bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Metal–Organic Framework Crystals for Efficient Multicolor Coherent Optical Emission
Authors: Zhestkij Nikolaj A. , Efimova Anastasiia S. , Kenzhebayeva Yuliya , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Novikov Alexander S. , Yushina Irina D. , Krylov Alexander , Timofeeva Maria V. , Kulakova Alena N. , Glebova Nadezhda V. , Krasilin Andrei A. , Shipilovskih Sergey A. , Milichko Valentin A.
Published: August 2023

Non‐centrosymmetric metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as a promising class of coordination polymers for nonlinear optics and light conversion. Nevertheless, achieving high endurance and efficiency for the light conversion within the whole visible range by a single crystal of MOF remains a challenge. This article reports on the design of two non‐centrosymmetric MOFs based on a 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid ligand and Er/Co ions, providing an efficient and simultaneous multiple second and third optical harmonic generations (SHG, THG) from 400 to 750 nm with a high endurance (over 100 cycles or 3 h of continuous operation). Optical experiments and quantum chemical modeling of the MOF single crystals confirm the polarization and chemistry‐dependent efficiency of SHG and THG, associated with the varied MOFs' symmetry and dipole moment. The observed coherent light conversion within the whole visible range by MOF single crystals at ambient conditions makes it possible to achieve the multicolor (up to three) coherent emission required for modern laser technologies, making MOFs highly competitive and sustainable materials for nonlinear optics.
A New Integrated GDL with Wavy Channel and Tunneled Rib for High Power Density PEMFC at Low Back Pressure and Wide Humidity
Authors: He Can , Wen Qinglin , Ning Fandi , Shen Min , He Lei , Li Yali , Tian Bin , Pan Saifei , Dan Xiong , Li Wei , Xu Pengpeng , Liu Yiyang , Chai Zhi , Zhang Yihuang , Liu Wenming , Zhou Xiaochun
Published: August 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have garnered significant attention due to their high efficiency and low emissions. However, PEMFC always suffers mass transfer and water management in performance improvement. Herein, an integrated gas diffusion layer (GDL) with wavy channel and micro‐tunneled rib is designed and prepared to achieve faster and gentler mass transfer and excellent water management capability by laser engraving. Outstandingly, the new integrated GDL can use the back pressure of air as low as 0 and 50 kPa to respectively achieve 80% and 90% of fuel cell performance realized under pure oxygen. Such high performance is mainly due to the turbulent flow caused by wavy channel and express removing pathway of liquid water provided by micro‐tunneled rib. Moreover, the new integrated GDL also shows wide humidity tolerance from 40% to 100% and a very high specific volume power density of 16,300 W L−1 due to the thin thickness of new integrated GDL. This new integrated GDL is expected to be widely used in PEMFC and other energy conversion devices.
Medical Gas Plasma Technology Combines with Antimelanoma Therapies and Promotes Immune‐Checkpoint Therapy Responses
Authors: Miebach Lea , Melo‐Zainzinger Gabriella , Freund Eric , Clemen Ramona , Cecchini Alessandra Lourenco , Bekeschus Sander
Published: August 2023

Strategies to improve activity and selectivity are major goals in oncological drug development. Medical gas plasma therapy has been subject to intense research in dermatooncology recently. Based on partial gas ionization, this approach is exceptional in generating a variety of reactive oxygen species simultaneously that can be applied locally at the tumor side. It is hypothesized that combined gas plasma treatment can potentiate drug responses in the treatment of melanoma. Using a plasma jet approved as medical device in Europe, a systematic screening of 46 mitochondria‐targeted drugs identifies five agents synergizing in vitro and in vivo. Increased intratumoral leucocyte infiltration points to immunomodulatory aspects of the treatment, motivating to investigate responses to immune checkpoint blockade in combination with plasma. Tumor growth is monitored based on bioluminescent imaging, and single‐cell suspensions are retrieved from each tumor to characterize tumor‐infiltrating leucocytes using multicolor flow cytometry. Gene expression profiling is done using a validated NanoString panel targeting 770 genes specifically designed for immuno‐oncological research. Cell type abundancies are characterized from bulk RNA samples using the CIBERSORT computational framework. Collectively, the results indicate that local application of medical gas plasma technology synergizes with mitochondria‐targeted drugs and anti‐PD1 checkpoint therapy in treating melanoma.
Self‐Delivering Microstructured Iota Carrageenan Spray Inhibits Fibrosis at Multiple Length Scales
Authors: Robinson Thomas E. , Brunet Mathieu Y. , Chapple Iain , Heagerty Adrian H. M. , Metcalfe Anthony D. , Grover Liam M.
Published: August 2023

