bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Soret and Dufour on mixed convection flow across a vertical cone
Authors: Meena Om Prakash , Janapatla Pranitha , Srinivasacharya D.
Published: August 2021

This contribution examines the influence of Soret and Dufour on an incompressible viscous fluid flow across a vertical cone. The flow model is framed in the form of mathematical governing equations and a nondimensionalization is performed on them for ease of the numerical computations' examination; the obtained nonsimilarity equations are solved numerically through the bivariate Chebyshev spectral collocation quasi‐linearization method. Outcomes of the flow characteristics, velocity, temperature, concentration, skin friction rate, heat, and mass transfer rates are analyzed with the variations of governing parameters, Prandtl number, buoyancy parameter, Schmidt number, buoyancy ratio, Soret and Dufour parameters at various stream‐wise spots of the flow. To certify the exactness of the listed computations, we performed a comparison with prior published computations, which were found with great agreement, and the residual analysis study was also portrayed to reflect the convergence and stability of the adopted numerical technique.
High cholesterol diet activates ER stress mediated apoptosis in testes tissue: Role of α‐tocopherol
Authors: Sozen Erdi , Demirel‐Yalciner Tugce , Koroglu M. Kutay , Elmas Merve Acikel , Ercan Feriha , Ozer Nesrin Kartal
Published: August 2021

The seminiferous tubules where spermatogenesis occurs are enveloped and protected by the Sertoli cells to support germ cells undergoing meiosis to produce haploid gametes. Clearly, induction of apoptosis in seminiferous tubules leads to abnormalities in spermatogenesis and male infertility. Studies demonstrated that increased hyperlipidemia impairs male infertility and spermatogenesis by enhancing seminiferous tubules apoptosis. However, molecular mechanisms underlying high‐cholesterol‐mediated testicular damage remain poorly elucidated. In this scope, we established a rabbit model and investigated the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on high cholesterol diet induced seminiferous tubule apoptosis. Histopatological examinations revealed increased seminifer tubule apoptosis in testes of rabbits fed high cholesterol diet. In addition, phosphorylated forms of IRE1 and PERK, two well‐identified markers of ER stress, were significantly induced in accordance with high cholesterol diet. High cholesterol diet also exhibited CHOP induction in testes, indicating increased ER stress related apoptosis. Supplementation of α‐tocopherol significantly attenuated cholesterol mediated ER stress, and restored seminiferous tubules apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that α‐tocopherol might be capable to reduce testicular damage via ameliorating histopatological features and inhibiting seminiferous tubules apoptosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
Encompassing measures of international consumption risk sharing and their link with trade and financial globalization
Authors: Everaert Gerdie , Pozzi Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

We investigate international consumption risk sharing in a panel of 15 industrial economies over the historical period 1875–2016. By considering a rich empirical consumption‐income framework, we document time variation in the sensitivity of consumption growth to idiosyncratic and common shocks but even more so in the size of these shocks. We therefore suggest to measure risk sharing through the use of encompassing variance ratios that take into account all sources of time variation, rather than using the conventional measure that only considers the sensitivity of consumption to idiosyncratic income growth. Using these more encompassing measures, we estimate degrees of international risk sharing that lie above those typically reported the literature and find a closer connection with the trends in trade and financial globalization.
Scutellarein induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion in ovarian cancer via inhibition of EZH2/FOXO1 signaling
Authors: Lang Xiao , Chen Zheng , Yang Xingyu , Yan Qi , Xu Manfei , Liu Wei , He Qin , Zhang Yue , Cheng Weiwei , Zhao Wenxia
Published: August 2021

Scutellarein, a flavone found in the perennial herb Scutellaria baicalensis, has antitumorigenic activity in multiple human cancers. However, whether scutellarein can attenuate ovarian cancer (OC) is unclear. This study investigated the effects of scutellarein in OC. In vitro cell viability was assessed using MTT assay whereas proliferation was assessed using 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine and colony formation assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by an Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assay. Wound‐healing and Transwell assays were used to determine cell migration and invasion. The differential expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) was measured by Quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot analysis. We found that scutellarein inhibited viability, migration, invasion of A2780 and SKOV‐3 cells, and reduced the expression of EZH2 in OC cells. In addition, FOXO1 was downregulated in OC tissues and cells and negatively regulated by EZH2. Also, scutellarein inhibited tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, scutellarein alleviates OC by the regulation of EZH2/FOXO1 signaling.
Paclobutrazol exposure induces apoptosis and impairs autophagy in hepatocytes via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Luo Yun , Lu Shan , Sun Xiao , Gao Ye , Sun Guibo , Yang Meihua , Sun Xiaobo
Published: August 2021

