bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Rheumatological Diseases
Authors: Abdalla Heba Mohamed Abdrapo , Noor Rasha Ali Abdel , Elsawy Abdalla Ahmed , Shahba Abeer Abd Elmonaim
Published: January 2023

Rheumatology has seen a sonographic revolution in recent years. Ultrasonography (US) has been demonstrated to be capable of significantly altering the traditional approach to most clinical problems in daily rheumatologic practice due to its ability to provide rapid, safe, and inexpensive access to anatomical information on the early targets of the majority of rheumatic diseases. Ultrasonography completes the physical examination with speed and accuracy and enables the detection of a broad range of abnormal findings involving various musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomical components.

Ultrasonography is mostly used for interventional guidance (joint aspiration, synovial or soft tissue biopsy, joint or tendon sheath injection). When fluid collections are very tiny or when the inflammatory process is next to anatomical structures that might be severely harmed by the injection, sonographic guiding is very effective.

MSK US is a significant imaging modality for practicing rheumatologists and provides an effective diagnostic tool for assessing patients with MSK problems. In the United States, the usage of MSK ultrasonography has evolved due to the availability of less priced, portable US equipment that give high-quality grayscale and power Doppler signals. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has given standardized training courses and a certification program for practicing rheumatologists, and similar training is also offered through a number of fellowship programs.

In certain clinical circumstances, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) might be difficult to diagnose since crystalline arthropathies can closely resemble RA. For instance, palindromic RA might appear with articular symptoms that, based on history and clinical characteristics, mimic a crystalline disease. This study sought to investigate the relevance of MSK ultrasonography in rheumatologic illness diagnosis.
Quality management, quality assurance, and quality control in medical physics
Authors: Amurao Max , Gress Dustin A. , Keenan Mary Ann , Halvorsen Per H. , Nye Jonathon A. , Mahesh Mahadevappa
Published: January 2023

The historic and ongoing evolution of the practice, technology, terminology, and implementation of programs related to quality in the medical radiological professions has given rise to the interchangeable use of the terms Quality Management (QM), Quality Assurance (QA), and Quality Control (QC) in the vernacular. This White Paper aims to provide clarification of QM, QA, and QC in medical physics context and guidance on how to use these terms appropriately in American College of Radiology (ACR) Practice Parameters and Technical Standards, generalizable to other guidance initiatives. The clarification of these nuanced terms in the radiology, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine environments will not only boost the comprehensibility and usability of the Medical Physics Technical Standards and Practice Parameters, but also provide clarity and a foundation for ACR's clinical, physician‐led Practice Parameters, which also use these important terms for monitoring equipment performance for safety and quality. Further, this will support the ongoing development of the professional practice of clinical medical physics by providing a common framework that distinguishes the various types of responsibilities borne by medical physicists and others in the medical radiological environment. Examples are provided of how QM, QA, and QC may be applied in the context of ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards.
Preliminary dosimetric comparison between fixed and rotating source stereotactic radiosurgery systems
Authors: Draeger Emily , Chen Zhe (Jay) , Hansen James E. , Chiang Veronica , Tien Christopher J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The Akesis Galaxy RTi (AK) is a novel rotational 60Co‐based cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) system. While similar systems have been compared against the fixed‐source Leksell Gamma Knife (GK) system using stylized phantoms, dosimetric plan quality with realistic anatomy has yet to be characterized for this or any other rotating system versus GK. This study aims to benchmark AK dosimetric performance against GK by retrospectively replanning previously‐treated GK patients at our institution.

Methods

Thirteen patients, previously treated on a GK Icon, were re‐planned on the AK treatment planning system using the same prescription doses and isodoses as the original GK plans. The cohort includes patients treated for brain metastases, schwannomas, pituitary adenomas, trigeminal neuralgias, and arteriovenous malformations. Plans are evaluated with target coverage metrics (Dmin, Dmean, D95%, V150%) and dose conformality indices: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group conformity index (CI), selectivity, Paddick CI (PCI), gradient index (GI).

Results

AK plans use fewer shots and larger collimation compared to GK plans, resulting in statistically significant reductions in treatment time (p = 0.047) by as much as 88.4 minutes while maintaining comparable target V100%. For most metastatic cases, GK produces higher Dmin (16.0–25.9 vs. 12.5–24.3 Gy, p = 0.008) while AK produces higher V150% (0.03–14.92 vs. 0.02–11.59 cc, p = 0.028). For non‐metastatic cases, GK provides superior CI (p = 0.025) and GI (p = 0.044). No statistically significant differences were found in the remaining metrics.