Fibrotic diseases account for 45% of all deaths in the developed world, and progressive scarring conditions, such as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB), result in a significant reduction in quality of life. There is thus a need for novel approaches in fibrosis prevention. Herein, it is shown that iota carrageenan, a low‐cost, regulatory approved polysaccharide, is effective at preventing scarring by inhibiting collagen fibrillogenesis, abrogating the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) pathway, and lubricating the epithelium. It is demonstrated that iota carrageenan, and other anionic polysaccharides, can prevent collagen fibril formation, a key step in scar formation. It also binds TGFβ1 to prevent myofibroblast transdifferentiation, evidenced by a significant reduction in both transcription and translation of collagen 1 and alpha smooth muscle actin. Iota carrageenan may be formulated as a microparticle suspension, to allow spraying for even coverage on hard‐to‐reach anatomical sites, like the oral mucosa. This formulation provides good lubrication, to reduce the shear forces that initiate the progressive oral scarring in EB. This study not only provides a novel therapy for fibrosis prevention, but also demonstrates the potential of self‐delivering immunomodulatory polysaccharides as a safe, cost‐effective, and stable platform, which can be more easily translated for clinical benefit.
Sulfur‐Containing Foldamer‐Based Artificial Lithium Channels
Authors: Shen Jie , R Deepa , Li Zhongyan , Oh Hyeonji , Behera Harekrushna , Joshi Himanshu , Kumar Manish , Aksimentiev Aleksei , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: August 2023

Unlike many other biologically relevant ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl−, etc) and protons, whose cellular concentrations are closely regulated by highly selective channel proteins, Li+ ion is unusual in that its concentration is well tolerated over many orders of magnitude and that no lithium‐specific channel proteins have so far been identified. While one naturally evolved primary pathway for Li+ ions to traverse across the cell membrane is through sodium channels by competing with Na+ ions, highly sought‐after artificial lithium‐transporting channels remain a major challenge to develop. Here we show that sulfur‐containing organic nanotubes derived from intramolecularly H‐bonded helically folded aromatic foldamers of 3.6 Å in hollow cavity diameter could facilitate highly selective and efficient transmembrane transport of Li+ ions, with high transport selectivity factors of 15.3 and 19.9 over Na+ and K+ ions, respectively.
High Throughput Multidimensional Kinetic Screening in Continuous Flow Reactors
Authors: Zhang Bo , Mathoor Ansila , Junkers Tanja
Published: August 2023

An automated high throughput multidimensional reaction screening platform based on an inline Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy is presented. By combining flow chemistry, machine automation and inline analysis, the platform is able to screen reactions in multidimensions (residence time, monomer concentration, degree of polymerization, reaction temperature and monomer conversion) rapidly and efficiently way. Kinetic data libraries associated with high data precision (absolute error <4 %), high reproducibility and high data density are built with ease from the platform. To test the method, we screened the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of methyl acrylate in unmatched detail, and the ring opening metathesis polymerization of methyl‐5‐norbornene‐2‐carboxylate. The method we introduce is a key step in providing “big data” for data driven research in the future, and already at present allows for precise prediction of reaction outcomes within the high‐dimensional chemical parameter space that is screened.
Augmented reality and education in electronics: Relationship between usability, academic performance, and emotions experienced in learning
Authors: Álvarez‐Marín Alejandro , Paredes‐Velasco Maximiliano , Velázquez‐Iturbide J. Ángel , Poblete‐Castro Julio C.
Published: August 2023

Students often find difficult to understand the concepts and working details of electricity because its mechanisms of operation are invisible. The visualization of electricity through an augmented reality (AR) app could assist students in understanding these concepts more intuitively and in improving their academic achievement. Due to the lack of studies on AR apps for electricity education, this study aimed to investigate the effects of an interactive AR app designed for teaching electrical circuits on students. The study investigates its impact on students' academic performance, explores its influence on their emotions, and examines the relationship between the perceived usability of the app and the student's learning outcomes and emotional experiences. The study was conducted in an electromagnetism laboratory with the participation of 28 engineering students. The findings revealed that the students who used the augmented reality application presented a better academic performance than those who participated in the traditional laboratory. Except for the students in the experimental group feeling less shame, there were no discernible variations between the students' feelings in the two groups. Anxiety increases in both groups. The AR application proved to have usability rated as good, but it was not evident that it correlated with academic performance, or the emotions students experienced. Only one relationship was determined between the perceived consistency of the system and hopelessness.
Quantifying mortality burden in patients with cancer due to COVID‐19 in the US: A national cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Jambunathan Bhaghyasree , Lang Jacob , Mays Malik , Ekwenna Obi
Published: August 2023

Introduction

There is limited information on the impact of certain social factors on mortality outcomes in patients with cancer and COVID‐19 on a national scale. This study aims to characterize excess mortality and analyze a subset of sociodemographic trends in COVID‐19 and cancer mortality.

Methods

Patients with cancer listed on their death certificates from 2018 to 2021 and patients with COVID‐19 and cancer listed on multiple cause of death certificates from the CDC Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database from March 2020 to December 2021 were included. Age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 1,000,000 population were compared across race/ethnicity groups, sex, and census regions. Crude mortality rates were compared across different age groups and regions based on urbanization status.

Results

Average AAMR in patients with COVID‐19 and cancer was 41.7 in 2020 and 56.7 in 2021.