Paclobutrazol (PBZ), one of the most widely used plant growth retardants in vegetables, fruits, and traditional Chinese medicine ingredients, exposes people to adverse events. In this study, HepaRG hepatocytes were cultured and exposed to PBZ (360 μM) in vitro to determine its mechanism. Results showed that PBZ exposure inhibited cell viability in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner and increased the oxidative stress and apoptosis ratio in HepaRG cells. These data revealed that the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has an important role in PBZ‐induced cell apoptosis, which is mediated by impaired autophagy and blocked by the AMPK activator. In conclusion, PBZ exposure induces apoptosis and impairs autophagy in hepatocytes via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
Correlation between urinary KIM‐1 and kidney protein expression of p‐ERK following damage in rats exposed to gentamicin or lead acetate
Authors: Ruiz‐Ramirez Carolina , Antaño‐Martinez Alejandro R. , Robles Juvencio , Gallegos‐Corona Marco A. , Gallegos‐Reyes Marco A. , Avila Eva E. , Martinez‐Alfaro Minerva
Published: August 2021

Kidney injury molecule‐1 (KIM‐1) is a membrane receptor upregulated in the proximal tubule cells following various types of kidney injuries. Notably, studies have suggested a correlation between KIM‐1 expression and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between the kidney overexpression pattern of cytoplasmic phosphorylated‐ERK (p‐ERK) protein and increased urinary KIM‐1 levels in rats exposed to gentamicin or lead acetate, both at the end of toxic exposure and after a 4‐week recovery period. Although other proteins were evaluated, only kidney overexpression of cytoplasmic p‐ERK protein correlated with increased urinary KIM‐1 levels. For both toxic substances, the increased urinary KIM‐1 levels corresponded with kidney inflammation. Our results suggest that KIM‐1 and p‐ERK share a common mechanism in kidney injury mediated by both toxic substances that induce proximal tubule damage.
A bibliometric analysis of COVID‐19 publications in the ten psychology‐related Web of Science categories in the social science citation index
Authors: Ho Yuh‐Shan , Fu Hui‐Zhen , McKay Dean
Published: August 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics of the COVID‐19 publications in the ten psychology‐related Web of Science categories in the social science citation index 10‐month following the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Methods

Six publication indicators were examined across authors, institutions, and countries.

Results

Analyses showed that the United States has produced the highest number of empirical investigations into the psychological impact of COVID‐19, and the majority of the research across all countries was in clinical and psychopathology. Distribution of journals and psychology‐related Web of Science categories were analyzed. Frequently used words in article title, author keywords, and KeyWords Plus were also presented.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that there are substantial clinical implications associated with COVID‐19. There are recommendations offered for future research and clinical practice.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Burosumab in Adult and Pediatric Patients With X‐linked Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Lee Sun Ku , Gosselin Nathalie H. , Taylor Julie , Roberts Mary Scott , McKeever Kathleen , Shi Jack
Published: August 2021

Burosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against fibroblast growth factor 23, which has been approved to treat X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) in adult and pediatric patients. The present work describes the pharmacokinetics (PK) of burosumab and the pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) relationship between burosumab and serum phosphorus in adult and pediatric patients with XLH. A total of 2844 measurable serum concentrations of burosumab and 6047 measurable serum concentrations of phosphorus in 277 subjects from 9 clinical studies were included in the population PK and PK‐PD modeling. The serum concentration of burosumab following a subcutaneous administration was well described by a population PK model comprising a first‐order absorption, 1‐compartmental distribution, and a linear elimination. The relationship between serum burosumab and serum phosphorus was adequately described by a sigmoid maximal efficacy model. Body weight was the only covariate associated with PK and PK‐PD parameters. No other intrinsic factors affected PK or PK‐PD relationship in adult and pediatric patients with XLH. Further simulations helped to guide the dosing regimen of burosumab in adult and pediatric patients with XLH including age groups with no clinical data.
Morphological and palynological assessment of some taxa of genus Echinochloa through light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Shaheen Shabnum , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Harun Nidaa , Khan Muhammad Asaf , Ali Muhammad , Khalid Sana , Javad Sumera , Hanif Uzma , Sajjad Sumera , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sonia Romisha , Khan Farah
Published: August 2021

The present study was undertaken to gather information on selected species of Echinochloa based on their morphological and palyonological examination through light and scanning electron microscopy. As the Echinochloa species are most problematic grass weeds and exhibit high interspecific and intraspecific variability so due to their great morphological diversity it is difficult to recognize them. A lot of variation was observed in morphological features of studied taxa. In the present study, E. colona had more or less spreading dense racemes whereas in E. crus‐galli racemes were linear to ovate. Upper glume surface was pubescent in E. colona, hispid in E. crus‐galli and spinose in E. walteri. E. colona was comprised of five‐nerved glumes whereas in E. crus‐galli glumes were three‐nerved. Although pollen basic characters in family Poaceae remains consistent but great variation was observed in pollen of studied taxa. The pollen size was quite variable among the species of genus Echinochloa. In polar view, the size of pollen grains ranged from 27.5 (20–35) μm to 40 (30–50) μm. E. crus‐galli was appeared to be the smallest in size whereas E. colona was the largest.). P/E ratio ranged from 0.84 to 1.15 μm among the species. The highest value of pollen fertility was found in E. colona as 93.33% and lowest was in E. crus‐galli as 87.50%. The morphological key of studied taxa is also given to study variations. In conclusion, it was observed that microscopy of morphological and palynological assessment can play a vital role in identification of taxonomically problematic taxa.
Inhibition of the long non‐coding RNA UNC5B‐AS1/miR‐4455/RSPO4 axis reduces cervical cancer growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fu Jian , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Min , Hu Junwu , Fang Yuelan
Published: August 2021

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are significant regulatory factors for the initiation and development of numerous malignant tumors, including cervical cancer (CC). The expression of lncRNA unc‐5 netrin receptor B antisense RNA 1 (UNC5B‐AS1, also known as UASR1) is up‐regulated in tissues of cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma compared to in normal tissues based on the GEPIA database. In the present study, we explored the functions of UNC5B‐AS1 and its underlying mechanism with respect to CC development.

