bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic treatment effects of job training
Authors: Rodríguez Jorge , Saltiel Fernando , Urzúa Sergio
Published: August 2021

This paper estimates the dynamic returns to job training. We posit a model of sequential training participation, where decisions and outcomes depend on observed and unobserved characteristics. We analyze different treatment effects, including policy relevant parameters, and link them to continuation values and latent skills. The empirical analysis exploits administrative data combining job training records, matched employee‐employer information, and pre‐labor market ability measures from Chile. Although the average returns to training are small, these vary across the unobserved ability distribution and previous training choices. In fact, among young workers, the returns to training are lower when followed by additional training, providing evidence of dynamic substitutability. Policy experiments illustrate how increasing the local availability of training programs may affect earnings heterogeneously across dynamic responses.
Assessing the performance of a plateletpheresis unit at a tertiary‐care academic medical center in Mexico: A 6‐year experience
Authors: Jaime‐Pérez José C. , Beltrán‐López Ana L. , Alvarado‐Navarro Dalila M. , Espinoza‐Mares Martín , Ancer‐Rodríguez Jesús , Gómez‐Almaguer David
Published: August 2021

Background

Optimization of platelet (PLT) apheresis collection is a priority to satisfy the increasing demand of hemato‐oncology patients. We assessed the performance of a plateletpheresis unit supporting hematology patients.

Study design and methods

This descriptive retrospective study included 561 plateletpheresis collections from 2013 to 2018. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used. A 5‐item satisfaction questionnaire was analyzed.

Results

Ninety percent of the donors were males. The median plateletpheresis time was 89 minutes; its success rate was 92.5%; median donor PLT count was 232 × 109/L, women median PLT count was 247 × 109/L vs 231x109/L in men (P = .017). Seventy‐seven percent donors were candidates for a double product and 24.5% were processed; 20.8% of these donors had a weight ≤75 and 79.2% >75 kg, P = .003, and 6.6% were women and 93.4% men, P = .161. Thirty‐six of donors had ≥250 × 109/L and 16.8% was processed as a triple product. ROC analysis showed that with donor PLT counts ≥200 × 109/L the sensitivity for obtaining double products was 0.981 and specificity 0.714, with an area under the curve (AUC) = 0.877. The adverse effect rate was 4.3%. Of the potential donors, 6.3% were rejected. The cost of processing single or double products was 430 USD. Comfort and time spent during plateletpheresis were areas for improvement.

Conclusion

Platelet count and donor weight predicted PLT yield and obtaining double products. Women had higher PLT counts, but no significant difference was found between donor gender and processed products. Assessment of the apheresis unit can help to improve its performance.
CAN: A new program to streamline preparation of molecular coordinate files for molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Parkman Jacob A. , Barksdale Caleb A. , Michaelis David J.
Published: August 2021

Preparing molecular coordinate files for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be a very time‐consuming process. Herein we present the development of a user‐friendly program that drastically reduces the time required to prepare these molecular coordinate files for MD software packages such as AmberTools. Our program, known as charge atomtype naming (CAN), creates and uses a library of structures such as amino acid monomers to update the charge, atom type, and name of atoms in any molecular structure (mol2) file. We demonstrate the utility of this new program by rapidly preparing structural files for MD simulations for polypeptides ranging from small molecules to large protein structures. Both native and non‐native amino acid residues are easily handled by this new program.
ePharmer: An integrated and graphical software for pharmacophore‐based virtual screening
Authors: Mao Yuxia , Li Shiliang , Gong Bojie , Lai Luhua , He Gaoqi , Li Honglin
Published: August 2021

Pharmacophore‐based virtual screening (VS) has emerged as an efficient computer‐aided drug design technique when appraising multiple ligands with similar structures or targets with unknown crystal structures. Current pharmacophore modeling and analysis software suffers from inadequate integration of mainstream methods and insufficient user‐friendly program interface. In this study, we propose a stand‐alone, integrated, graphical software for pharmacophore‐based VS, termed ePharmer. Both ligand‐based and structure‐based pharmacophore generation methods were integrated into a compact architecture. Fine‐grained modules were carefully organized into the computing, integration, and visualization layers. Graphical design covered the global user interface and specific user operations including editing, evaluation, and task management. Metabolites prediction analysis with the chosen VS result is provided for preselection of wet experiments. Moreover, the underlying computing units largely adopted the preliminary work of our research team. The presented software is currently in client use and will be released for both professional and nonexpert users. Experimental results verified the favorable computing capability, user convenience, and case performance of the proposed software.
Investigating metal‐enhanced fluorescence effect on fluorescein by gold nanotriangles and nanocubes using time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Luo Xue‐Feng , Lai Chien‐Chang , Lee Yin‐Yu , Kuo Chun‐Hong , Chen I‐Chia
Published: August 2021

Gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) and nanocubes (NCs) coated with silica shell and fluorescein were synthesized to study the effects of metal‐enhanced fluorescence. The interaction between gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and fluorescein with silica shells of different thicknesses as spacers was investigated by using time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. From the biexponential decay of fluorescence of fluorophore and the kinetic mechanism for the interaction, we obtained the rate constants of energy transfer processes. Both energy transfer rates from fluorophore to the bright and dark modes of gold nanoparticles decreased with distance d (= silica thickness) with a dependence ∝ d−n and n ≈ 2. The rate constant of nanosurface energy transfer kNEST, considering dipolar interaction between fluorophore and metal surface, has an estimated value 1.7 times slower at d = 9 nm and about four times slower at 25 nm than the obtained rate constant for energy transfer from fluorophore to GNP dipolar mode in the AuNT system. For the AuNC system, the rate constants are greater than the AuNT system because of better spectral overlap between emission of fluorescein and surface plasmon resonance.
Anxiety, anger, and mindfulness as predictors of general health in the general population during COVID‐19 outbreak: A survey in southeast Iran
Authors: Malakoutikhah Alireza , Zakeri Mohammad Ali , Salehi Derakhtanjani Ahmad , Dehghan Mahlagha
Published: August 2021

Communities have been exposed to the complications and problems caused by COVID‐19 disease, which has had various and complex effects on general health. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety, anger, mindfulness, and general health in the general population during the COVID‐19 outbreak in Iran. This cross‐sectional study was performed on 456 participants from September 2020 to April 2021. For data collection, Demographic Characteristics Form, General Health Questionnaire, Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory‐Short Form, The trait anxiety section of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, The State‐Trait Anger Expression Inventory‐2 were used. General health was positively correlated with anxiety and anger and negatively correlated with mindfulness. Anxiety was positively correlated with anger and negatively correlated with mindfulness. No significant correlation was found between anger and mindfulness. Based on the multiple regression model, anxiety, anger and a family member infected with COVID‐19 were the predictors of general health (p < 0.001). Given that anxiety, anger, and family members infected with COVID‐19 are all predictors of public health, it is suggested that psychological programs and interventions be designed to reduce anxiety and anger, as well as to support family members infected with COVID‐19, to promote general health.
Impact of Switching on Pharmacokinetics of Therapeutic Biologics and Interchangeability Assessment—A Simulation Study
Authors: Ji Ping , Ren Yupeng , Li Liang , Schrieber Sarah J. , Pisal Dipak , Hallett William , Wang Yaning , Sahajwalla Chandrahas G.
Published: August 2021

The risk in terms of safety or diminished efficacy of switching between an originator biological product and a proposed interchangeable product is an important consideration for interchangeability evaluation in the regulatory framework. This simulation study evaluated the impact of several switching study design scenarios on the pharmacokinetic (PK) assessment between a virtual originator biological product and a virtual proposed interchangeable product. Our results show that (1) at least 3 switches are needed to optimize the detection of potential PK differences, (2) the initial incidence of antidrug antibodies after treatment with the reference product in the lead‐in period is a significant covariate affecting the PK results, and (3) the area under the concentration‐time curve is more sensitive than peak concentration in assessing the impact of switching on PK similarity. Our simulation work illustrates that a range of factors should be carefully considered when designing a switching study for the assessment of interchangeability between 2 biological products.
Androgens alter the heterogeneity of small extracellular vesicles and the small RNA cargo in prostate cancer
Authors: Martens‐Uzunova Elena S. , Kusuma Gina D. , Crucitta Stefania , Lim Hong Kiat , Cooper Crystal , Riches James E. , Azad Arun , Ochiya Takahiro , Boyle Glen M. , Southey Melissa C. , Del Re Marzia , Lim Rebecca , Ramm Grant A. , Jenster Guido W. , Soekmadji Carolina
Published: August 2021

Proliferation and survival of prostate cancer cells are driven by the androgen receptor (AR) upon binding to androgen steroid hormones. Manipulating the AR signalling axis is the focus for prostate cancer therapy; thus, it is crucial to understand the role of androgens and AR on extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion and cargo. In this study, we report that plasma‐derived circulating vesicles consisting of CD9 and double‐positive for CD9 and Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) are increased in patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer, whereas double positives for CD9 and CD63 small extracellular vesicles (S‐EVs) are significantly higher in patients with localised prostate cancer. Androgen manipulation by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and the clinical antagonist enzalutamide (ENZ) altered the heterogeneity and size of CD9 positive S‐EVs in AR expressing prostate cancer cells, while assessment of the total number and protein cargo of total S‐EVs was unaltered across different treatment groups. Furthermore, hormone stimulation caused strong and specific effects on the small RNA cargo of S‐EVs. A total of 543 small RNAs were found to be regulated by androgens including miR‐19‐3p and miR‐361‐5p. Analysis of S‐EVs heterogeneity and small RNA cargo may provide clinical utility for prostate cancer and be informative to understand further the mechanism of resistance to androgen targeted therapy in castration‐resistant prostate cancer.
Indigenous farmers' perception of climate change and the use of local knowledge to adapt to climate variability: A case study of Vietnam
Authors: Manh Nguyen The , Ahmad Mokbul Morshed
Published: August 2021

