bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Favoring the Toxic Effects of Metformin in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes in Two Referral Hospital in Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Manaoda Antoine Vayaraï , Fuh Azinwi Ngumsi , Yinyang Jacques , Ngene Jean Pierre , Loe Gisele Etame , Adiogo Dieudonné
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The Metformin is a first line agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes that can be used alone or in combination with sulfonylureas thiazolidinediones, incretin-based drugs, sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, or other hypoglycemic agents. Metformin is the most used anti-hyperglycemic agent for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. It is considered as a very good drug, with low risk and high benefit. The Metformin liver and pancreatic intoxication can be due to massive ingestion or to a progressive accumulation due to renal failure, hence an elevated blood amylase and transaminases levels. Fatal cases due to metformin intoxication have been described.

Methods: The study was an analytical cross sectional study which was carried out in the Douala General Hospital and the Douala Laquintinie Hospital from the 1st of March 2021 to the 30th of May 2021. Our study population included type 2 diabetic patients above 40years of age who are strictly on oral antidiabetic drugs who came to consult in the Douala General Hospital and the Douala Laquintinie Hospital, the exclusion criteria were; Patients infected with hepatitis A, B or hepatitis C, diabetic patients suffering from other pathologies like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, liver cancer and others, patients suffering from terminal renal failure, patients who have been on NSAI drugs for long period and also taking alcohol or those with hemolyzed blood. For ethical consideration, after presenting and filling of the consent form, 5ml of blood was collected from each participant for the analyses, serum was conserved at a temperature of -15 to -20oC and the samples were finally analyzed in 2 series on the Biotecnica 1500 chemistry analyzer. Statistical analysis was done on Microsoft Excel 2013 version.

Results: A total of 102 participants were enrolled, female gender was dominant, and the mean age was 69 years. Most of participants felt under neurological clinical effects (tiredness, dizziness, and tingling sensation). We had an average GOT of 28.3, with a minimum of 7.0 and a maximum of 207, an average GPT of 19.8 with a minimum of 5.9 and a maximum of 90.7 and an average amylase was 45.7 with a minimum value of 11.5 and a maximum value of 470. On the other hand, our average GFR was 74.3 with a minimum of 12.8 and a maximum of 153.2. From the study population, 90 where on metformin  among which 79 were on stages 2-5 of kidney failure.

Conclusion: This study highlights the risk of liver toxicity for diabetic patient under metformin surfing from renal failure.
Interactive Radio Response (IRR) Effectiveness in Small-class Size Chemistry Students Achievement
Authors: Janice Imizuokena Iroriteraye-Adjekpovu
Published: March 2022

The study examined the effectiveness of Interactive Radio Response (IRR) in teaching of small class size chemistry on student achievement in secondary school in Obiaruku, Ukwuani L.G.A., Delta State. One hundred and twenty (120) students randomly selected from five schools were enrolled for the study. Lessons relevant for the study prepared using prescribed textbooks in chemistry for students within SSII with and without IRR approach. Performance using students outcome were subjected to analysis using students’ t-test from the raw score sheet. The results showed that a significant effect of IRR approach exist in small class-size chemistry teaching on students’ academic achievement. Also, significant difference existed between mean scores for male and female students achievement using IRR approach in chemistry teaching of small class-size across secondary schools in the study area. The study concluded that IRR teaching approach on small class-size chemistry teaching has effect on students’ achievement with male students’ recording higher performance compared to their female counterparts. The study recommended that teachers should include IRR approach in small class-size chemistry teaching with no gender disparity to enhance students’ academic performance.
Prehistoric settlement patterns in the north-east of Scotland
Authors: Cook Martin , Robertson Jackaline , McLaren Dawn , Engl Rob , Dungworth David , Ellis Clare , Ives Rachael
Published: March 2022

The commercial development of the north-east of Scotland has resulted in a huge influx of new information on the prehistoric and Early Historic occupation of the area. A series of cropmarks investigated at Grantown Road, Forres (NGR: NJ 0263 5740) between 2002 and 2013 has confirmed the presence of an extensive Iron Age settlement and revealed new evidence for activity from the Neolithic to the Early Historic period. The Iron Age settlement is represented by a variety of building types including ring-ditch, ring-groove and post-ring structures, in association with four-post structures, a souterrain and metalworking furnaces. Although the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Early Historic periods are not so well represented they nonetheless have provided evidence for the occupation of the area. The artefactual assemblage includes Neolithic and Bronze Age ceramic and coarse stone and Iron Age material relating to metalworking.
Testing effects of social rejection on aggressive and prosocial behavior: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Quarmley Megan , Feldman Julia , Grossman Hannah , Clarkson Tessa , Moyer Anne , Jarcho Johanna M.
Published: March 2022

Social rejection elicits profound feelings of distress. From an evolutionary perspective, the best way to alleviate this distress is to behave prosocially, minimizing the likelihood of further exclusion. Yet, examples ranging from the playground to the pub suggest rejection commonly elicits aggression. Opposing theoretical perspectives and discordant empirical results have left a basic question unanswered: does rejection more commonly elicit prosocial or aggressive behavior? We conducted three meta‐analyses (one with studies measuring aggressive behavior; one with studies measuring prosocial behavior; and one with studies measuring both aggressive and prosocial behavior; N = 3864) to quantify: (1) the extent to which social rejection elicits prosocial or aggressive behavior and (2) potential moderating effects on these relations. Random‐effects models revealed medium effects such that social rejection potentiated aggressive behavior (k = 19; d = 0.41, p < .0001) and attenuated prosocial behavior (k = 7; d = 0.59, p < .0001), an effect that remained consistent even when participants were given the option to behave prosocially or aggressively (k =  15; d = 0.71, p < .0001). These results cast doubt on the theory that rejection triggers prosocial behavior, and instead suggest it is a robust elicitor of aggression.