Methods

A real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied for the detection of UNC5B‐AS1 expression in CC cells. Cell counting kit‐8, colony formation and transwell assays, as well as western blot and flow cytometry analyses, were employed to detect the biological effects of UNC5B‐AS1 knockdown on malignant phenotypes of CC cells in vitro. In addition, the combination between microRNA‐4455 (miR‐4455) and UNC5B‐AS1 or R‐spondin 4 (RSPO4) was explored by RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter and RNA pulldown assays. A tumor xenograft nude mice model was established to explore the effect of UNC5B‐AS1 depletion or miR‐4455 overexpression on tumor growth.

Results

UNC5B‐AS1 is up‐regulated in CC tissues and cells. The knockdown of UNC5B‐AS1 inhibits CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promotes CC cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, UNC5B‐AS1 binds with miR‐4455 to up‐regulate RSPO4 expression. RSPO4 is targeted by miR‐4455 and its expression is negatively regulated by miR‐4455 expression. In vivo assays revealed that UNC5B‐AS1 depletion or miR‐4455 overexpression inhibits tumor growth by regulating RSPO4 expression.

Conclusions

Inhibition of UNC5B‐AS1/miR‐4455/RSPO4 reduces CC growth both in vitro and in vivo, furnishing new insights into molecular studies on UNC5B‐AS1 with respect to CC development.
Graph limits: An alternative approach to s‐graphons
Authors: Doležal Martin
Published: August 2021

We show that s‐convergence of graph sequences is equivalent to the convergence of certain compact sets, called shapes, of Borel probability measures. This result is analogous to the characterization of graphon convergence (with respect to the cut distance) by the convergence of envelopes, due to Doležal, Grebík, Hladký, Rocha, and Rozhoň.
The impact of current strategy using intracardiac echocardiography, lesion index, and minimum substrate ablation on clinical outcomes after catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kawaji Tetsuma , Aizawa Takanori , Hojo Shun , Kushiyama Akihiro , Yaku Hidenori , Nakatsuma Kenji , Kaneda Kazuhisa , Kato Masashi , Yokomatsu Takafumi , Miki Shinji
Published: August 2021

Purpose

We developed the intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) technique to minimize radiation exposure and other recent technology during ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to validate the impact of the current strategy using the recent technology for AF ablation on outcomes after procedure.

Methods

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the current strategy in consecutive set of patients undergoing first‐time ablation for AF (N = 233) compared with the conventional strategy in earlier consecutive set of patients (N = 223). The current strategy included the technique of ICE to reduce radiation exposure, Ablation Index®‐guided pulmonary veins isolation, and minimum substrate ablation targeting only for induced AF. Outcome measures were radiation exposure, procedure time, in‐hospital adverse outcomes, and event‐free survival from tachyarrhythmias.

Results

Puncture‐to‐ablation time was slightly, but significantly increased in the current strategy than in the conventional strategy (48.0 minutes vs 44.7 minutes, P = .002), although total procedure time was significantly decreased in the current strategy (143.9 minutes vs 156.9 minutes, P < .001). Likewise, radiation time and absorbed dose were significantly decreased in the current strategy (9.8 minutes vs 38.8 minutes, P < .001; 102.3 mGy vs 490.5 mGy, P < .001). The incidence of overall in‐hospital adverse outcomes was 3.9% in the current strategy and each complication rate was comparable with the conventional protocol. The event‐free survival from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias was not significantly different between two groups (72.3% vs 77.1% at 2‐year, P = .32).

Conclusion

The current strategy using the recent technology with ICE, lesion index, and minimum substrate ablation was feasible and reduced total procedure time and radiation exposure. However, the arrhythmia‐free survival could not be improved.
Potent antifungal agents and use of nanocarriers to improve delivery to the infected site: A systematic review
Authors: Nagaraj Saraswathi , Manivannan Sivakami , Narayan Shoba
Published: August 2021

