bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of mating strategies on seminal material investment in crabs
Authors: Pretterebner Katrin , Pardo Luis Miguel , Paschke Kurt , Riveros Marcela Paz
Published: November 2022

Reproduction involves high energetic costs which are related to behaviour and gamete production. In females energy allocation to gamete production has been well documented. However, estimations of male investment in seminal material are scarce. The present study aims to assess and compare male investment in four brachyuran species by determining biochemical substrates present in the vasa deferentia to subsequently estimate energetic investment during the reproductive cycle. We identified two groups with contrasting energy investments. Two species, Homalaspis plana and Romaleon setosum, showed high investment due to significant quantities of proteins and lipids. Both species are characterised by large and complex vasa deferentia, and the formation of a remarkably large sperm plug deposited to the female after copulation as a sperm competition avoidance strategy. In contrast, Metacarcinus edwardsii and Taliepus dentatus invested little energy in their smaller-sized and simpler vasa deferentia. Morpho-functional traits may play a key role in determining the investment, which may also be influenced by mechanisms (i.e. mating tactics) to prevent sperm competition and the intensity of polygyny. This study emphasises the high amount of energy males invest in seminal material and highlights the diversity of mating strategies in Brachyura, which are reflected even on the physiological level.
Optoelectronic refractometric sensing device for gases based on dielectric bow-ties and amorphous silicon solar cells
Authors: Elshorbagy Mahmoud H. , Esteban Óscar , Cuadrado Alexander , Alda Javier
Published: November 2022

The transformation of an hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cell (aSiH) into an optoelectronic refratometric sensor has been possible through the addition of dielectric bow-tie resonant structures. The indium transparent oxide top electrode is replaced by a thin metallic layer to selectively prevent the direct transmission of light to the active layer of the cell. Then, an array of dielectric bow-tie structures is placed on top of this electrode, to activate the optical absorption through surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The whole device is exposed to the analyte under measure, which is the surrounding medium. Three different dielectric materials with low, medium, and high refractive index were selected for the bow-ties, namely magnesium fluoride (MgF$$_2$$

2

), silicon dioxide (SiO$$_2$$

2

), and aluminum nitride (AlN) have been tested as coupling structure for SPR excitation. The maximization of the readout/short circuit current has been achieved through the geometrical parameters of such structure. We have selected the geometrical parameters to maximize the short circuit current delivered by the a-Si cell at a given selected wavelength. The design has been customized to gas measurements application, where the index of refraction is slightly above 1 around 10$$^{-4}$$

-
4

. Our analysis reveals ultra-high sensitivity of $$2.4 \times 10^4$$

2.4
×

10
4

(mA/W)/RIU, and a figure of merit FOM= 107 RIU$$^{-1}$$

-
1

, when the bow-tie is made of SiO$$_2$$

2

. A performance rally competitive with those previously reported in literature, with the additional advantage of circunventing both moving parts and spectral interrogation elements.
Revealing low-temperature plasma efficacy through a dose-rate assessment by DNA damage detection combined with machine learning models
Authors: Sebastian Amal , Spulber Diana , Lisouskaya Aliaksandra , Ptasinska Sylwia
Published: November 2022

Low-temperature plasmas have quickly emerged as alternative and unconventional types of radiation that offer great promise for various clinical modalities. As with other types of radiation, the therapeutic efficacy and safety of low-temperature plasmas are ubiquitous concerns, and assessing their dose rates is crucial in clinical settings. Unfortunately, assessing the dose rates by standard dosimetric techniques has been challenging. To overcome this difficulty, we proposed a dose-rate assessment framework that combined the predictive modeling of plasma-induced damage in DNA by machine learning with existing radiation dose-DNA damage correlations. Our results indicated that low-temperature plasmas have a remarkably high dose rate that can be tuned by various process parameters. This attribute is beneficial for inducing radiobiological effects in a more controllable manner.
Validation of days alive and out of hospital as a new patient-centered outcome to quantify life impact after heart transplantation
Authors: M’Pembele René , Roth Sebastian , Stroda Alexandra , Reier Tilman , Lurati Buse Giovanna , Sixt Stephan U. , Westenfeld Ralf , Rellecke Philipp , Tudorache Igor , Hollmann Markus W. , Aubin Hug , Akhyari Payam , Lichtenberg Artur , Huhn Ragnar , Boeken Udo
Published: November 2022

The number of patients waiting for heart transplantation (HTX) is increasing. Thus, identification of outcome-relevant factors is crucial. This study aimed to identify perioperative factors associated with days alive and out of hospital (DAOH)—a patient-centered outcome to quantify life impact—after HTX. This retrospective cohort study screened 187 patients who underwent HTX at university hospital Duesseldorf, Germany from September 2010 to December 2020. The primary endpoint was DAOH at 1 year. Risk factors for mortality after HTX were assessed in univariate analysis. Variables with significant association were entered into multivariable quantile regression. In total, 175 patients were included into analysis. Median DAOH at 1 year was 295 (223–322) days. In univariate analysis the following variables were associated with reduced DAOH: recipient or donor diabetes pre-HTX, renal replacement therapy (RRT), VA-ECMO therapy, recipient body mass index, recipient estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation. After adjustment, mechanical ventilation, RRT, eGFR and recipient diabetes showed significant independent association with DAOH. This study identified risk factors associated with reduced DAOH at 1-year after HTX. These findings might complement existing data for outcome of patients undergoing HTX.
Gap-filling of ocean color over the tropical Indian Ocean using Monte-Carlo method
Authors: Modi Aditi , Roxy M. K. , Ghosh Subimal
Published: November 2022

