bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological distress is involved in CRCI in breast cancer survivors via mediating cytokine levels
Authors: Pang Lulian , Li Wen , Yao Senbang , Jing Yanyan , Yin Xiangxiang , Cheng Huaidong
Published: March 2023

Background

Cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a frequent consequence in breast cancer survivors after chemotherapy and lowers their quality of life (QOL). Psychological distress is frequently experienced by breast cancer survivors. There are currently few studies investigating the role of psychological distress in the genesis of CRCI.

Methods

In total, 122 breast cancer survivors after standard chemotherapy within a year were recruited and assessed using the Psychological Distress Thermometer (DT). Sixty breast cancer survivors had non‐psychological distress (NPD group) and sixty‐two breast cancer survivors with psychological distress (PD group). The scores of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), prospective and retrospective memory (PM and RM) Questionnaire (PRMQ), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General (FACT‐G) and the levels of cytokines including interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) were compared between the two groups. Using PROCESS, we investigated whether psychological distress predicted cognitive function based on MMSE through IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐4.

Results

The PD group had higher scores on RM, PM, and FACT‐G and lower scores on MMSE than the NPD group (t = −11.357, t = −10.720, t = −15.419, t = 10.162, respectively; p < 0.05). Meanwhile, a higher level of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐4 was observed in the PD group than in the NPD group (t = −3.961, t = −3.396, t = −3.269, respectively; p < 0.05). The link between psychological distress and cognitive function as measured by the MMSE was also mediated by IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐4 (effect size: 26%, 25%, and 24%).

Conclusion

Breast cancer patients with psychological distress displayed poor cognitive function, poor memory, and inferior quality of life, which was accompanied by higher cytokine levels of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐4. This study demonstrated IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐4 as potential pathways to CRCI in response to ongoing psychological distress, which provided evidence for the involvement of psychological distress in CRCI in breast cancer survivors.
Chemoproteomic Profiling Reveals that Anticancer Natural Product Dankastatin B Covalently Targets Mitochondrial VDAC3**
Authors: Belcher Bridget P. , Machicao Paulo A. , Tong Binqi , Ho Emily , Friedli Julia , So Brian , Bui Helen , Isobe Yosuke , Maimone Thomas J. , Nomura Daniel K.
Published: March 2023

Chlorinated gymnastatin and dankastatin alkaloids derived from the fungal strain Gymnascella dankaliensis have been reported to possess significant anticancer activity but their mode of action is unknown. These members possess electrophilic functional groups that can might undergo covalent bond formation with specific proteins to exert their biological activity. To better understand the mechanism of action of this class of natural products, we mapped the proteome‐wide cysteine reactivity of the most potent of these alkaloids, dankastatin B, by using activity‐based protein profiling chemoproteomic approaches. We identified a primary target of dankastatin B in breast cancer cells as cysteine C65 of the voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channel on the outer mitochondrial membrane VDAC3. We demonstrated direct and covalent interaction of dankastatin B with VDAC3. VDAC3 knockdown conferred hypersensitivity to dankastatin B‐mediated antiproliferative effects in breast cancer cells, thus indicating that VDAC3 was at least partially involved in the anticancer effects of this natural product. Our study reveals a potential mode of action of dankastatin B through covalent targeting of VDAC3 and highlights the utility of chemoproteomic approaches in gaining mechanistic understanding of electrophilic natural products.
Rare Earth Metal‐Containing Ionic Liquid Catalysts for Synthesis of Epoxide/Cyclic Anhydride Copolymers
Authors: Manjarrez Yvonne , Clark Allison M. , Fieser Megan E.
Published: March 2023

The perfectly alternating ring‐opening copolymerization of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides has been an emerging route to diverse polyesters. Simple catalysts have been targeted for this polymerization to decrease the cost and air‐sensitivity of the catalysis. This report improves upon the recently reported YCl3 ⋅ 6H2O/[PPN]Cl (bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride) binary catalyst system, which shows fast rates of polymerization but suffers from low molecular weights due to the presence of many water chain transfer agents. In this study, use of a phosphonium chloride ionic liquid as both the cocatalyst and solubilizing agent for the metal salt to form a metal‐containing ionic liquid (MIL) leads to polymerization of high molecular weight polyesters at significantly faster rates than the original system. The identity of the ionic liquid, dryness of MIL, and synthetic prep of the MIL were all found to have a greater impact on the polymerization rate than the metal choice.
Influence of harvest aid on soybean seed quality affected by delayed harvest and environment in Louisiana
Authors: Campos Priscila , Miller Donnie , Copes Josh , Netterville Melanie , Brown Sebe , Price Trey , Moseley David , Gentimis Thanos , Egbedi Peters , Parvej Rasel
Published: March 2023