There are four major classes of antifungals with the predominant mechanism of action being targeting of cell wall or cell membrane. As in other drugs, low solubility of these compounds has led to low bioavailability in target tissues. Enhanced drug dosages have effects such as toxicity, drug–drug interactions, and increased drug resistance by fungi. This article reviews the current state‐of‐the‐art of antifungals, structure, mechanism of action, other usages, and toxic side effects. The emergence of nanoformulations to transport and uniformly release cargo at the target site is a boon in antifungal treatment. The article details research that lead to the development of nanoformulations of antifungals and potential advantages and avoidance of the lacunae characterizing conventional drugs. A range of nanoformulations based on liposomes, polymers are in various stages of research and their potential advantages have been brought out. It could be observed that under similar dosages, test models, and duration, nanoformulations provided enhanced activity, reduced toxicity, higher uptake and higher immunostimulatory effects. In most instances, the mechanism of antifungal activity of nanoformulations was similar to that of regular antifungal. There are possibilities of coupling multiple antifungals on the same nano‐platform. Increased activity coupled with multiple mechanisms of action presents for nanoformulations a tremendous opportunity to overcome antifungal resistance. In the years to come, robust methods for the preparation of nanoformulations taking into account the repeatability and reproducibility in action, furthering the studies on nanoformulation toxicity and studies of human models are required before extensive use of nanoformulations as a prescribed drug.
Saliva, a bodily fluid with recognized and potential diagnostic applications
Authors: Boroumand Mozhgan , Olianas Alessandra , Cabras Tiziana , Manconi Barbara , Fanni Daniela , Faa Gavino , Desiderio Claudia , Messana Irene , Castagnola Massimo
Published: August 2021

Human whole saliva is a bodily fluid that can be obtained easily by noninvasive techniques. Specimens can be collected by the patient also at home in order to monitor health status and variations of several analytes of clinical interest. The contributions to whole saliva include secretions from salivary glands and, among others, from the gingival crevicular fluid that derives from the epithelial mucosa. Therefore, saliva is currently a relevant diagnostic fluid for many substances, including steroids, nonpeptide hormones, therapeutic drugs, and drugs of abuse. This review at first briefly describes the different contributions to whole saliva. A section illustrates the procedures for the collection, handling, and storage of salivary specimens. Another section describes the present use of whole saliva for diagnostic purposes and its specific utilization for the diagnosis of several local and systemic diseases. The final sections illustrate the future opportunities offered by various not conventional techniques with a focus on the most recent –omic investigations. It describes the various issues that have to be taken into account to avoid false positives and negatives, such as the strength of the experimental plan, the adequacy of the number of samples under study, and the proper choice of controls.
Separation and determination of 3‐hydroxyaspartate by online concentration capillary electrophoresis/laser‐induced fluorescence with microwave‐assisted derivatization
Authors: Liu Mingxia , Chen Lixia , Li Xiangjun , Meng Jinghua , Bai Yu , Liu Huwei
Published: August 2021

A chiral analytical method was proposed based on capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection coupled with microwave‐assisted derivatization for the simultaneous baseline separation and sensitive detection of four stereoisomers of 3‐hydroxyaspartate. The derivatization reaction of 3‐hydroxyaspartate with 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole was greatly accelerated by microwave irradiation. Under the optimized conditions, the derivatization yield was increased by 20% and the derivatization time was shortened by 20 min when compared with those from conventional water bath heating. In addition, the sensitivity was improved by online sample concentration methods. The detection limit of l‐threo‐3‐hydroxyaspartate obtained by large‐volume sample stacking with polarity switching was 5.3 nmol/L, which was around 1000‐fold lower than that of the capillary electrophoresis/laser‐induced fluorescence without stacking. The excellent analytical performance in terms of linearity and precision was also achieved. Furthermore, the developed method was successfully applied to the determination of 3‐hydroxyaspartate in the spiked urine, and satisfactory recoveries were obtained ranging from 90.5 to 107.0%.
Synthesis, enantioseparation, and absolute configuration assignment of iminoflavans by chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with online chiroptical detection
Authors: Rebizi Mohamed Nadjib , Sekkoum Khaled , Petri Antonella , Pescitelli Gennaro , Belboukhari Nasser
Published: August 2021

Four racemic iminoflavan derivatives were synthesized by simple condensation at C‐4 position of flavanone. All new compounds were characterized by using ultraviolet‐visible, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques. A chiral chromatographic analysis of racemic mixtures was performed by direct chiral high‐performance liquid chromatography using Chiralcel® OD‐H as chiral stationary phase, and online‐coupled with electronic circular dichroism detector. The correlation of experimental electronic circular dichroism traces with quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism calculations run with time‐dependent density functional theory made it possible to elucidate the absolute configuration for each enantiomer, and to establish the elution order.
Partial replacement of soybean meal with red gram and lentil as vegetable proteins in limited ingredients homemade diets for pet dogs
Authors: Pattanaik Ashok Kumar , Kore Kumar Baburao
Published: August 2021

As part of the efforts to look for new feed resources, an experiment was conducted to ascertain the effects of replacing part of the soybean meal protein with red gram and lentil on the nutritional profile of dogs as influenced by the frequency of feeding. Fifteen adult Spitz dogs were divided into three equal groups and fed three diets containing soybean meal (SBM) alone or in combination with red gram (RGM) and lentil (LTL) as the protein sources. The entire study duration of 10 weeks was divided into two equal periods wherein the dogs were fed either twice or once daily. Results indicated that the food intake was similar (P > 0.05) among the three groups, irrespective of the frequency of feeding. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and carbohydrates were higher (P < 0.05) in the LTL group when the dogs were fed twice daily. However, the digestibility of nutrients remained similar (P > 0.05) when the dogs were fed once daily except for crude fiber digestibility, which was found higher (P < 0.05) in the LTL group. The fecal quality data indicated a lower (P < 0.05) pH accompanying higher water content in dogs under the RGM group. The blood metabolites measured at three different periods during the study did not vary (P > 0.05) among the dietary groups. It is concluded that both red gram and lentil could effectively replace a part (50%) of the soybean meal protein without any adverse effects on the nutrient utilization and metabolic profile of dogs. Moreover, based on the results, lentil appears to have the edge over red gram as a potential vegetable protein source when used in the diet of dogs.
Fabrication of Hollow Polyimide Microspheres with Controllable Sizes
Authors: Luo Yinfu , Ni Long , Zhang Cheng , Yan Liwei , Zou Huawei , Zhou Shengtai , Liang Mei
Published: August 2021