Statement of Relevance: To our knowledge, these meta‐analyses are the first to directly test whether social rejection elicits aggressive or prosocial behavior. By including a comprehensive collection of both published and unpublished research studies, and examining a wide variety of previously untested moderators, we show that social rejection robustly elicits aggressive behavior and inhibits prosocial behavior. Additionally, we demonstrate that aggressive behavior following social rejection is not simply a function of limited choices in response options. In fact, aggressive behavior was evoked even when the option to engage in prosocial behavior was provided. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive narrative review of the neural mechanisms underlying social rejection‐elicited aggressive and prosocial behavior to supplement primary analyses. Overall, we believe that our work makes a critical theoretical contribution to the field.
Loss of Productivity‐Adjusted Life‐Years in Working‐Age Australians Due to Knee Osteoarthritis: A Life‐Table Modeling Approach
Authors: Jin Xingzhong , Ackerman Ilana N. , Ademi Zanfina
Published: March 2022

Objective

Productivity‐adjusted life‐years (PALYs) offers a novel approach for quantifying the productivity burden of chronic conditions at the population level over the working lifespan. This study was undertaken to estimate the productivity burden of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) among working‐age Australians, defined as lost PALYs and lost gross domestic product (GDP).

Methods

A static life‐table model was constructed to simulate the experiences of working Australians (between the ages of 15–64 years) with KOA and those without KOA, with follow‐up to 65 years (retirement age), a 1‐year cycle length, and an annual discount rate of 5%. KOA prevalence data were obtained from the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors study. Demographic and mortality data were sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Health utilities and productivity indices were derived from published sources. Population‐level losses in years of life, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), and PALYs attributable to KOA were estimated by comparing estimates in the KOA cohort to the no KOA cohort.

Results

In 2019, a total of 913,539 working‐age Australians were estimated to have KOA, with an overall prevalence of 5.5% (4.5% in men and 6.5% in women). By retirement age, KOA was associated with 39,602 excess deaths, 125,651 years of life lost, 1,938,059 QALYs lost, and 1,943,287 PALYs lost. The economic impact of lost productivity due to KOA amounted to 424 billion Australian dollars in lost GDP.

Conclusion

Our modeling demonstrates a significant economic burden of KOA among the working Australian population, with marked productivity loss. Our findings highlight the need for public health funding and scalable population‐level strategies for effective KOA prevention and support to maintain productive working.
A Review of Composition–Structure–Function Properties and Tissue Engineering Strategies of Articular Cartilage: Compare Condyle Process and Knee Joint
Authors: Liu Nian , Zhang Huabo , Ni Xingyu , Liu Tiancheng , Jiang Nan
Published: March 2022

Extensive researches in recent decades have confirmed the importance of condylar cartilage and tibial plateau cartilage in regarding their functions in joints. Although the two cartilages are in an anatomically similar environment and have some resemblances in clinical studies of osteoarthritis, the existing studies lack a cross‐sectional comparison of these two cartilage parts. Therefore, herein, the similarities and differences between the two in terms of compositions, structure, biomechanics, and tissue‐engineering strategies are horizontally compared. Recent studies on these aspects are included in this review, in which the focus and deficiency of the researches are concluded respectively. The two cartilages are both roughly divided into four layers in terms of structure, but in the aspect of composition, there are differences in the shape and size of cells and the way in which collagen exists. The compression resistance of tibial cartilage is stronger than that of condylar cartilage, which is related to their roles in normal life and has influence in tissue engineering strategies. Investigating the contrast between the two contributes to carrying out related clinical researches. Meanwhile, due to the different emphasis, it has enlightening significance for the selection of future study.
The Coupling of Local Strain and K+‐Ion Release Induced Phase Transition Heterogeneity in Tunnel MnO2
Authors: Peng Haoyang , Xia Fanjie , Zhang Chenyu , Zhuo Haoxiang , Peng Xin , Song Peihao , Sun Congli , Wu Jinsong
Published: March 2022

