g/day; dose range, 1.92 to 8.64 g/day) for a mean period of 10.8 ± 7.1 months. After 3 months of treatment, PK studies showed that RT001 was absorbed, metabolized, and incorporated into red blood cell membranes at concentrations expected to be therapeutic based on in vitro models. The most common adverse events were gastrointestinal, including diarrhea, which occurred in 25% of the participants, and were considered possibly related to RT001. One participant (6%) discontinued due to an adverse event. Ten serious adverse events occurred: these events were recognized complications of ALS and none were attributed to treatment with RT001.

Discussion

RT001 was administered safely to a small group of people living with ALS in the context of an EA protocol. Currently, there is an ongoing randomized, double‐blind, controlled study of RT001 in ALS.
Transgender and nonbinary young adults' perception of sibling and parental support for gender identity
Authors: Bosse Jordon D. , Dion Kimberly A. , Campbell Galman Sally , Chiodo Lisa M.
Published: June 2022

Transgender and nonbinary young adults report frequent parental rejection was linked to poor mental health. There are limited data about transgender and nonbinary young adult sibling relationships following disclosure or discovery of gender identity. The purpose of this analysis is to compare transgender and nonbinary young adults' perception of parental and sibling support specifically for gender identity immediately after disclosure and in the present day. Eligible respondents were recruited via paid social media advertisements. Respondents provided data on demographics, family relationships, and perceived support for gender identity. The sample consisted of 348 transgender and nonbinary young adults (Mean age: 21.5 years) who lived in the United States, identified as White and were assigned female at birth. The majority reported on a nuclear family. Nearly three‐quarters (71.3%) had disclosed their identity to at least one parent and had done so within the past 3 years. Overall, respondents perceived a significant increase in family members' support from the time of disclosure to the time of the survey. Most respondents reported improved family relationships since disclosing their gender identity. Siblings were perceived as significantly more supportive than either parent at both time points. Siblings could be an essential source of support for transgender/nonbinary young people, particularly if parents are not accepting or do not yet know their child's gender identity. Nurses and other professionals working with transgender and nonbinary young people in school, community, and clinical settings should assess perceived support across familial relationships.
Later energy intake relative to mathematically modeled circadian time is associated with higher percentage body fat
Authors: McHill Andrew W. , Brown Lindsey S. , Phillips Andrew J. K. , Barger Laura K. , Garaulet Marta , Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Klerman Elizabeth B.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Later circadian timing of energy intake is associated with higher body fat percentage. Current methods for obtaining accurate circadian timing are labor‐ and cost‐intensive, limiting practical application of this relationship. This study investigated whether the timing of energy intake relative to a mathematically modeled circadian time, derived from easily collected ambulatory data, would differ between participants with a lean or overweight/obesity body fat percentage.

Methods

Participants (N = 87) wore a light‐ and activity‐measuring device (actigraph) throughout a cross‐sectional 30‐day study. For 7 consecutive days within these 30 days, participants used a time‐stamped‐picture phone application to record energy intake. Body fat percentage was recorded. Circadian time was defined using melatonin onset from in‐laboratory collected repeat saliva sampling or using light and activity or activity data alone entered into a mathematical model.

Results

Participants with overweight/obesity body fat percentages ate 50% of their daily calories significantly closer to model‐predicted melatonin onset from light and activity data (0.61 hours closer) or activity data alone (0.86 hours closer; both log‐rank p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Use of mathematically modeled circadian timing resulted in similar relationships between the timing of energy intake and body composition as that observed using in‐laboratory collected metrics. These findings may facilitate use of circadian timing in time‐based interventions.
Individuals with obesity who survive SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have preserved antigen‐specific T cell frequencies
Authors: Wrigley Kelly Neil E. , Kenny Grace , Cassidy Féaron C. , Garcia‐Leon Alejandro A. , De Barra Conor , Mallon Patrick W. G. , Hogan Andrew E. , O'Shea Donal
Published: June 2022