Lightweight and excellent thermal stability hollow polyimide (PI) microspheres play an important role in high‐end engineering applications such as aerospace, marine use among others. Herein, a simple approach is proposed to scalable fabrication of hollow PI microspheres with controllable sizes by powder foaming method combined with gradient heating strategy. The diameter of PI microspheres ranges from 295.5 to 1479.6 µm with a wall thickness of ≈7.78 µm. Interestingly, the diameter of PI microspheres exhibits a good correlation with the size of polyester ammonium salt (PEAS) particles. The hollow PI microspheres demonstrate excellent heat resistance with a bulk density ranging from 56.9 to 132.2 kg m–3. Furthermore, PI microspheres could be readily converted into carbon microspheres without destroying their original integrity, which shows potential applications in preparing multifunctional composites. The proposed method is easily scalable which can be adopted to fabricate hollow PI microspheres at large quantities for industrial applications.
Risk Disclosure in Prodromal Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Schaeffer Eva , Toedt Inken , Köhler Susanne , Rogge Annette , Berg Daniela
Published: August 2021

Background

Impressive progress in the understanding of the prodromal phase of Parkinson's disease (PD) in recent years has enabled the generation of disease prediction models. However, a remaining diagnostic uncertainty and lack of therapeutic options for affected individuals has resulted in a variety of ethical issues that have not to date been addressed sufficiently. Moreover, differences in the specificity of prodromal symptoms and possible subtypes of PD, especially the presence of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD), may have an important impact on prognostic counseling.

Objectives

To derive a guideline for risk disclosure in prodromal PD based on the current literature and expert opinion.

Methods

We performed (1) a literature review on prognostic counseling in PD and (2) consulted with international experts on prodromal PD using a semi‐structured questionnaire based on a Delphi approach to evaluate recommendations for risk disclosure in PD.

Results

The literature research revealed only 11 publications addressing prognostic counseling, with only two studies directly addressing affected individuals and most studies focusing on risk disclosure in RBD. The expert survey revealed the importance of distinguishing between individuals with and without RBD in prognostic counseling.

Conclusions

Based on the current literature and expert recommendations, a guideline for risk disclosure in prodromal PD for clinical care and research could be elaborated. Prognostic counseling should include differentiation between individuals with and without RBD, taking into account the high uncertainty of risk calculation in RBD‐negative prodromal PD. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Mapping gradient nonlinearity and miscalibration using diffusion‐weighted MR images of a uniform isotropic phantom
Authors: Barnett Alan Seth , Irfanoglu M. Okan , Landman Bennett , Rogers Baxter , Pierpaoli Carlo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To use diffusion measurements to map the spatial dependence of the magnetic field produced by the gradient coils of an MRI scanner with sufficient accuracy to correct errors in quantitative diffusion MRI (DMRI) caused by gradient nonlinearity and gradient amplifier miscalibration.

Theory and Methods

The field produced by the gradient coils is expanded in regular solid harmonics. The expansion coefficients are found by fitting a model to a minimum set of diffusion‐weighted images of an isotropic diffusion phantom. The accuracy of the resulting gradient coil field maps is evaluated by using them to compute corrected b‐matrices that are then used to process a multi‐shell diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) dataset with 32 diffusion directions per shell.

Results

The method substantially reduces both the spatial inhomogeneity of the computed mean diffusivities (MD) and the computed values of the fractional anisotropy (FA), as well as virtually eliminating any artifactual directional bias in the tensor field secondary to gradient nonlinearity. When a small scaling miscalibration was purposely introduced in the x, y, and z, the method accurately detected the amount of miscalibration on each gradient axis.

Conclusion

The method presented detects and corrects the effects of gradient nonlinearity and gradient gain miscalibration using a simple isotropic diffusion phantom. The correction would improve the accuracy of DMRI measurements in the brain and other organs for both DTI and higher order diffusion analysis. In particular, it would allow calibration of MRI systems, improving data harmony in multicenter studies.
Streaking artifact suppression of quantitative susceptibility mapping reconstructions via L1‐norm data fidelity optimization (L1‐QSM)
Authors: Milovic Carlos , Lambert Mathias , Langkammer Christian , Bredies Kristian , Irarrazaval Pablo , Tejos Cristian
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The presence of dipole‐inconsistent data due to substantial noise or artifacts causes streaking artifacts in quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) reconstructions. Often used Bayesian approaches rely on regularizers, which in turn yield reduced sharpness. To overcome this problem, we present a novel L1‐norm data fidelity approach that is robust with respect to outliers, and therefore prevents streaking artifacts.