Harvest aid application can expedite soybean (Glycine max) harvest and increase efficiency through both weed and crop desiccation and has become a common practice in Louisiana soybean production systems. Field studies in 2019–2020 evaluated the influence of harvest aid application (none, paraquat at 0.28 kg/ha, sodium chlorate at 6.72 kg/ha, or saflufenacil at 0.0498 kg/ha) on seed quality affected by delayed harvest (∼20, 30, or 44 days after optimum harvest timing, i.e., 13% seed moisture). Environment was investigated in both field (natural rainfall events) and environmentally controlled growth chambers (79 or 90°F with 30% or 100% relative humidity and exposed for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 144 h) for potential impacts of prolonged rainfall conditions on soybean seed quality at harvest. Seed quality was based on a rating scale of 1 to 10 where 1 means seed in good condition and 10 means seed in poor condition based on USDA reference images. Harvest aid application had no effect on soybean seed quality affected by delayed harvest and saturated (100% relative humidity) environment. Delaying harvest beyond approximately 20 days in the field past optimum harvest timing can result in reduced seed quality regardless of whether harvest aid application occurred (0.52–2 vs 4.18–5.91 rating). In addition, seedpod exposure to high relative humidity conditions (100%) for as little as 96 h after optimum harvest timing can result in severe seed quality issues (3.96 or greater rating) regardless of whether harvest aid was used.
Implementation and evaluation of a remote geriatric assessment and intervention program in Brazil
Authors: Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Bergerot Paulo Gustavo , Razavi Marianne , Philip Errol J. , Lakhdari Sabri , França Marcos Vinicius da Silva , Molina Lorena Nascimento Manrique , Freitas Alici Natalia de Sousa , Taveira Mariane Cunha , de Azeredo Andressa Cardoso , Fuzita William Hiromi , Fernandes Cristiano Menezes , Pio Raquel Batista , de Araujo Romildo , Couto Milena Macedo , de Vasconcellos Vitor Fiorin , Nonino Maria Fernanda , Lee David , de Matos Neto João Nunes , Buso Marco Murilo , Soto‐Perez‐de‐Celis Enrique , Dale William
Published: March 2023

Background

This study sought to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a remote geriatric assessment (GA) and implementation (GAIN) program in Brazil. The authors also explored the effect of this program on health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL) outcomes 3 months after initiating treatment.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study enrolling older adults (65+ years), diagnosed with any type of solid tumor, scheduled to initiate chemotherapy in a networked Brazilian cancer center. The GA was performed through telehealth. We assessed the feasibility of the remote GA, acceptability to patients, and changes in patient‐centered outcomes (HR‐QOL, mood, function) from baseline to month 3. Linear mixed model analysis was done, adjusting for age, gender, race, income, and disease stage.

Results

Fifty‐six patients completed all intended assessments. Notably, the threshold of feasibility was 70% and there was 92% complete adherence. Average age was 76 years old (SD = 7.2). Most patients were female (57%), married (59%), and had a college degree (46%). The most common diagnoses were gastrointestinal (39%) and gynecological cancers (18%); most were diagnosed at an advance disease stage (77%). A total of 32 patients were referred to a remote appointment and 86% followed this recommendation(s). Significant improvement in Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy ‐ General FACT‐G (mean difference, 6.04; p < .001), Geriatric Depression Scale (mean difference, −0.86; p = .008), and instrumental activities of daily living ratio (mean difference, 0.17; p < .001) were found.

Conclusion

Remote GAIN is feasible and acceptable to older adults with cancer receiving treatment in Brazil. The authors also found significant improvement in HR‐QOL outcomes over time. Notably, this GAIN program could guide early detection of chemotherapy toxicity and improving patient‐reported outcomes in low‐resource environments.
On the questionable utility of color space for understanding perception
Authors: Fairchild Mark D.
Published: March 2023

The concept of color space is ubiquitous in color science and technology and is applied to a wide variety of stimulus, signal, and perceptual dimensions. This Color Forum paper aims to discuss the concept of representing color in a multidimensional geometric space and whether such a concept is useful in helping us understand human color perception. The conclusion is that the concept of color space might not be of utility, but the hope is that this paper prompts further thoughts and review by others and motivates additional Color Forum papers that either provide examples of the utility of the color space concept or add further support to the idea that it might be time to look at color differently.
Shuffled shepherd political optimization‐based deep learning method for credit card fraud detection
Authors: Ganji Venkata Ratnam , Chaparala Aparna , Sajja Radhika
Published: March 2023

Digital transactions based on credit cards are gradually increasing concept due to expediency. The amount of fraudulent transactions has intensely enlarged in modern days, because of the fast development of e‐services, namely e‐finance, mobile payments, and e‐commerce as well as the promotion of credit cards. Criminal fraud behaviors and user's payment behaviors are frequently varying, thus performance improvement of the fraud identification method and its stability are more challenging processes. The Shuffled Shepherd Political Optimization‐based Deep Residual network (SSPO‐based DRN) scheme is established for credit card fraud identification in this research. The SSPO is developed by merging the Political Optimization (PO) and Shuffled Shepherd Optimization Algorithm (SSOA). The quantile normalization model is an effective preprocessing technique, which normalizes the data for effective detection. Moreover, fisher score and class information gain effectively select the required features. Data augmentation is employed for increasing the data size, thereby the detection performance is improved. The Deep Residual Network (DRN) is employed for credit card fraud recognition, which is trained by devised SSPO algorithm. The SSPO‐based DRN approach achieved enhanced performance with testing sensitivity of 0.9279, specificity of 0.9023, and accuracy of 0.9120.
Alzheimer's disease classification using competitive swarm multi‐verse optimizer‐based deep neuro‐fuzzy network
Authors: Allada Apparna , Bhavani Rajaram , Chaduvula Kavitha , Priya Rajaram
Published: March 2023