Continuous remote-sensed daily fields of ocean color now span over two decades; however, it still remains a challenge to examine the ocean ecosystem processes, e.g., phenology, at temporal frequencies of less than a month. This is due to the presence of significantly large gaps in satellite data caused by clouds, sun-glint, and hardware failure; thus, making gap-filling a prerequisite. Commonly used techniques of gap-filling are limited to single value imputation, thus ignoring the error estimates. Though convenient for datasets with fewer missing pixels, these techniques introduce potential biases in datasets having a higher percentage of gaps, such as in the tropical Indian Ocean during the summer monsoon, the satellite coverage is reduced up to 40% due to the seasonally varying cloud cover. In this study, we fill the missing values in the tropical Indian Ocean with a set of plausible values (here, 10,000) using the classical Monte-Carlo method and prepare 10,000 gap-filled datasets of ocean color. Using the Monte-Carlo method for gap-filling provides the advantage to estimate the phenological indicators with an uncertainty range, to indicate the likelihood of estimates. Quantification of uncertainty arising due to missing values is critical to address the importance of underlying datasets and hence, motivating future observations.
Tuning phononic and electronic contributions of thermoelectric in defected S-shape graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Bazrafshan M. Amir , Khoeini Farhad
Published: November 2022

Thermoelectrics as a way to use waste heat, is essential in electronic industries, but its low performance at operational temperatures makes it inappropriate in practical applications. Tailoring graphene can change its properties. In this work, we are interested in studying the transport properties of S-shape graphene structures with the single vacancy (SV) and double vacancy (DV) models. The structures are composed of a chiral part, which is an armchair graphene nanoribbon, and two zigzag graphene ribbons. We investigate the changes in the figure of merit by means of the Seebeck coefficient, electronic conductance, and electronic and phononic conductances with the vacancies in different device sizes. The transport properties of the system are studied by using the non-equilibrium Green’s function method, so that the related Hamiltonians (dynamical matrices) are obtained from the tight-binding (force constant) model. The maximum figure of merit (ZT) obtains for the DVs in all lengths. Physical properties of such a system can be tuned by controlling various parameters such as the location and the type of the defects, and the device size. Our findings show that lengthening the structure can reduce phononic contribution, and single vacancies than double vacancies can better distinguish between electronic thermal conductance behavior and electronic conductance one. Namely, vacancy engineering can significantly increase thermoelectric performance. In the large devices, the SVs can increase the ZT up to 2.5 times.
An electrocardiography score predicts heart failure hospitalization or death beyond that of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Maanja Maren , Schlegel Todd T. , Fröjdh Fredrika , Niklasson Louise , Wieslander Björn , Bacharova Ljuba , Schelbert Erik B. , Ugander Martin
Published: November 2022

The electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) provide powerful prognostic information. The aim was to determine their relative prognostic value. Patients (n = 783) undergoing CMR and 12-lead ECG with a QRS duration < 120 ms were included. Prognosis scores for one-year event-free survival from hospitalization for heart failure or death were derived using continuous ECG or CMR measures, and multivariable logistic regression, and compared. Patients (median [interquartile range] age 55 [43–64] years, 44% female) had 155 events during 5.7 [4.4–6.6] years. The ECG prognosis score included (1) frontal plane QRS-T angle, and (2) heart rate corrected QT duration (QTc) (log-rank 55). The CMR prognosis score included (1) global longitudinal strain, and (2) extracellular volume fraction (log-rank 85). The combination of positive scores for both ECG and CMR yielded the highest prognostic value (log-rank 105). Multivariable analysis showed an association with outcomes for both the ECG prognosis score (log-rank 8.4, hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.29 [1.09–1.54]) and the CMR prognosis score (log-rank 47, hazard ratio 1.90 [1.58–2.28]). An ECG prognosis score predicted outcomes independently of CMR. Combining the results of ECG and CMR using both prognosis scores improved the overall prognostic performance.
Production of mouse offspring from zygotes fertilized with freeze-dried spermatids
Authors: Wakayama Sayaka , Ito Daiyu , Ooga Masatoshi , Wakayama Teruhiko
Published: November 2022

Mouse cloning by nuclear transfer using freeze-drying (FD) somatic cells is now possible, but the success rate is significantly lower than that of FD spermatozoa. Because spermatozoa, unlike somatic cells, are haploid cells with hardened nuclei due to protamine, the factors responsible for their tolerance to FD treatment remain unclear. In this study, we attempt to produce offspring from FD spermatid, a haploid sperm progenitor cell whose nuclei, like somatic cells, have not yet been replaced by protamine. We developed a method for collecting FD spermatids from testicular suspension. Despite the significantly lower success rate than that of FD spermatozoa, healthy offspring were obtained when FD spermatids were injected into oocytes. Offspring were also obtained from FD spermatids derived from immature male mice that had not yet produced spermatozoa. These results suggest that nuclear protaminization, rather than haploid nuclei, is one of the key processes responsible for tolerance to FD treatment.
Task demand and load carriage experience affect gait variability among military cadets
Authors: Ulman Sophia , Srinivasan Divya , Nussbaum Maury A.
Published: November 2022