Methods

QSM functionals are solved with linear and nonlinear L1‐norm data fidelity terms using functional augmentation, and are compared with equivalent L2‐norm methods. Algorithms were tested on synthetic data, with phase inconsistencies added to mimic lesions, QSM Challenge 2.0 data, and in vivo brain images with hemorrhages.

Results

The nonlinear L1‐norm‐based approach achieved the best overall error metric scores and better streaking artifact suppression. Notably, L1‐norm methods could reconstruct QSM images without using a brain mask, with similar regularization weights for different data fidelity weighting or masking setups.

Conclusion

The proposed L1‐approach provides a robust method to prevent streaking artifacts generated by dipole‐inconsistent data, renders brain mask calculation unessential, and opens novel challenging clinical applications such asassessing brain hemorrhages and cortical layers.
Rodent models of ketamine‐induced cystitis
Authors: Sultana Saki , Berger Geraint , Cox Ashley , Kelly Melanie E. M. , Lehmann Christian
Published: August 2021

Aims

Long‐term or recreational use of ketamine affects the urinary system and can result in ketamine‐induced cystitis (KIC). Rodent models of KIC are important to study KIC pathophysiology and are paramount to the future development of therapies for this painful condition. This review aims to provide a summary of rodent models of KIC, focusing on disease induction, experimental methods, and pathological features of the model.

Method

A literature search was performed using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Pubmed database up to March 2021. 20 articles met the inclusion criteria and were finally selected.

Results

There are considerable variations in the rodent models used for studying KIC in terms of the strain of the animal being used; dose, duration, and route of ketamine administration to induce KIC, and assessment of pathological features.

Conclusion

KIC remains difficult to fully recapitulate in humans. Improved characterization of KIC models and the experimental parameters and meticulous discussion on translational limitations are required to improve the translational value of research using rodent models of KIC.
Identity and access management using distributed ledger technology: A survey
Authors: Ghaffari Fariba , Gilani Komal , Bertin Emmanuel , Crespi Noel
Published: August 2021

As the basic building block of any information security system, identity and access management (IAM) solutions play vital role in enterprise's security programmes. Providing centric solutions for IAM is inefficient in terms of having single point of failure, high cost, duplication and complexity to the users. Recently, emerging the distributed ledger technology (DLT) has attracted significant scientific interests in research areas like identity management, authentication and access control processes. In these contexts, Blockchain can offer greater data and rule confidentiality and integrity, as well as increasing the availability of the system by removing the single point of failure in the procedure. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the IAM solutions based on their basic components including identity management, authentication and access control. In the identity concept, we discuss about self‐sovereign identity which enhances privacy and security of distributed digital identities by providing individual's consolidated digital identity and verified attributes for enabling them to utilize their ownership. To offer a clearer understanding of the state of the art, we propose taxonomy to categorize them based on their features. For the conclusion of the paper, we compare the existing methods based on proposed taxonomy. Also, considering the advantages and disadvantages of existing methods, we discussed about the possible future directions.
Asymmetric hydrogenation of γ‐branched allylamines for the efficient synthesis of γ‐chirogenic amines
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chen Tiantian , Wang Yuanhao , Zhou Fengfan , Zhang Zhenfeng , Gridnev Ilya D. , Zhang Wanbin
Published: August 2021

The efficient construction of γ‐chirogenic amines has been realized via asymmetric hydrogenation of γ‐branched N‐phthaloyl allylamines by using a bisphosphine‐Rh catalyst bearing a large bite angle. The desired products possessing different γ‐substituents were obtained in quantitative yields and with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). This protocol provides a practical method for the preparation of γ‐chirogenic amine derivatives such as the famous antidepressant drug Fluoxetine (up to 50000 S/C). The mechanistic calculations show an unusual P‐Rh‐P trans‐chelating pattern and a weak interaction‐promoted activation mode which are completely different from the traditional cis‐chelating pattern and coordination‐promoted activation mode in metal‐catalyzed hydrogenations.

Key points

Novel methodology of asymmetric hydrogenation was developed for efficient synthesis of γ‐chirogenic amines.

New synthetic route was developed for the well‐known antidepressant drug Fluoxetine.

Unusual mechanism information was found in the bidentate bisphosphine‐Rh‐catalyzed hydrogenation.
Using radial basis function‐generated quadrature rules to solve nonlocal continuum models
Authors: Lyngaas Isaac , Peterson Janet S.
Published: August 2021

The goal of this work is to expand on a previously devised approach for approximating nonlocal diffusion and nonlocal anomalous diffusion models with continuous solutions which used radial basis functions to generate accurate quadrature rules for the nonlocal integrals. We extend this approach to solve nonlocal models for convection‐diffusion problems and nonlinear advection problems such as Burgers' equation. In addition, nonlocal problems with discontinuous solutions are considered for cases where the location of the discontinuity is known exactly and when the location is known to be in an interval dependent upon the grid spacing.
Preparation and performance of urethane‐modified polytriazole adhesives
Authors: Fang Jianwei , Wan Liqiang , Wang Linxiao , Bie Ruye , Zhang Yu , Huang Farong
Published: August 2021