Classification of Alzheimer's disease (AD) from neuroimaging, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through deep learning classifier has been increasing in research in recent decades. However, it is required for enhancing the accuracy of the AD classification for effective treatment. In this work, an efficient model termed competitive swarm multi‐verse optimizer + deep neuro‐fuzzy network (CSMVO + DNFN) is designed to accurately classify stages of AD. Preprocessing is done with a median filter. Then, the resulting image is segmented to find the interested regions by channel‐wise feature pyramid network module (CFPNet‐M). Some features obtained from the segmented image are haralick, convolutional neural network, and texture features. The devised method is more efficient in classifying different stages of AD with MRI modality. Furthermore, the developed model attained higher performance using metrics like the accuracy of 89.9%, sensitivity of 89.6%, and specificity of 87.0% based on the k‐fold value.
A generic resource augmentation architecture for efficient mobile communication
Authors: Anitha S. , Padma T. , Vallimayil V.
Published: March 2023

Mobile devices play a vital role in people's day‐to‐day activities and are essential for communication, accessing Internet resources, entertainment, and so forth. In most cases, the performance of mobile applications is restricted due to the inadequate resources of mobile specifications such as controlled battery power, predetermined storage, and limited processing competence. Thus to improve the processing efficiency of resource‐constrained mobile devices, this research proposes a model developed on offloading technique based on the recent literature observations which transfer the resource‐consuming tasks from mobile devices to proximate computing entities. This generic architecture aiming for resource augmentation is formulated with five fundamental components including a mobile device, offloading engine, resource augmentation engine, scheduler, and synchronizer. The offloading engine identifies the resource‐intensive tasks that need to be executed on external entities using soft computing techniques such as neural network training algorithms, fuzzy logic, and neuro‐fuzzy logic processing. The augmentation engine chooses feasible edge computing entities such as Arduino, Raspberry PI controller, and fog devices. The scheduler prioritizes the resource‐consuming tasks for offloading based on their importance. The synchronizer coordinates all the central components by updating the execution status of tasks at regular intervals of time. Further extension of this research work, based on the proposed architecture three resource augmentation frameworks are developed namely (a) an adaptive proximate computing framework (b) a web service‐based IoT framework, and (c) a neuro‐fuzzy hybrid framework. Moreover, these frameworks are realized through the development of resource‐efficient intelligent edge computing IoT mobile apps namely (a) an inventory monitoring app (b) a lecture recording app, and (c) an intelligent transport app. The performance of these three resource augmentation frameworks is analyzed through the simulation results and it illustrates that the neuro‐fuzzy hybrid framework outperforms the other two. The outcome of the proposed research contributions improves the effectiveness of mobile communication by providing seamless services to mobile users regardless of their resource‐limited devices. Besides the devised edge computing architecture supports mobile application developers in the design and deployment of resource‐rich mobile applications in low‐specification mobile devices. Also, there is a strong scope for implementing the proposed generic architecture as an industrial smart product with adequate hardware and software configurations.
Light interception and radiation use efficiency in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Hosssein , Rahemi Karizaki Ali , Nakhzari Moghadam Ali , Biabani Abbas , Taliei Fakhtak
Published: March 2023

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an annual plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. The total accumulated incident photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) in a plant is a function of the site, year, sowing date, and phenology, whereas the amount of PAR intercepted by the plant is dependent on its leaf area index (LAI) and light extinction coefficient (KPAR). This study investigated changes in KPAR and radiation use efficiency (RUE) levels in quinoa before and after inflorescence (fruit set) color change under various temperature and light conditions through the sowing date. This study was conducted in the Jihad Keshavarzi allocated field of Khalilabad city in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran, using a randomized complete block design with three replications over two seasons, 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. Treatments included eight and seven sowing dates in the first and second season years, respectively. The results showed that the mean of KPAR was 0.66 and 0.31 in the first and second years, respectively. Also RUE in vegetative stages of development was higher than during the grain‐filling period. The mean of RUE was 2.60 ± 0.06 and 0.78 ± 0.17g/MJ in the first year before and after changing the color of the inflorescence (fruit set), respectively; these values were 2.12 ± 0.04 and 1.01 ± 0.61 g/MJ in the second year. The results indicated the base (TBRUE), lower optimum (TP1RUE), upper optimum, and ceiling temperatures of quinoa for RUE were determined to be 3, 18.8, 25.5, and 35°C, respectively.
Bringing intelligence to Edge/Fog in Internet of Things‐based healthcare applications: Machine learning/deep learning‐based use cases
Authors: Makina Hela , Ben Letaifa Asma
Published: March 2023