Objective

Obesity is a major risk factor for severe disease in COVID‐19, with increased hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and mortality. This increased impact of COVID‐19 in people with obesity (PWO) is likely driven, in part, by the well‐described obesity‐induced immune dysregulation. Obesity has also been associated with impaired immune memory in many settings, including weakened responses to hepatitis B, tetanus, rabies, and influenza vaccination. Recently, it was reported that PWO who have COVID‐19 have reduced IgG antibody titers with defective neutralizing capabilities. However, it remains unknown whether PWO generate durable T cell immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2.

Methods

This study investigated SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific T cell responses in a cohort of 40 patients (n = 20 PWO and n = 20 matched control individuals) who had recovered from COVID‐19. T cell (CD4+, CD8+) cytokine responses (IFNγ, TNFα) to SARS‐CoV‐2 peptide pools (spike, membrane) were determined using multicolor flow cytometry.

Results

Circulating T cells specific for SARS‐CoV‐2 were readily detected in the total cohort. PWO displayed comparable levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike‐ and membrane‐specific T cells, with both T cell subsets responding.

Conclusions

These data indicate that PWO who survive COVID‐19 generate robust and durable SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific T cell immunity that is equivalent to that seen in those without obesity.
An eight‐membered cyclosiloxane conjugated microporous polymer performed a rapid and sensitive fluorescence detection of 2,4‐dinitrophenol
Authors: Geng Tongmou , Wang Fengqiang , Fang Xuechun , Xia Hongyu
Published: June 2022

A nitrogen‐rich porous inorganic–organic hybrid polymer, TMPS, was successfully synthesized by Friedel–Crafts arylation with anhydrous aluminum trichloride as a catalyst, which has good sensitivity to nitro‐aromatic compounds. The material was systematically characterized by using FT‐IR, solid‐state 13C NMR, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, solid‐state UV–Vis, and so forth. The thermogravimetric analysis experiments confirmed that TMPS has very good thermal stability. Its Brunauer Emmett Teller specific surface area measured by nitrogen adsorption desorption experiment is 115 m2 g−1. Due to its excellent conjugated structure and nitrogen‐rich features, TMPS exhibits a very high sensitivity and selectivity to 2,4‐dinnitrophenol. Based on the data obtained from the fluorescence detection experiment, the KSV and limit of detection are 1.84 × 104 L mol−1 and 1.63 × 10−11 mol L−1, respectively. Therefore, TMPS can act as a fast and sensitive fluorescent sensor to detect DNP.
Tribological performance evaluation of slag waste filled phenolic composites for automotive braking applications
Authors: Rajan R. , Tyagi Yogesh K. , Pruncu Catalin I. , Kulshreshtha Shweta , Ranakoti Lalit , Singh Tej
Published: June 2022

Slag waste‐filled phenolic resin‐based automotive brake friction composites were formulated, fabricated, followed by mechanical, physical characterization, and tribo‐evaluation. According to economic commission for Europe regulation, the tribological performance of the composites was evaluated on a Krauss friction‐testing machine. The increase in slag waste content led to increased physical properties such as density, porosity, ash contents, and compressibility, whereas hardness, acetone extraction, and shear strength increased with increased phenolic resin content. The fade and friction performance has been observed to be highly dependent on the slag waste content, that is, both followed a consistent decrease with the increase in the phenolic resin content, whereas the frictional fluctuations have been observed to decrease with the increase in slag waste content. In particular, the composites containing 65 wt% slag waste and 5 wt% phenolic resin showed the highest friction coefficient (0.406), lowest fade (20.44%) and frictional fluctuation (0.209), but the wear (10.80 g) and disc temperature rise (618°C) remains highest. Composite with the lowest slag waste content of 50 wt% combined with the highest phenolic resin of 20 wt% showed higher recovery performance (120.63%), lowest wear (4.45 g) and disc temperature rise (536°C), but exhibits lowest friction coefficient (0.315) and friction stability (0.79) along with highest friction variability (0.60) and fluctuations (0.238). Friction and wear data analysis revealed the predominance of the fade factor for friction performance while the fade factor and disc temperature‐induced results significantly influence the wear performance. The worn surface micrograph showed higher phenolic resin‐filled composites form smooth contact plateaus that successfully reduced wear.
Viscosity‐curing time behavior, viscoelastic properties, and phase separation of graphene oxide/epoxy asphalt composites
Authors: Zhao Ruikang , Jing Fan , Li Chenxuan , Wang Rui , Xi Zhonghua , Cai Jun , Wang Qingjun , Xie Hongfeng
Published: June 2022