Conclusions

Mortality rates in patients with cancer and COVID‐19 were significantly higher in certain populations. Targeted interventions are necessary to improve outcomes.
Risk perception and adoption of digital innovation in mobile stock trading
Authors: Gupta Sunil , Dey Dipanjan Kumar
Published: August 2023

An increase in retail investors, trading platforms, and smartphones is facilitating digital transformation in stock trading. Investments in mobile‐centered digitalization by trading firms are rapidly becoming a source of competitive advantage. Distinctive psychological aspects involving risks, make stock trading a unique individual decision‐making behavior. The objective of the present research is to examine the determinants of retail investors' behavioral intentions (BI) for mobile stock trading (MoST). Across two studies using a mixed method approach we empirically test a framework comprising cognitive risk‐mitigation factors, perceived risk (PR), perceived financial cost (PFC), and technology acceptance model (TAM) constructs. The results indicate information quality, privacy, and security protection to mitigate the risk perception involved in trading on mobile platforms. Further, we report the mediation of PR in the relationship between the cognitive risk‐mitigating factors and BIs to adopt MoST. Moreover, we find PFC to moderate PR and the TAM constructs' relationship with BIs to adopt MoST. Our research has important theoretical contributions and managerial implications to understand digital adoption behavior by retail investors for MoST platforms.
Chemistry and Bioactivity of the Genus Persea ‐ A Review
Authors: Totini Carlos H. , Umehara Eric , Reis Isabella M. A. , Lago João Henrique G. , Branco Alexsandro
Published: August 2023

This review provides the first comprehensive appraisal of bioactive compounds and their biological activities in Persea species from 1950 to 2023. Relevant articles from reputable databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar were collected, leading to the isolation of about 141 metabolite compounds, mainly flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty alcohols, lignoids, and γ‐lactone derivatives. These compounds exhibit diverse biological activities, including insecticidal, antifeedant, nematicidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, cytotoxic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The review emphasizes the significant chemical and pharmacological potential of different Persea species, encouraging further research in various fields and medicine. Valuable insights into potential applications of Persea plants are provided.
An Overview of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion on Stainless Steel
Authors: Rao Padmalatha , Mulky Lavanya
Published: August 2023

Due to its excellent resistance to corrosion, stainless steel has a broad employment scope in oilfields. It is defenceless against microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Here, organisms directly cause corrosion. Microorganisms release disruptive metabolites or organisms collect electrons from the metal for breathing to produce energy. They are responsible for the onset or escalation of corrosion caused by previously existing detrimental specialists such as water and carbon dioxide. However, only a few reports on their real success against MIC have been published. Numerous studies on stainless steel, in the presence of microorganisms, are discussed. An analysis of microbiological contamination is also detailed. It focuses on the general perspectives of the various microscopic species involved in biocorrosion. A review on this topic is necessary to understand the various factors considered to select a certain material for a specific purpose. This article combines the various grades of steel, their applications, their studies, and results all in one view making it easier for the reader to understand the importance of microbially influenced corrosion.
Vectorization via Siderophores Increases Antibacterial Activity of K(RW)3 Peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Olshvang Evgenia , Fritsch Sarah , Scholtyssek Oliver C. , Schalk Isabelle J. , Metzler‐Nolte Nils
Published: August 2023

A series of new conjugates comprised from a small synthetic antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and a siderophore‐type vector component was designed and tested for activity on P. aeruginosa PAO1 and several genetically modified strains. As AMP, the well‐established arginine‐tryptophane combination K(RW)3 (P1) was chosen with an added lysine for siderophore attachment. This peptide is easy to prepare, modify, and possesses good anti‐bacterial activity. On the vector part, we examined several moieties: (i) the natural siderophore deferoxamine (DFO); (ii) bidentate iron chelators based on the hydroxamate building block (4 a–c) ; (iii) the non‐siderophore chelators deferasirox (DFX) and deferiprone‐carboxylate (DFP‐COOH). All conjugates were prepared by solid phase synthesis techniques and fully characterized by HPLC and mass spectrometry (including HR‐MS). 55Fe uptake assays indicate a receptor‐mediated uptake for 4 a–c, DFP‐COOH and DFO, which is dependent on the outer membrane transporter FoxA in the case of DFO. All conjugates showed increased antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa compared to the parent peptide P1 alone when investigated in iron‐depleted medium. MIC values were as low as 2 μM (for P1‐DFP) on wild type P. aeruginosa. The activity of P1‐DFO and P1‐DFP was even better on genetically mutated strains unable to produce siderophores (down to 0.5 μM). Although the DFX vector on its own was not able to transport iron inside the bacterial cell as shown by 55Fe uptake studies, the P1‐DFX conjugate had excellent antibacterial activity compared to P1 (2 μM, and as low as 0.25 μM on a receptor‐deficient strain unable to produce siderophores), suggesting that the conjugates were indeed recognized and internalized by an (unknown) transporter. Control experiments with an equimolar mixture of P1 and DFX confirm that the observed activity is intrinsic to vectorization. This work thus demonstrates the power of linking small AMPs covalently to siderophores for a new class of Trojan Horse antibiotics, with P1‐DFP and P1‐DFX being the most potent conjugates.
Nomogram for predicting coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Chen Jie , Li Jing , Yue Yang‐hua , Liu Yu , Xie Tian , Peng Jian‐qiao , Deng Zhong‐hua , Cao You‐de
Published: August 2023

Background

Coronary artery lesions are the most important complications of Kawasaki disease. Approximately 25–30% of untreated patients develop coronary artery disease, which can lead to long‐term cardiovascular sequelae.