Internet of things and smart medical applications are deeply changing the way healthcare is delivered worldwide. A typical Internet of Things (IoT)‐based eHealth system includes medical sensors for data collection, access network to transmit data, and Cloud servers for data processing and storage. Machine learning/deep learning (ML/DL) have proven to be a powerful tool for data classification, disease prognosis, and diagnosis and even medication prescription. ML/DL models need a large amount of data and significant computational and storage capacities especially for the training phase. Deploying ML/DL algorithms in the Cloud can be effectively done due to the processing and storage power of Cloud data centers. However, it raises many issues related to the availability, latency, energy consumption, bandwidth, security, and privacy. Recently, there is a growing interest to run as much processing as possible nearer the data sources, in the Edge, to compensate the Cloud‐based solutions limitations. In this paper, we propose to investigate the benefits of using IoT, ML/DL, and Edge Computing to enhance healthcare applications. Then, we are going to review the main approaches and trends for executing ML/DL in the Edge, to give their benefits and limitations, and draw finally conclusions about existing research issues.
Association of thyroid stimulating hormone and time in range with risk of diabetic retinopathy in euthyroid type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Yaxin , Lu Jingyi , Ni Jiaying , Wang Ming , Shen Yun , Lu Wei , Zhu Wei , Bao Yuqian , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2023

Aims

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) can occur even in well‐controlled type 2 diabetes, suggesting residual risks of DR in this population. In particular, we investigated the combined effect of thyroid function and glycaemic control assessed by an emerging metric, time in range (TIR) with DR.

Materials and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 2740 euthyroid patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Thyroid indicators, including thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody, were measured. TIR was measured using continuous glucose monitoring data.

Results

Overall, the multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for DR across ascending tertiles of TSH were 1.00 (reference), 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–1.32), and 1.48 (95% CI 1.19–1.85). Even in well‐controlled participants who achieved a TIR target of >70% (n = 1449), the prevalence of DR was 23.8%, which was significantly related to TSH (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.12–2.12, highest vs. lowest TSH tertile). Participants were then classified into 6 groups by the joint categories of TIR (>70%, ≤70%) and TSH (tertiles), and the multivariable‐adjusted ORs for DR were highest in TIR ≤70% and the highest TSH tertile group (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.41–2.71) when compared with the TIR >70% and the lowest TSH tertile group.

Conclusions

In type 2 diabetic patients with well‐controlled glycaemic status, higher TSH within the normal range was associated with an increased risk of DR. The combination of suboptimal TSH and TIR further increased the risk of DR.
Adaptation, confirmatory factor analysis, and psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Repetitive Eating Questionnaire
Authors: Teodoro Marília C. , Conceição Eva M. , Sinval Jorge , de Lourdes Marta , Neufeld Carmem B.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The Repetitive Eating Questionnaire (Rep(eat)‐Q) is a brief self‐report measure developed to assess grazing behavior—an understudied problematic eating behavior associated with eating disorder psychopathology and poor weight management. This study aimed to adapt and test the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Rep(eat)‐Q in a Brazilian community sample.

Method

We used the International Test Commission guidelines for the adaptation of psychological measures between cultures. Participants were recruited from the community and on a university campus and completed a set of questionnaires including the Rep(eat)‐Q, psychological measures, and sociodemographic data.

Results

A total of 718 (86.4% female) completed the Rep(eat)‐Q and were eligible for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Only 542 completed the entire survey (Rep(eat)‐Q and other psychological measures) and were eligible for the analysis of the validity evidence based on the relations to other variables. CFA revealed support for a two first‐order model as originally proposed, however, a hierarchical (i.e., second‐order) model is proposed. We found support for second‐order scalar invariance across sex. Both first‐ and second‐order internal consistency estimates presented very good evidence. Analysis (n = 542) revealed moderate to strong correlations (≥.58 to .77) between grazing (total score and subscales) and binge eating and other psychological measures, presenting good convergent evidence.

Discussion

This study reports good psychometric properties of the Rep(eat)‐Q for the Brazilian community sample.