Polytriazole adhesives are a new type of adhesives with excellent heat resistance, but the lap shear strength at room temperature is not ideal, which is about 15 MPa. In order to improve its adhesion performance at room temperature, a series of urethane‐modified polytriazole (UPTA) adhesives were successfully synthesized via 1, 3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction between azides, and alkynes. Firstly, an alkynyl‐terminated urethane monomer di(but‐3‐yn‐1‐yl) (1,3‐phenylenebis(methylene)) dicarbamate (DBPMD) was synthesized and characterized. Then DBPMD was reacted with biphenyl dibenzyl azide (BPDBA) and N′,N′,N′,N′‐tetrapropargyl‐p,p′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (TPDDM) to prepare UPTA adhesives. Curing behavior, thermal properties, bonding performance, and resistance to damp heat aging of UPTA adhesives were studied. The results show that the introduction of urethane group has almost no effect on the curing behavior. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and the 5% thermal weight loss temperature (Td5) gradually decreased with the increased proportion of DBPMD added. Tg of UPTA adhesives ranged from 185 to 215°C and Td5 of UPTA adhesives were all above 300°C, which indicated its outstanding thermal stability. The lap shear strength at room temperature of UPTA adhesives increased first and then decreased with the increasing amount of DBPMD, which ranged from 13.9 to 19.9 MPa. The highest lap shear strength of UPTA adhesives can reach 19.9 MPa, which was 31.8% higher than PTA adhesive. The lap shear strength retention rate of UPTA adhesives at 180°C was all over 75%. Lap shear strength retention rate of UPTA adhesives under 168 h damp heat aging time was all over 80%. UPTA adhesives have good bonding performance, heat resistance, and damp heat aging resistance, which can meet many complex construction requirements.
Future roles of artificial intelligence in early pain management of newborns
Authors: Salekin Md Sirajus , Mouton Peter R. , Zamzmi Ghada , Patel Raj , Goldgof Dmitry , Kneusel Marcia , Elkins Sammie L. , Murray Eileen , Coughlin Mary E. , Maguire Denise , Ho Thao , Sun Yu
Published: August 2021

The advent of increasingly sophisticated medical technology, surgical interventions, and supportive healthcare measures is raising survival probabilities for babies born premature and/or with life‐threatening health conditions. In the United States, this trend is associated with greater numbers of neonatal surgeries and higher admission rates into neonatal intensive care units (NICU) for newborns at all birth weights. Following surgery, current pain management in NICU relies primarily on narcotics (opioids) such as morphine and fentanyl (about 100 times more potent than morphine) that lead to a number of complications, including prolonged stays in NICU for opioid withdrawal. In this paper, we review current practices and challenges for pain assessment and treatment in NICU and outline ongoing efforts using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support pain‐ and opioid‐sparing approaches for newborns in the future. A major focus for these next‐generation approaches to NICU‐based pain management is proactive pain mitigation (avoidance) aimed at preventing harm to neonates from both postsurgical pain and opioid withdrawal. AI‐based frameworks can use single or multiple combinations of continuous objective variables, that is, facial and body movements, crying frequencies, and physiological data (vital signs), to make high‐confidence predictions about time‐to‐pain onset following postsurgical sedation. Such predictions would create a therapeutic window prior to pain onset for mitigation with non‐narcotic pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical interventions. These emerging AI‐based strategies have the potential to minimize or avoid damage to the neonate's body and psyche from postsurgical pain and opioid withdrawal.
The investigation of RONS permeation in plasma‐activated oil–water mixed system
Authors: Gao Yuting , Liu Zhijie , Wang Sitao , Pang Bolun , Xu Dehui , Liu Dingxin , Kong Michael G.
Published: August 2021

Insight into the permeation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in plasma‐activated water is key to optimize and control the biochemical effects. Recently, most investigations on the permeation of RONS mainly concentrate in plasma‐activated water where the solution is a single‐phase system, while little attention is paid to mixed‐phase systems. In this study, we select the oil–water mixed system as a research object and aim at evaluating the effectiveness of different volumes of oil on the generation and transport of RONS in a plasma‐activated oil–water (PAOW) mixed system. Results show that the oil layer could significantly impede the permeation ratio of RONS causing a reduction of formation of aqueous RONS in PAOW. The mechanism may be due to the consumption of RONS reacting with the unsaturated bonds in the oil or being adsorbed for the high viscosity of the oil. This study provides valuable guidance for in‐depth research on RONS permeation and optimization of wide applications in biomedicine and wastewater treatment.
Recent Notable Approaches to Study Self‐Assembly of Nanoparticles with X‐Ray Scattering and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Schulz Florian , Lokteva Irina , Parak Wolfgang J. , Lehmkühler Felix
Published: August 2021