Load carriage is an inevitable daily task for soldiers. The purposes of this study were to explore the extent to which gait variability (GV) is affected by load carriage and experience among military cadets, and whether experience-related differences in GV are dependent on task demand. Two groups of cadets (30 experienced, 30 less experienced) completed a load carriage task in each of three load conditions (no load, 16 kg, 32 kg). Three categories of GV measures were obtained: spatiotemporal variability, joint kinematic variability, and Lyapunov exponents. Compared to traditional mean gait measures, GV measures were more discriminative of experience: although both groups showed similar mean gait measures, the experienced participants had reduced variability in spatiotemporal measures (p ≤ 0.008) and joint kinematics (p ≤ 0.004), as well as lower levels of long-term local dynamic stability at the ankle (p = 0.040). In both groups, heavier loads were also caused increased GV (p ≤ 0.018) and enhanced short-term local dynamic stability at the knee (p = 0.014). These results emphasize the importance of GV measures, which may provide a more complete description of adaptability, stability, and control; highlight alternate movement strategies during more difficult load carriage; and capture experience-related differences in load carriage strategies.
Utility of synovial calprotectin lateral flow test to exclude chronic prosthetic joint infection in periprosthetic fractures: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lazic Igor , Burdach Alexander , Pohlig Florian , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Suren Christian
Published: November 2022

The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) requires a combination of various clinical, laboratory, microbiological and histopathological parameters. A concomitant periprosthetic fracture (PPF) further complicates the diagnosis as it causes a confounding local inflammatory response. Synovial calprotectin has been demonstrated as a promising biomarker of PJI. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reliability of synovial calprotectin for the pre- or intraoperative diagnosis of PJI in PFF. 30 patients with PPF and implant loosening were included in this prospective study. Synovial fluid with white blood cells and percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, serum C-reactive protein, and synovial calprotectin using a lateral-flow assay were tested against the EBJIS definition with adjusted thresholds to account for the local inflammation. 14 patients were postoperatively classified as confirmed infections (ten total hip arthroplasties and fourtotal knee arthroplasties). The calprotectin assay yielded a sensitivity of 0.71 [0.48; 0.95], a specificity of 0.69 [0.46; 0.91], a positive predictive value of 0.67 [0.43; 0.91] and a negative predictive value of 0.73 [0.51; 0.96]. Calprotectin is a promising diagnostic parameter for the detection of a PJI in a PPF. The lateral flow assay offers prompt results, which may further assist the surgeon in addition to already existing parameters of PJI diagnostics to diagnose concomitant PJI in PPF during surgery.
Overnight dynamics in scale-free and oscillatory spectral parameters of NREM sleep EEG
Authors: G. Horváth Csenge , Szalárdy Orsolya , Ujma Péter P. , Simor Péter , Gombos Ferenc , Kovács Ilona , Dresler Martin , Bódizs Róbert
Published: November 2022

Unfolding the overnight dynamics in human sleep features plays a pivotal role in understanding sleep regulation. Studies revealed the complex reorganization of the frequency composition of sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) during the course of sleep, however the scale-free and the oscillatory measures remained undistinguished and improperly characterized before. By focusing on the first four non-rapid eye movement (NREM) periods of night sleep records of 251 healthy human subjects (4–69 years), here we reveal the flattening of spectral slopes and decrease in several measures of the spectral intercepts during consecutive sleep cycles. Slopes and intercepts are significant predictors of slow wave activity (SWA), the gold standard measure of sleep intensity. The overnight increase in spectral peak sizes (amplitudes relative to scale-free spectra) in the broad sigma range is paralleled by a U-shaped time course of peak frequencies in frontopolar regions. Although, the set of spectral indices analyzed herein reproduce known age- and sex-effects, the interindividual variability in spectral slope steepness is lower as compared to the variability in SWA. Findings indicate that distinct scale-free and oscillatory measures of sleep EEG could provide composite measures of sleep dynamics with low redundancy, potentially affording new insights into sleep regulatory processes in future studies.
Serum extracellular traps associate with the activation of myeloid cells in SLE patients with the low level of anti-DNA antibodies
Authors: Hanata Norio , Ota Mineto , Tsuchida Yumi , Nagafuchi Yasuo , Okamura Tomohisa , Shoda Hirofumi , Fujio Keishi
Published: November 2022

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to cluster SLE patients based on serum NET levels. Serum NET levels were higher in SLE patients than healthy controls. Frequencies of pleuritis and myositis were increased in patients with high serum NET levels. Serum NET levels negatively correlated with anti–double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody titers and C1q-binding immune complexes, but positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and monocyte counts. Neutrophil transcriptome analysis demonstrated no difference in NET-associated signatures, irrespective of serum NET levels, suggesting anti-dsDNA antibody-mediated clearance of NETs. In serum, NET levels were significantly correlated with myeloid cell-derived inflammatory molecules. Serum NET-based cluster analysis revealed 3 groups of patients based on serum NET and CRP levels, anti-dsDNA antibody titers, and monocyte count. Monocytes were consistently activated following NET-containing immune complex (NET-IC) stimulation. In conclusion, SLE patients with high serum NET levels had lower anti-dsDNA antibody titers and higher inflammatory responses. NET-IC-stimulated monocytes might associate with an inflammatory response characterized by elevated CRP levels. These findings can apply to precision medicine, as inflammatory processes, rather than antibody-dependent processes, can be targeted in specific subpopulations of SLE patients.
Citrate effect on the swelling behaviour and stability of casein microparticles
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md , Pütz Thomas , Gebhardt Ronald
Published: November 2022