Public Significance

Grazing is a problematic eating behavior and the Rep(eat)‐Q is one of the measures to assess grazing. The article aimed to adapt and test the psychometric properties of the Rep(eat)‐Q in a Brazilian community sample. The results support a two‐factor structure and suggest that the Rep(eat)‐Q possesses good psychometric properties to be used with the Brazilian populations.
Regeneration strategies and forest resilience to changing fire regimes: Insights from a Goldilocks model
Authors: Ramiadantsoa Tanjona , Ratajczak Zak , Turner Monica G.
Published: March 2023

Disturbances are ubiquitous in ecological systems, and species have evolved a range of strategies to resist or rebound following disturbance. Understanding how the presence and complementarity of regeneration traits will affect community responses to disturbance is increasingly urgent as disturbance regimes shift beyond their historical ranges of variability. We define “disturbance niche” as a species' fitness across a range of disturbance sizes and frequencies that can reflect the fundamental or realized niche, that is, whether the species occurs alone or with other species. We developed a model of intermediate complexity (i.e., a Goldilocks model) to infer the disturbance niche. We parameterized the model for subalpine forests in Yellowstone National Park (USA) adapted to infrequent stand‐replacing fires and included the three major tree‐regeneration strategies: (1) obligate seeders that rely on ex situ seeding into burned areas (non‐serotinous lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifola), (2) obligate seeders that depend on in situ seedbanks (serotinous lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta var. latifola), and (3) species that can resprout from surviving roots following fire (quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides). Our results showed which regeneration strategies increase or decrease in prevalence as fire rotation declines. Non‐serotinous pines were extirpated when fire rotation was below 50 years in a monoculture and 100 years in a mixed forest; serotinous pines were extirpated when fire rotation was below 20 years; and aspen was extirpated when fire rotation fell below 6 years. The fundamental and realized disturbance niches pinpointed the key mechanisms limiting regeneration for each strategy, namely, increasing fire size for non‐serotinous pine (ex situ seeders), decreasing fire frequency for serotinous pine (in situ seeders), and interspecific competition for aspen (resprouters). In a mixed forest, the three regeneration strategies were complementary and each dominated at different combinations of fire size and frequency. Consequently, diversity of regeneration strategies enhanced forest resilience to declining fire rotations. Despite its simplicity, our Goldilocks model produced realistic dynamics and could be readily adapted to other disturbance‐prone ecosystems to explore the generality of these results. The disturbance niche is a key concept for anticipating community resilience to changing disturbance regimes.
Churg–Strauss syndrome‐associated heart failure and left ventricular thrombosis
Authors: Liori Sotiria , Samiotis Eleftherios , Birba Dionysia , Katsimbri Pelagia , Mademli Maria , Bakola Eleni , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Quris Estela , Bonios Michael , Kalabaliki Maria , Farmakis Dimitrios , Parissis John , Frogoudaki Alexandra
Published: March 2023

We present a case of a 47‐year‐old woman with a history of asthma and mononeuritis who presented with shortness of breath and fatigue. Heart failure was diagnosed and echocardiography revealed large floating thrombi attached to the left ventricular walls. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed evidence of myocarditis and angiitis. Blood count revealed eosinophilia. She was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis or Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS) according to recently updated criteria. Medical management with specific aetiology (anticoagulation or immunosuppression) and heart failure treatment resulted in clinical improvement. We further discuss the diagnostic approach of CSS with cardiovascular complications and therapeutic management.
Regional management of worsening heart failure: rationale and design of the CHAIN‐HF registry
Authors: Shakoor Abdul , Emans Mireille E. , van Gent Marco W.F. , Hendrix Anneke , Faber Nikola , Springeling Tirza S. , de Vette Liesbeth C. , Manintveld Olivier C. , Denham Robert N. , van de Meerendonk Chajja , van der Boon Robert M.A. , Brugts Jasper J. ,   the Rijnmond Heart Failure Network
Published: March 2023

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disease in which periods of clinical stability are interrupted by episodes of clinical deterioration known as worsening heart failure (WHF). Patients who develop WHF are at high risk of subsequent death, rehospitalization, and excessive healthcare costs. As such, WHF could be seen as a separate disease stage and precursor of advanced HF. Whether WHF has a substantial health, societal, and economic impact evidence regarding its multifactorial nature and the specific barriers in treatment, including advanced HF therapies, remains scarce. The CHAIN‐HF registry aims to describe the incidence, characteristics, current treatment, and outcomes of WHF. Additionally, it will promote structured regional collaboration and educate on increasing awareness for WHF and describe the implementation of guideline directed medical therapy and utilization of advanced HF therapies in a collaborative network.

Methods and results

The CHAIN‐HF registry is a prospective, observational, and multicentre study from the collaborating hospitals (Rijnmond HF Network) in the Rotterdam area. Unselected and consecutive patients (irrespective of ejection fraction) with a WHF event will be included. Comprehensive data including demographics, co‐morbidities, treatment, and in‐hospital and post‐discharge outcomes will be collected. Notably, data on socio‐economic status, treatment decisions, and referral for advanced HF therapies will be included.

