bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased prevalence of Parkinson's disease in alkaptonuria
Authors: Ranganath Lakshminarayan , Khedr Milad , Milan Anna M. , Davison Andrew S. , Norman Brendan P. , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Lock Edward , Bou‐Gharios George , Gallagher James A.
Published: May 2023

Amongst a cohort of 88 alkaptonuria (AKU) patients attending the United Kingdom National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC), four unrelated patients had co‐existing Parkinson's disease (PD). Two of the NAC patients developed PD before receiving nitisinone (NIT) while the other two developed overt PD during NIT therapy. NIT lowers redox‐active homogentisic acid (HGA) and profoundly increases tyrosine (TYR). A further unpublished case of a Dutch patient with AKU and PD on deep brain stimulation is included in this report. A Pubmed search revealed a further five AKU patients with PD, all without NIT usage. The prevalence of PD in AKU in the NAC appears to be nearly 20‐times higher than in the non‐AKU population (p < 0.001) even when adjusted for age. We propose that life‐long exposure to redox‐active HGA may account for the higher prevalence of PD in AKU. Furthermore, the appearance of PD in AKU patients during NIT therapy may be due to unmasking dopamine deficiency in susceptible individuals, as a result of the tyrosinaemia during NIT therapy inhibiting the rate‐limiting brain tyrosine hydroxylase.
Characterization of immune response against monkeypox virus in cohorts of infected patients, historic and newly vaccinated subjects
Authors: Sammartino Josè Camilla , Cassaniti Irene , Ferrari Alessandro , Piralla Antonio , Bergami Federica , Arena Francesca Adua , Paolucci Stefania , Rovida Francesca , Lilleri Daniele , Percivalle Elena , Baldanti Fausto
Published: May 2023

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic disease endemic in the rainforest countries of Central and West Africa. Understanding the immune response in zoonosis is fundamental to prevent and contrast viral spreading. MPXV is a close relative of Variola (smallpox) virus and vaccination with vaccinia virus gives approximatively 85% of protection against MPXV. With the emergence of the recent MPXV outbreak, JYNNEOS vaccine has been proposed to individuals at high‐risk of exposure. Comparative data on MPXV immune response in vaccinated or infected subjects are still limited. Here we set‐up an immunofluorescence method for the evaluation of humoral response elicited by natural infection and healthy vaccinated subjects, including historically smallpox‐vaccinated individuals and newly vaccinated subjects. Neutralization assay was also included, and in vaccinated subjects, cell‐mediated response was evaluated. We observed that the natural infection produces a strong immune response that can control the disease. In naïve subjects, a second dose boosts the serological response to levels similar to those of the MPXV patients. Last, smallpox‐vaccinated controls retain a degree of protection, even after years from vaccination, most visible in the t‐cellular response.
Adults in Northwest China experienced the largest outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in history 10 years after the Japanese encephalitis vaccine was included in the national immunization program: A retrospective epidemiological study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshu , Jin Na , Tu Aixia , Dong Maoxing , Shi Tianshan , Ren Xiaowei , Liu Shuyu , Zhao Xiaohong , Liu Jianfeng , Wu Zhao , Li Yixing , Wu Dan , Wang Huanyu , Wang Haijun , Hu Yukun , Zhang Bin , Wang Wenjun , Meng Lei
Published: May 2023

Mainland China included Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine in the national immunization program in 2008 to control the JE epidemic. However, Gansu province in Western China experienced the largest JE outbreak since 1958 in 2018. We conducted a retrospective epidemiological study to explore the causes of this outbreak. We found that adults aged ≥20 years (especially those in rural areas) were the main JE cases in Gansu Province, with a significant increase in the JE incidence in older adults aged ≥60 years in 2017 and 2018. In addition, JE outbreaks in Gansu Province were mainly located in the southeastern region, while the temperature and precipitation in Gansu Province were gradually increasing in recent years, which made the JE epidemic areas in Gansu Province gradually spread to the western of Gansu Province. We also found that adults aged ≥20 years in Gansu Province had lower JE antibody positivity than children and infants, and the antibody positivity rate decreased with age. In the summer of 2017 and 2018, the density of mosquitoes (mainly the Culex tritaeniorhynchus) in Gansu Province was significantly higher than in other years, and the genotype of JEV was mainly Genotype‐G1. Therefore, in the future JE control in Gansu Province, we need to strengthen JE vaccination for adults. Moreover, strengthening mosquito surveillance can provide early warning of JE outbreaks and the spread of epidemic areas in Gansu Province. At the same time, strengthening JE antibody surveillance is also necessary for JE control.
Characteristics of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis in the Elderly
Authors: D'Oto Alexandra , Baker Hayley , Mau Ted , Childs Lesley F. , Tibbetts Kathleen M.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To compare characteristics of patients ≥65 years presenting with idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) to patients diagnosed at <65 years. We hypothesize that the groups have similar comorbidities and disease courses.