The structure and valence transitions in multi‐valent transition metal oxides are closely associated with the intrinsic functionalities that exhibit wide applications in various fields, such as rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysis. The internal strain due to intercalated and then released alkali‐ions and defects plays a critical role in tuning the energetically close correlated structures. However, such an effect is still elusive due to its fast dynamics at the atomic scale that requires both high temporal and spatial resolution. Herein, a chip‐based in situ scanning transmission electron microscope investigation is conducted, in which an abnormal tunnel to layered transition within a single MnO2 nanowire is observed. The internal strain initiates a Jahn–Teller active Mn3+ transition to facilitate the Mn migration, which significantly reduces the Mn migration barrier and kinetically favors this abnormal transition. This work provides an atomistic insight into a strain effect in tuning the multi‐phase and valence transitions in the functional metal oxides, e.g., the phase transition in MnO2 during K+‐ion extraction for K+‐ion batteries.
Bio‐Based Solar Energy Harvesting for Onsite Mobile Optical Temperature Sensing in Smart Cities
Authors: Correia Sandra F.H. , Bastos Ana R.N. , Martins Margarida , Macário Inês P.E. , Veloso Telma , Pereira Joana L. , Coutinho João A.P. , Ventura Sónia P.M. , André Paulo S. , Ferreira Rute A.S.
Published: March 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) fosters the development of smart city systems for sustainable living and increases comfort for people. One of the current challenges for sustainable buildings is the optimization of energy management. Temperature monitoring in buildings is of prime importance, as heating account for a great part of the total energy consumption. Here, a solar optical temperature sensor is presented with a thermal sensitivity of up to 1.23% °C−1 based on sustainable aqueous solutions of enhanced green fluorescent protein and C‐phycocyanin from biological feedstocks. These photonic sensors are presented under the configuration of luminescent solar concentrators widely proposed as a solution to integrate energy‐generating devices in buildings, as windows or façades. The developed mobile sensor is inserted in IoT context through the development of a self‐powered system able to measure, record, and send data to a user‐friendly website.
Essential Role of Triplet Diradical Character for Large Magnetoresistance in Quinoidal Organic Semiconductor with High Electron Mobility
Authors: Wang Chao , Hao Hua , Tajima Keisuke
Published: March 2022

A diradicaloid molecule with high semiconducting performance is synthesized based on the quinoidal benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene structure. The diradical character is investigated by quantum chemical calculations and variable temperature electron spin resonance. The diode devices based on this molecule show a large change in electric current in magnetic fields below 100 mT with a strong dependence on the measurement temperatures; as the population of the triplet diradicals increases at high temperatures, the magnetoconductance (MC) values increase. As a result, a MC of −19.4% is achieved at 120 °C, which is the largest negative MC observed for organic molecules to date. In contrast, a smaller diradicaloid molecule based on quinoidal thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene without thermally accessible triplet state shows no MC, indicating the essential role of the triplet diradicals. The strong correlation between the MC and the triplet diradical concentrations suggests that the charge conduction in the diradicaloid is suppressed through a spin‐blocking mechanism, which can be controlled through the magnetic modulation of the hyperfine fields. The compound forms high‐crystallinity thin films and has high monopolar electron transport in organic field‐effect transistors, with an average mobility of 1.01 cm2 V−1 s−1 for edge‐cast films.
Internal Encapsulation for Lead Halide Perovskite Films for Efficient and Very Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Ge Yansong , Ye Feihong , Xiao Meng , Wang Haibing , Wang Chen , Liang Jiwei , Hu Xuzhi , Guan Hongling , Cui Hongsen , Ke Weijun , Tao Chen , Fang Guojia
Published: March 2022

External encapsulation technique as a straightforward craft process has been adopted to prevent the infiltration of moisture and oxygen, thereby improving environmental stabilities of lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, irreversible light‐induced degradation originating from various vacancies and ion diffusion or migration inside the device cannot be efficiently solved by external encapsulation. Herein, an internal encapsulation strategy by introducing NbCl5 at the buried tin oxide/perovskite interface and spin‐casting n‐butylammonium bromide on top of perovskite is developed to comprehensively passivate the vacancies and hence block the channels for ion diffusion or migration. The internal encapsulation strategy results in better homogeneous electron transport layer and effective vacancy passivation at the buried interface and simultaneously generates a more homogeneous, better crystallized perovskite in the vertical direction with significantly reduced residual PbI2. Furthermore, fewer oxygen vacancies and formation of ultrathin Nb2O5 lead to a better interfacial energy level alignment for electron transfer. As a result, power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the resulting PSCs is as high as 24.01%. More importantly, the device demonstrates an excellent stability, retaining 88% of its initial PCE at its maximum power point tracking measurement (under 100 mW cm–2 white light illumination at ≈55 °C temperature, in N2 atmosphere) after 1000 h.
Thinning dynamics of the liquid thread at different stages in a rectangular cross junction
Authors: Wang Xiang , Pang Yan , Ma Yilin , Ren Yanlin , Liu Zhaomiao
Published: March 2022

Flow regime maps are plotted and the universal transitional boundary of squeezing regime and dripping regime is gained when both inertial force and viscous force of the dispersed phase are considered. The neck thinning process within the rectangular channel is divided into three stages according to evolutions of the neck width: two‐dimensional shrinking stage, transitional stage, and collapsing stage. Influences of the flow rates of two phases and the dispersed viscosity on evolutions of the neck width at different stages are explored. Different relations between the neck width and the remaining time are found for the earlier two stages. At the third stage, two physical mechanisms are separated by the dispersed viscosity as the neck width decreases according to wn/W ~ τ2/3 under the inertial regime for both water and 40% glycerol, while the neck width reduces linearly as wn ~ 2(0.0709σ/μd)tr under the viscous regime for 55% glycerol.
The Power of Silence, Pause, and Delay
Authors: Creo Robert Angelo
Published: March 2022