Self‐assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) has evolved into a powerful tool for the synthesis of superstructures with tailored properties. The quality, diversity, and complexity of synthesized structures are continuously improving and fascinating new collective properties are demonstrated. At the same time, the rapid development of electron microscopy and synchrotron sources for X‐rays has enabled new exciting experimental approaches to study structure and structure formation in the context of NP self‐assembly. In this review, some recent studies and what can be learned from them are highlighted and discussed. It is started with a general introduction covering important concepts, experimental approaches, commonly obtained structures, the ideas of artificial atoms, and emerging properties are discussed. Recent experimental in situ and ex situ approaches with state‐of‐the‐art electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction and scattering that helped to obtain a detailed picture of NP self‐assembly processes and resulting structures are then presented.
Outbreak of the South American tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta, in the Chinese mainland: geographic and potential host range expansion
Authors: Zhang Gui‐fen , Xian Xiao‐qing , Zhang Yi‐bo , Liu Wan‐xue , Liu Hui , Feng Xiao‐dong , Ma De‐ying , Wang Yu‐sheng , Gao You‐hua , Zhang Rong , Li Qing‐hong , Wan Fang‐hao , Fu Wen‐jun , Wang Jun , Kuang Meng , Yang Wen‐jia , Rao Xi , Gao Ying , Dai Ai‐mei
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

In 2017 Tuta absoluta was identified as an invasive species in China. Due to its rapid geographic expansion and the severe crop damage it causes, T. absoluta poses a serious threat to China's tomato production industry. To determine its geographic distribution and host range, intensive surveys and routine monitoring were conducted across the Chinese mainland between 2018 and 2019. The population colonization coefficient (PCC; ratio of colonized sites and prefectures) and population occurrence index (POI; ratio of infested host species and PCCs) were calculated.

RESULTS

In northwestern China, T. absoluta populations established in Xinjiang exhibited a medium PCC value (~0.03). In southwestern China, populations in Yunnan and its five neighboring provinces exhibited high (~0.50 in Yunnan and Guizhou), or low (<0.02 in Guangxi, Sichuan, Hunan, and Chongqing) PCC values. In the Chinese mainland, infestations of four crop plant species (tomato, eggplant, potato, and Chinese lantern) and two wild plant species (black nightshade and Dutch eggplant) were identified; tomatoes were infested in every colonized province. Chinese lantern and Dutch eggplant are potentially novel hosts. Yunnan, Guizhou, and Xinjiang experienced the most serious damage (POI). In southwestern China, observed damage significantly decreased with increased distance from the first discovery site of T. absoluta to the farthest county of an infested province increased.

CONCLUSION

T. absoluta populations are well‐established and could potentially spread to other regions of China. The present study helps to inform the establishment of better pest management guidelines and strategies in China and tomato‐producing regions worldwide. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Interfacial Charge Transfer and Photovoltaic Properties in C60/MoS2 0D–2D van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Cai Biao , Zhao Yipeng , Zhang Zhe , Ouyang Gang
Published: August 2021

Constructing 0D–2D mixed‐dimensional van der Waals (MvdW) heterostructures is an effective strategy to improve photovoltaic properties of photovoltaic devices. However, addressing the underlying mechanism on the role of array periodicity of 0D and thickness of 2D components on the photovoltaic properties at the atomic‐level still remains challenging. Herein, the interfacial charge transfer and photovoltaic conversion mechanism in C60/MoS2 0D–2D MvdWs based on the atomic‐bond‐relaxation consideration, Marcus theory, modified‐detailed balance principle, and first‐principles calculations are investigated. Compared with the case of monolayer MoS2, it is found that C60/MoS2 MvdW heterostructures have lower interface reflectivity and type II band alignment, leading to obvious improvement of power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 0.27% to 1.40%. Moreover, the photovoltaic properties can be tuned by changing the array periodicity of the C60 and the thickness of the MoS2, and the optimized PCE can be up to 5.35%. The results reveal that the modification of 0D C60 is an effective strategy to enhance the photovoltaic properties of MoS2‐based solar cells.
Ultralow Power Magnetization Switching by Non‐Epitaxial Topological Insulator‐Generated Spin–Orbit Torque
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Jianrong , Zhai Yongbo , Bai Qiaoning , Chang Meixia , Yan Ze , Zuo Yalu , Xi Li
Published: August 2021

Topological insulators (TIs) with large spin Hall effect have potential applications for ultralow power consumption spintronic devices. However, the present methods for fabricating TIs mainly rely on epitaxial methods, which limits their mass production. Herein, perpendicular magnetized Pt/Co/(Bi1–x
Sb
x
)2Te3 (BST) heterostructures are prepared to measure the spin–orbit torque efficiency of BST fabricated by the conventional magnetron sputtering method, which shows large‐scale wafer production ability. The Fermi levels and the topological surface states (TSSs) are modulated by the composition of Sb in BST. The effective damping‐like spin Hall angle (θ
) is independent of the thickness of TIs. When the Fermi level is near the Dirac point, θ
for these non‐epitaxial heterostructures reaches its maximum value around 0.77, which is much larger than that of traditional ferromagnetic/heavy metal (FM/HM) heterostructures and quite close to that of the epitaxial TIs. This indicates that the TSS has the dominant contribution to θ
. The large θ
results in the small critical current density (J
c ≈ 105 A cm−2) for fully switching the magnetization of Co, compared with FM/HM heterostructures with J
c around 107 A cm−2. This work paves the way for potential large‐scale spintronic devices using low energy consumption non‐epitaxial TIs.