Graphene oxide (GO) with 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 wt% loading was used to modify warm‐mix epoxy asphalt binders (WEABs). The thermal stability, structure of GO, rotational viscosity‐curing time performance, dynamic moduli, glass transitions, damping ability, mechanical performance, and phase‐separated morphology of GO/epoxy asphalt composites were investigated in the laboratory. GO significantly enhanced the thermal stability of the pure WEAB. X‐ray scattering analysis revealed that GO layers were delaminated in the epoxy asphalt binder. GO accelerated the cure reaction of the pure WEAB and thus resulted in higher rotational viscosity of GO/epoxy asphalt composites. Furthermore, the viscosity of the modified WEABs slightly increased in the GO content. GO increased the dynamic moduli and Tgs of both epoxy and asphalt for the pure WEAB. However, the damping ability of GO/epoxy asphalt composites was similar to that of the pure WEAB. Confocal microscopy observations revealed that GO was dispersed in both asphalt and epoxy phases of the phase‐separated WEAB. The asphalt domains in the continuous epoxy phase became more spherical and uniform with the existence of GO. Moreover, the dispersion of epoxy in the discontinuous asphalt phase became more evident. The mechanical properties of the pure WEAB were greatly improved with the addition of GO. The tensile toughness and strength of the pure WEAB increased by 31% and 33%, respectively, with the addition of 0.2 wt% GO.
Treatment of phenylalanine and tyrosine in phosphate‐buffered saline by plasma‐supplied oxygen atoms: Chemical characterization and bactericidal effects
Authors: Jirásek Vít , Tarabová Barbora , Lukeš Petr
Published: June 2022

Plasma‐treated liquid media containing amino acids have been shown to be effective as disinfectants and antitumor agents. The current study presents chemical analyses and bactericidal properties of mixtures formed by the treatment of phenylalanine and tyrosine in phosphate‐buffered saline in He/O2 plasma. A major process observed was the formation of amino acid mono‐ and di‐chloramines accompanied by the oxidation of the amino acid aromatic ring. The chemical activity of treated solutions lasted up to 90 min after plasma treatment. After being acidified to ~pH 3, the treated solutions exhibited a bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli. This effect was associated with the post‐discharge reactions of amino acid dichloramines and the formation of C‐1 nitrile as the final product.
Cold atmospheric plasma does not affect the regenerative potential of the pulp in rats
Authors: Gund Madline P. , Hannig Matthias , Laschke Matthias W. , Lehmann Antje , Schindler Axel , Rupf Stefan
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment combined with adhesive filling therapy on rat dental pulps. Cavities were prepared in the first maxillary molars of 20 Sprague Dawley rats. The first molar and the unprepared second molar of one randomly selected maxillary quadrant were treated with CAP. The prepared cavities were filled with composite. After 24 h and 28 days, 10 rats each were killed. Teeth were demineralized and embedded in paraffin and histological sections were stained with hematoxylin–eosin and chloracetatesterase. None of the pulps displayed necrosis. Plasma treatment caused no additional alteration to the dental pulp in combination with adhesive filling therapy. These findings indicate that plasma treatment is compatible with the regenerative potential of the pulp.
An “Off‐On” Fluorescence Sensing Platform Based on Aminated Carbon Quantum Dots and Silver Nanoparticles for Sensitive and Selective Quantifying Dopamine in Serum
Authors: Guo Wenwen , Wang Qiuyue , Zhan Xin , Zhang Bin , Wu Yiwei
Published: June 2022