Casein microparticles obtained from casein micelles by volume exclusion of added pectin and subsequent film drying remain stable in the acidic and neutral pH range, but swell strongly in the basic range. Calcium significantly impacts on the stability and water-binding behavior of phosphorylated caseins and the aggregates and gels formed from them. For a future effective and controlled use as a carrier for bioactive substances, e.g. via the gastrointestinal tract, we therefore investigated how the addition of the calcium chelating agent citrate affects the swelling and stability of the microparticles. Citrate concentrations of 2 mM and above cause a stronger swelling of the microparticles at pH 8, while above 4 mM the second characteristic swelling step starts earlier and thus can also be investigated within the observation time of 120 min. All swelling kinetics can be simulated using seven parameters of a dynamic model, which reproduces the individual swelling steps via volume inflows and outflows into a reservoir. While the rate coefficient for swelling step 1 increases linearly with citrate concentration, no such dependence could be found for swelling step 2. The more citrate is used, the faster the microparticles decompose in turbidity experiments after the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate, which can be related to a weakening of the hydrophobic interactions.
Encryption chain based on measurement result and its applications on semi-quantum key distribution protocol
Authors: Yang Chun-Wei
Published: November 2022

This study proposes a new encoding method, also known as an encryption chain based on the measurement result. Then, using the encryption chain to propose a unitary-operation-based semi-quantum key distribution protocol (SQKD) protocol. In the existing SQKD protocols, semi-quantum environments adopt a round-trip transmission strategy. In round-trip transmission, the classical participant must resend the received photons to the quantum participant after implementing local operations. Therefore, round-trip transmissions are vulnerable to Trojan horse attacks. Hence, the classical participant must be equipped with a photon number splitter and an optical wavelength filter device against Trojan horse attacks. This is illogical for semi-quantum environments because the burden on the classical participant is significantly increased as it involves the prevention of Trojan horse attacks. The proposed SQKD protocol is congenitally immune to Trojan horse attacks and involves no extra hardware because it is designed based on a one-way transmission as opposed to a round-trip transmission. When compared to the existing SQKD protocols, the proposed SQKD protocol provides the best qubit efficiency, and classical participants only require two quantum capabilities, which enhance its practicability. Moreover, the proposed SQKD protocol is free from collective attacks, Trojan horse attacks, and intercept-resend attacks. Thus, the proposed scheme is more efficient and practical than the existing SQKD protocols.
Blockade of the BLT1-LTB4 axis does not affect mast cell migration towards advanced atherosclerotic lesions in LDLr−/− mice
Authors: Depuydt Marie A. C. , Vlaswinkel Femke D. , Hemme Esmeralda , Delfos Lucie , Kleijn Mireia N. A. Bernabé , van Santbrink Peter J. , Foks Amanda C. , Slütter Bram , Kuiper Johan , Bot Ilze
Published: November 2022

Mast cells have been associated with the progression and destabilization of advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Reducing intraplaque mast cell accumulation upon atherosclerosis progression could be a potent therapeutic strategy to limit plaque destabilization. Leukotriene B4(LTB4) has been reported to induce mast cell chemotaxis in vitro. Here, we examined whether antagonism of the LTB4-receptor BLT1 could inhibit mast cell accumulation in advanced atherosclerosis. Expression of genes involved in LTB4biosynthesis was determined by single-cell RNA sequencing of human atherosclerotic plaques. Subsequently, Western-type diet fed LDLr−/−mice with pre-existing atherosclerosis were treated with the BLT1-antagonist CP105,696 or vehicle control three times per week by oral gavage. In the spleen, a significant reduction in CD11b+myeloid cells was observed, including Ly6Cloand Ly6Chimonocytes as well as dendritic cells. However, atherosclerotic plaque size, collagen and macrophage content in the aortic root remained unaltered upon treatment. Finally, BLT1 antagonism did not affect mast cell numbers in the aortic root. Here, we show that human intraplaque leukocytes may be a source of locally produced LTB4. However, BLT1-antagonism during atherosclerosis progression does not affect either local mast cell accumulation or plaque size, suggesting that other mechanisms participate in mast cell accumulation during atherosclerosis progression.
A time function-based prediction model of mining subsidence: application to the Barapukuria coal mine, Bangla
Authors: Zhang Xingsheng , Yan Shaobin , Tan Haicheng , Dong Jinyu
Published: November 2022

Coal mining may lead to ground subsidence in a long term and is widely distributed, which can cause environmental damage and other disasters. Predicting the dynamic process of ground subsidence in real time is very important for offering theoretical or technical guidance to deal with the consequences of mining. In this study, we developed a prediction method for dynamic ground subsidence using a time function model that considers two stages of surface subsidence and reflects the law of surface subsidence in goaf. We applied the model to the Barapukuria mine, and our simulation shows that the prediction results are in good agreement with the monitoring data. Our results suggest that the dynamic development of the ground subsidence basin may be an effective measure to assess the loss of ground and provide early warning of oncoming hazards.
Experimental study on microstructure characteristics of saturated remolded cohesive soil during consolidation
Authors: Zheng Juan , Yang Zhen , Gao Huabin , Lai Xiuying , Wu Xiao , Huang Yaolong
Published: November 2022