Data Sources

Medical records of patients treated for iSGS at a tertiary care institution from January 2005–September 2022.

Review Methods

Patient demographics, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, medical history and comorbidities, and treatment modalities/intervals were recorded and analyzed. Characteristics of patients ≥65 and <65 years at presentation were compared using Chi‐square analysis for non‐numeric values and the Mann–Whitney U‐test for numeric values.

Results

One hundred seven patients with iSGS were identified and 16 (15%) were aged ≥65 years (mean age 72.6, 15 female) at presentation. These patients were compared to 91 patients aged <65 years (mean age = 47.6, 90 female). Patients ≥65 years had higher rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (p = 0.004) and tobacco use (p = 0.004). There were no significant differences in body mass index, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hormone replacement therapy, time from symptom onset to presentation, or length of operative treatment intervals.

Conclusion

Patients ≥65 years with iSGS have higher rates of tobacco use, suggesting that alterations in wound healing may play a role in the development of iSGS in this age group. Although rates of T2DM were higher in the elderly group, clinical significance may be limited given the overall higher rate of diabetes mellitus in the elderly population.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:3075–3079, 2023
Will various interpretation strategies of the same ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry data tell different biogeochemical stories? A first assessment based on natural aquatic dissolved organic matter
Authors: Yi Yuanbi , He Chen , Klaproth Katrin , Merder Julian , Li Penghui , Qi Yulin , Fu Pingqing , Li Siliang , Dittmar Thorsten , Shi Quan , He Ding
Published: May 2023

Fourier ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS), one of the state‐of‐the‐art ultrahigh‐resolution techniques, is widely used in dissolved organic matter (DOM) research. As research that focuses on identifying DOM molecular fingerprints increases tremendously, there is and will be an urgent need to compare among studies. Different research groups usually use various types of data processing and interpretation strategies. It is critical to explore if different interpretation strategies will impact the comparability of FT‐ICR MS results and their biogeochemical interpretations. To address this question, we selected DOM samples along a freshwater‐to‐marine continuum to be measured by negative‐ion mode electrospray ionization FT‐ICR MS. We interpreted the raw MS data using different strategies, compared the results and evaluated the interpretation strategy‐induced effects on biogeochemical interpretations. Our results show that a total of 3827 formulas that account for 91.6% ± 4.1% (on average) of the total intensity are assigned in all interpretation strategies, while 6521 formulas for 8.4% ± 4.1% (on average) of the total intensity are not commonly assigned in all three interpretation strategies. We conclude that (i) different interpretation strategies do not significantly affect the geochemical stories relied on DOM molecular composition, and (ii) comparison based on intensity results gives more reliable results than the formular number alone. Moreover, we also provide raw and interpreted data (by our different strategies) for the community to compare their interpretation. We aim to call attention to the community for improving the comparability of FT‐ICR MS results and facilitating the integration of DOM molecular composition among global studies.
Preparation of Silica Composite Vitrimers via One‐Shot Transformation from Simple Polyesters
Authors: Kimura Takahiro , Hayashi Mikihiro
Published: May 2023

To solve the conventional problems of chemically cross‐linked polymers, the vitrimer concept has attracted great attention because the associative bond‐exchange nature in vitrimers provides sustainable functions. So far, various vitrimer designs have been reported using different polymer species with compatible bond exchange mechanisms. However, the biggest barrier for the practical application may be the elaborated functional group modification of the starting components and the limited availability of suitable monomers. As a much simpler preparation, recently, a one‐shot preparation of vitrimers from commodity polyesters with no special reactive functional groups by blending and heating with tetra‐functional epoxy molecules and base catalysts has been proposed. In this study, further one‐shot preparation of composite vitrimers with silica nanoparticles (SNPs) is developed. The effects of SNPs on the cross‐linking process and thermo/mechanical properties are first assessed, which reveals the formation of a bound rubber phase on the surfaces of the SNPs. The bound rubber phase also affects the bond exchange features of vitrimers, especially the distribution of relaxation time. Overall, the present facile preparation of composite vitrimers with enhanced mechanical properties could be a hint for practical application, whereas the knowledge on the unique relaxation behaviors of composite vitrimers should be beneficial in the fundamental sense.
Urinary Excretion of Ecdysterone and Its Metabolites Following Spinach Consumption
Authors: Yuliandra Tasha , Touvleliou Konstantina , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco , Loke Steffen , Isenmann Eduard , Valder Sarah , Diel Patrick , Parr Maria Kristina
Published: May 2023