Aminated carbon quantum dots (N‐CQDs) and p‐amino thiophenol capped silver nanoparticles (N‐AgNPs) are mixed physically to fabricate an optical nanocomposite of N‐CQDs/N‐AgNPs. A highly selective and sensitive “off‐on” fluorescence sensing strategy for monitoring dopamine in human serum is established based on the nanocomposite. Through an electrostatic interaction between N‐CQDs and N‐AgNPs, N‐CQDs/N‐AgNPs nanocomposite is assembled. The initial fluorescence of N‐CQDs is effectively “off” by N‐AgNPs owing to the inner filter effect. However, with the addition of dopamine, stronger π–π stacking or hydrogen bonding ability of super‐adhesive polydopamine produced from dopamine at pH 8 to water‐soluble N‐CQDs can make N‐CQDs to dissociate from N‐CQDs/N‐AgNPs nanocomposite with fluorescence “on” as a result of the termination of inner filter effect. Meanwhile, the dissociation of N‐CQDs/N‐AgNPs nanocomposite and the existence of oxygen in the air may trigger the formation of Ag2S. Under the optimal conditions, the activated fluorescence intensity at 477 nm is linearly proportional to dopamine in the range of 0.33–65 × 10−9 m with a detection limit of 0.1 × 10−9 m and 1.2% RSD. The established sensing platform has successfully detected dopamine in serum with satisfactory results and may be an alternative powerful technique for further clinical diagnosis of dopamine‐related diseases.
Initial Temperature Effects on the Combustion Characteristics of Al
Authors: Liu Hui , Liu Jianzhong , Yuan Jifei , Chen Xiaolin , Zhao Yu , Xie Wuxi
Published: June 2022

The combustion of aluminium in propellants plays an important role in the energy release of propellants, and investigations of the combustion mechanism of aluminium can help to further improve the energy release characteristics of propellants. The changes in reaction temperature and product content over time during the reaction of Al(l)/O2 and Al(l)/AP systems at different initial temperatures were calculated using the Closed Homogeneous Batch Reactor in CHEMKIN‐PRO, and a sensitivity analysis was performed for the Al(l)/AP system. The results showed that with increases in the initial temperature, the heat storage time and combustion time of the Al(l)/O2 system were shortened and the equilibrium temperature increased, which was also true for the Al(l)/AP system. Moreover, the increase of initial temperature was favourable to the decomposition of O2 and the formation of AlO in Al(l)/O2 system but had little effect on the Al/AP system. The main reaction path of the Al(l)/AP system changed with increases of initial temperature, although
,
,
, and
are common elementary reactions with high temperature sensitivity and thus play a decisive role in the change of H2, AlCl, AlO and O contents as well as the changes of the reaction temperature of the system. In this paper, the combustion characteristics of an Al/AP system were investigated in depth, and the results can provide a theoretical basis for revealing the combustion mechanism and improving the energy release characteristics of aluminium‐based AP‐containing solid propellants.
Does castration status affect docetaxel‐related adverse events? :Identification of risk factors for docetaxel‐related adverse events in metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Yanagisawa Takafumi , Kimura Takahiro , Hata Kenichi , Narita Shintaro , Hatakeyama Shingo , Enei Yuki , Atsuta Mahito , Mori Keiichiro , Obayashi Koki , Yoshihara Kentaro , Kondo Yosuke , Oguchi Takahiro , Sadakane Ibuki , Habuchi Tomonori , Ohyama Chikara , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Egawa Shin
Published: June 2022

Background

Docetaxel‐related adverse events (AEs) such as neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) can be life‐threatening. A previous in vivo study raised the hypothesis that the castration status affects the rate of hematologic AEs. We aimed to investigate the impact of castration status on the incidence of docetaxel‐related AE in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of 265 mPCa patients treated with docetaxel, comprising 92 patients with metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) and 173 patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) between January 2015 and December 2021. Common terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) was applied to evaluate AEs. We analyzed the differential incidences between mHSPC and mCRPC, and risk factors of hematologic and nonhematologic AEs using a logistic regression model.