This research investigated indigenous farmers' perception of climate change and the use of local knowledge for climate change adaptation. Survey and focus group discussion methods were used to collect data from 362 respondents. Logit model was employed to determine the factors influencing farmers' perception of climate change. Results show that farmers are aware of the climate variability citing hotter weather and unpredictable rain. Farmers use local knowledge and local agricultural practices to adapt to climate change. Moreover, farmers' perception of climate change was determined by many factors such as education, location and income. The results suggest that policymakers should consider local knowledge, farmers' perception of climate change and other contributing factors when designing and formulating policies for indigenous farmers.
Nucleophilicities of para‐substituted aniline radical cations in acetonitrile: Kinetic investigation and structure–reactivity relationships
Authors: Amira Ghabi , Salma Souissi , Wahiba Gabsi , Taoufik Boubaker
Published: August 2021

The kinetics of the coupling of 2‐bromo‐3,5‐dinitrothiophene 1 with various anilines 2a–f were studied in CH3CN at 20°C. The derived second‐order rate constants of anilines possessing an electron‐withdrawing group (e.g., 2d–f) were employed to determine the electrophilicity parameter E of the thiophene 1 according to the correlation equation log k20°C = sN (E + N), where N and sN are nucleophile‐specific parameters. Nonlinear Brønsted and Hammett relationships are discussed, and it is shown that the reactions for donor anilines 2a–d proceed through a single‐electron transfer mechanism. Further support for this assumption was given by the observation that the nucleophilicity parameters N and E° values of oxidation potential constants are linearly related in a direct relationship with a correlation parameter of R2 = 0.9914. The effect of aniline nucleophilicity on reactivity was examined quantitatively on the basis of kinetic measurements, leading to a nonlinear relationship of log (k20°C) with nucleophilicity parameters (N). It is suggested that the observed nonlinear Mayr correlation can be effectively explored to evaluate the nucleophilicity parameters N of four‐substituted aniline radical cations XC6H4NH2+• (X = OH, OMe, Me) and studying their reactivity patterns. On the other hand, it is confirmed that the N values of HOC6H4NH2+• (15.60), MeOC6H4NH2+• (15.23) and MeC6H4NH2+• (14.19) thus obtained can be used to predict the second‐order rate constants for their reactions with N1‐methyl‐4‐nitro‐2,1,3 benzothiadiazolium tetrafluoroborate of known electrophilicity E. This study was one of the first that employed the Mayr approach for determining nucleophilicity parameters of radical cations.
Ultrasonography and Fine‐Needle Aspiration in Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy
Authors: Staibano Phillip , Forner David , Noel Christopher W. , Zhang Han , Gupta Michael , Monteiro Eric , Sawka Anna M. , Pasternak Jesse D. , Goldstein David P. , de Almeida John R.
Published: August 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sonographic risk criteria may assist in further prognostication of indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). Our aim was to determine whether sonographic criteria could further delineate the post‐test probability of malignancy in ITNs.

Study Design

Meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.

Methods

A systematic review of Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed from inception to April 15, 2021. Eligible studies included those which reported ultrasonographic evaluations with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) or the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in adult patients with ITNs. ATA or TIRADS were scored as low (negative) or high (positive) malignancy risk using a previously validated binary classification. Primary outcomes included pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio for all sonographic criteria. Studies were appraised using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies and the data were pooled using bivariate random‐effects models.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. For Bethesda III, ATA had a specificity (0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–0.94), but a sensitivity of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.25–0.77). Conversely, K‐TIRADS had the highest sensitivity (0.78, 95% CI: 0.62–0.89) with a specificity of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31–0.74). Furthermore, American College of Radiology and EU TIRADS had specificities of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.36–0.80) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73–0.87) with sensitivities of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.37–0.90) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.20–0.60), respectively. There were few studies with Bethesda IV nodules.

Conclusions

Though dependent on malignancy rates, Bethesda III nodules with low‐suspicion TIRADS features may benefit from clinical observation, whereas nodules with high‐suspicion ATA features may require molecular testing and/or surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:242–251, 2022
Exploring feedback‐controlled versus open‐circuit electrochemical lipolysis in ex vivo and in vivo porcine fat: A feasibility study
Authors: Heidari Andrew E. , Hong Ellen M. , Park Asher , Pham Tiffany T. , Steward Earl , Chen Lily Y. , Qu Yueqiao , Dunn Brandyn S. , Seo Soo H. , Patel Urja , Dilley Katelyn , Hakimi Amir A. , Syed Adeela , Kim Sehwan , Hill Michael G. , You Joon S. , Wong Brian J. F.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Minimally invasive fat sculpting techniques are becoming more widespread with the development of office‐based devices and therapies. Electrochemical lipolysis (ECLL) is a needle‐based technology that uses direct current (DC) to electrolyze tissue water creating acid and base in situ. In turn, fat is saponified and adipocyte cell membrane lysis occurs. The electrolysis of water can be accomplished using a simple open‐loop circuit (V‐ECLL) or by incorporating a feedback control circuit using a potentiostat (P‐ECLL). A potentiostat utilizes an operational amplifier with negative feedback to allow users to precisely control voltage at specific electrodes. To date, the variation between the two approaches has not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess current and charge transfer variation and lipolytic effect created by the two approaches in an in vivo porcine model.