Scope

The phytosteroid ecdysterone is present in spinach. In this study, the urinary elimination of ecdysterone and its metabolites in humans is investigated following spinach consumption of two different culinary preparations.

Methods and results

Eight participants (four males, four females) ingested 950 (27.1) g sautéed spinach (average [±standard deviation (SD)]) and 912 (70.6) g spinach smoothie as second intervention after washout. Post‐administration urines are analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). After intake of both preparations, ecdysterone and two metabolites, 14‐deoxy‐ecdysterone, and 14‐deoxy‐poststerone, are excreted in urine. The maximum concentration of ecdysterone is ranging from 0.09 to 0.41 µg mL−1 after sautéed spinach and 0.08–0.74 µg mL−1 after smoothie ingestion. The total excreted amount (mean% [±SD]) in the urine as a parent drug plus the metabolites is only 1.4 (1.0) for both sautéed spinach and smoothie. The apparent sex related differences in 14‐deoxy‐poststerone excretion will need further investigations.

Conclusion

Only a small proportion of ecdysterone from spinach is excreted into urine. No significant differences are found in concentration and recovered amount (%) of ecdysterone, 14‐deoxy‐ecdysterone, and 14‐deoxy‐poststerone in urine between sautéed spinach and smoothie ingestion. A discrimination between ecdysterone from food or preparations will be challenging based on urinary concentrations only, at least for later post‐administration samples.
Technical note: Experimental dosimetric characterization of proton pencil beam distortion in a perpendicular magnetic field of an in‐beam MR scanner
Authors: Gebauer Benjamin , Pawelke Jörg , Hoffmann Aswin , Lühr Armin
Published: May 2023

Background

As it promises more precise and conformal radiation treatments, magnetic resonance imaging‐integrated proton therapy (MRiPT) is seen as a next step in image guidance for proton therapy. The Lorentz force, which affects the course of the proton pencil beams, presents a problem for beam delivery in the presence of a magnetic field.

Purpose

To investigate the influence of the 0.32‐T perpendicular magnetic field of an MR scanner on the delivery of proton pencil beams inside an MRiPT prototype system.

Methods

An MRiPT prototype comprising of a horizontal pencil beam scanning beam line and an open 0.32‐T MR scanner was used to evaluate the impact of the vertical magnetic field on proton beam deflection and dose spot pattern deformation. Three different proton energies (100, 150, and 220 MeV) and two spot map sizes (15 × 15 and 30 × 20 cm2) at four locations along the beam path without and with magnetic field were measured. Pencil‐beam dose spots were measured using EBT3 films and a 2D scintillation detector. To study the magnetic field effects, a 2D Gaussian fit was applied to each individual dose spot to determine the central position , minimum and maximum lateral standard deviation ( and ), orientation (θ), and the eccentricity (ε).

Results

The dose spots were subjected to three simultaneous effects: (a) lateral horizontal beam deflection, (b) asymmetric trapezoidal deformation of the dose spot pattern, and (c) deformation and rotation of individual dose spots. The strongest effects were observed at a proton energy of 100 MeV with a horizontal beam deflection of 14–186 mm along the beam path. Within the central imaging field of the MR scanner, the maximum relative dose spot size decreased by up to 3.66%, while increased by a maximum of 2.15%. The largest decrease and increase in the eccentricity of the dose spots were 0.08 and 0.02, respectively. The spot orientation θ was rotated by a maximum of 5.39°. At the higher proton energies, the same effects were still seen, although to a lesser degree.