Conclusion

This cohort demonstrates that the AK system is able to achieve largely comparable dosimetric results to GK, typically with shorter treatment times. Further investigation with a larger cohort is underway.
Halogenated Ti3C2 MXenes Prepared by Microwave Molten Salt for Hg0 Photo‐Oxidation
Authors: Xie Cheng , Xu Lei , Peng Jinhui , Zhang Libo , Wang Xueqian , Deng Jianying , Capron Mickael , Ordomsky Vitaly
Published: January 2023

Ti3C2 MXenes with different halogen modifications are prepared rapidly and efficiently by microwave molten salt method, and the MXene surface functional group modification is successfully achieved to address the problems of low purity, complex functional groups, and uncontrollable energy band structure of MXenes obtained by traditional liquid phase etching. Among them, the modification of the iodine (I) functional group onto the surface of Ti3C2 changes the energy band structure and band gap, resulting in easier photoexcitation and more photogenerated carriers. The increased Fermi energy is closer to the conduction band, the decreased surface work function weakens the electron confinement ability. The photogenerated carriers can migrate to the surface of the material more easily with extended lifetime, so the activity of the catalyst is improved. Further, for gaseous monomeric mercury (Hg0) photo‐oxidative removal, Ti3C2‐I2 exhibits 85.5% efficiency of Hg0 photo‐oxidative removal under visible light. Based on the experimental characterization and density functional theory calculations, a mechanism for the photo‐oxidative removal of Hg° from Ti3C2‐I2 MXene is proposed, which provides a valuable strategy for studying Ti3C2 MXenes in the field of photocatalysis.
Insights into Hierarchical Structure–Property–Application Relationships of Advanced Bacterial Cellulose Materials
Authors: Wu Zhuotong , Chen Shiyan , Li Jing , Wang Baoxiu , Jin Mengtian , Liang Qianqian , Zhang Dong , Han Zhiliang , Deng Lili , Qu Xiangyang , Wang Huaping
Published: January 2023

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an environmentally friendly biomaterial that is widely investigated because it possesses a unique hierarchical nanofiber network structure as well as extraordinary performance. In this review, the formation of the BC hierarchical nanofiber network structure from the perspective of biosynthesis is illustrated based on its basic chemical and crystal structure. Moreover, the design and processing of BC‐based advanced materials through biosynthesis, physical, and/or chemical modification are also reviewed. The intrinsic characteristics of BC, derived from its hierarchical structure, are analyzed to understand its structure–property–application relationships. The applications of advanced BC‐based materials are reviewed, such as high‐strength structural materials utilizing the properties of nanofibers, energy conversion and storage, bioelectronic interfaces, environmental remediation, and thermal management applications utilizing the ion transport properties and 3D network structures of these materials. In addition, the authors also offer their opinions and potential future research directions for sustainably developing BC‐based materials.
Hydration Activates Dual‐Confined Shape‐Memory Effects of Cold‐Reprogrammable Photonic Crystals
Authors: Qi Yong , Song Liujun , Zhou Changtong , Zhang Shufen
Published: January 2023

Shape‐memory photonic crystals (SMPCs) transform the nanoscale deformation of copolymers into structural color through an undifferentiated response to stimuli; however, activatable selective responses are extremely rare. Herein, activatable dual confined shape‐memory effects (CSMEs) derived from the remodeling of the interchain hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) in cold‐programmable SMPCs are revealed. The first level is the water‐triggered reconstruction of interchain H‐bonds, which can activate/lock the collapsed skeleton, showing shape recovery/retention in response to ethanol vapor. The second level is the pressure‐induced reorganization of interchain H‐bonds that results in the recovered skeleton being locked even when exposed to ethanol vapor or water, while the background porous structure can switch between collapse and recovery. Dual CSMEs result from the Laplace pressure difference and the binding effect of interchain H‐bonds in the skeleton according to insights of swelling, in situ deformation tracking, multidimensional infrared spectra, and water wetting/evaporation simulations. The signal interference, source code extraction, and color enhancement of structurally colored patterns can be implemented using CSMEs. This work opens up a new method for fabricating activatable responsive structural color and contributes to the expansion of nanophotonic technology in water printing, erasable watermarks, signal amplifiers, and information coding.
Recent Advances in Dynamic Homojunction PIN Diodes Based on 2D Materials
Authors: Aftab Sikandar , Hegazy Hosameldin Helmy , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Nazir Ghazanfar , Hussain Sajjad
Published: January 2023

The development of electrical and optoelectronic devices that are based on transition metal dichalcogenides require the fabrication of high‐quality homogeneous junctions. This paper demonstrates how to accomplish this using a lateral or vertical 2D material‐based p‐type/intrinsic/n‐type (p–i–n) homojunction. The capacitance across the junction is reduced, which is a result of the continuous band alignments, and there is less carrier entrapment at the homointerface. Various types of p–i–n diodes are examined in order to demonstrate the current modes of transportation and the optoelectronic effects. This review demonstrates how to make a high‐performance homointerface as well as describes the tunneling process in detail, which will be useful in the future development of new electrical and optoelectronic devices. A performance comparison of different parameters is also performed among various doping strategies in order to form homogenous junctions. It is assumed that this summary of the current research on nanomaterials will help 2D materials be used in order to make reliable p–i–n homojunction diodes for low‐power and high‐speed electronics. Finally, this paper concludes by summarizing the current challenges and the current prospects.
Utilizing Angle‐Dependent Photovoltage Effect in a CH3NH3PbCl3/Si Heterojunction toward High‐Performance Polarized Light Detection in Ultraviolet Region
Authors: Wang Ziyang , Zhang Xinyuan , Wu Jianbo , Liang Lishan , Niu Xinyi , Chen Qin , Li Ruiqing , Luo Junhua
Published: January 2023