In the 1960s, as an awkward teenager exploring how to create social relationships within my peer group, especially girls, I assumed that there had to be constant conversation with no gaps.
Modulating the Electronic Metal‐Support Interactions in Single‐Atom Pt1−CuO Catalyst for Boosting Acetone Oxidation
Authors: Jiang Zeyu , Tian Mingjiao , Jing Meizan , Chai Shouning , Jian Yanfei , Chen Changwei , Douthwaite Mark , Zheng Lirong , Ma Mudi , Song Weiyu , Liu Jian , Yu Jiaguo , He Chi
Published: March 2022

The development of highly active single‐atom catalysts (SACs) and identifying their intrinsic active sites in oxidizing industrial hazardous hydrocarbons are challenging prospects. Tuning the electronic metal‐support interactions (EMSIs) is valid for modulating the catalytic performance of SACs. We propose that the modulation of the EMSIs in a Pt1−CuO SAC significantly promotes the activity of the catalyst in acetone oxidation. The EMSIs promote charge redistribution through the unified Pt−O−Cu moieties, which modulates the d‐band structure of atomic Pt sites, and strengthens the adsorption and activation of reactants. The positively charged Pt atoms are superior for activating acetone at low temperatures, and the stretched Cu−O bonds facilitate the activation of lattice oxygen atoms to participate in subsequent oxidation. We believe that this work will guide researchers to engineer efficient SACs for application in hydrocarbon oxidation reactions.
Development of xanthan gum‐based solid polymer electrolytes with addition of expanded graphite nanosheets
Authors: Knuth Rogerio Daltro , Knuth Flávio A. , Maron Guilherme K. , Balboni Raphael D. C. , Moreira Mario L. , Raubach Cristiane W. , Jardim Pedro L. G. , Carreno Neftali L. V. , Avellaneda César O. , Moreira Eduardo C. , Cava Sérgio S.
Published: March 2022

A composite based on natural polymer xanthan gum (XG) and expanded graphite nanosheets (GNs) was prepared for application as a flexible and eco‐friendly solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). To evaluate the ionic conductivity, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was performed at different temperatures, ranging from 25 to 80°C, reaching high values of 1.1 × 10−3 and 2.43 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature and 40°C, respectively, for the sample containing 0.5% by weight of GNs. Additional characterizations including X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and cyclic voltammetry were implemented to get full structural, morphological and optical relevant features of these samples. The results showed that flexible SPEs based on XG/GNs are very promising and can be used as electrolytes with high potential of application in a wide variety of electrochemical devices.
Revealing the paleolandscape features around the archaeological sites in the northern Nile Delta of Egypt using radar satellite imagery and GEE platform
Authors: Elfadaly Abdelaziz , Shams Ayat Hassan , Elbehery Walid , Elftatry Mahmoud , Wafa Osama , Hiekl Amira M. A. , Wilson Penelope , Silverstein Jay , Abouarab Mohamed A. R.
Published: March 2022

Egyptian civilization has long flourished along the banks of the Nile, in the south (e.g. Luxor and Aswan), the Middle (e.g. Giza ‘Great Pyramids’) and North (e.g. San El‐Hagar and Buto), as well as the less populated areas of the Sinai Peninsula, the Western Desert and the Red Sea coast. There are archaeological sites date back to the Palaeolithic period and cover the Pre‐dynastic, Pharaonic, Hellenistic‐Roman, Coptic and Muslim periods. Across the Nile Delta, many of these archaeological sites have disappeared beneath Nile alluvium from the annual inundation or through intensive agricultural use, climate changes and other anthropogenic activities. This study aims to detect the long‐term changes in the landscape of the archaeological area of Burullus on the Mediterranean shoreline in the North Delta of Egypt. By combining data from historic topographic maps with Radar Sentinel‐1 (High‐resolution Level‐1 GRD) and SRTM data, topographic signatures in satellite imagery can be compared with the historic record of archaeological sites, many of which are now lost. Image layering, enhancement and analysis using ENVI 5.1, ArcMap 10.4.1 and Snap 8.0 software as well as Google Earth Pro facilitated the imagery identification and acquisition. The results of this study provide a means of quantifying the significant loss of cultural heritage sites due to anthropogenic and natural changes in the landscape. This analysis has also identified two—previously unknown—potential archaeological sites. Finally, the reconstruction of the paleolandscape of the study area shows the changing relationships of ancient and historic settlements with natural and man‐made waterways over time. Integrating remote sensing data and historic maps offers a method for evaluating paleolandscapes and locating disappeared archaeological sites that can be applied in other areas of Egypt and the world.
Metabolic characteristics and pharmacokinetic differences of Qiwei Tongbi oral liquid in rheumatoid arthritis rats
Authors: Qian Mengyu , Gao Xia , Chen Xialin , Wang Jiajia , Gao Huifang , Tang Qi , Cao Liang , Xiao Wei
Published: March 2022