Methods

Charge transfer measurements from ex vivo V‐ECLL and P‐ECLL treated porcine skin and fat were recorded at −1 V P‐ECLL, −2 V P‐ECLL, −3 V P‐ECLL, and −5 V V‐ECLL each for 5 min to guide dosimetry parameters for in vivo studies. In follow‐up in vivo studies, a sedated female Yorkshire pig was treated with both V‐ECLL and P‐ECLL across the dorsal surface over a range of dosimetry parameters, including −1.5 V P‐ECLL, −2.5 V P‐ECLL, −3.5 V P‐ECLL, and 5 V V‐ECLL each treated for 5 min. Serial biopsies were performed at baseline before treatment, 1, 2, 7, 14, and 28 days after treatment. Tissue was examined using fluorescence microscopy and histology to compare the effects of the two ECLL approaches.

Results

Both V‐ECLL and P‐ECLL treatments induced in‐vivo fat necrosis evident by adipocyte membrane lysis, adipocyte denuclearization, and an acute inflammatory response across a 28‐day longitudinal study. However, −1.5 V P‐ECLL produced a smaller spatial necrotic effect compared to 5 V V‐ECLL. In addition, 5 V V‐ECLL produced a comparable necrotic effect to that of −2.5 V and −3.5 V P‐ECLL.

Conclusions

V‐ECLL and P‐ECLL at the aforementioned dosimetry parameters both achieved fat necrosis by adipocyte membrane lysis and denuclearization. The −2.5 V and −3.5 V P‐ECLL treatments created spatially similar fat necrotic effects when compared to the 5 V V‐ECLL treatment. Quantitatively, total charge transfer between dosimetry parameters suggests that −2.5 V P‐ECLL and 5 V V‐ECLL produce comparable electrochemical reactions. Such findings suggest that a low‐voltage closed‐loop potentiostat‐based system is capable of inducing fat necrosis to a similar extent compared to that of a higher voltage direct current system.
Cross-Shelf Variability of Deacon Rockfish Sebastes diaconus Age, Growth, and Maturity in Oregon Waters and Their Effect on Stock Status
Authors: Rasmuson Leif K. , Rankin Polly S. , Kautzi Lisa A. , Berger Aaron , Blume Matthew T. O. , Lawrence Kelly A. , Bosley Katelyn
Published: August 2021

Understanding the basic biology of exploited fish populations, and how it changes across the waterscape, is essential to sustainable management. Biological features (age, growth, reproductive investment, and fish condition) for the newly described Deacon Rockfish Sebastes diaconus were evaluated between two different population segments, an exploited nearshore population and an unexploited offshore population, and were used to parameterize population dynamics models to evaluate how area-specific biological features influence measures of stock status. Monthly hook-and-line sampling was conducted for 1 year, with ˜50 fish collected per area per sampling period. Despite the relatively small (<50 km) distance between the two sampling areas, there were discernible differences in the biology of Deacon Rockfish. When fish of the same size-class were compared between offshore and nearshore segments, the unexploited offshore fish were older, suggesting that fishing may have decreased the overall age structure of the exploited nearshore population segment. Parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth model differed the most between the sexes and secondarily between the nearshore and offshore population segments. Length at 50% maturity was 28 cm and age at 50% maturity was 4.1 years for females, which is smaller and younger than previously reported in the literature. Deacon Rockfish were captured in both the nearshore and offshore areas throughout the year, which suggests that at least some component(s) of the population is present in both areas throughout the year. These differences had a nontrivial influence on measures of stock status and will be important to consider during future stock assessments and as management considers the effect of the recent reopening of the offshore population segment to fishing.
Temporal and Age-Based Variation in Juvenile Sablefish Diet Composition and Quality: Inferences from Stomach Contents and Stable Isotopes
Authors: Callahan Matthew W. , Beaudreau Anne H. , Heintz Ron A. , Mueter Franz J. , Rogers Matthew C.
Published: August 2021

Prey communities in the North Pacific Ocean have been disrupted by marine heatwaves, and reductions in forage fishes have had notable impacts on upper-trophic-level consumers. Little is known about the potential effects of a changing prey base for some commercially valuable fishes, such as Sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria. The objectives of this study were to evaluate temporal and age-based shifts in diets of juvenile Sablefish, with a focus on understanding their reliance on high-quality forage fishes. We collected Sablefish from a bay in Southeast Alaska over 2 years (2017–2019) during their first autumn (September–October; age 0), in late winter (March; age 1), and during their second summer (July; age 1). Pacific Herring Clupea pallasii constituted the majority of the Sablefish diet by weight (82.1%) and by frequency of occurrence (40.7%), with variation among months, years, and age-classes. Stable isotopes corroborated our interpretation of diet composition from stomach contents and indicated that age-0 Sablefish sampled in October 2017 relied on more depleted carbon sources than other groups, potentially explained by consumption of adult salmon carcasses. Significant relationships between stable isotope ratios and Sablefish length indicated that size-based diet composition differences were most prevalent during March and July. Sablefish exploited prey taxa of variable quality (0.02–5.3 kJ/g), but mean energy density of consumed prey differed little among years or months (3.62–4.48 kJ/g). Overall, 21% of stomachs sampled were empty, with the percentage of empty stomachs peaking in late winter (46%). Stomach content weights expressed as a percentage of body weight were highest in autumn 2018, when Pacific Herring comprised over 80% of the diets by weight. Consumption of high-energy prey, such as Pacific Herring, may contribute to rapid growth of Sablefish during the critical prewinter period. If strong Sablefish year-classes become more frequent with a warming ocean, they will require substantial prey resources to support their growth to adulthood.
Effectiveness of exclusive territories by competing manufacturers managing dual‐channel supply chains
Authors: Matsui Kenji , Tsunoda Yushi
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates a supply chain management problem concerning whether a manufacturer should apply exclusive territories of sales when the manufacturer can distribute products through dual‐channel supply chains. We first demonstrate that even when a manufacturer cannot use the direct channel, the adoption of the exclusive territories can be optimal. One noteworthy result is that when a manufacturer can use dual channels, the adoption of exclusive territories can boost manufacturer's profit even if the products are more differentiated between manufactures than when the manufacturer can use only a single retail channel. These results provide useful insights for manufacturers.
Analytical wave solutions of the (2+1)‐dimensional Boiti–Leon–Pempinelli and Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli equations by mathematical methods
Authors: Seadawy Aly R. , Ali Asghar , Helal Mohamed A.
Published: August 2021