Organic–inorganic hybrid MAPbCl3 perovskite (MA+ = CH3NH3+) in UV photodetection is drawing interest due to its superior semiconductor properties and UV‐matchable optical bandgap. However, MAPbCl3‐based photodetector targeting high‐performance polarized light detection has remained unexplored due to the isotropic structure of MAPbCl3. The photovoltaic effect in the heterojunction, which shows an angle dependence on light polarization, provides opportunities to break the restriction of intrinsic structure for realizing polarization‐sensitive photodetection. Herein, an effective strategy is reported to realize high‐performance polarization‐sensitive UV photodetection by constructing a heterojunction with two isotropic materials MAPbCl3 and Silicon (Si). Emphatically, the photovoltage in MAPbCl3/Si heterojunction changes with the angle of polarized light with the maximum (minimum) value of 0.15 V (0.05 V), originating from the built‐in electric field. More interestingly, driven by the photovoltage, the device thus exhibits a large polarization ratio (Imax/Imin) of 2.9 at 377 nm under the self‐driven mode. Besides, the present device also delivers high‐performance photodetection in UV region owing to the superior photoresponse of MAPbCl3, including a high detectivity (D*) of 2.93 × 1011 Jones, a superior responsibility of 8 mA W–1, a substantial switching ratio of 900, and an ultrafast response speed of 40/98 µs at 0 V bias. This work opens a new avenue for high‐performance polarization‐sensitive photodetection by utilizing angle‐dependent photovoltage effect.
Broadband and Multimode Near‐Infrared Emitter Based on Cr3+‐Activated Stannate for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Zhou Zhihao , He Fanquan , Song Enhai , Zhang Shuai , Yi Xiaodong , Zhang Hao , Le Yakun , Ye Shi , Xu Shanhui , Qiu Jianrong , Dong Guoping
Published: January 2023

Broadband near‐infrared (NIR) phosphors have recently received considerable attention in spectroscopy technology fields, but designing inexpensive, emission peaks centered above 800 nm, and multimodal broadband NIR luminescence material still remains a great challenge. Here, by selecting stannate compound Mg2SnO4 (MSO) as the host, a kind of broadband NIR phosphor MSO:Cr3+ with multimode luminescence properties is reported. The designed material exhibits an emission peaking at 800 nm and a full‐width at half maximum of 180 nm (≈2730 cm−1). The site occupation of Cr3+ in MSO is unraveled by density functional theory calculation. The constructed NIR light‐emitting device based on MSO:Cr3+ displays a high NIR output power of 187.19 mW@100 mA and remarkable photoelectric efficiency of 13.67%, and its multifunctional applications in information encryption, non‐destructive detection, and so on are also demonstrated. Additionally, through defect site reconstruction, MSO:Cr3+ presents superior broadband NIR persistent luminescence (PersL) properties with PersL duration time longer than 50 h. This work provides a feasible strategy to develop intelligent optical material integrated with multimodal luminescence through low‐cost stannate compounds as the host toward versatile applications such as non‐destructive detection and bioimaging.
Polymer‐Based Circularly Polarized Luminescent Materials
Authors: Zhong Hai , Zhao Biao , Deng Jianping
Published: January 2023

Chiral materials capable of generating circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) have gained rapidly growing research interest by virtue of their peculiar photophysical characteristics and far‐reaching applications. Amongst various CPL materials, polymer‐based CPL materials have constituted an important class owing to their abundant types, ease of manufacture, high thermal stability, as well as, tunable properties. The present work reviews the latest advances in constructing polymer‐based CPL materials, which are classified based on the interaction modes between chiral and luminescent components, that is, covalent interaction, non‐covalent interaction, as well as, without covalent and non‐covalent interactions. The newly emerging categories of polymer‐based CPL materials, that is, nonconventional fluorescence‐based CPL materials, circularly polarized room temperature phosphorescence, and polymer‐based CPL materials with thermally activated delayed fluorescence properties are also presented. Typical applications of the polymer‐based CPL emitters in organic light‐emitting diodes, information security encryption, and optical sensors are further discussed. Additionally, the current challenges and future perspectives in this field are summarized. This review article is expected to stimulate more unprecedented achievements derived from polymer‐based CPL materials, thus further promoting their future practical applications.
Lignin‐Based Materials for Additive Manufacturing: Chemistry, Processing, Structures, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Jiang Bo , Jiao Huan , Guo Xinyu , Chen Gegu , Guo Jiaqi , Wu Wenjuan , Jin Yongcan , Cao Guozhong , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: January 2023

The utilization of lignin, the most abundant aromatic biomass component, is at the forefront of sustainable engineering, energy, and environment research, where its abundance and low‐cost features enable widespread application. Constructing lignin into material parts with controlled and desired macro‐ and microstructures and properties via additive manufacturing has been recognized as a promising technology and paves the way to the practical application of lignin. Considering the rapid development and significant progress recently achieved in this field, a comprehensive and critical review and outlook on three‐dimensional (3D) printing of lignin is highly desirable. This article fulfils this demand with an overview on the structure of lignin and presents the state‐of‐the‐art of 3D printing of pristine lignin and lignin‐based composites, and highlights the key challenges. It is attempted to deliver better fundamental understanding of the impacts of morphology, microstructure, physical, chemical, and biological modifications, and composition/hybrids on the rheological behavior of lignin/polymer blends, as well as, on the mechanical, physical, and chemical performance of the 3D printed lignin‐based materials. The main points toward future developments involve hybrid manufacturing, in situ polymerization, and surface tension or energy driven molecular segregation are also elaborated and discussed to promote the high‐value utilization of lignin.
Toward Single‐Cell Multiple‐Strategy Processing Shift Register Powered by Phase‐Change Memory Materials
Authors: Go Shao-Xiang , Wang Qiang , Huang Kejie , Lee Tae Hoon , Bajalovic Natasa , Loke Desmond K.
Published: January 2023