In this paper, drained consolidation tests of saturated remolded cohesive soil were carried out at different loading rates, and the samples at different loading stages were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) testing. Through qualitative analysis of the relationship between the transverse relaxation time T2, peak area and porosity, the deformation micro-response of the saturated remolded cohesive soil was studied. The results showed that the transverse relaxation time T2 of the saturated remolded cohesive soil samples during the initial stage consisted of two spectral peaks, representing pores with large and small pore diameters, respectively. As loading progressed, the pore diameters in each sample group gradually shifted to smaller sizes, and the final form of the T2 spectrum was unimodal, in which the pores became denser and more uniform. In the initial stage of loading, the T2 spectrum of the soil sample with faster loading showed no obvious change trend due to the influence of drainage lag. After a sufficiently long dead load time, the final shape of the T2 spectrum was very similar regardless of loading rate, indicating that the loading rate only affected the intermediate state of the soil sample, and the final state was determined by the initial state of the sample. At the same time, after a certain dead load time, the changes in pore diameter were no longer obvious, indicating that the flowing fluid in the pore was drained and that drainage consolidation was complete. According to the positive correlation between the loading rate and maximum pore pressure, a boundary rate was obtained. We could reasonably infer that if the controlled loading rate was less than this value, drainage consolidation was complete in the main consolidation stage.
GeoBioMed perspectives on kidney stone recurrence from the reactive surface area of SWL-derived particles
Authors: Todorov Lauren G. , Sivaguru Mayandi , Krambeck Amy E. , Lee Matthew S. , Lieske John C. , Fouke Bruce W.
Published: November 2022

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is an effective and commonly applied clinical treatment for human kidney stones. Yet the success of SWL is counterbalanced by the risk of retained fragments causing recurrent stone formation, which may require retreatment. This study has applied GeoBioMed experimental and analytical approaches to determine the size frequency distribution, fracture patterns, and reactive surface area of SWL-derived particles within the context of their original crystal growth structure (crystalline architecture) as revealed by confocal autofluorescence (CAF) and super-resolution autofluorescence (SRAF) microscopy. Multiple calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones were removed from a Mayo Clinic patient using standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and shock pulse lithotripsy (SPL). This produced approximately 4–12 mm-diameter PCNL-derived fragments that were experimentally treated ex vivo with SWL to form hundreds of smaller particles. Fractures propagated through the crystalline architecture of PCNL-derived fragments in a variety of geometric orientations to form rectangular, pointed, concentrically spalled, and irregular SWL-derived particles. Size frequency distributions ranged from fine silt (4–8 μm) to very fine pebbles (2–4 mm), according to the Wentworth grain size scale, with a mean size of fine sand (125–250 μm). Importantly, these SWL-derived particles are smaller than the 3–4 mm-diameter detection limit of clinical computed tomography (CT) techniques and can be retained on internal kidney membrane surfaces. This creates clinically undetectable crystallization seed points with extremely high reactive surface areas, which dramatically enhance the multiple events of crystallization and dissolution (diagenetic phase transitions) that may lead to the high rates of CaOx kidney stone recurrence after SWL treatment.
Characteristics of intermediate age-related macular degeneration with hyperreflective foci
Authors: Kikushima Wataru , Sakurada Yoichi , Sugiyama Atsushi , Yoneyama Seigo , Matsubara Mio , Fukuda Yoshiko , Shijo Taiyo , Kotoda Yumi , Fragiotta Serena , Kashiwagi Kenji
Published: November 2022

Hyperreflective foci (HRF) are the findings observed in optical coherence tomography (OCT) in several retinal diseases and are believed to be associated with the increased risk of atrophy in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we investigated the clinical and genetic characteristics of intermediate AMD with HRF. We reviewed the medical charts for 155 patients with intermediate AMD, in whom macular neovascularization (MNV) was observed in the contralateral eye. The presence or absence of an HRF was evaluated using a spectral-domain OCT volume scan spanning the macular region. Patients were followed longitudinally for at least 12 months, and the maximum follow-up period was 60 months. Genotyping of ARMS2 A69S and CFH I62V was performed in all participants. Of the 155 patients (mean age: 77.8 ± 7.6 years, male/female: 103/52), HRF was observed in 53 eyes (34.2%) and was significantly associated with type-3 MNV (p = 1.0 × 10−5) in the contralateral eye, pseudodrusen (p = 5.0 × 10−4), thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness (p = 0.013), and risk of ARMS2 A69S (p = 0.023). During follow-up (40.8 ± 17.5), 38 eyes (24.5%) developed advanced AMD. The mean time to the onset of advanced AMD was 29.8 ± 12.9 months in eyes with intermediate AMD. HRF was associated with MNV (p = 1.0 × 10−3), but not with atrophy.
Deciphering human influence on annual maximum flood extent at the global level
Authors: Mazzoleni Maurizio , Dottori Francesco , Cloke Hannah L. , Di Baldassarre Giuliano
Published: November 2022