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease and to construct a nomogram for predicting the likelihood of developing such lesions.

Methods

Data from 599 patients between January 2012 and June 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were randomly assigned to the training set (n = 450) and the validation set (n = 149). A comparison of clinical features and laboratory data was performed, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors and develop the nomogram. The predictive efficiency of the nomogram was evaluated using the calibration curve, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), C‐index, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance, delayed IVIG treatment, C‐reactive protein, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were identified as independent risk factors for the development of coronary artery lesions. The nomogram was constructed based on these four variables. The calibration curve of the nomogram showed a high degree of agreement between the predicted probability and the actual probability. The AUC of the nomogram in the training and validation set was 0.790 and 0.711, respectively. In addition, DCA revealed that the nomogram provided a significant net benefit, further supporting its clinical utility.

Conclusions

The constructed nomogram demonstrates a strong and reliable performance in predicting coronary artery lesions, which enables clinicians to make timely and tailored clinical decisions.
Exploring the human microbiome – A step forward for precision medicine in breast cancer
Authors: Jotshi Asmita , Sukla Krishna Kishore , Haque Mohammed Monzoorul , Bose Chandrani , Varma Binuja , Koppiker C. B. , Joshi Sneha , Mishra Rupa
Published: August 2023

Background

The second most frequent cancer in the world and the most common malignancy in women is breast cancer. Breast cancer is a significant health concern in India with a high mortality‐to‐incidence ratio and presentation at a younger age.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have identified gut microbiota as a significant factor that can have an influence on the development, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer. This review article aims to describe the influence of microbial dysbiosis on breast cancer occurrence and the possible interactions between oncobiome and specific breast cancer molecular subtypes. The review further also discusses the role of epigenetics and diet/nutrition in the regulation of the gut and breast microbiome and its association with breast cancer prevention, therapy, and recurrence. Additionally, the recent technological advances in microbiome research, including next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, genome sequencing, single‐cell sequencing, and microbial metabolomics along with recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have also been reviewed. This is an attempt to present a comprehensive status of the microbiome as a key cancer biomarker.

Conclusion

We believe that correlating microbiome and carcinogenesis is important as it can provide insights into the mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis can influence cancer development and progression, leading to the potential use of the microbiome as a tool for prognostication and personalized therapy.
A single‐stage bridgeless isolated positive output Cuk configuration‐based unidirectional onboard battery charger
Authors: Sivaperumal Narthana , Jothimani Gnanavadivel
Published: August 2023

As power factor correction rectifiers play a key component of electric vehicle (EV) battery charger, the advancements in designing of improved power quality‐based EV charger become more significant in modern era. This article exposes a single‐stage bridgeless isolated positive output (BIPO) Cuk PFC converter with a noninverted output signal. The input diode rectifier present at the input is redeemed by the bridgeless topology that eliminates the serious power quality (PQ) issues and proffers the eminent charging solution for the light electric vehicles (LEV). Unlike the conventional Cuk converter, the noninverted outcome of the BIPO converter does not require a separate amplifier for converting negative to positive output voltage. The preferred charger utilizes a single voltage and current sensor to synchronize the battery charging control in the constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) phases of charging. Therefore, the converter encompasses intrinsic zero current switching (ZCS) and offers low‐cost solution to the charger with reduced control complexities. The extensive state space approach is executed to analyze the marginal stability of the presented system. Moreover, the detailed loss modeling is addressed to show the charger's efficacy curve at the standard conditions. A hardware prototype of 350 W, 60 V/4 A charger is implemented to validate its steady‐state and dynamic performance.
Combining loop and thiazide diuretics for acute heart failure across the estimated glomerular filtration rate spectrum: A post‐hoc analysis of the CLOROTIC trial
Authors: Trullàs Joan Carles , Morales‐Rull José Luís , Casado Jesús , Carrera‐Izquierdo Margarita , Sánchez‐Marteles Marta , Conde‐Martel Alicia , Dávila‐Ramos Melitón Francisco , Llácer Pau , Salamanca‐Bautista Prado , Chivite David , Jordana‐Comajuncosa Rosa , Villalonga Maria , Páez‐Rubio María Inmaculada , Manzano Luís , Formiga Francesc
Published: August 2023

Aims

In patients with acute heart failure (AHF), the addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to furosemide improved diuretic response in the CLOROTIC trial. This work aimed to evaluate if these effects differ across the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) spectrum.