Modern innovations are built on the foundation of computers. Compared to von Neumann architectures having separate storage and processing units, in‐memory operation utilizes the same primary structure for data storage and register operations, therefore promising to decrease the energy cost of computing in data centers significantly. While various studies centered on exploring novel device architectures, designing suitable material platforms is extremely challenging. Herein, all four material (M) states of a phase‐change material (PCM) in data storage and register operations are utilized and a combined M state‐based model framework for developing in‐memory operation is demonstrated, along with nonvolatile, reprogrammable single‐cell shift register operations. A previously unachieved multiple‐level‐per‐volt different‐initial‐state multilevel set process with further computing in the M state‐based platform is realized. The simplest case of a programmable shift register configuration is demonstrated with a serial‐in–serial‐out processing strategy, as well as more complex reprogrammable processing schemes using the M state‐type platform, showing previously unreported nonvolatile shift register types with multiple processing approaches. This paves the way for development of next‐generation low‐power‐electronic systems using two‐terminal‐based semiconductor materials.
On the Reversible Sodium Plating/stripping Reaction in Porous SiCN(O) Ceramic: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Melzi d'Eril Marco , Joanna Graczyk‐Zajac Magdalena , Riedel Ralf
Published: January 2023

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are a cost‐effective and sustainable alternative to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), which might be independent of rare raw materials. These advantages come at the expense of low energy density. Sodium metal batteries (SMBs) can provide a possible solution. In this work, we present the use of a porous silicon carbonitride (SiCN(O)) ceramic as an anodic matrix for reversible Na‐plating. The role of the pores is investigated and the plating mechanism allowing reversible and uniform plating/stripping of sodium is also presented. Electrochemical studies show a stable and reversible capacity gain of around 60 mAh/g beyond the insertion capacity of the SiCN(O) ceramic over 100 cycles.
A New Lignan (Polonilignan) and Inhibitors of Nitric Oxide Production fromPenicillium polonicum, an Endophytic Fungi ofPiper nigrum
Authors: Pal Pragya Paramita , Begum Sajeli A. , Basha Ameer S. , Araya Hiroshi , Fujimoto Yoshinori
Published: January 2023

Inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) or its production is found to be of therapeutic benefit. To discover natural small molecule inhibitors of NO production, a bioassay‐ and LC/MS‐guided chemical investigation was done on the metabolites of endophytic fungus isolated from freshPiper nigrumfruits. The isolated pure strain was identified asPenicillium polonicumby 16S rDNA sequence comparison. The culture broth extract ofP. polonicum(EEPP) exhibited a significant reduction of NO production (Griess method) in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (P<0.0001). To understand the chemical constituents of bioactive EEPP, column chromatography and p‐TLC studies were carried out, which yielded eight pure compounds. They were characterised as botryosphaeridione (1), 3‐(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxy)phenylpropionic acid (2), variabilone (3), 2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol (4), indole‐3‐carboxylic acid (5), tyrosol (6), ethyl ferulate (7) and a new lignan (8) based on the spectral analysis. The structure elucidation of the new lignan, named polonilignan (8), was based on HR‐MS,1H‐ &13C‐NMR, H−H COSY, HSQC and HMBC spectra. Compounds2,4,5and6showed a significant decrease (P<0.0001) in the production of NO in LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells. Tyrosol (6) and indole‐3‐carboxylic acid (5) controlled nitrite release with IC50values of 22.84 and 55.01 μM, respectively. This is the first report of (i)P. polonicumas an endophytic fungus of pepper fruits, (ii) isolation of compounds1–8except6fromP. polonicumculture broth extract and (iii) NO inhibition effect of2,4,5and6.
Zr Oxo Cluster for Cascade Conversion of Furfural to Alkyl Levulinates
Authors: Peng Qingpo , Jiang Yongjun , Xu Bei‐Bei , Zhao Xiuge , Dai Sheng , Yao Ye‐Feng , Hou Zhenshan
Published: January 2023

A novel dodecanuclear Zr oxo cluster [Zr6O4(OH)4 (HSCH2CH2COO)12]2 (ZrO‐SH‐10) has been constructed under the room temperature, followed by oxidation of the sulfhydryl group with H2O2 to achieve a bifunctional catalyst with Lewis acid and Brönsted acid sites. The characterization of catalysts indicated that {Zr6O4} cluster core can be stabilized with a shell of carboxylate ligands, and the resulting ZrO‐SO3H was formed as a discrete molecular catalyst, exhibiting superior activity and recyclability for the cascade conversion of furfural to alkyl levulinate by the integration of transfer hydrogenation and alcoholysis in n‐butanol. The yield of n‐butyl levulinate can achieve as high as 91 % under the optimum conditions. Meanwhile, no leaching of the active species was found, which confirmed the structure of the Zr oxo cluster was air and moisture‐stable. On the basis of the studies on the reaction kinetics and isotope tracking, the reaction mechanism was proposed accordingly.
Application of Phosphoramidate ProTide Technology for the Synthesis of 5’‐mRNA Cap Analogs Modified on the Exocyclic Amine Group
Authors: Siekierska Izabela , Lukaszewicz Maciej , Worch Remigiusz , Jankowska‐Anyszka Marzena , Piecyk Karolina
Published: January 2023