Conclusions

The effect of an MRiPT prototype's magnetic field on the proton beam path, dose spot pattern, and dose spot form has been measured for the first time. The findings show that the impact of the MF must be appropriately recognized in a future MRiPT treatment planning system. The results emphasize the need for additional research (e.g., effect of magnetic field on proton beams with range shifters and impact of MR imaging sequences) before MRiPT applications can be employed to treat patients.
Extension of matRad with a modified microdosimetric kinetic model for carbon ion treatment planning: Comparison with Monte Carlo calculation
Authors: Yoon Euntaek , Kim Jung‐in , Park Jong Min , Choi Chang Heon , Jung Seongmoon
Published: May 2023

Background

Treatment planning is essential for in silico particle therapy studies. matRad is an open‐source research treatment planning system (TPS) based on the local effect model, which is a type of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) model.

Purpose

This study aims to implement a microdosimetric kinetic model (MKM) in matRad and develop an automation algorithm for Monte Carlo (MC) dose recalculation using the TOPAS code. In addition, we provide the developed MKM extension as open‐source tool for users.

Methods

Carbon beam data were generated using TOPAS MC pencil beam irradiation. We parameterized the TOPAS MC beam data with a double‐Gaussian fit and modeled the integral depth doses and lateral spot profiles in the range of 100–430 MeV/u. To implement the MKM, the specific energy data table for Z = 1–6 and integrated depth‐specific energy data were acquired based on the Kiefer–Chatterjee track structure and TOPAS MC simulation, respectively. Generic data were integrated into matRad, and treatment planning was performed based on these data. The optimized plan parameters were automatically converted into MC simulation input. Finally, the matRad TPS and TOPAS MC simulations were compared using the RBE‐weighted dose calculation results. A comparison was made for three geometries: homogeneous water phantom, inhomogeneous phantom, and patient.

Results

The RBE‐weighted dose (DRBE) distribution agreed with TOPAS MC within 1.8% for all target sizes for the homogeneous phantom. For the inhomogeneous phantom, the relative difference in the range of 80% of the prescription dose in the distal fall‐off region (R80) between the matRad TPS and TOPAS MC was 0.6% (1.1 mm). DRBE between the TPS and the MC was within 4.0%. In the patient case, the difference in the dose–volume histogram parameters for the target volume between the TPS and the MC was less than 2.7%. The relative difference in R80 was 0.7% (1.2 mm).

Conclusions

The MKM was successfully implemented in matRad TPS, and the RBE‐weighted dose was comparable to that of TOPAS MC. The MKM‐implemented matRad was released as an open‐source tool. Further investigations with MC simulations can be conducted using this tool, providing a good option for carbon ion research.
Rheumatoid arthritis with concomitant fibromyalgia: The role of ultrasound in assessing disease activity
Authors: Miladi Saoussen , Ben Ayed Hiba , Fazaa Alia , Boussaa Hiba , Makhlouf Yasmine , Souabni Leila , Ouenniche Kmar , Kassab Selma , Chekili Selma , Abdelghani Kawther Ben , Laatar Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic painful condition frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which may falsely increase RA activity. The aim of our study was to compare clinical scoring and ultrasound (US) assessment in RA patients with concomitant FM with those without FM.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study including patients with RA according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups: RA patients meeting ACR 2016 FM criteria (cases) and RA patients not meeting FM criteria (controls). Clinico‐biological and US assessments of RA activity were performed on the same day for each patient.

Results

Eighty patients distributed into 40 patients in each group were recruited. Biologic DMARD prescription was more frequent in RA with FM patients than the control group (p = 0.04). DAS28 was significantly greater than DAS28 V3 in RA with FM group (p = 0.002). FM group had significantly less US synovitis (p = 0.035) and less Power Doppler (PD) activity (p = 0.035). Grey scale US score (p = 0.87) and DP US score (p = 0.162) were similar in the two groups. The correlation between the clinical and the ultrasonographic scores was strong to very strong in both groups with the strongest correlation found between DAS28 V3 and US DAS28 V3 (r = 0.95) in RA + FM group.