Methods and results

This post‐hoc analysis of the CLOROTIC trial analysed 230 patients with AHF and explored the influence of eGFR on primary and secondary endpoints. The median eGFR was 43 ml/min/1.73 m2 (range 14–109) and 23% had eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 1), 24% from 45 to 59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 2), and 53% <45 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 3). Patients treated with HCTZ had greatest weight loss at 72 h in all three groups, but patients in group 1 had a significantly greater response (−2.1 kg [−3.0 to 0.5]), compared to patients in groups 2 (−1.3 kg [−2.3 to 0.2]) and 3 (−0.1 kg [−1.3 to 0.4]) (p‐value for interaction = 0.246). At 96 h, the differences in weight were −1.8 kg (−3.0 to −0.3), −1.4 kg (−2.6 to 0.3), and −0.5 kg (−1.3 to −0.1) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p‐value for interaction = 0.256). There were no significant differences observed with the addition of HCTZ in terms of diuretic response, mortality or rehospitalizations, or safety endpoints (impaired renal function, hyponatraemia, and hypokalaemia) among the three eGFR groups (all p‐values for interaction were no significant).

Conclusion

The addition of eGFR‐adjusted doses of oral HCTZ to loop diuretics in patients with AHF improved diuretic response across the eGFR spectrum.

Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01647932; EudraCT number: 2013–001852‐36.
The Old Polyoxometalates in New Application as Molecular Resistive Switching Memristors
Authors: Yang Hailong , Yue Guoli , Li Tao , Du Lingling , Li Haohong , Chen Zhirong , Zheng Shoutian
Published: August 2023

The coming big‐data era has created a huge demand for next‐generation memory technologies with characters of higher data‐storage densities, faster access speeds, lower power consumption and better environmental compatibility. In this field, the design of resistive switching active materials is pivotal but challengeable. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are promising candidates for next‐generation molecular memristors due to their versatile redox characters, excellent electron reservoirs and good compatibility/convenience in microelectronics processing. In this review, five kinds of POM‐based active materials in nonvolatile memories (inorganic POMs, crystalline organic‐inorganic hybrid POMOFs, polymer modified POMs, POM/transition metal oxides composites and the deposition of POM on metal surfaces) were described. The components of POMs active materials, device fabrications, device parameters, and resistive switching mechanisms relative to their structures were summarized. Finally, challenges and future perspectives of POMs‐based memristors were also presented.
Strategies for capillary electrophoresis: Method development and validation for pharmaceutical and biological applications—Updated and completely revised edition
Authors: Krebs Finja , Zagst Holger , Stein Matthias , Ratih Ratih , Minkner Robert , Olabi Mais , Hartung Sophie , Scheller Christin , Lapizco‐Encinas Blanca H. , Sänger‐van de Griend Cari , García Carlos D. , Wätzig Hermann
Published: August 2023

This review is in support of the development of selective, precise, fast, and validated capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods. It follows up a similar article from 1998, Wätzig H, Degenhardt M, Kunkel A. “Strategies for capillary electrophoresis: method development and validation for pharmaceutical and biological applications,” pointing out which fundamentals are still valid and at the same time showing the enormous achievements in the last 25 years. The structures of both reviews are widely similar, in order to facilitate their simultaneous use. Focusing on pharmaceutical and biological applications, the successful use of CE is now demonstrated by more than 600 carefully selected references. Many of those are recent reviews; therefore, a significant overview about the field is provided. There are extra sections about sample pretreatment related to CE and microchip CE, and a completely revised section about method development for protein analytes and biomolecules in general. The general strategies for method development are summed up with regard to selectivity, efficiency, precision, analysis time, limit of detection, sample pretreatment requirements, and validation.
Frequency‐dependent response of a rigid disk on a transversely isotropic soil layer subjected to horizontal motion
Authors: Yang Zijian , Zou Xinjun
Published: August 2023

The transverse isotropy of soil induced by geological processes over a long period has attracted considerable attention, which can lead to significant differences in the origination, propagation and attenuation of the stand waves compared with purely isotropic soil. Considering that the circular geometry is most common in many engineering, an analytical investigation of the dynamic behavior of a rigid disk resting on the transversely isotropic soil layer overlying the rigid bedrock under forced horizontal displacements is presented in this paper. Firstly, the governing equations of soil motion are established based on the elasticity theory of cylindrical coordinate system. Secondly, a set of partial differential equations for this class of problems are decoupled to ordinary differential forms by virtue of complete potential functions, Fourier expansion method and Hankel transform technique. Furthermore, the displacements, strains and stresses formulation in term of the spatial domain under general boundary conditions are obtained with success. For validation, dynamic boundary value problems in the finite‐layered soil containing transversely isotropic materials are degenerated to the isotropic solution corresponding to elastic half‐space. After that, various examples are also included to investigate the influence of the elastic modulus ratio, shear modulus ratio and thickness of soil layer on the dynamic response of the system. The numerical results suggest that the soil anisotropy and soil layer thickness have a non‐neglectful effect on the horizontal dynamic vibration of the rigid disk.
Agricultural Use of Insecticides Alters Homeostatic Behaviors and Cognitive Ability in Lymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Kowall Cassidy A. , Batabyal Anuradha , Lukowiak Ken , Phillips Iain D.
Published: August 2023