Aryloxy triester phosphoramidate methodology, commonly known as ProTide technology, is one of the most widely used prodrug approaches applied to therapeutic nucleosides. This approach has been used extensively by the pharmaceutical industry and researchers in medicinal chemistry. Herein we report our adaptation of this effective method for the synthesis of bioactive 5’‐mRNA cap analogues as inhibitors for targeting cap‐dependent translation. The synthesis was performed in two main stages: preparation of N2‐modified guanosine analogues and their subsequent transformation into prodrugs using phenylethoxy‐l‐alaninyl phosphorochloridate. The prepared pro‐nucleotide cap analogues were tested for their capacity in enzymatic activation, inhibitory properties in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system, and passive membrane translocation properties.
Mitigating Drug–Target–Drug Complexes in Patients With Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Who Switch C5 Inhibitors
Authors: Nishimura Jun‐ichi , Soubret Antoine , Arase Noriko , Buatois Simon , Hotta Masaki , Charoin Jean‐Eric , Ito Yoshikazu , Sreckovic Sasha , Takamori Hiroyuki , Bucher Christoph , Ueda Yasutaka , Hernández‐Sánchez Jules , Gotanda Keisuke , Jordan Gregor , Shinomiya Kenji , Ramos Julia , Kim Jin Seok , Panse Jens , de Latour Régis Peffault , Röth Alexander , Morii Eiichi , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Isaka Yoshitaka , Sica Simona , Kanakura Yuzuru , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Kinoshita Taroh , Paz‐Priel Ido , Sostelly Alexandre
Published: January 2023

Drug–target–drug complexes (DTDCs) are phenomena newly observed in patients who switch from the complement component 5 (C5) inhibitor eculizumab to crovalimab, a novel, anti‐C5 antibody in development for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), because these agents bind to different C5 epitopes. In Part 3 of the four‐part, phase I/II COMPOSER study, 19 patients with PNH switching from eculizumab received 1,000‐mg crovalimab intravenously, then subcutaneous maintenance doses from Day 8 (680 mg every 4 weeks (q4w), 340 mg every 2 weeks, or 170 mg every week). Crovalimab exposure was transiently reduced, and size‐exclusion chromatography and crovalimab‐specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays revealed DTDCs in all 19 patients' sera. Additionally, self‐limiting mild to moderate symptoms suggestive of type III hypersensitivity reactions occurred in two patients. Mathematical modeling simulations of DTDC kinetics and effects of dosing on DTDC size distribution using Part 3 data predicted that increased crovalimab concentrations could reduce the proportion of large, slow‐clearing DTDCs in the blood. A simulation‐guided, optimized crovalimab regimen (1,000 mg intravenously; four weekly, subcutaneous 340‐mg doses; then 680 mg q4w from Day 29) was evaluated in Part 4. Confirming the model's predictions, mean proportions of large DTDCs in patients who switched from eculizumab to this optimized regimen decreased by > 50% by Day 22, and target crovalimab concentrations were maintained. No type III hypersensitivity reactions occurred in Part 4. Optimizing crovalimab dosing thus reduced the proportion of large DTDCs, ensured adequate complement inhibition, and may improve safety. Model‐based dosing optimization to mitigate DTDC formation offers a useful strategy for patients switching to novel antibody treatments targeting soluble epitopes.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Unusual Oxidative Cleavage of Homoallylic Alcohol and Its Application in the Upcycling of Terpene to Value‐Added Chemicals
Authors: Lee Tae Woo , Yang Hye Sung , Dawange Monali , Han Young Kwang , Yang Jung Woon
Published: January 2023

A NaOtBu−O2‐mediated oxidative dehomologation of homoallylic alcohols into structurally different carboxylic acids through direct oxidative cleavage of either the C(sp2)−C(sp2) or C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond utilizing enolate chemistry was demonstrated. Furthermore, under transition‐metal‐free conditions, this protocol has been applied to convert terpene as biomass feedstock into value‐added chemicals.
Can a mesocarnivore fill the functional role of an apex predator?
Authors: Avrin Alexandra C. , Pekins Charles E. , Wilmers Christopher C. , Sperry Jinelle H. , Allen Maximilian L.
Published: January 2023