In this manuscript, with the successfully implementation of three mathematical methods, several types of exact and solitary wave solutions of the (2+1)‐dimensional Boiti–Leon–Pempinelli (BLP) and (2+1)‐dimensional of Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli (BLMP) equations are constructed. These schemes, namely called modified extended auxiliary mapping method, ameliorated form of simple equation and modified F‐expansion. By transmission, the diverse values to the parameters, variants wave results are derived from exact peregrinating wave solution. Some solutions have been exemplified by graphical to understand the physical deportment of the BLP and BLMP wave models. The accomplished solutions seem with all essential constraint conditions, which are obligatory for them to subsist. Hence, our techniques via fortification of symbolic computations provide an active and potent mathematical implement for solving diverse benevolent nonlinear wave quandaries.
Bandwidth‐reconfigurable microwave photonic filter based on stimulated Brillouin scattering effect spreading by vector modulation technology
Authors: Gong Jingwen , Tan Qinggui , Wang Di , Liang Dong , Liu Gaojian , Ge Jinman , Li Xiaojun
Published: August 2021

We demonstrate a reconfigurable filter based on the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) effect in fiber with 3 dB bandwidth from 20 to 500 MHz. We analyze the influence of pump lines and pump spacing on the filter and propose an SBS‐based filter with low passband fluctuation by vectorial modulating multi‐lines pumps. The filter passband fluctuation is decrease to 0.49 dB by precise controlling the pumps' lines, pumps' spacing, and vector signal modulated rate. The proposed single bandpass microwave photonic filter also successfully demonstrates a wide‐band tuning range from 1 to 20 GHz and high out‐of‐band rejection ratio of over 40 dB. The SNR performance of the proposed SBS filter is analyzed and shown the potential capability in the fields of microwave signal processing in satellite communications, electronic warfare, and radar systems.
Ventilation measurements using fast‐helical free‐breathing computed tomography
Authors: Low Daniel A. , O'Connell Dylan , Lauria Michael , Stiehl Bradley , Naumann Louise , Lee Percy , Hegde John , Barjaktarevic Igor , Goldin Jonathan , Santhanam Anand
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To examine the use of multiple fast‐helical free breathing computed tomography (FHFBCT) scans for ventilation measurement.

Methods

Ten patients were scanned 25 times in alternating directions using a FHFBCT protocol. Simultaneously, an abdominal pneumatic bellows was used as a real‐time breathing surrogate. Regions‐of‐interest (ROIs) were selected from the upper right lungs of each patient for analysis. The ROIs were first registered using a published registration technique (pTV). A subsequent follow‐up registration employed an objective function with two terms, a ventilation‐adjusted Hounsfield Unit difference and a conservation‐of‐mass term labeled ΔΓ that denoted the difference between the deformation Jacobian and the tissue density ratio. The ventilations were calculated voxel‐by‐voxel as the slope of a first‐order fit of the Jacobian as a function of the breathing amplitude.

Results

The ventilations of the 10 patients showed different patterns and magnitudes. The average ventilation calculated from the deformation vector fields (DVFs) of the pTV and secondary registration was nearly identical, but the standard deviation of the voxel‐to‐voxel differences was approximately 0.1. The mean of the 90th percentile values of ΔΓ was reduced from 0.153 to 0.079 between the pTV and secondary registration, implying first that the secondary registration improved the conservation‐of‐mass criterion by almost 50% and that on average the correspondence between the Jacobian and density ratios as demonstrated by ΔΓ was less than 0.1. This improvement occurred in spite of the average of the 90th percentile changes in the DVF magnitudes being only 0.58 mm.

Conclusions

This work introduces the use of multiple free‐breathing CT scans for free‐breathing ventilation measurements. The approach has some benefits over the traditional use of 4‐dimensional CT (4DCT) or breath‐hold scans. The benefit over 4DCT is that FHFBCT does not have sorting artifacts. The benefits over breath‐hold scans include the relatively small motion induced by quiet respiration versus deep‐inspiration breath hold and the potential for characterizing dynamic breathing processes that disappear during breath hold.
Hybrid ‐shimming and gradient adaptions for improved pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling at 7 Tesla
Authors: Meixner Christian R. , Eisen Christian K. , Schmitter Sebastian , Müller Max , Herrler Jürgen , Hensel Bernhard , Dörfler Arnd , Uder Michael , Nagel Armin M.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To improve pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling (pcASL) at 7T by exploiting a hybrid homogeneity‐ and efficiency‐optimized ‐shim with adapted gradient strength as well as background suppression.