Lymnaea stagnalis is an ecologically important, stress-sensitive, freshwater mollusk that is at risk for exposure to insecticides via agricultural practices. We provide insight into the impact insecticides have on L. stagnalis by comparing specific behaviors including feeding, locomotion, shell regeneration, and cognition between snails collected at two different sites: one contaminated by insecticides and one not. We hypothesized that each of the behaviors would be altered in the insecticide-exposed snails and that similar alterations would be induced when control snails were exposed to the contaminated environment. We found no significant differences in locomotion, feeding, and shell regeneration of insecticide-exposed L. stagnalis compared with nonexposed individuals. Significant changes in feeding and shell repair were observed in nonexposed snails inhabiting insecticide-contaminated pond water. Most importantly, snails maintained and trained in insecticide-contaminated pond water did not form configural learning, but this cognitive deficit was reversed when these snails were maintained in insecticide-free pond water. Our findings conclude that insecticides have a primarily negative impact on this higher form of cognition in L. stagnalis. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2466–2477. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The use of OBIA and petrography in the study of stone masonry: The case of La Palma, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Authors: Rodríguez Osorio Daniel , Weber Scharff Marion , Izurieta Dayan Danilo , Agudelo Bermúdez Andrés , Renjifo Jonathan , Knight Joseph
Published: August 2023

In this case study, rubble masonry walls from the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Northern Colombia were investigated. We applied a combined object‐based image analysis (OBIA), photogrammetry, and petrography method to characterize and determine the provenance of the materials used in three targeted terraces of the archaeological site of La Palma. In situ data acquisition included detailed photographic records and petrographic descriptions of a selected section of masonry walls, as well as mapping of local geological units. Photographs were processed using OBIA. The data obtained allowed characterization and systematization of the constructive elements, via parameters that include architectural function within the construction (headers, stretchers, and wedges), roundness, and lithotype. This methodology enabled us to identify the source of the lithotypes from local rock outcrops (metagranodiorite and schist) as well as rock boulders and cobbles from the nearby riverbeds. The results suggest that pre‐Hispanic communities had knowledge of the properties of the geological resources available in the region, which they used to build masonry that has endured more than five centuries. Vertical differences identified in segments of different terrace walls suggest changes in the constructive process and therefore may serve to determine a construction chronology.
Optimizing diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in women and girls of reproductive age: Clinical opinion
Authors: Auerbach Michael
Published: August 2023

Iron deficiency (ID) is the world's most common disorder and one of the top five causes of years lived with disability. Whereas low serum ferritin is diagnostic of ID, ferritin—an acute phase reactant—may be elevated in inflammatory states and the first trimester of pregnancy even if ID exists. Consequently, in early pregnancy or chronic inflammation, percent transferrin saturation (TSAT) measurement is the best indicator of iron status. Unfortunately, current guidelines do not recommend routine screening for ID in either pregnant or nonpregnant women in the absence of anemia. This circumstance should be urgently reviewed based on available data. While oral formulations have long been the standard for iron replacement therapy and are widely available and inexpensive, oral iron is frequently associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects for the majority—a major reason for poor adherence, inadequate repletion, and persisting ID symptoms and sequellae. Although safe intravenous iron administration was introduced in the mid‐1950s, formulations with cores binding the elemental iron more tightly became available in the 2000s, allowing complete and safe replacement, even in a single setting. Prospectively acquired neonatology evidence reports oral iron's failure to reach the developing fetus when the mother is iron deficient. Consequently, while oral iron remains frontline in the first trimester because of insufficient safety data for intravenous iron, the author recommends that the intravenous route should be the gold standard for second‐trimester ID when hemoglobin concentrations are less than 10.5 g/dL and for all iron‐deficient women in their third trimester.
Relationship between reduced scattering coefficient and intracranial pressure in clinical patients under different brain edema states
Authors: Wang Shaobo , Chen Zaoqin , Liu Yangyang , Liu Yubing , Qian Zhiyu , Meng Lin
Published: August 2023

There is a lack of a safe and effective technology to monitor intracranial pressure accurately and non‐destructively. In this paper, the relationship between reduced scattering coefficient and intracranial pressure in clinical patients under different brain edema states was studied. First, the brain edema MC simulation model was constructed based on different types of brain edema. The results laid a foundation for clinical ICP detection. Second, the changes of ICP and reduced scattering coefficient caused by brain edema were studied in clinical application. It was found that when the patient developed brain edema, the reduced scattering coefficient and ICP showed corresponding changes. Finally, the mathematical model of invasive ICP and reduced scattering coefficient was established. It was found that the sensitivity of 834 nm light to brain tissue changes was higher than that of 692 nm light, which could be used to reflect the changes of brain tissue physiological state.
Metastasectomy for oligometastatic bone disease of the appendicular skeleton: A concise review
Authors: Kafchinski Lisa A.
Published: August 2023