Human actions are increasingly altering most river basins worldwide, resulting in changes in hydrological processes and extreme events. Yet, global patterns of changes between seasonal surface water and urbanization remain largely unknown. Here we perform a worldwide analysis of 106 large river basins and uncover global trends of annual maximum flood extent and artificial impervious area, as proxy of urbanization, over the past three decades. We explore their relationships with hydroclimatic variability, expressed as rainfall and snowmelt, and find that hydroclimatic variability alone cannot explain changes in annual maximum flood extent in 75% of the analyzed major river basins worldwide. Considering rainfall and urban area together can explain changes in the annual maximum flood extent in 57% of the basins. Our study emphasizes the importance of understanding the global impacts of human presence on changes in seasonal water dynamics.
Elastomeric, bioadhesive and pH-responsive amphiphilic copolymers based on direct crosslinking of poly(glycerol sebacate)-co-polyethylene glycol
Authors: Aleemardani Mina , Trikić Michael Zivojin , Green Nicola Helen , Claeyssens Frederik
Published: November 2022

Novel PGS-co-PEG elastomers showed multifunctional characteristics such as high swelling, flexibility, bioadhesiveness and biocompatibility, and good biodegradation, mechanical properties and pH-responsive behaviour.
Investigating the mechanism and origins of selectivity in palladium-catalysed carbene insertion cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Lennon Gavin , O'Boyle Christina , Carrick Andrew I. , Dingwall Paul
Published: November 2022

The mechanism of palladium-catalysed carbene insertion cross-coupling reactions has been experimentally and computationally studied, with carbene insertion identified as the likely selectivity determining step.
Emerging strategies for steering orientational deposition toward high-performance Zn metal anodes
Authors: Zou Yuhan , Yang Xianzhong , Shen Lin , Su Yiwen , Chen Ziyan , Gao Xiang , Zhou Jiang , Sun Jingyu
Published: November 2022

Obtaining smooth plating layers by steering Zn orientational deposition is the key to achieving longevous Zn anodes. The design strategies of inducing orientational deposition and relating mechanistic insights are reviewed.
Anchoring of halogen-cleaved organic ligands on perovskite surfaces
Authors: Hu Juntao , Chen Peng , Luo Deying , Dai Linjie , Chen Nan , Li Shunde , Yang Shiyu , Fu Zewei , Wang Dengke , Gong Qihuang , Stranks Samuel D. , Zhu Rui , Lu Zheng-Hong
Published: November 2022

Photoemission spectroscopy reveals halogen cleavage from bulky cation organics and the formation process of 2D-like perovskites on the parent perovskite as well as their impact on band alignment and device performance.
Air quality trends in rural India: analysis of NO2 pollution using satellite measurements
Authors: Pathak Mansi , Kuttippurath Jayanarayanan
Published: November 2022

India is a country with more than 67% of its population (947 million) residing in rural areas and 33% in urban areas (472 million) as of 2020.
The effect of structure and preparation method on the bioactivity of polysaccharides from plants and fungi
Authors: Yang Manli , Ren Wenjing , Li Geyuan , Yang Ping , Chen Rong , He Hua
Published: November 2022

Polysaccharides are not only the main components in the cell walls of plants and fungi, but also a structure that supports and protects cells.
Selectively inhibiting malignant melanoma migration and invasion in an engineered skin model using actin-targeting dinuclear RuII-complexes
Authors: Raza Ahtasham , Archer Stuart A. , Thomas Jim A. , MacNeil Sheila , Haycock John W.
Published: November 2022

A dinuclear ruthenium complex completely inhibits the invasive properties of malignant melanoma within a living human skin model.
Inorganic frameworks of low-dimensional perovskites dictate the performance and stability of mixed-dimensional perovskite solar cells
Authors: Febriansyah Benny , Li Yongxin , Giovanni David , Salim Teddy , Hooper Thomas J. N. , Sim Ying , Ma Daphne , Laxmi Shoba , Lekina Yulia , Koh Teck Ming , Shen Ze Xiang , Pullarkat Sumod A. , Sum Tze Chien , Mhaisalkar Subodh G. , Ager Joel W. , Mathews Nripan
Published: November 2022

Structural distortion of inorganic lattices was found to affect the defect landscapes of mixed-dimensional perovskites with less distorted metal halide coordination leading to materials with better optical profile, device performance and stability.
A first-principles study on atomic-scale pore design of microporous carbon electrodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Lee Young Chul , Jung Sung Chul
Published: November 2022

Microporous carbon with a large average pore volume provides high reversible capacity and high conductivity.
Optically active polymer particles with programmable surface microstructures constructed using chiral helical polyacetylene
Authors: Zhong Hai , Yang Hongfang , Shang Jiaqi , Zhao Biao , Deng Jianping
Published: November 2022

A template surface modification approach was established for fabricating chiral-functionalized polymer particles with tailorable surface microstructures.
Broadband single-molecule fluorescence enhancement based on self-assembled Ag@Au dimer plasmonic nanoantennas
Authors: Lin Yunpeng , Hu Jinyong , Zhang Wenbo , Jiang Li , Yi Deqi , Rujiralai Thitima , Ma Jie
Published: November 2022

A self-assembled dimer nanoantenna features a single dye in its hotspot. Such Ag@Au dimer nanoantennas can yield a broadband single-molecule fluorescence enhancement over almost the whole visible spectrum and remain stable for more than one month.
A MOF-derived hollow Co3O4/NiCo2O4nanohybrid: a novel anode for aqueous lithium ion batteries with high energy density and a wide electrochemical window
Authors: Liu Tianjiao , Kong Hao , Xiong Jinping , Wei Gang , Su Zhiqiang
Published: November 2022