Qiwei Tongbi oral liquid (QWTB), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, is widely used to treat arthritis‐related diseases in clinical practice. Currently, in vivo metabolic characteristics and pharmacokinetic studies are lacking. This study analyzed the prototype components of QWTB absorbed in the blood and their metabolic transformation process after intragastric administration and compared the differences in pharmacokinetic properties between healthy and rheumatoid arthritis model rats. In sum, 17 prototype components and 21 related metabolites were identified in the plasma and urine of the treated rats. Metabolites were derived from sinomenine and magnoflorine. Through systematic methodology verification, an accurate and stable detection method for sinomenine and magnoflorine in plasma samples was established and applied to pharmacokinetic research of QWTB. At the three dose levels, the AUC0–∞ (area under the curve) of the two components showed a good positive correlation with the dose (R2 > 0.9). Compared with healthy rats, the Tmax, t1/2z, and AUC of sinomenine were markedly increased, and Cmax was decreased in rheumatoid arthritis model rats, indicating that the rate of absorption and elimination rate decreased, but the body exposure increased. However, there were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of magnoflorine under healthy and pathological conditions. In summary, the main active ingredients of QWTB are sinomenine and magnoflorine, which exhibit linear kinetic characteristics within a set dose range, and the rheumatoid arthritis pathological state is more conducive to the absorption and efficacy of sinomenine. The results of this study demonstrate the rationality of the clinical application of the QWTB.
The positive feedback loop of furin and TGFβ1 enhances the immune responses of Tregs to hepatocellular carcinoma cells and hepatitis B virus in vitro
Authors: Qiu Hua , Wang Na , Lin Dongyi , Yuan Ying , Li Jinyuan , Mao Dewen , Meng Yinjie
Published: March 2022

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) can exert immunosuppressive activity. Furin can regulate Treg functions, hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistent infection, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. However, it remains unknown whether furin can regulate the immune responses of Tregs to HBV and HCC cells. Here, coculture systems of HBV1.3P‐HepG2.3P‐HepG2 cells and Tregs transduced with or without lentiviral particles that could overexpress furin or knockdown furin/transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) were established to investigate the regulatory relationship between furin and TGFβ1 and the effect of furin/TGFβ1 on Treg activity. Also, the effects of furin overexpression or furin/TGFβ1 knockdown in Tregs on the immunological activity of effector T cells (Teffs)/cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and HBV replication/expression were explored in the coculture system of Teff/CTL, Treg, and HBV1.3P‐HepG2 cells. Our results showed that furin expression and TGFβ1 secretion were notably increased in Tregs, and Furin and TGFβ1 formed a positive feedback loop to activate Tregs in the coculture system of Tregs and HBV1.3P‐HepG2 cells. Furin or TGFβ1 knockdown in Tregs promoted Teff cell proliferation, stimulated interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ secretion, and inhibited HBV replication/gene expression in the coculture system of Teff, Treg, and HBV1.3P‐HepG2 cells. Moreover, furin or TGFβ1 depletion in Tregs enhanced the killing activity of CTLs against HBV1.3P‐HepG2 cells and curbed HBV replication/gene expression in the coculture system of Tregs, CTLs, and HBV1.3P‐HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the positive feedback loop of furin and TGFβ1 enhanced the immune responses of Tregs to HCC cells and HBV in vitro.
Completion peripheral angiography in single‐access, Impella‐assisted, high‐risk PCI: Using a buddy microcatheter sheath after MANTA closure for imaging and potential bailout
Authors: Summers Matthew R. , Lavigne Paul M. , Mahoney Paul D.
Published: March 2022

High‐risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR‐PCI) is increasingly performed, often with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) provided by devices like the Impella CP. Bleeding and vascular complications remain concerns for HR‐PCI, leading to significantly higher in‐hospital mortality, duration of stay, and cost, which are important considerations in the decisions surrounding MCS support for HR‐PCI. Newly introduced, single‐catheter techniques for Impella‐supported HR‐PCI, along with recent approvals of dedicated large‐bore closure devices (MANTA®‐Vascular Closure Device) may reduce bleeding and vascular complications, but have limitations with regard to completion of peripheral angiography and/or postclosure percutaneous bailout options. The present technique offers a potential solution to these limitations, and describes a buddy microcatheter approach to postclosure management of HR‐PCI with MCS, which was highly successful in a consecutive series of patients at our institution.
Effects of cis/trans‐Configuration and Ligand Substitution of the Cyanidometal Bridge on Metal to Metal Charge Transfer Properties in Mixed Valence Complexes
Authors: Xu Qing‐Dou , Ma Xiao , Zeng Chen , Su Shao‐Dong , Hu Sheng‐Min , Huang Ying‐Ying , Wu Xin‐Tao , Sheng Tian‐Lu
Published: March 2022

To investigate the effects of cis/trans‐configuration of the cyanidometal bridge and the electron donating ability of the auxiliary ligand on the cyanidometal bridge on metal to metal charge transfer (MMCT) in cyanidometal‐bridged mixed valence compounds, two groups of trinuclear cyanidometal‐bridged compounds cis/trans‐[Cp(dppe)Fe(μ‐NC)Ru(4,4’‐dmbpy)2(μ‐CN)Fe(dppe)Cp][PF6]n(n=2 (cis/trans‐1[PF6]2), 3 (cis/trans‐1[PF6]3), 4 (cis/trans‐1[PF6]4)) and cis/trans‐[Cp(dppe)Fe(μ‐NC)Ru(bpy)2(μ‐CN)Fe(dppe)Cp][PF6]3(cis/trans‐2[PF6]3) were synthesized and fully characterized. The experimental results indicate that for these one‐ and two‐electron oxidation mixed valence compounds, the trans‐configuration compounds are more beneficial for MMCT than the cis‐configuration compounds, and increasing the electron donating ability of the auxiliary ligand on the cyanidometal bridge is also conductive to MMCT. Moreover, compoundscis/trans‐1[PF6]n(n=3, 4) andcis/trans‐2[PF6]3belong to localized compounds by analyzing the experimental characterization results, supported by the TDDFT calculations.
1,2‐Carboboration of Arylallenes by In Situ Generated Alkenylboranes for the Synthesis of 1,4‐Dienes
Authors: Averdunk Arthur , Hasenbeck Max , Müller Tizian , Becker Jonathan , Gellrich Urs
Published: March 2022