As the life expectancy of patients with carcinomas improves, there is an associated increase in the risk of development of metastatic bone disease. Patients with solitary or oligometastatic bone disease of the appendicular skeleton may benefit from metastasectomy and reconstruction to improve overall survival. Specifically, patients with renal cell carcinoma and a solitary metastatic bone lesion will have long‐term survival benefit from metastasectomy and reconstruction. There remains controversy in the literature about metastasectomy for solitary metastatic bone disease in other common carcinomas, such as breast and thyroid.
To dress up or not: Political identity and dog owners' purchase of dog apparels
Authors: Xia Lan , Zhong Wenting , Wang Joyce (Feng)
Published: August 2023

Dogs have become an essential part of many consumers' everyday lives as well as their purchase and consumption considerations. This research investigates dog owners' affective reactions (i.e., disgust) to dogs wearing clothes and their purchase of dog apparel influenced by owners' political identities. We find an interesting pattern where conservatives (relative to liberals) experience higher disgust for dogs wearing clothes but are more likely to purchase dog apparel. We propose that liberals and conservatives endorse different moral values leading to different human‐animal relationship beliefs, as reflected in speciesism (i.e., human superiority). Conservatives have higher speciesism beliefs, leading to both higher feelings of disgust and purchase of dog apparel due to status signaling. The effects are further moderated by the type of apparel, with a stronger effect for nonfunctional (vs. functional) clothes. In three studies, we surveyed dog owners and non‐owners and conducted an experiment to demonstrate these effects. We also provide managerial implications in terms of designing and marketing pet apparels.
Long‐time asymptotics to the defocusing generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the decaying initial value problem
Authors: Li Jian , Xia Tiecheng
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the main work is to study the long‐time asymptotics of the defocusing generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the decaying initial value. The Riemann‐Hilbert method and the nonlinear steepest descent method by Deift‐Zhou have made great contributions to obtain it. Starting from the Lax pair of the defocusing generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation, the associated oscillatory Riemann‐Hilbert problem can be obtained. Then, via the stationary point, the steepest decent contours, and the trigonometric decomposition of jump matrix, we get the solvable Riemann‐Hilbert problem from the associated oscillatory Riemann‐Hilbert problem. Based on the decaying initial value in Schwartz space, the Weber equation, and the standard parabolic cylinder function, the expression of the solution for the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation can be given.
Unsupervised deep learning framework for data‐driven gating in positron emission tomography
Authors: Li Tiantian , Xie Zhaoheng , Qi Wenyuan , Asma Evren , Qi Jinyi
Published: August 2023

Background

Physiological motion, such as respiratory motion, has become a limiting factor in the spatial resolution of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging as the resolution of PET detectors continue to improve. Motion‐induced misregistration between PET and CT images can also cause attenuation correction artifacts. Respiratory gating can be used to freeze the motion and to reduce motion induced artifacts.

Purpose

In this study, we propose a robust data‐driven approach using an unsupervised deep clustering network that employs an autoencoder (AE) to extract latent features for respiratory gating.

Methods

We first divide list‐mode PET data into short‐time frames. The short‐time frame images are reconstructed without attenuation, scatter, or randoms correction to avoid attenuation mismatch artifacts and to reduce image reconstruction time. The deep AE is then trained using reconstructed short‐time frame images to extract latent features for respiratory gating. No additional data are required for the AE training. K‐means clustering is subsequently used to perform respiratory gating based on the latent features extracted by the deep AE. The effectiveness of our proposed Deep Clustering method was evaluated using physical phantom and real patient datasets. The performance was compared against phase gating based on an external signal (External) and image based principal component analysis (PCA) with K‐means clustering (Image PCA).

Results

The proposed method produced gated images with higher contrast and sharper myocardium boundaries than those obtained using the External gating method and Image PCA. Quantitatively, the gated images generated by the proposed Deep Clustering method showed larger center of mass (COM) displacement and higher lesion contrast than those obtained using the other two methods.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of our proposed method was validated using physical phantom and real patient data. The results showed our proposed framework could provide superior gating than the conventional External method and Image PCA.
Factors influencing stigma among healthcare professionals towards people who use illicit drugs in Japan: A quantitative study
Authors: Katayama Munenori , Sugiura Kanna , Fujishiro So , Konishi Jun , Inada Ken , Shirakawa Norihito , Matsumoto Toshihiko
Published: August 2023

Aim

Stigma among healthcare professionals toward people who use drugs (PWUDs) must be addressed for recovery. However, research on this topic is limited in Japan, therefore we developed a brand‐new scale through coproduction with PWUDs to measure stigma and conducted a survey using the developed scale to examine what influences stigma towards PWUDs in Japanese healthcare settings.