As keystone species, apex predators play a role in structuring most ecosystems through competition and facilitation, thereby affecting community structure, prey abundance and behavior, vegetation, and abiotic processes. Apex predators are also highly threatened and have been extirpated from much of North America, leading to mesocarnivores, such as coyotes (Canis latrans), becoming de facto apex predators in many ecosystems. However, it is unknown if these mesocarnivores can fill the same functional keystone role as true apex predators. We compared the spatial and temporal habitat use of mesocarnivores in two similar study systems, one with pumas (Puma concolor) and one without, to determine how the role of coyotes in structuring the carnivore community changes in the absence of pumas. We used multispecies occupancy and relative abundance models to examine the spatial avoidance of pumas and coyotes by the smaller mesocarnivores, and temporal overlap and avoidance‐attraction ratios to examine temporal avoidance. We found that coyotes partially fill the functional role of apex predators, but with weaker effects than pumas. Where pumas were absent, site use intensity and relative abundance increased for coyotes (180% and 1250%) and raccoons (Procyon lotor, 308% and 3273%) and decreased for bobcats (Lynx rufus, 36% and 55%), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus, 13% and 32%), and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis, 3% and 12%). Coyotes and raccoons shifted their temporal activity away from pumas, while gray foxes shifted their activity closer to pumas. Detection likelihood decreased for all species after detection of a puma (67%–93%) or coyote (46%–94%) in both sites, but small mesocarnivores avoided pumas more than coyotes in the study area with both. Interactions between carnivores are complex and best understood with multiple measures and in the context of the full community. While coyotes appear to suppress smaller mesocarnivores by some measures (e.g., temporal avoidance), they do not by others (e.g., spatial avoidance) and have overall weaker effects than pumas. Our results suggest that coyotes are not a substitute for apex predators, and conserving true apex predators is likely important for maintaining ecosystem health.
Seasonal variations in nutritive and botanical composition properties of multispecies grazing swards over an entire dairy grazing season
Authors: Hearn Ciarán , Egan Michael , Lynch Mary Bridget , Fleming Christina , O'Donovan Michael
Published: January 2023

Background

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the use of multispecies (MS) swards in dairy grazing systems.

Methods

A plot grazing study was established to investigate the potential contribution of different sward species (perennial ryegrass, legumes and herbs) sown in grazing pastures. Ten sward mixtures were sown, ranging in complexity from a perennial ryegrass (PRG) monoculture to binary mixtures including either forage legumes or herbs to a five‐species mixture; four different nitrogen (N) application rates of 0, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha−1 were applied to each sward.

Results

Species abundance for all sward species components was associated with the interaction of time point and sward mixture; species abundance for all sward components, except PRG, was associated with the interaction of N application and sward mixture. The interactions of time point and sward mixture, and time point and N application rate, were associated with all analysed sward chemical components, except for sward digestibility.

Conclusions

Increased N application rates reduced the level of clover in all sward mixtures. Increased levels of white clover led to increased sward crude protein levels; the inclusion of ribwort plantain led to some seasonal variation in the nutritive value of swards.
Efficacy and safety of novel pulsed field ablation (PFA) technique for atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Shaheen Nour , Shaheen Ahmed , Ramadan Abdelraouf , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: January 2023

Background and Aim

Pulse field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a safe alternative to other catheter ablation energy sources for patients. Although early results are encouraging, secondary data about outcomes are lacking. Herein, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the novel technique.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Ovid, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and several major scientific conferences for studies reporting results regarding PFA.

Results

Sixteen studies were included, reporting 485 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent pulsed field operations. Patients averaged 60 years of age. The total duration of the procedure is 94 min. The average Fluoro procedure takes 17 min. Isolation of all pulmonary veins was 100% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (p > 0.05). Overall, the recurrence rate of arrhythmia in the participants was 2.84% (95% CI) (p > 0.05). Complications were detected during or after the PFA procedure at a rate of 2.23% (p < 0.05), with 95% CI indicating the high safety of the PFA procedure

Conclusion

Using pulsed‐field ablation as a new treatment for atrial fibrillation has proven safe and effective.
Cavity inclination effect on convection flow in a triangular geometry
Authors: Elguennouni Youssef , Hssikou Mohamed , Baliti Jamal , Alaoui Mohammed
Published: January 2023

In this study, the water convection flow within a right‐angled, inclined, and isosceles triangle enclosure for various inclination angles was numerically analyzed using the lattice Boltzmann method with the multirelaxation time model. On the hypotenuse side, the enclosure is thermally insulated, while the left and horizontal walls are kept, respectively, at cold and hot temperatures. This study was conducted to show the effects of two key parameters, the tilt angle and the Rayleigh number , whose changes span from to and to , respectively. The effect of these variables is presented in terms of streamlines, isotherms, velocity profiles, temperature plots, and the average Nusselt number. Furthermore, the impact of the size of a hot square obstruction inside the cavity on the isotherms and streamlines has been investigated. The findings demonstrate that the rate of heat transport is enhanced as the Rayleigh number increases. This result is in good agreement with earlier research without tilting the cavity. Depending on the Rayleigh number, the tilt angle has a significant effect on the rate of heat transmission.
Numerical investigation of large‐scale seasonal rock‐pit energy storage system
Authors: Pinto Samson P. , Dandagawhal Piyush , Sasmito Agus P. , Lacey Joshua
Published: January 2023

A twodimensional axisymmetric model, which is computationally inexpensive, has been proposed to predict the property changes that occur in a seasonal rock‐pit energy storage (RPES) system. The geometry of the rock‐pit has been simplified into a shape that can be extended for any seasonal storage system with a three‐dimensional conical geometry. The computational domain has been solved using both linear thermal equilibrium (LTE) and linear thermal non‐equilibrium (LTNE) models, and the former has been found to be computationally quick and accurate. The model has predicted a 95% energy saving at the highest flow conditions required in the mine. Further analysis has suggested that the increase in storage capacity by decreasing the porosity of rocks in the rock‐pit is insignificant compared to the corresponding increase in fan power. Furthermore, the investigation done on natural rocks has indicated an increased ability to store heat in the rock‐pit when rocks with higher thermal mass have been used. The use of RPES has shown a significant potential to reduce the carbon footprint. Finally, an economic analysis done on the system has shown a return on investment of just under 12 years.
Expected Benefits and Budget Impact From a Microsimulation Model Support the Prioritization and Implementation of Fracture Liaison Services
Authors: Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael , Burn Edward , Maronga Christopher , Cooper Cyrus , Javaid M Kassim
Published: January 2023