Material design and synthesis promote the fabrication of aqueous lithium-ion batteries with a wide electrochemical window and high energy density.
Regulating the coordination capacity of ATMP using melamine: facile synthesis of cobalt phosphides as bifunctional electrocatalysts for the ORR and HER
Authors: Xu Lian-Hua , Wang Wen-Ju , Zhang Xue-Ji , Cosnier Serge , Marks Robert S. , Shan Dan
Published: November 2022

The coordination capacity of ATMP and Co2+ was successfully regulated using MA to synthesize hybrid nitrogen-coordinated cobalt phosphides, supported on a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix.
First theoretical probe for efficient enhancement of optical nonlinearity via structural modifications into phenylene based D–π–A configured molecules
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Naz Salma , Mahmood Khalid , Hussain Shabbir , Carmo Braga Ataualpa Albert , Hussain Riaz , Ragab Ahmed H. , Al-Mhyawi Saedah R.
Published: November 2022

The design of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials using conjugated molecules via different techniques is reported in the literature to boost the use of these systems in NLO.
Fluorescence immunosensor based on functional nanomaterials and its application in tumor biomarker detection
Authors: Huang Juanjuan , Wei Fenghuang , Cui Yuling , Hou Li , Lin Tianran
Published: November 2022

Fluorescence immunosensors constructed from functional nanomaterials for the detection of tumor biomarkers such as enzymes, RNA, DNA, proteins and cancer cells were summarized.
Precisely controlling the cellular internalization of DNA-decorated semiconductor polymer nanoparticles for drug delivery
Authors: Tan Ying , Xiong Mengyi , Liu Qin , Yin Yao , Yin Xia , Liao Shiyi , Wang Youjuan , Hu Ling , Zhang Xiao-Bing
Published: November 2022

Precisely controlling the cellular internalization of DNA-decorated semiconductor polymer nanoparticles (SPN-DNA) for drug delivery based on the minimized nonspecific adhesivity to cells.
Hydrogen peroxide modified and bismuth vanadate decorated titanium dioxide nanocomposite (BiVO4@HMT) for enhanced visible light photocatalytic growth inhibition of harmful cyanobacteria in water
Authors: Rashid Jamshaid , Imtiaz Fatima , Xu Ming , Savina Irina N.
Published: November 2022

Plausible mechanisms for photocatalytic inactivation of locally isolated cyanobacterial cells using 15%BiVO4@HMT under visible light irradiation.
Aqueous/non-aqueous electrolyte tradeoffs in charge transfer and electrochromics of pseudocapacitive oxide films
Authors: Benhaddouch Tinsley Elizabeth , Bhansali Shekhar , Dong Dongmei
Published: November 2022

Environmental sustainability, safety, cost, and performance are the driving metrics for modern technological developments.
Functionalized silver nanoparticles for SERS amplification with enhanced reproducibility and for ultrasensitive optical fiber sensing in environmental and biochemical assays
Authors: Truc Phuong Nguyen Tran , Dang Vinh Quang , Van Hieu Le , Bach Ta Ngoc , Khuyen Bui Xuan , Thi Ta Hanh Kieu , Ju Heongkyu , Phan Bach Thang , Thi Tran Nhu Hoa
Published: November 2022

Silver nanoparticles for SERS amplification with enhanced reproducibility and for ultrasensitive optical fiber sensing in a biochemical assay.
EDC-promoted one-step synthesis of teriflunomide at the industrial scale
Authors: Wang Lei , Qian Rongrong , Wang Youxian , Yu Lei
Published: November 2022

Promoted by EDC, the reaction of 5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxylic acid with 4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline could produce the medicine teriflunomide in over 90% yield with 99.495% purity.
Iridium-catalyzed enantioselective alkynylation and kinetic resolution of alkyl allylic alcohols
Authors: Guo Jia , Ma Hao-Ran , Xiong Wen-Bin , Fan Luoyi , Zhou You-Yun , Wong Henry N. C. , Cui Jian-Fang
Published: November 2022

An efficient kinetic resolution of (±)-alkyl allylic alcohols has been realized by Ir/(S)-L1–catalyzed allylic alkynylation. The reaction of (±)-alkyl allylic alcohols and potassium alkynyltrifluoroborates provided enantioenriched 1,4-enynes and unreacted allylic alcohols.
Alkylboronic acids as alkylating agents: photoredox-catalyzed alkylation reactions assisted by K3PO4
Authors: Yue Fuyang , Ma Henan , Song Hongjian , Liu Yuxiu , Dong Jianyang , Wang Qingmin
Published: November 2022

An alkylation method using inorganophosphorus-activated alkylboronic acids to act as alkyl radical precursors has been developed. This method can be used for direct C–B chlorination, cyanation, vinylation, alkynylation, and allylation.
An approach towards plastic scintillators from thermally activated delayed fluorescent dyes and cross-linkable bismuth compounds
Authors: Abraham Silja , Fuentes-Hernandez Canek , Mukhopadhyay Sharmistha , Singh Kumar , Kim Hyung Nun , Moreno Oliver , Tran Claire M. , Kumar Dharam Raj , Stooksbury John C. , Kalidindi Surya R. , Hertel Nolan E. , Shannon Michel P. , Kippelen Bernard
Published: November 2022