Methods

The following three experiments were performed at 7T, each employing five volunteers: (1) A hybrid (ie, homogeneity‐efficiency optimized) ‐shim was introduced and evaluated for variable‐rate selective excitation pcASL labeling. Therefore, ‐maps in the V3 segment and time‐of‐flight images were acquired to identify the feeding arteries. For validation, a gradient‐echo sequence was applied in circular polarized (CP) mode and with the hybrid ‐shim. Additionally, the gray matter (temporal) signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR) in pcASL perfusion images was evaluated. (2) Bloch simulations for the pcASL labeling were conducted and validated experimentally, with a focus on the slice‐selective gradients. (3) Background suppression was added to the ‐shimmed, gradient‐adapted 7T sequence and this was then compared to a matched sequence at 3T.

Results

The ‐shim improved the signal within the labeling plane (23.6%) and the SNR/tSNR increased (+11%/+11%) compared to its value in CP mode; however, the increase was not significant. In accordance with the simulations, the adapted gradients increased the tSNR (35%) and SNR (45%) significantly. Background suppression further improved the perfusion images at 7T, and this protocol performed as well as a resolution‐matched protocol at 3T.

Conclusion

The combination of the proposed hybrid ‐phase‐shim with the adapted slice‐selective gradients and background suppression shows great potential for improved pcASL labeling under suboptimal conditions at 7T.
Rare earth doping in perovskite luminescent nanocrystals and photoelectric devices
Authors: Sun Rui , Zhou Donglei , Song Hongwei
Published: August 2021

Halide perovskites have shown great promise in optoelectronics and photovoltaics owing to their outstanding photoelectrical properties. However, their inherent shortcomings, such as lack of near‐infrared (NIR) photoluminescence (PL), instability and low efficiency, limit their practical applications. It is notable that doping and ion substitution represent effective strategies for tailoring the optoelectronic properties and stabilities of perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). Rare earth (RE) ions exhibit unique electronic and optical properties; the combination of lead halide perovskite and RE ions can combine the excellent optoelectronic properties of the host with the f‐f electronic transitions of the dopants and promote the further development of perovskite in the field of optoelectronics. For example, the efficient quantum cutting phenomenon in Yb3+‐doped CsPb(Cl/Br)3 NCs yields a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) close to 200%, which have enabled promising proof‐of‐principle demonstration of solar photovoltaics. This review comprehensively summarizes the crystal structure, synthesis strategy, and applications of RE‐doped halide perovskites. We systematically discussed the challenges of RE ions in halide perovskite photovoltaic and light‐emitting devices, which provided a leading direction for the development of efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaic devices in the future.
Disordered farnesoid X receptor signaling is associated with liver carcinogenesis in Abcb11‐deficient mice
Authors: Wang Liping , Luo Qing , Zeng Sijing , Lou Yanmei , Li Xiaoyan , Hu Ming , Lu Linlin , Liu Zhongqiu
Published: August 2021

ABCB11 encodes the bile salt export pump (BSEP), a key regulator in maintaining bile acid (BA) homeostasis. Although inherited ABCB11 mutations have previously been linked to primary liver cancer, whether ABCB11 deficiency leads to liver cancer remains unknown. Here, we analyzed ABCB11 mRNA expression levels in liver tumor specimens [29 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and one with mixed HCC/ICC] with adjacent normal specimens and published human datasets. Liver tissues obtained from Abcb11‐deficient (Abcb11−/−) mice and wild‐type mice at different ages were compared by histologic, RNA‐sequencing, and BA analyses. ABCB11 was significantly downregulated in human liver tumors compared with normal controls. Abcb11−/− mice demonstrated progressive intrahepatic cholestasis and liver fibrosis, and spontaneously developed HCC and ICC over 12 months of age. Abcb11 deficiency increased BAs in the liver and serum in mice, most of which are farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonists/non‐agonists. Accordingly, the hepatic expression and transcriptional activity of FXR were downregulated in Abcb11−/− mouse livers. Administration of the FXR agonist obeticholic acid reduced liver injury and tumor incidence in Abcb11−/− mice. In conclusion, ABCB11 is aberrantly downregulated and plays a vital role in liver carcinogenesis. The cholestatic liver injury and liver tumors developed in Abcb11−/− mice are associated with increased FXR antagonist BAs and thereby decreased activation of FXR. FXR activation might be a therapeutic strategy in ABCB11 deficiency diseases. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) an edible mushroom; a comprehensive and critical review of its nutritional, cosmeceutical, mycochemical, pharmacological, clinical, and toxicological properties
Authors: Ahmad Rizwan , Riaz Muhammad , Khan Aslam , Aljamea Ahmed , Algheryafi Mohammad , Sewaket Deya , Alqathama Aljawharah
Published: August 2021