Osteoporotic-related fractures cause significant patient disability, leading to a growing burden on health care systems. Effective secondary fracture prevention can be delivered by fracture liaison services (FLSs), but these are not available in most countries. A major barrier is insufficient policy prioritization, helped by the lack of economic assessments using national data and providing estimates of patient outcomes alongside health care resource use and cost impacts. The aim of this study was to develop an economic model to estimate the benefits and budget impact of FLSs and support their wider international implementation. Five interconnected stages were undertaken: establishment of a generic patient pathway; model design; identification of model inputs; internal validation and output generation; and scenario analyses. A generic patient pathway including FLS activities was built to underpin the economic model. A state-based microsimulation model was developed to estimate the impact of FLSs compared with current practice for men and women aged 50 years or older with a fragility fracture. The model provides estimates for health outcomes (subsequent fractures avoided and quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]), resource use, and health and social care costs, including those necessary for FLSs to operate, over 5 years. The model was run for an exemplar country the size of the United Kingdom. FLSs were estimated to lead to a reduction of 13,149 subsequent fractures and a gain of 11,709 QALYs. Hospital-bed days would be reduced by 120,989 and surgeries by 6455, while 3556 person-years of institutional social care would be avoided. Expected costs per QALY gained placed FLSs as highly cost-effective at £8258 per QALY gained over the first 5 years. Ten different scenarios were modeled using different configurations of FLSs. Further work to develop country-specific models is underway to delivery crucial national level data to inform the prioritization of FLSs by policy makers. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Long-Term Treatment and Effect of Discontinuation of Calcifediol in Postmenopausal Women with Vitamin D Deficiency: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Pérez-Castrillón José Luis , Dueñas-Laita Antonio , Gómez-Alonso Carlos , Jódar Esteban , del Pino-Montes Javier , Brandi Maria Luisa , Cereto Castro Fernando , Quesada-Gómez José Manuel , Gallego López Laura , Olmos Martínez José Manuel , Alhambra Expósito María Rosa , Galarraga Bernat , González-Macías Jesús , Neyro José Luis , Bouillon Roger , Hernández-Herrero Gonzalo , Fernández-Hernando Nieves , Chinchilla Sandra P.
Published: January 2023

Vitamin D plays a major role in bone health and probably also in multiple extraskeletal acute and chronic diseases. Although supplementation with calcifediol, a vitamin D metabolite, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in short-term clinical trials, its effects after long-term monthly administration have been studied less extensively. This report describes the results of a 1-year, phase III-IV, double-blind, randomized, controlled, parallel, multicenter superiority clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of monthly calcifediol 0.266 mg versus cholecalciferol 25,000 IU (0.625 mg) in postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL). A total of 303 women were randomized and 298 evaluated. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to calcifediol 0.266 mg/month for 12 months (Group A1), calcifediol 0.266 mg/month for 4 months followed by placebo for 8 months (Group A2), and cholecalciferol 25,000 IU/month (0.625 mg/month) for 12 months (Group B). By month 4, stable 25(OH)D levels were documented with both calcifediol and cholecalciferol (intention-to-treat population): 26.8 ± 8.5 ng/mL (Group A1) and 23.1 ± 5.4 ng/mL (Group B). By month 12, 25(OH)D levels were 23.9 ± 8.0 ng/mL (Group A1) and 22.4 ± 5.5 ng/mL (Group B). When calcifediol treatment was withdrawn in Group A2, 25(OH)D levels decreased to baseline levels (28.5 ± 8.7 ng/mL at month 4 versus 14.4 ± 6.0 ng/mL at month 12). No relevant treatment-related safety issues were reported in any of the groups. The results confirm that long-term treatment with monthly calcifediol in vitamin D-deficient patients is effective and safe. The withdrawal of treatment leads to a pronounced decrease of 25(OH)D levels. Calcifediol presented a faster onset of action compared to monthly cholecalciferol. Long-term treatment produces stable and sustained 25(OH)D concentrations with no associated safety concerns. © 2023 Faes Farma SA. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Mesoscale eddies with anomalous sea surface temperature and its relation with atmospheric convection over the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Gulakaram Venkata Sai , Vissa Naresh Krishna , Bhaskaran Prasad Kumar
Published: January 2023