Results

The rate of patients who received primary prophylaxis against neutropenia was higher in those with the mHSPC compared with those with the mCRPC (7.5% vs. 33%, p < 0.001). Among the patients without primary prophylaxis, incidence rates of severe neutropenia (CTCAE ≥ Grade3) and FN were 89% and 16% in patients with mCRPC compared to 81% and 18% in those with mHSPC. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥ 75 years and failure to provide primary prophylaxis were independent risk factors of severe neutropenia (odds ratio [OR]: 2.39, 95% confidential interval [CI]: 1.10–5.18 and OR: 15.8, 95% CI: 7.23–34.6, respectively). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG‐PS) ≧ 1 was an independent risk factor of FN (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.13–4.54). Castration status (mHSPC vs. mCRPC) was not associated with the risks of severe neutropenia and FN.

Conclusions

Castration status did not affect the risk of severe neutropenia or FN in mPCa patients treated with docetaxel regardless of the disease state. Failure to provide primary prophylaxis and advanced patient age are independent risk factors of severe neutropenia; while patients with poor PS are more likely to develop FN. These findings may help guide the clinical decision‐making for proper candidate selection of docetaxel treatment.
Augmented weighting estimators for the additive rates model under multivariate recurrent event data with missing event type
Authors: Ma Huijuan , Pang Weicai , Sun Liuquan , Xu Wei
Published: June 2022

Multivariate recurrent event data are frequently encountered in biomedical and epidemiological studies when subjects experience multiple types of recurrent events. In practice, the event type information may be missing due to a variety of reasons. In this article, we consider a semiparametric additive rates model for multivariate recurrent event data with missing event types. We develop the augmented inverse probability weighting technique to handle event types that are missing at random. The nonparametric kernel‐assisted proposals for the missing mechanisms are studied. The resulting estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. Extensive simulation studies and a real data application are provided to illustrate the validity and practical utility of the proposed method.
Superior Multielectron‐Transferring Energy Storage by π‐d Conjugated Frameworks
Authors: Xia Dong , Sakaushi Ken , Lyalin Andrey , Wada Keisuke , Kumar Sonu , Amores Marco , Maeda Hiroaki , Sasaki Sono , Taketsugu Tetsuya , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Reversible multielectron‐transfer materials are of considerable interest because of the potential impact to advance present electrochemical energy storage technology by boosting energy density. To date, a few oxide‐based materials can reach an electron‐transfer number per metal‐cation (eM) larger than 2 upon a (de)intercalation mechanism. However, these materials suffer from degradation due to irreversible rearrangements of the cation–oxygen bonds, and are based on precious metals, for example, Ir and Ru. Hence, a design of the non‐oxide‐based reversible multielectron‐transfer materials with abundant elements can provide a promising alternative. Herein, it is demonstrated that the bis(diimino)copper framework can show eM = 3.5 with cation/anion co‐redox mechanism together with a dual‐ion mechanism. In this study, the role of the cation–anion interactions is unveiled by using an experiment/theory collaboration applied to a series of the model non‐oxide abundant electrode systems based on different metal–nitrogen bonds. These models provide designer multielectron‐transfer due to the tunable π‐d conjugated electronic structures. It is found that the Cu–nitrogen bonds show a unique reversible rearrangement upon Li‐intercalation, and this process responds to acquire a significant reversible multielectron‐transfer. This work provides new insights into the affordable multielectron‐transfer electrodes and uncovers an alternative strategy to advance the electrochemical energy storage reactions.
Optical Cellular Micromotion: A New Paradigm to Measure Tumor Cells Invasion within Gels Mimicking the 3D Tumor Environments
Authors: Guo Zhaobin , Yang Chih‐Tsung , Chien Chia‐Chi , Selth Luke A. , Bagnaninchi Pierre O. , Thierry Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Measuring tumor cell invasiveness through 3D tissues, particularly at the single‐cell level, can provide important mechanistic understanding and assist in identifying therapeutic targets of tumor invasion. However, current experimental approaches, including standard in vitro invasion assays, have limited physiological relevance and offer insufficient insight into the vast heterogeneity in tumor cell migration through tissues. To address these issues, here the concept of optical cellular micromotion is reported on, where digital holographic microscopy is used to map the optical nano‐ to submicrometer thickness fluctuations within single‐cells. These fluctuations are driven by the dynamic movement of subcellular structures including the cytoskeleton and inherently associated with the biological processes involved in cell invasion within tissues. It is experimentally demonstrated that the optical cellular micromotion correlates with tumor cells motility and invasiveness both at the population and single‐cell levels. In addition, the optical cellular micromotion significantly reduced upon treatment with migrastatic drugs that inhibit tumor cell invasion. These results demonstrate that micromotion measurements can rapidly and non‐invasively determine the invasive behavior of single tumor cells within tissues, yielding a new and powerful tool to assess the efficacy of approaches targeting tumor cell invasiveness.
APOE ε4 and exercise interact in a sex‐specific manner to modulate dementia risk factors
Authors: Foley Kate E. , Diemler Cory A. , Hewes Amanda A. , Garceau Dylan T. , Sasner Michael , Howell Gareth R.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs), affecting many different pathways that lead to cognitive decline. Exercise is one of the most widely proposed prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate risk and symptomology of ADRDs. Importantly, exercise and APOE ε4 affect similar processes in the body and brain. While both APOE ε4 and exercise have been studied extensively, their interactive effects are not well understood.