Conclusion

Our study confirms the overestimation of disease activity by the clinical scores in RA with concomitant FM. DAS28 V3 score and US assessment would represent a better alternative.
Exploring the relationship between ADHD and dementia
Authors: Beehuspoteea Nirja , Badrakalimuthu Vellingiri Raja
Published: May 2023

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, while dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder, both presenting with cognitive deficits and/or behavioural disturbances. Here, the authors review the evidence on similarities and differences between ADHD and dementia in terms of cognitive impairment, risk factors, genetics, neuroanatomy and neurochemical studies in the older adult population. This demonstrates a need for clinicians in memory services to be knowledgeable about ADHD in adults as the two diagnoses can be clinically differentiated by taking a careful history of symptom onset and progression.
Pipeline for transferring annotations between proteins beyond globular domains
Authors: Martínez‐Pérez Elizabeth , Pajkos Mátyás , Tosatto Silvio C. E. , Gibson Toby J. , Dosztanyi Zsuzsanna , Marino‐Buslje Cristina
Published: May 2023

DisProt is the primary repository of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs). This database is manually curated and the annotations there have strong experimental support. Currently, DisProt contains a relatively small number of proteins highlighting the importance of transferring annotations regarding verified disorder state and corresponding functions to homologous proteins in other species. In such a way, providing them with highly valuable information to better understand their biological roles. While the principles and practicalities of homology transfer are well‐established for globular proteins, these are largely lacking for disordered proteins. We used DisProt to evaluate the transferability of the annotation terms to orthologous proteins. For each protein, we looked for their orthologs, with the assumption that they will have a similar function. Then, for each protein and their orthologs, we made multiple sequence alignments (MSAs). Disordered sequences are fast evolving and can be hard to align, therefore, we implemented alignment quality control steps ensuring robust alignments before mapping the annotations. We have designed a pipeline to obtain good‐quality MSAs and to transfer annotations from any protein to their orthologs. Applying the pipeline to DisProt proteins, from the 1731 entries with 5623 annotations, we can reach 97,555 orthologs and transfer a total of 301,190 terms by homology. We also provide a web server for consulting the results of DisProt proteins and execute the pipeline for any other protein. The server Homology Transfer IDP (HoTIDP) is accessible at http://hotidp.leloir.org.ar.
On Preheating after Inflation in Scalar‐Tensor Theories of Gravity
Authors: Koad Peeravit , Channuie Jatechan , Channuie Phongpichit
Published: May 2023

In this work, the preheating mechanism is investigated after inflation in general scalar‐tensor theories of gravity. In the present scenario, two‐field scenario is considered and then derived the potential of exponential and hyperbolic tangent forms. The evolution of the background system is studied when the back reaction on the background field is neglected. The particle production due to parametric resonances in both models is examined. It is found that in Minkowski space the stage of parametric resonances can be described by the Mathieu equation. Finally, parametric resonances in the models are sufficiently broad possible for the exponential growth of the number of particles are demonstrated. The case in which the expansion of space is taken into account is also discussed.
Microstructure Evolution of AlN:Eu Films at Different Annealing Temperatures
Authors: Li Chunpeng , Zeng Xionghui , Wang Xiaodan , Gao Xiaodong , Mao Hongmin , Dong Xiaoming , Zhang Yi , Chen Jiafan , Xu Ke
Published: May 2023

The microstructure evolution of AlN implanted with Eu during thermal treatment is characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy. Three regions with different contrast can be observed in the TEM for the implanted samples. The region A is 30 nm below the surface, the region B is about 30–100 nm below the surface and is the worst damaged area, and the region C is the area below the region B. There is a relatively large stress in the region B due to the large radius difference between Eu and Al ions. After annealing at 750 °C, the stress in region B is only partially released outward, resulting in the increase of lattice defects in regions A and C. Both A and C regions show the same contrast in the weak‐beam bright‐field image. After annealing at 1040 °C, there are almost no shadow regions, which indicates that the stress is completely released and the lattice damage is removed. Meanwhile, the results of cathodoluminescence (CL) show that the luminescence of Eu3+ is improved along with the stress releasing and damage removal.
Early Stage Growth Process of Dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2',3'‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (DNTT) Thin Film
Authors: Hiroshiba Nobuya , Kawano Yuta , Ongko Richard , Matsubara Ryosuke , Kubono Atsushi , Kojima Hirotaka , Koike Kazuto
Published: May 2023

The early stage growth of dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2',3'‐f]thieno[3,2‐b]thiophenes (DNTTs) thin films are investigated using grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXD) and surface morphology analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thin‐film growth conditions are controlled using a slow deposition method. The vertical orientation of DNTT is confirmed from the growth of the first layer using GIXD. The morphologies of the first‐layer grains are universal in the growth rate range of 0.155–0.017 ML min−1. In addition, the dependence of the nuclei density on the deposition flow rate indicates that two molecules (dimers) are required for nucleation. This result suggests that fewer molecules are sufficient for nucleation in the case of DNTT compared to pentacene thin film growth on SiO2.
Scrutinizing the types of leadership traits that contribute to the success of Six Sigma implementation: An empirical study
Authors: Bagherian Anthony , Gershon Mark , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2023