We herein report a novel method for the coupling of unactivated alkynes and arylallenes, which relies on an unprecedented and regioselective 1,2‐carboboration of the allene by an alkenylborane. The alkenylborane is conveniently preparedin situby hydroboration of an alkyne with Piers’ borane,i. e., HB(C6F5)2. The boryl‐substituted 1,4‐dienes that are formed by this carboboration are well‐suited for a subsequent Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling with aryl iodides. This allowed us to develop a three‐step, one‐pot protocol for the synthesis of aryl‐substituted 1,4‐dienes. The generality of the reaction was demonstrated by the synthesis of twenty dienes with modular variations of all three reaction partners. The mechanism of the new 1,2‐carboboration was investigated using dispersion corrected double‐hybrid DFT computations that allowed us to rationalize the chemo‐ and regioselectivity of this key step.
Orthogonalization of Polyaryl Linkers as a Route to More Porous Phosphonate Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Glavinović Martin , Perras Justin H. , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Lin Jian‐Bin , Shimizu George K. H.
Published: March 2022

The coordinative pliancy of the phosphonate functional group means that metal‐phosphonate materials often self‐assemble as well‐packed structures with minimal porosity, as efficient inter‐ligand packing is enabled. Here, we report a multistep synthesis of a novel aryl‐phosphonate linker with an orthogonalized ligand core, 1,3,5‐tris(4’‐phosphonophenyl)‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzene (H6L2) designed to form more open structures. A series of crystalline metal‐phosphonate frameworks (CALF‐35 to ‐39) have been assembled by coordinating to divalent metals (Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, Zn). H6L2 is unable to pack efficiently and, as a consequence, yields several distinct microporous structures. The resulting structures are discussed in detail, with a focus on the solid‐state packing of the sterically rigidified linker. Combined with larger cations (Sr, and Ba), H6L2 packs in a parallel‐offset manner, yielding isomorphous and microporous metal‐organic frameworks (CALF‐35 (Sr), and (Ba)). When coordinated to smaller metals (Ca, Mg, Zn), H6L2 forms four new structures. Two Ca MOFs of different stoichiometry, (CALF‐36 and 37) and a Mg MOF CALF‐38 show narrow pores and have high selectivities for CO2 over N2 and CH4. Finally, in CALF‐39 (Zn), H6L2 linkers pack in a herringbone fashion, resulting in a material with 10.9×10.1 Å2 square channels. The stability of all structures was tested, and the most porous structure, CALF‐39 (Zn), was found to retain its structure and gas adsorption after immersion in water over pH 3–11.
A digital twin for simulating the vertebroplasty procedure and its impact on mechanical stability of vertebra in cancer patients
Authors: Ahmadian Hossein , Mageswaran Prasath , Walter Benjamin A. , Blakaj Dukagjin M. , Bourekas Eric C. , Mendel Ehud , Marras William S. , Soghrati Soheil
Published: March 2022

We present the application of ReconGAN, introduced in a previous study, for simulating the vertebroplasty (VP) operation and its impact on the fracture response of a vertebral body. ReconGAN consists of a Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN) and a finite element based shape optimization algorithm to virtually reconstruct the trabecular bone microstructure. The VP procedure involves injecting shear‐thinning liquid bone cement through a needle in the trabecular region to reinforce a diseased or fractured vertebra. To simulate this treatment modality, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed to predict the morphology of the injected cement within the bone microstructure. A power‐law equation is utilized to characterize the non‐Newtonian shear‐thinning behavior of the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement during injection simulations. The CFD model is coupled with the level‐set method to simulate the motion of the interface separating bone cement and bone marrow. After predicting the cement morphology, a data co‐registration algorithm is employed to transform the CFD model to a high‐fidelity continuum damage mechanics (CDM) finite element model of the augmented vertebra for predicting the fracture response. A feasibility study is presented to demonstrate the ability of this CFD‐CDM framework to investigate the effect of VP on the mechanical integrity of the vertebral body in a cancer patient with a lytic metastatic tumor.
A New Method of Bone Stromal Cell Characterization by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Patel Chirayu , Shi Lihong , Whitesides John F. , Foster Brittni M. , Fajardo Roberto J. , Quillen Ellen E. , Kerr Bethany A.
Published: March 2022

The bone microenvironment cellular composition plays an essential role in bone health and is disrupted in bone pathologies, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and cancer. Flow cytometry protocols for hematopoietic stem cell lineages are well defined and well established. Additionally, a consensus for mesenchymal stem cell flow markers has been developed. However, flow cytometry markers for bone‐residing cells—osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes—have not been proposed. Here, we describe a novel partial digestion method to separate these cells from the bone matrix and present new markers for enumerating these cells by flow cytometry. We optimized bone digestion and analyzed markers across murine, nonhuman primate, and human bone. The isolation and staining protocols can be used with either cell sorting or flow cytometry. Our method allows for the enumeration and collection of hematopoietic and mesenchymal lineage cells in the bone microenvironment combined with bone‐residing stromal cells. Thus, we have established a multi‐fluorochrome bone marrow cell‐typing methodology. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Partial digestion for murine long bone stromal cell isolation