Conclusions

CHAIN‐HF will be the first prospective, dedicated WHF registry in a collaborative network of hospitals that will provide robust real‐world evidence on the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of WHF. Moreover, it will provide information on of the value of regional collaboration to improve awareness and outcomes of WHF.
Cyclic and Macrocyclic Molecules Containing Silicon or Tin – Synthesis of Highly Rigid, Potentially Lewis‐Acidic Cryptands
Authors: Aders Niklas , Lamm Jan‐Hendrik , Wels Katharina , Bernhardt Sophie , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: March 2023

Herein we report the syntheses of highly rigid silicon‐ and tin‐containing cyclic and bicyclic compounds with unsaturated organic backbones. The syntheses proceed via di‐lithiated diethynylbenzene derivatives. The protocols for the known precursor compounds were significantly improved in a two‐step one‐pot reaction with yields up to 45 % by alternating addition of the lithiation reagent and starting material. A total of ten compounds were synthesized and the molecular structure in the solid state was elucidated for six novel compounds. Host‐guest‐experiments with selected molecules were conducted to investigate on the potential of the complexation of small anions. All compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analyses or mass spectrometry and in most parts by SC‐XRD analyses.
Nickel Molybdenum Bimetallic Nitrides as Efficient Catalysts for the Hydrodeoxygenation of Methyl Palmitate
Authors: Zhao Chenxi , Wang Jiequan , Chen Xiao , Liang Changhai
Published: March 2023

Highly efficient catalysts play an important role in the effective use of biomass oil to produce clean fuel. In this work, pure‐phase Ni−Mo bimetallic nitrides (Ni2Mo3N and Ni3Mo3N) with different stoichiometric ratios are prepared by temperature‐programmed nitridation of the metal oxide precursors in ammonia, which are investigated in the hydrodeoxygenation of methyl palmitate in the fixed‐bed reactor at moderate conditions. The physical and chemical properties of catalysts were evaluated by H2‐TPR, XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and CO chemisorption. The Ni2Mo3N catalyst presents the best methyl palmitate hydrogenation activity (con.%=95.4 %) and the maximum hexadecane selectivity (95.0 %), which is obviously higher than those of Ni3Mo3N and Mo2N catalysts. By introducing transition metal Ni into the Mo2N lattice to form nickel‐molybdenum bimetallic nitride, the lattice structure and electronic structure of the Mo active center have been changed, which greatly enhances the hydrodeoxygenation performances for the transformation of biomass oil to clean fuel.
Prediction of CO–NOxEmissions from a Natural Gas Power Plant Using Proper Machine Learning Models
Authors: Wu Wei , Lin Yan-Ting , Liao Po-Hsuan , Aziz Muhammad , Kuo Po-Chih
Published: March 2023

Four machine learning (ML) models including a deep neural network, a long short‐term memory network, a random forest (RF), and an extreme gradient boosting are implemented to predict CO–NOxemissions from a natural gas power plant. A new feature optimization scheme (FOS) via a sequencing process of feature selection and hyperparameter optimization can intensify the ML models. Through the procedures of training, validation, and testing, reliable ML models need to take high prediction accuracy and fast training into account. After a few comparisons, it is found that 1) the FOS effectively improves the prediction accuracy by 18%–67%; 2) the FOS‐based RF model is an appropriate option to carry out the fast and accurate prediction of CO–NOxemissions by using the decision tree classifiers.
Membrane‐Free Alkali Metal‐Iodide Battery with a Molten Salt
Authors: Lee Juhan , Monrrabal Gleidys , Sarma Martins , Lappan Tobias , Hofstetter Yvonne Jasmin , Trtik Pavel , Landgraf Steffen , Ding Wenjin , Kumar Sumit , Vaynzof Yana , Weber Norbert , Weier Tom
Published: March 2023

Batteries with liquid metal electrodes are attractive candidates for sustainable energy‐storage applications due to low manufacturing cost and high recyclability. These batteries should be developed for lower operating temperature, higher cell voltage, and membrane‐free cell configuration. Herein, a new type of a membrane‐free cell relying on liquid alkali metals and iodide is demonstrated. As a proof‐of‐concept study, membrane‐free alkali metal‐iodide (A‐AI) batteries are constructed by a facile cell assembly introducing current collectors, LiI–LiCl–KI–CsI salt mixture, and an insulator without relying on solid‐state mediums for separating electrolytes. For the initial assembly, no active electrode materials are required since they are naturally formed during battery operation. Despite the unoptimized cell construction, the membrane‐free A‐AI batteries show promising electrochemical performance such as a reliable stability for 250 cycles. The cells are able to handle a high current density and show a relatively low self‐discharge rate, which implies the possibility of an iodine‐concentrated layer at the bottom of the cell. This is further supported by postmortem analyses using neutron radiography. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy is performed to identify the changes in the iodine concentration in the cell.
Nonwoven Polymeric Nanofiber Sheets: Path Forward Toward a New Class of Hybrid Flexible Thermoelectrics
Authors: Verma Ajay Kumar , Singh Mandeep , Johari Kishor Kumar , Pandey Animesh , Gupta Ashish , Husale Sudhir , Dhakate Sanjay Rangnate , Gahtori Bhasker
Published: March 2023