Reishi owes an exceptional value in nutritional, cosmeceutical, and medical treatments; however, none of the studies has provided its future‐driven critical assessment. This study documents an up‐to‐date review (2015–2020, wherever applicable) and provide valuable insights (preclinical and clinical evidence‐based) with comprehensive and critical assessments. Various databases ‘Google scholar’, ‘Web of Science’, ‘ScienceDirect’, ‘PubMed’, ‘Springer Link’, books, theses, and library resources were used. The taxonomic chaos of G. lucidum and its related species was discussed in detail with solution‐oriented emphasis. Reishi contains polysaccharides (α/β‐D‐glucans), alkaloids, triterpenoids (ganoderic acids, ganoderenic acids, ganoderol, ganoderiol, lucidenic acids), sterols/ergosterol, proteins (LZ‐8, LZ‐9), nucleosides (adenosine, inosine, uridine), and nucleotides (guanine, adenine). Some active drugs are explored at an optimum level to make them potential drug candidates. The pharmacological potential was observed in diabetes, inflammation, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, cancer, anxiety, sedation, cardiac diseases, depression, hepatic diseases, and immune disorders; however, most of the studies are preclinical with a number of drawbacks. In particular, quality clinical data are intensely needed to support pharmacological activities for human use. The presence of numerous micro‐, macro, and trace elements imparts an essential nutritional and cosmeceutical value to Reishi, and various marketed products are available already, but the clinical studies regarding safety and efficacy, interactions with foods/drinks, chronic use, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and genotoxicity are missing for Reishi. Reishi possesses many valuable pharmacological activities, and the number of patents and clinical trials is increasing for Reishi. Yet, a gap in research exists for Reishi, which is discussed in detail in the forthcoming sections.
Myelin basic protein expression in thymoma after methylprednisolone administration for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Isono Tomomi , Ose Naoko , Kawasaki Keisuke , Shibata Ayumi , Funaki Soichiro , Shintani Yasushi
Published: August 2021

The relationship between thymic epithelial tumour and demyelinating disease (DD) is unknown and surgical resection has not been optimized. A 39‐year‐old woman was administrated methylprednisolone for newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis. A thymic tumour was found in the antero‐superior mediastinum via computed tomography of the chest. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy was performed. Histologically, the tumour was diagnosed as Type AB thymoma. Immunohistochemical staining showed positive myelin basic protein (MBP) in the cytosol of spindle cells in the tumour specimen. Germinal centres or lymphocytes infiltration were not noted. Ectopic MBP presentation in thymoma might be correlated with DD.
Limiting probabilities of first order properties of random sparse graphs and hypergraphs
Authors: Larrauri Alberto , Müller Tobias , Noy Marc
Published: August 2021

Let be the binomial random graph in the sparse regime, which as is well‐known undergoes a phase transition at . Lynch (, 1992) showed that for every first order sentence , the limiting probability that satisfies as exists, and moreover it is an analytic function of c. In this paper we consider the closure in the interval of the set of all limiting probabilities of first order sentences in . We show that there exists a critical value such that when , whereas misses at least one subinterval when . We extend these results to random sparse d‐uniform hypergraphs, where the probability of a d‐edge is .
Phosphorus mineralization affected by urea in an intensively managed agricultural soil
Authors: Ning Jianfeng , Arenberg Mary , Arai Yuji
Published: August 2021

A mineralizable P fractionin soils has not been considered in the current agronomic soil P test. Organic P might be a potential source of bioavailable P under the influence of specific soil conditions such as N input. In this laboratory incubation study, the effects of urea (0.1–0.3 g N kg–1 soil) on P mineralization was investigated in an intensively managed agricultural soil using chemical extractions, phosphatase activity analysis, and solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). All urea application rates stimulated P release and P mineralization after 5 d, and bioavailable P increased for up to 40 d. The result of NMR analysis and phosphatase activity supported a shift from organic P to orthophosphate. Urea applications generally increased labile P from ∼5 to ∼24 μg g–1. However, acidity generated from the oxidation of NH4+ under the highest urea treatment (0.3 g of N kg–1 soil) suppressed P mineralization, indicating the degree of urea application rate is sensitive to P mineralization. The results suggested the use of urea could enhance P bioavailability in P‐rich agricultural soils. Tapping into reusable organic P resources in soils might be one of the practical and conservative approaches in the current agriculture.
Zinc‐Catalyzed Chemical Recycling of Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) Applying Transesterification Reactions
Authors: Cheung Even , Alberti Christoph , Bycinskij Sergej , Enthaler Stephan
Published: August 2021

The chemical recycling of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) was explored based on depolymerization and polymerization. The concept bases on the zinc‐catalyzed depolymerization via methanolysis to produce methyl 6‐hydroxyhexanoate, which is polymerized in a zinc‐catalyzed condensation reaction to generate new PCL and close the cycle. In more detail, with zinc(II) acetate as catalyst, PCL was depolymerized with turnover frequencies of up to 468 h−1 using microwave heating. On the other hand zinc(II) acetate was also able to catalyze the polymer formation using the monomer methyl 6‐hydroxyhexanoate. PCL was obtained in good yield and Mn ∼1729 g/mol and Mw ∼5823 g/mol were achieved.
Can Superhalogen Ligand Make More Reactive Frustrated Lewis Pairs?
Authors: Parida Rakesh , Inostroza Rivera Ricardo , Sinha Swapan , Giri Santanab
Published: August 2021

New Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs) are designed and are attempted to activate molecular hydrogen. The new FLPs are modeled by changing the ligands in the Lewis acid (LA) part of the TPFPB (Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane) molecule. The modifications are done by replacing the phenyl group in TPFPB with three different aromatic heterocyclic ligands. The stability and reactivity of FLPs: [(C2BNSHF2)]3B−P(tBu)3, [(C2BNSF3)]3B−P(tBu)3 and [C2BNO(CN)3]3B−P(tBu)3 is analysed in terms of the dual descriptors, NBO/Hirshfeld charges, VDE, hardness (η) and electrophilicity (ω). Although all three modeled FLPs show their capability towards activating molecular hydrogen, the [C2BNO(CN)3]3B−P(tBu)3 shows better performance than the conventionally used FLP: (C6F5)3B−P(tBu)3.
Design, Synthesis, Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies of 1,6‐Bis‐triazole‐Linked α‐Galactoside Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Chaidam Suksamran , Saehlim Natthiya , Suksen Kanoknetr , Chairoungdua Arthit , Saeeng Rungnapha
Published: August 2021

A series of novel 1,6‐bis‐triazole‐linked α‐galactoside derivatives (5 a–5 bb) were designed and synthesized in high yields through O‐Glycosylation and click chemistry. All analogues were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against nine cancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity results demonstrate that compounds 5 o and 5 bb showed significant cytotoxic activities against leukemia (P‐388, IC50=4.45 μM) and cholangiocarcinoma (K‐100, IC50=4.87 μM) cancer cells. Molecular docking studies of active compounds displayed good binding energies towards both CDK‐2 and EGFR proteins, correlated with their in vitro results.
Assembly of Cobalt Layered Double Hydroxide on Cuprous Phosphide Nanowire with Strong Built‐In Potential for Accelerated Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Xu Xiao , Cao Aihui , You Weifeng , Tao Zhijie , Kang Longtian , Liu Jingjing
Published: August 2021

Heterostructure plays an important role in boosting the overall water splitting (OWS) performance of nonprecious metal electrocatalysts. However, rational design and synthesis of semiconductor heterojunctions especially for Cu‐based ones as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) still face challenges, and the in‐depth study of catalytic mechanisms is urgently needed. Herein, n‐type cobalt layered double hydroxide nanosheets are assembled on p‐type cuprous phosphide nanowire to form p‐n junction. This heterostructure with a strong built‐in potential (EBI) of 1.78 V provides enlarged electrochemical active surface area, enhanced active site, facilitated electron separation and transfer, and accelerated formation of superoxide radical. As expected, the heterogeneous electrocatalyst exhibits significantly improved activities for OWS, achieving an overpotential of 111 mV for HER and 221 mV for OER and an applied voltage of 1.575 V for OWS at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH. Moreover, the overpotentials are further decreased under visible light irradiation. This work represents a new insight into Cu‐based catalysts toward OWS and an approach based on EBI to design semiconductor heterostructure promising for renewable energy applications.
Behind closed doors: Are sonographers coping? A nation‐wide survey investigating the emotional well‐being of sonographers working for private organisations within Australia
Authors: Cohen Catherine , Childs Jessie , Maranna Sandhya
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Sonographers working for private practices within Australia face a myriad of emotionally challenging situations on a daily basis, potentially reducing their sense of well‐being. With limited literature currently available, this research aimed to report the current emotional well‐being of sonographers working in private practice within Australia.

Methods

Eighty‐one eligible participants responded to a nation‐wide survey that gathered both quantitative and qualitative data for analysis.

Participants working in private practice were feeling the toll of workplace stress with 48.1% (n = 39) reporting they sometimes felt supported by colleagues or superiors and 45.7% (n = 37) reporting they sometimes felt their work was appreciated. A further 39.5% (n = 32) of participants stated they thought about leaving their current role at least a few times per month. Non‐supportive working environments, unrealistic performance expectations and managing patient related factors were reported as the key causes of workplace stress. The key strategies suggested by participants to overcome these emotionally challenging situations included: updating workplace protocols, autonomy for time management, a supportive working environment, support from referring doctors and Medicare and introducing well‐being programmes for sonographers.

Conclusion

Australian private practice sonographers are experiencing workplace stress and provided valid suggestions for potential causes of and strategies to overcome workplace stress.
An empirical study of Linespots: A novel past‐fault algorithm
Authors: Scholz Maximilian , Torkar Richard
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes the novel past‐faults fault prediction algorithm Linespots, based on the Bugspots algorithm. We analyse the predictive performance and runtime of Linespots compared with Bugspots with an empirical study using the most significant self‐built dataset as of now, including high‐quality samples for validation. As a novelty in fault prediction, we use Bayesian data analysis and Directed Acyclic Graphs to model the effects. We found consistent improvements in the predictive performance of Linespots over Bugspots for all seven evaluation metrics. We conclude that Linespots should be used over Bugspots in all cases where no real‐time performance is necessary.