Alternate Protocol 1: Partial digestion for primate vertebrae stromal cell isolation

Alternate Protocol 2: Murine vertebrae crushing for bone stromal cell isolation

Basic Protocol 2: Staining of bone stromal cells

Support Protocol 1: Fluorescence minus one control, isotype control, and antibody titration

Basic Protocol 3: Cell sorting of bone stromal cells

Alternate Protocol 3: Flow cytometry analysis of bone stromal cells

Support Protocol 2: Preparing compensation beads
Efficient task scheduling in cloud environment
Authors: Singh Rana Robin , Gupta Nitin
Published: March 2022

Cloud computing is the provision of on‐demand computing resources over the internet and on a pay‐as‐you‐go basis, ranging from software to computation power. Task scheduling and its execution is a fundamental requirement of cloud environment. However, dynamic scheduling of tasks on basis of priority is a challenging area such that the tasks finish before their deadline. Earliest Deadline First (EDF) has been considered in literature for task scheduling to meet the deadlines. However, basic EDF (i.e., which schedules tasks on basis of deadline only)is not suitable for cloud environment. Therefore, this work proposes modified Preemptive EDF (p‐EDF) and Non‐Preemptive EDF (np‐EDF) algorithms considering task priority and cloud provider cost. As both algorithms have their own merits and de‐merits, a hybrid EDF is further proposed which makes decision dynamically whether to cause preemption or not, using a Determiner function. The objective of the work is to avoid unnecessary wastage of CPU power and time due to unnecessary preemptions, along with avoiding unnecessary deadline misses such that the high priority task does not wait for the low priority task to end. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms other considered benchmark scheme for different performance parameters such as Deadline Miss Count, Preemption Count and average waiting time.
Leveraging eDNA metabarcoding to characterize nearshore fish communities in Southeast Alaska: Do habitat and tide matter?
Authors: Larson Wesley A. , Barry Patrick , Dokai Willie , Maselko Jacek , Olson John , Baetscher Diana
Published: March 2022

Nearshore marine habitats are critical for a variety of commercially important fish species, but assessing fish communities in these habitats is costly and time‐intensive. Here, we leverage eDNA metabarcoding to characterize nearshore fish communities near Juneau, Alaska, USA, a high‐latitude environment with large tidal swings, strong currents, and significant freshwater input. We investigated whether species richness and community composition differed across three habitat types (sand beaches, eelgrass beds, and rocky shorelines) and between high and low tides. Additionally, we tested whether replication of field samples and PCR reactions influenced either species richness or composition. We amplified a 12S mitochondrial locus in our samples and identified 167 fish amplicon sequence variants, which were grouped into 24 unique taxa based on sequence similarity, with approximately half of these taxa resolved to single species. Species richness and composition inferred from eDNA differed substantially among habitats, with rock habitats containing fewer taxa and fewer overall detections than sand and eelgrass habitats. The effect of tide was not significant on its own, but a significant habitat‐tide interaction was documented, with the most pronounced differences in taxa between tides found in sand habitats. Power analyses indicated that additional field sampling is useful to detect small changes in species richness such as those due to tide. PCR replicates typically identified few additional taxa. Our results provide important information that can be used to guide future studies, most notably, that the influence of tide on eDNA results appears to be minimal and potentially isolated to certain habitats. This suggests that replication across tides may not be vital for future eDNA studies and that additional replication across space—particularly across heterogeneous environments—likely is a better allocation of sampling effort.
A Single‐Step Synthesis of Stereodefined Skipped Trienes: Pd‐Catalyzed Cascade Reaction of Terminal Alkynes with Allylic Halides
Authors: Bai Peizhi , Jiang Yubo , Xiao Tiebo , Qin Guiping
Published: March 2022

A Pd‐catalyzed cascade reaction of terminal alkynes with allylic halides to afford stereodefined skipped trienes was developed. The methodology leads to efficient construction of a series of stereodefined skipped trienes under mild reaction conditions in a single‐step without organometallic alkyne. Preliminary mechanism investigations indicated that the Sonogashira reaction and the radical pathway might not be involved in this novel multicomponent coupling reaction.
Development of Ion‐selective Electrodes for Tropane, Atropine, and Scopolamine – A Concept for the Analysis of Tropane Alkaloids
Authors: Luger Sebastian , Mayerhuber Lisa , Weigelhofer Gabriele , Hein Thomas , Holzer Brigitte , Hametner Christian , Fruhmann Philipp
Published: March 2022

We present the development of novel ion‐selective electrodes for tropane, atropine, and scopolamine, as a general model for tropane alkaloids and drugs such as e. g. cocaine. These potentiometric sensors rely either on a metallocarborane or tetraphenylborate complex as recognition element and led to systems with a near‐Nernstian behaviour in the range of 10−5–10−2 mol/L and detection limits around 2 ⋅ 10−5 mol/L. Selectivity studies with commonly used drug additives (caffeine, phenacetin) and closely related tropane derivatives show very low influence of the additives and a structure dependent interference for the derivatives. Beside this, a hydrogel‐based concept with a similar performance was developed, which could be used for on‐site measurement of solid samples. The developed sensors therefore demonstrated their suitability and might be used to enable the development of portable sensor arrays for the quantification of a wide range of tropane alkaloids.
Wearable Electronics Powered by Triboelectrification between Hair and Cloth for Monitoring Body Motions
Authors: Wang Zhaosu , Wan Dong , Cui Xiaojing , Khan Saeed Ahmed , Zhuo Kai , Zhang Hulin
Published: March 2022