Hybrid flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials are widely being explored for wearable TEs, micro power generators, and self‐powered electronics. The commonly used methods for developing hybrid flexible TE materials are organic–inorganic composite which exhibits low TE performance and second is inorganic material deposition over organic substrate making it a two‐sheet structure that has sustainability concerns. In view of this, herein, a different class of highly flexible hybrid TE materials are designed using a network of electrospun 1D nanofibers (NFs) as a substrate which provides high surface area, better connectivity, and high flexibility. For the proof of concept, the NFs sheets of two polymers polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and cellulose acetate are used to deposit the well‐known Bi2Te3 as a case study. Herein, the directionally aligned PAN‐based NFs sheet exhibits good TE properties leading to the maximum PF ≈51.4 μW m−1 K−2 at 384 K for the P‐400 sample. Herein, the concept of a new class of hybrid TEs is successfully demonstrated by utilizing the flexible NF sheet as a substrate for inorganic TE materials, which will pave the way for sustainable flexible TE. Further, the TE performance can be enhanced by modulating certain factors such as the synthesis conditions of NFs and inorganic material, the thickness of deposition, and so on.
Enhanced Silicon Photovoltaic Efficiency by Solar Light Spectral Modulation via Photonically Tuned Porphyrin–Iron Oxide Hybrid Thin Films
Authors: Lyu Mengyao , Lin Jou , Wang Yuxin , Aulakh Ovais , Ceja Nathan , Ramesh Mary Sheryl , Salazar Elisabeth , Krupczak John , Shi Donglu
Published: March 2023

The temperature dependency of photovoltaic power conversion efficiency (PCE) has been a key challenge to solar applications due to intrinsic processes. Herein, an alternative strategy is developed by modulating the solar light spectrum with a series of photonic hybrids. Transparent thin films are synthesized with the solutions of porphyrin compounds and iron oxides which exhibit strong absorptions in the UV and IR regions. These spectral modulating thin films are photonically tuned via compositional optimization to absorb photons near 400 nm and above 1127 nm from solar spectrum to reduce thermalization and sub‐bandgap absorption. These spectral modulators are applied in a particular configuration above a commercial silicon panel to partially filter the simulated solar light. The PCE of the silicon panel suffers a significant decrease due to temperature increase from 22.9 to 92.9 °C after 60 min solar irradiation, resulting in a PCE decrease from 25.1% to 16.3%. With the transparent spectral modulators, upon solar irradiation for 60 min, the maximum PCE has maintained at 20.5%. The mechanisms of PCE enhancement are identified based on reduced thermalization and sub‐bandgap absorption.
Evolution of mixing length empirical equation for recouping of heat from industrial waste flue gases using air‐quarry dust/iron ore
Authors: Kaki Pramod , Popuri Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2023

Industry processes require large amounts of energy inputs and often generate high temperatures exit gases that can potentially serve as secondary sources of energy. Waste heat recovery offers an opportunity for energy conservation that deserves more attention in the current global effort. Recovery of such waste heat can result in substantial reductions in net energy demand. Based on these objectives, this report describes the result of an experimental study that used solid particles in a vertical riser to recover gas energy from hot air through co‐current contact with solid particles. To study the hydrodynamic aspects of the riser section, this study utilized a fabricated experimental apparatus similar to the vertical duct used in the cement industry. The purpose of this study is to collect hydrodynamic data because there is limited information available about these aspects in the literature. A metallic fluid particle heat exchanger has been investigated through experiments. Various sizes of quarry dust and iron ore particles are studied in the present study. An empirical correlation is used to fit the mixing length (LA) determined at different parametric levels (gas velocity, particle size, solid feed rate, and solid density). Experimental correspondence for mixing length or LA is given as . The constructed experimental setup demonstrates a suspension preheater (SP) used in modern cement plants, but the correlation can be extended to a variety of other industries where waste heat recovery is feasible.
A performance‐based seismic loading protocol: The generated sequential ground motion
Authors: Golestani Maryam , Alam M. Shahria , Calvi Gian Michele
Published: March 2023

A realistic performance‐based seismic loading protocol called generated sequential ground motion (GSGM) has been developed in this paper. GSGM is a ground motion fabricated from segments of real recorded ground motions that could enable the introduction of performance‐based seismic assessment and design to experimental testing in setups such as shaking table testing. It can also significantly reduce the number of nonlinear time history analyses required in performance‐based seismic design. The protocol optimizes the behavioral information output of an experimental test or numerical analysis by incorporating dynamic demands corresponding to design limit states with different probabilities of exceedance (i.e. 10%, 5%, and 2% in 50 years) in a single record. In addition, since the segments are matched to relevant target spectra, the number of ground motions required to estimate the mean response is reduced. This paper presents the algorithm developed to produce the GSGM. The capability of the GSGM to replicate the structural responses produced by code‐compliant suites, and a suite of 100 ground motions as a more robust estimation of the actual response is investigated. The results of the case study bridge pier show that the drift variation of the GSGMs compared to code‐compliant suites is within 10%. Compared to the estimate of the actual response, the drift variation of GSGMs and the code‐compliant suites is 20% and 15%, respectively, and the damage variation is 30% and 15%, respectively. Furthermore, considering other relevant intensity measures when producing GSGMs can reduce these variations. This study suggests that the GSGM can replicate structural responses of the current code procedures.
Geophysical surveys for non‐invasive characterization of sinkhole phenomena: A case study of Murisengo
Authors: Bonetto Sabrina Maria Rita , Caselle Chiara , Comina Cesare , Vagnon Federico
Published: March 2023