Polyvinyltoluene-based plastic scintillators with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) dyes were explored for radiation detection.
Retracted: Graph‐based content matching for web of things through heuristic boost algorithm
Authors: Kalifullah Abdul Hameed , Raj Kondamudi Bhavana , Ahamed Junath Naseer , Yemineni Rakesh , Kaliyaperumal Karthikeyan , Degadwala Sheshang
Published: November 2022

The above article from IET Communications, published online on 31 October 2022 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the Interim Editor‐in‐Chief, Jian Ren, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (the IET) and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. This article was published as part of a Guest Edited special issue. Following an investigation, the IET and the journal have determined that the article was not reviewed in line with the journal's peer review standards and there is evidence that the peer review process of the special issue underwent systematic manipulation. Accordingly, we cannot vouch for the integrity or reliability of the content. As such we have taken the decision to retract the article. The authors have been informed of the decision to retract.
Swing‐up and fixed‐time stabilization control of underactuated cart‐double pendulum system
Authors: Fan Lu , Zhang Ancai , Pan Guangyuan , Du Yingxue , Qiu Jianlong
Published: November 2022

A cart‐double pendulum system is an underactuated mechanical system that has three degrees of freedom (DOF) and has two actuators. This paper discusses the stabilizing control problem for this non‐linear mechanical system. First, an input relationship is constructed to transform the 3‐DOF cart‐double pendulum system into a 2‐DOF reduced‐order system in a fixed time. Second, a swing‐up controller is designed for the reduced‐order system to make the system infinitely approach upright equilibrium point. After that, the swing‐up controller switches to a fixed‐time balance stabilization controller, which stabilizes the cart‐double pendulum at the upright equilibrium point in a fixed time. Finally, numerical examples verify the effectiveness of this presented control strategy.
Preparation and thermal‐mechanical property evaluation of cellulose insulation paper with differing nano‐SiC contents
Authors: Zhang Yiyi , Xu Chuqi , Wei Wenchang , Deng Yuke , Nie Shuangxi , Zha Junwei
Published: November 2022

Cellulose insulation paper is the main component of oil‐paper insulation systems in oil‐immersed transformers. However, the poor thermal conductivity and thermal stability of the cellulose can lead to thermal ageing. It is critical to address this issue by improving the performance of cellulose, nano‐SiC‐modified cellulose models were established by molecular simulation, while nano‐SiC composite papersheets were prepared based on the simulation results, and the effects of different contents of nano‐SiC on the papersheets were investigated. Macroscopically, doping nano‐SiC particles can enhance the thermal stability of cellulose; compared with the unmodified papersheet, the thermal conductivity and tensile strength of the modified papersheets are increased by 44.3% and 42.8%, respectively. The degree of polymerisation of the modified papersheet decreased more slowly than that of the unmodified papersheet under accelerated thermal ageing, showing that the modified papersheet has better anti‐ageing properties. Microscopically, with the addition of nano‐SiC, the simulations showed that the mean square displacement of the cellulose decreases dramatically and the distribution of the free volume becomes difficult to disperse, which corresponds to the decrease in porosity in the experiments. As a result, this research provides a way for improving the thermal‐mechanical properties of cellulose that has practical application significance.
Electric‐bus charging stations multi‐objective optimization planning on coupled power and traffic networks
Authors: Zhang Kai , Chen Yaohui , Cui Chenqu , Wu Peng , Miao Lixin , Chen Bokui
Published: November 2022

The electrification of public transportation is one significant step towards the sustainability of modern society. Both power networks and traffic networks are influenced by the optimal allocation of electric‐bus (e‐bus) charging stations. In this paper, the optimal operation cost of e‐bus charging stations is first designed based on the charging price and congestion toll. Charging price and congestion toll are used to guide charging behavior to reduce total traveling and waiting time. Second, the e‐bus charging station allocation method is proposed. The planning costs are optimized to locate e‐bus charging stations on coupled power and traffic networks. Third, a non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐II (NSGA‐II) is adopted to solve the multi‐objective optimization problem, which maximizes the captured traffic flow and minimizes infrastructure investment at the same time. The effectiveness of NSGA‐II is proved compared with the enumeration method. Finally, based on a 33‐node power distribution network and a 77‐node traffic network, simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of the e‐bus charging station allocation method.
Precision agriculture intelligent connection network based on visual navigation
Authors: Chen Sudan , Zhang Mingkun , Li Xiuzhen , Li Xueqiang , Liu Wanying , Ji Baofeng
Published: November 2022

In the process of contemporary agricultural production, the application of intelligent connection and automatic navigation technology of modern agricultural machinery is increasingly common. The application of visual navigation technology in the field of intelligent connection of agricultural machines can provide accurate and reliable positioning signals for agricultural machines so as to carry out intelligent and automatic agricultural machinery operations. In order to realise precision agricultural operation and intelligent navigation, a network of combining decision‐making by using visual navigation recognition and image processing is proposed. The system design mainly includes two parts: visual navigation system and control network. Agricultural machinery uses monocular vision image acquisition to collect farmland image. The computer analyzes the image, extracts the navigation centreline, obtains the navigation path information, and completes the identification and positioning of the navigation path. The simulation process verifies that the designed image navigation precision agricultural intelligent connection network can provide efficient, precise, and intelligent control of agricultural machinery.