Diverse triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been extensively applied in self‐powered wearable electronics. The TENG‐based demonstration using the human body as a triboelectric material is rare, though wearable electronics plays a more and more pivotal role in portable intelligent medicine. Human hair, as part of the human body, can be a component of a TENG‐based wearable system. Herein, a novel body‐based TENG configuration made of human hair and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐coated carbon cloth is proposed. Due to triboelectrification between the hair and the PDMS layer, the output voltage can deliver 1.713 and 0.377 V in the vertical contact‐separation mode and sliding mode, respectively. In addition, a self‐powered application based on the hair‐based TENG for actively monitoring the motion state by comparing the amplitude and frequency of the output voltages is successfully demonstrated. This study broadens the application of body‐based TENGs and provides a promising and feasible strategy for developing smart health monitoring.
The information in global interest rate futures contracts
Authors: Brooks Robert , Cline Brandon N. , Teterin Pavel , You Yu
Published: March 2022

We investigate information contained in the term structure of interest rate futures contracts in the United States, Eurozone, UK, and Switzerland. We find that current forward‐spot differentials often predict return premiums and, especially, future spot rates. This predictability follows time‐series patterns common to all four markets, except around crises. Macroeconomic indicators are important determinants of predictability within and between markets. One common factor captures a significant portion of variation in predictability. No single market has a dominant share of macroeconomic indicators linked with the common predictability factor. Inflation and exchange rates arise as the most important determinants of the common factor.
Meta‐analytic evidence for downregulation of the amygdala during working memory maintenance
Authors: de Voogd Lycia D. , Hermans Erno J.
Published: March 2022

The amygdala is a region critically implicated in affective processes. Downregulation of the amygdala is one of the hallmarks of successful emotion regulation. Top‐down inhibition of the amygdala is thought to involve activation of the executive control network. This reciprocal relationship, however, is not exclusive to explicit emotion regulation. It has been noted that any cognitively demanding task that activates executive control network may downregulate the amygdala, including a standard working memory task. Such downregulation is likely established in a load‐dependent fashion with more cognitive demand leading to stronger deactivation. Using a coordinate‐based meta‐analysis, we examined whether a standard working memory task downregulates the amygdala similarly to cognitive reappraisal. We found that a standard 2‐back working memory task indeed systematically downregulates the amygdala and that deactivated clusters strongly overlap with those observed during a cognitive reappraisal task. This finding may have consequences for the interpretation of the underlying mechanism of cognitive reappraisal: amygdala downregulation may be related to the cognitively demanding nature of reappraisal and not per se by the act of the reappraisal itself. Moreover, it raises the possibility of applying working memory tasks in clinical settings as an alternative emotion regulation strategy.
Reliability of extracellular contrast versus gadoxetic acid in assessing small liver lesions using liver imaging reporting and data system v.2018 and European association for the study of the liver criteria
Authors: Rimola Jordi , Sapena Víctor , Brancatelli Giuseppe , Darnell Anna , Forzenigo Laura , Mähringer‐Kunz Aline , Paisant Anita , Renzulli Matteo , Schima Wolfgang , Terraz Sylvain , Valls Carlos , Wagner Mathilde , Ayuso Carmen , Vilgrain Valerie , Reig Maria , Ronot Maxime
Published: March 2022

Background & Aims

The diagnostic accuracy of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) v.2018 and European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria for the diagnosis of HCC have been widely evaluated, but their reliability should be investigated. We aimed to assess and compare the reliability of LI‐RADS v.2018 and EASL criteria for the diagnosis of HCC using MRI with extracellular contrast agents (ECAs) and gadoxetic acid (GA) and determine the effect of ancillary features on LI‐RADS reliability.

Approach & Results

Ten readers reviewed MRI studies of 92 focal liver lesions measuring <3 cm acquired with ECAs and GA <1 month apart from two prospective trials, assessing EASL criteria, LI‐RADS major and ancillary features, and LI‐RADS categorization with and without including ancillary features. Inter‐reader agreement for definite HCC diagnosis was substantial and similar for the two contrasts for both EASL and LI‐RADS criteria. For ECA‐MRI and GA‐MRI, respectively, inter‐reader agreement was k = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63–0.81) and k = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63–0.80); for nonrim hyperenhancement, k = 0.63 (95% CI, 0.54–0.72) and k = 0.57 (95% CI, 0.48–0.66); and for nonperipheral washout, k = 0.49 (95% CI, 0.40–0.59) and k = 0.48 (95% CI, 0.37–0.58) for enhancing capsule. The inter‐reader agreement for LI‐RADS after applying ancillary features remained in the same range of agreement.

Conclusions

Agreement for definite HCC was substantial and similar for both scoring systems and the two contrast agents in small focal liver lesions. Agreement for LI‐RADS categorization was lower for both contrast agents, and including LI‐RADS ancillary features did not improve agreement.