The present research investigates the morphology and genetical mechanism of a sinkhole which occurred in 2019 in Murisengo (NW Italy). This landform is representative of several subsidence phenomena that often concern the Monferrato area (NW Italy). In concomitance with the appearance of the sinkhole at the surface, a cone of detrital material was found in the drifts of a nearby underground quarry. A geological survey was performed in the underground quarry in order to understand the interaction between the geological and geostructural features of the rock body and the generation of the sinkhole. Moreover, the underground sinkhole morphology was investigated through electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys performed at the surface. The ERT outputs were combined to obtain a 3D image of the phenomenon and the 3D reconstruction was then compared with the geomorphological and structural setting of the area. Results suggest that a viscoplastic flow of clay‐rich sediments within a conduit in the gypsum bedrock (suffusion process) generated the sinkhole.
Eigenfilter‐based analysis of uncoded space‐time labeling diversity with three transmit antennas in correlated Nakagami‐mfading channels
Authors: Ayanda Dauda , Solwa Shaheen , Abdulsalam Khadeejah
Published: March 2023

In this paper, three‐transmit antennas uncoded space‐time labeling diversity (USTLD) scheme in arbitrarily correlated Nakagami‐fading channels are presented. The authors apply eigenfilter decomposition technique to synthesize the average branch signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), while deriving the theoretical probability density function (PDF) for the channel. The analytical mean bit error rate (BER) for the correlated channel was formulated using the moment generating function based on a virtual branch approach. Monte Carlo simulations are used to validate the derived analytical expression, which converge tightly at high values of SNR. Based on the decorrelation transformation technique, a further investigation of the USTLD scheme was performed in identically distributed fading channels. The results in this paper indicate that the best error performance is observed when the antenna spacings are 0.4for the 16QAM and 64QAM constellations respectively, whereis the antenna spacing distance. Simulations for the USTLD scheme with different values ofindicate that as the value forincreases, the error performance improved. Additionally, it can be seen that in similar conditions, the USTLD scheme in the identically distributed fading channels had illustrated an improved error performance over the traditional multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) scheme respectively.
Effectiveness of combined seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flaxseed): As adjacent therapy to treat polycystic ovary syndrome in females
Authors: Rasheed Naveed , Ahmed Aftab , Nosheen Farhana , Imran Ali , Islam Fakhar , Noreen Rabia , Chauhan Anamika , Shah Mohd Asif , Amer Ali Yuosra
Published: March 2023

The formation and release of eggs during ovulation are impacted by high amounts of androgens. Seed cycling is powerful in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). For efficacy studies, 90 women with PCOS, between 15 and 40 years were selected from the department of gynecology, Tertiary care unit. Women with PCOS were divided into three groups (T0, T1, T2) (20 women/group). Among these three groups, the first was the control group (T0). The second group was the experimental group (T1). In T1, 20 women with PCOS were treated with a portion control diet and METFORMIN 500 mg tab/day for 90 days. The third group was also an experimental group (T2). In this group, 20 women with PCOS were also treated with another treatment plan for 90 days, in which portion control diet and seed cycling were included. During the 12‐week efficacy trial, the highest follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were found in the control group T0 (8.18 ± 0.13 mIU/mL). In T2, FSH falls from 6.545 ± 0.16 mIU/mL to 3.51 ± 0.13 mIU/mL throughout a 12‐week period. Overall, a portion‐controlled diet and seed cycling reduced FSH levels by 1.2% to 2.5%. LH value was 10.118 ± 0.1874 IU/L in the control group (T0), which climbed 12.82 ± 0.15 IU/L, but decreased from 10.62 ± 0.26 IU/L to 9.79 ± 0.17 U/L and 11.015 ± 0.24 IU/L 6.217 ± 0.167 IU/L in the other groups (T1, T2). It was determined that the LH levels were reduced by 1.5%–2% in T2. Conclusively, the seed cycling approach is effective and has significant results in women with PCOS. Seed cycling improves hormonal disturbance in women which promotes a healthy life.
Strategic trading and manipulation in trade at settlement contracts
Authors: Pirrong Craig
Published: March 2023

Trade at settlement (“TAS”) contracts are widely employed by futures exchanges. They are an example of a “derived pricing” mechanism that reduces the transactions costs of uninformed traders. However, TAS contracts are susceptible to strategic, and indeed manipulative, trading by large intermediaries. Those with large TAS positions can profit from trading strategically/manipulatively, and this trading tends to cause excessive price movements. Moreover, some of the price impacts of such strategic trading are permanent. The severity of strategic/manipulative trading and its effects depends on the concentration of TAS positions, and information on concentration and price movements can be used to detect such trading.