Methods

To address this, male and female APOE ε3/ε3, APOE ε3/ε4, and APOE ε4/ε4 mice ran voluntarily from wean (1 month) to midlife (12 months). Longitudinal and cross‐sectional phenotyping were performed on the periphery and the brain, assessing markers of risk for dementia such as weight, body composition, circulating cholesterol composition, murine daily activities, energy expenditure, and cortical and hippocampal transcriptional profiling.

Results

Data revealed chronic running decreased age‐dependent weight gain, lean and fat mass, and serum low‐density lipoprotein concentration dependent on APOE genotype. Additionally, murine daily activities and energy expenditure were significantly influenced by an interaction between APOE genotype and running in both sexes. Transcriptional profiling of the cortex and hippocampus predicted that APOE genotype and running interact to affect numerous biological processes including vascular integrity, synaptic/neuronal health, cell motility, and mitochondrial metabolism, in a sex‐specific manner.

Discussion

These data in humanized mouse models provide compelling evidence that APOE genotype should be considered for population‐based strategies that incorporate exercise to prevent ADRDs and other APOE‐relevant diseases.
Multicentric T‐cell lymphoma in a 21‐year‐old Tennessee walking horse mare
Authors: García‐Lacy Fernando , Craig Linden , Trigo‐Tavera Francisco José , Schumacher Jim , Rodríguez‐Monterde Alejandro
Published: June 2022