Mesoscale eddies are the important phenomenon of world oceans that play a prominent role in influencing the near‐surface atmosphere and transport of heat. Ocean and atmosphere responses due to the presence of oceanic mesoscale eddies are not well studied in the Northern Indian Ocean (NIO) region. The present study analysed the ocean and atmospheric response due to the presence of mesoscale eddies using a composite analysis. Generally, it is assumed that the anti‐cyclonic eddies are associated with the positive anomalies of sea surface temperature (SST), and cyclonic eddies are accompanied by negative anomalies. However, for the two marginal seas in the NIO, that is, the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and Arabian Sea (AS), the composite picture of SST anomalies associated with mesoscale eddies showed an abnormal response of SST. This unusual behaviour of cold SST near anti‐cyclonic eddies and warm SST near cyclonic eddies in BoB and AS is analysed with the mean composites of precipitation, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR), and turbulent fluxes. The mean composites over all anti‐cyclonic eddies reveal the presence of enhanced precipitation and convection (low OLR), whereas over cyclonic eddies, suppressed convection and negative precipitation anomalies are evident. The composites of latent heat flux (LHF), precipitation and OLR near surface cold anti‐cyclonic eddies indicate the loss of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere, intense precipitation along with cloudy conditions are responsible for the cooling of the ocean. Along with this, stronger winds are also evident during cloudy conditions could play a role in anomalous cooling of SST observed near anti‐cyclonic through intense surface mixing. Similarly, vice versa is observed near the surface warm cyclonic eddies. The overlying atmosphere and abnormal response of SST near oceanic eddies are essential for understanding the significant role of oceanic mesoscale eddies in influencing the large‐scale circulation of the atmosphere and climate.
Effects of heating rates on the self‐assembly behavior and gelling properties of beef myosin
Authors: Fang Tian , Han Mengfan , Wang Yue , Xiang Xiaomei , Chen Lin , Yang Huijuan , Kang Zhuangli , Huang Feng , Fan Xiaojing , Han Minyi , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong , Ullah Niamat , Feng Xianchao
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Myosin is the most important component of myofibrillar protein, with excellent gelling properties. To date, heating treatment remains the mainstream method for forming gel in meat products, and it has the most extensive application in the field of meat industry. However, at present, there are few reports on the effects of heating rates on myosin self‐assembly and aggregation behavior during heating treatment.

RESULTS

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different heating rates (1, 2, 3 and 5 °C min−1) on the self‐assembly behavior, physicochemical, structural and gelling properties of myosin. At the lowest heating rate of 1 °C min−1, the myosin gel had a dense microstructure, the highest elastic modulus (G′) and water holding capacity compared to higher heating rates (2, 3 and 5 °C min−1). At higher temperatures (40, 45 °C), the surface hydrophobicity, turbidity, particle size distribution and self‐assembly behavior of myosin in pre‐gelling solutions showed that myosin had sufficient time to denature, underwent full structure unfolding before aggregation at the heating rate of 1°C min−1, and formed regular and homogeneous spherical aggregates. Therefore, the myosin gel also had a better three‐dimensional network.

CONCLUSION

The heating rates had an important effect on the quality of myosin gels, and had theoretical implications for improving the quality of meat gel products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Biotransformation of the saponins in Panax notoginseng leaves mediated by gut microbiota from insomniac patients
Authors: Shao Li , Wang Li , Shi Yong‐Yan , Zhang Wei , Tan Li‐Wen , Wan Jian‐Bo , Huang Wei‐Hua
Published: January 2023

Saponins extracted from Panax notoginseng leaves by methanol or water could be orally administrated for insomnia with very low bioavailability, which might be bio‐converted by gut microbiota to generate potential bioactive products. Moreover, gut microbiota profiles from insomniac patients are very different from healthy subjects. We aimed to compare the metabolic characteristics and profiles of the two saponins extract by incubation with gut microbiota from insomniac patients. The ginsenosides, notoginsenosides, and metabolites were identified and relatively quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Gut microbiota was profiled by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The results showed that saponins were very different between methanol or water extract groups, which were metabolized by gut microbiota to generate similar yields. The main metabolites included ginsenoside Rd, ginsenoside F2, ginsenoside C‐Mc or ginsenoside C‐Y, ginsenoside C‐Mx, ginsenoside compound K, and protopanaxadiol in both groups, while gypenoside XVII, notoginsenoside Fe, ginsenoside Rd2, and notoginsenoside Fd were the intermediates in the methanol group. Moreover, the microbial, Faecalibacterium prausnitzi, could bio‐convert the saponins to obtain the corresponding metabolites. Our study implied that saponins extracted from P. notoginseng leaves by methanol or water could be used for insomniac patients due to gut microbiota biotransformation.
Interfacial Interaction Enables Enhanced Mobility in Hybrid Perovskite‐Conjugated Polymer Transistors with High‐k Fluorinated Polymer Dielectrics
Authors: Nketia‐Yawson Vivian , Nketia‐Yawson Benjamin , Jo Jea Woong
Published: January 2023

The charge carrier mobility of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) has been remarkably improved through several engineering approaches and techniques by targeting pivotal parts. Herein, an ultrathin perovskite channel layer that boosts the field‐effect mobility of conjugated polymer OFETs by forming perovskite‐conjugated polymer hybrid semiconducting channel is introduced. The optimized lead‐iodide‐based perovskite‐conjugated polymer hybrid channel transistors show enhanced hole mobility of over 4 cm2 V–1 s–1 (average = 2.10 cm2 V–1 s–1) with high reproducibility using a benchmark poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) polymer and employing high‐k fluorinated polymer dielectrics. A significant hole carrier mobility enhancement of ≈200–400% in benzo[1,2‐b:4,5:b′]dithiophene (BDT)‐based conjugated polymers is also demonstrated by exploring certain interactive groups with perovskite. This significant enhancement in the transistor performance is attributed to the increased charge carrier density in the hybrid semiconducting channel and the perovskite–polymer interactions. The findings of this paper demonstrate an exceptional engineering approach for carrier mobility enhancement in hybrid perovskite‐conjugated‐polymer‐based electronic devices.