Methods

Based on interviews with PWUDs and their families, we developed a survey containing 24 questions on stigma toward PWUDs. The survey was sent to healthcare professionals working in the public sector. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to determine the factor construct. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analyses with each factor of the stigma questions set as a dependent variable were conducted to discover the specific contribution of each variable to professionals' stigma.

Results

The six factors suggested by the EFA showed a good fit, as confirmed by the CFA of the stigma questions. GLMM discovered that “currently providing treatment services to PWUDs,” “having PWUDs close to themselves,” and “experiencing violence by the client when providing treatment services” were significantly associated with higher stigma scale scores. “Experience in receiving support,” “attending self‐help groups,” and “using peer‐based recovery support with PWUDs” were significantly associated with lower stigma scale scores.

Conclusion

The scale coproduced with local PWUDs can be a reliable tool to measure the stigma PWUDs face in Japan. Further results indicate that interaction with recovered PWUDs should be promoted.
Allosteric inhibition of myosin by phenamacril: a synergistic mechanism revealed by computational and experimental approaches
Authors: Bao Yiqiong , Xu Yan , Jia Fangying , Li Mengrong , Xu Ran , Zhang Feng , Guo Jingjing
Published: August 2023

Background

Myosin plays a crucial role in cellular processes, while its dysfunction can lead to organismal malfunction. Phenamacril (PHA), a highly species‐specific and non‐competitive inhibitor of myosin I (FgMyoI) from Fusarium graminearum, has been identified as an effective fungicide for controlling plant diseases caused by partial Fusarium pathogens, such as wheat scab and rice bakanae. However, the molecular basis of its action is still unclear.

Results

This study used multiple computational approaches first to elucidate the allosteric inhibition mechanism of FgMyoI by PHA at the atomistic level. The results indicated the increase of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding affinity upon PHA binding, which might impede the release of hydrolysis products. Furthermore, simulations revealed a broadened outer cleft and a significantly more flexible interface for actin binding, accompanied by a decrease in signaling transduction from the catalytic center to the actin‐binding interface. These various effects might work together to disrupt the actomyosin cycle and hinder the ability of motor to generate force. Our experimental results further confirmed that PHA reduces the enzymatic activity of myosin and its binding with actin.

Conclusion

Therefore, our findings demonstrated that PHA might suppress the function of myosin through a synergistic mechanism, providing new insights into myosin allostery and offering new avenues for drug/fungicide discovery targeting myosin. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ensuring the continued success of a mulch biowall at a trichloroethylene‐contaminated superfund site: Lessons learned
Authors: Ghandehari Shahrzad Saffari , Cheng Shih‐Huai , Hapeman Cathleen J. , Torrents Alba , Kjellerup Birthe Veno
Published: August 2023

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a toxic organic compound, which can adversely affect human health. The chemical is one of the most frequently found contaminants in groundwater in the United States and around the world. A landfill in Maryland contaminated with high levels of TCE decades ago was added to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Priority List (NPL) in 1994. A biowall was installed on the site in 2013 to promote the bioremediation of TCE and subsequently of its degradation products. Six‐year monitoring data indicated a steady removal of >99% groundwater TCE at the wall since installation. However, a concurrent buildup of intermediate byproducts was observed downgradient of the wall. An examination of the entire system was necessary to find the reason behind the inefficiency of the biowall. In this study, the background of the site, remediation plan, and installation were assessed. Monitoring data, including the concentration of TCE and its degradation byproducts, and geochemical and physical characteristics were evaluated to understand the conditions and challenges facing decision‐makers of this project and possible options to improve biowall efficacy.
Finite‐time stabilization of Markovian switched stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems with inverse dynamics
Authors: Zhao Gui‐Hua , Zhang Xue
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we investigate the finite‐time stabilization of a class of nonlocal Lipschitzian stochastic nonlinear systems with Markovian switching and stochastic inverse dynamics. We first present the finite‐time stability theory for stochastic nonlinear systems with Markovian switching under the framework of weak solutions. Then, a finite‐time controller with state feedback is constructed for a class of stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems with Markovian switching and stochastic inverse dynamics. The trivial weak solution of the closed‐loop system is proved to be globally finite‐time stable in probability. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed design method is verified by a simulation example.
21.1: Invited Paper: EEG‐based comparative measurement of visual fatigue caused by stereoscopic depth perception
Authors: Jia Lixiu , Huang Sheng , Ding Yiquan , Jia Lixin , Feng Lihang , Huang Xiaohua
Published: August 2023

In this study, we investigated the influence of stereoscopic depth
on visual fatigue based on subjective and EEG measurement. 19
channels of EEG data of 17 subjects before and after watching
3D movie with different depth ranges were recorded, and the
power of δ, θ, α, β, power spectral parameters (gravity
frequency, power spectral entropy) were calculated and analyzed.
The results showed that visual fatigue caused by 3D enhanced
movies with larger negative disparity was more significantly
severe than that of 3D normal movies.