We report a 21‐year‐old Tennessee walking horse mare afflicted with a multicentric T‐cell lymphoma. A T‐cell‐rich, B‐cell lymphoma had been removed from the mare's left upper eyelid 4 years earlier. The owner reported that the mare had a poor appetite, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing while eating. Initial physical examination revealed no abnormalities. Complete blood count and serum biochemical analyses revealed lymphopenia, anaemia and elevated serum globulins. A mass arising from the base of the tongue was found and determined to be a T‐cell lymphoma by histologic and immunohistochemical examination. The mare was anorexic during hospitalisation, showed signs of kidney failure, suffered severe weight loss and was consequently euthanased. During postmortem examination, a second mass, confirmed by immunohistochemical examination to be also a T‐cell lymphoma, was found arising from the abdominal surface of the diaphragm. Early diagnosis of T‐cell lymphoma is difficult, because affected horses display a wide variety of clinical signs.
AI and Quality of Service Driven Attack Detection, Mitigation and Energy Optimization: A Review of Some EU Project Results
Authors: Çag̃layan Mehmet Ufuk
Published: June 2022

This article summarizes briefly the contributions presented in this EuroCyberSecurity Workshop 2021 which is organized as part of the series of International Symposia on Computer and Information Sciences (ISCIS), with the support of the European Commission funded IoTAC Project, that was held on November and in NIce, France, and sponsored by the Institute of Teoretical and Applied Informatics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. It also summarizes some of the research contributions of several EU Projects including NEMESYS, GHOST, KONFIDO, SDK4ED and IoTAC, primarily with a cybersecurity and Machine Learning orientation. Thus subjects covered include the cybersecurity of Mobile Networks and of the Internet of Things (IoT), the design of IoT Gateways and their performance, the security of networked health systems that provide health services to individuals across the EU Member states, as well as the issues of energy consumption by ICT which are becoming increasingly important, including in the cybersecurity perspective, as we focus increasingly on climate change and the needed transition towards highly reduced emissions. Many of the techniques and results discussed in this article are based either on Machine Learning (ML) methods, or on methods for the performance modeling and optimization of networked and distributed computer systems.
An Empirical Evaluation of the Usefulness of Word Embedding Techniques in Deep Learning-Based Vulnerability Prediction
Authors: Kalouptsoglou Ilias , Siavvas Miltiadis , Kehagias Dionysios , Chatzigeorgiou Alexandros , Ampatzoglou Apostolos
Published: June 2022

Software security is a critical consideration for software development companies that want to provide their customers with high-quality and dependable software. The automated detection of software vulnerabilities is a critical aspect in software security. Vulnerability prediction is a mechanism that enables the detection and mitigation of software vulnerabilities early enough in the development cycle. Recently the scientific community has dedicated a lot of effort on the design of Deep learning models based on text mining techniques. Initially, Bag-of-Words was the most promising method but recently more complex models have been proposed focusing on the sequences of instructions in the source code. Recent research endeavors have started utilizing word embedding vectors, which are widely used in text classification tasks like semantic analysis, for representing the words (i.e., code instructions) in vector format. These vectors could be trained either jointly with the other layers of the neural network, or they can be pre-trained using popular algorithms like word2vec and fast-text. In this paper, we empirically examine whether the utilization of word embedding vectors that are pre-trained separately from the vulnerability predictor could lead to more accurate vulnerability prediction models. For the purposes of the present study, a popular vulnerability dataset maintained by NIST was utilized. The results of the analysis suggest that pre-training the embedding vectors separately from the neural network leads to better vulnerability predictors with respect to their effectiveness and performance.
Optimizing Energy Usage for an Electric Drone
Authors: Czachórski Tadeusz , Gelenbe Erol , Kuaban Godlove Suila , Marek Dariusz
Published: June 2022

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are rapidly gaining popularity in a wide variety of applications, e.g., agriculture, health care, environmental management, supply chains, law enforcement, surveillance, and photography. Dones are often powered by batteries, making energy a critical resource that must be optimised during the mission of the drone. The duration of a done’s mission depends on the amount of energy required to perform some manoeuvering actions (takeoff, level flight, hovering, and landing), the energy required to power the ICT modules in the drone, the drone’s speed, payload, and the wind. In this paper, we present a model that minimizes the energy consumption of a low power drone and maximizes the time required to completely drain the drone’s battery and ensure the safe landing of the drone.