This article aims to investigate the significance of leadership in the successful adoption of Six Sigma. It explores which leadership styles and attributes are more conducive to successful implementation, as not all Six Sigma efforts have been entirely successful. The objective of this research is to identify the key elements of leadership styles that contribute to the achievement of Six Sigma programs in the automobile industry, based on a study conducted by various authors. According to the study, approximately 60% of corporate Six Sigma initiatives fail due to assumptions and incorrect leadership attributes. The research utilized a research survey with a Likert scale questionnaire distributed to 2325 prospective participants, with 573 responses primarily from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The study employed exploratory research approaches and a mixed‐method research design to analyze the impact of leadership style on the success of Six Sigma deployment. The findings identified two essential key elements of leadership style through various SEM methods (EFA and CFA): (1) Leadership support for Six Sigma as a long‐term improvement strategy is crucial for sustained growth. (2) Leadership commitment to the organization's suppliers and maintaining quality to ensure defect‐free products. The practical implications of this study can be adopted by institutions, practitioners, and researchers to incorporate these leadership traits for sustainable Six Sigma implementation. This study makes an original contribution to the assessment of leadership styles in the European automobile industry, utilizing a mixed‐method research design along with descriptive statistics.
Quantized control for switched systems suffered by deception attacks and unknown disturbance
Authors: Wu Caizhang , Yan Jingjing , Xia Yuanqing
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is designing a feedback controller based on quantized sampled data to stabilize a continuous‐time switched system affected by unknown disturbance and deception attacks. Suppose that the switch is slow enough in the sense of dwell‐time and average dwell‐time, and the attacker's energy is limited by restraining the number and duration of deception attacks, we design a communication and control strategy based on mode switching and data tampering. By approximating the reachable set for the stabilizing stage and searching stage, respectively, we establish the increasing/decreasing rate of Lyapunov function under different cases. On this basis, the sufficient conditions which constrain average dwell‐time and sampling period are obtained to ensure the exponential decay and practical stability of the closed‐loop system. Furthermore, we also verify that the searching stage can be recovered within an unknown limited time under the influence of unknown disturbance and deception attacks. Two‐tank system is adopted at last to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm framework.
On asymptotic distributions of several test statistics for familial relatedness in linear mixed models
Authors: Devogel Nicholas , Auer Paul L. , Manansala Regina , Wang Tao
Published: May 2023

In this study, the asymptotic distributions of the likelihood ratio test (LRT), the restricted likelihood ratio test (RLRT), the F and the sequence kernel association test (SKAT) statistics for testing an additive effect of the expected familial relatedness (FR) in a linear mixed model are examined based on an eigenvalue approach. First, the covariance structure for modeling the FR effect in a LMM is presented. Then, the multiplicity of eigenvalues for the log‐likelihood and restricted log‐likelihood is established under a replicate family setting and extended to a more general replicate family setting (GRFS) as well. After that, the asymptotic null distributions of LRT, RLRT, F and SKAT statistics under GRFS are derived. The asymptotic null distribution of SKAT for testing genetic rare variants is also constructed. In addition, a simple formula for sample size calculation is provided based on the restricted maximum likelihood estimate of the effect size for the expected FR. Finally, a power comparison of these test statistics on hypothesis test of the expected FR effect is made via simulation. The four test statistics are also applied to a data set from the UK Biobank.
Sensitive Amperometric Detection of Hydroxylamine at Electropolymerized Curcumin Film Coated Pencil Graphite Electrode
Authors: Güneş Mehmet , Şap Ayşe , Karakaya Serkan , Yaman Mehmet , Dilgin Yusuf
Published: May 2023

In this study, a sensitive electrochemical method was developed for the determination of hydroxylamine (H−A) using a curcumin‐modified pencil graphite electrode prepared with the electropolymerization of curcumin (PolyCurc‐PGE). The PolyCurc‐PGE showed a remarkable electrocatalytic response for H−A oxidation compared with bare PGE. Amperometric and cyclic voltammetric measurements were performed based on the electrocatalytic oxidation of H−A at PolyCurc‐PGE. Some parameters, such as monomer concentration, pH, and cycle number during electropolymerization, were optimized to obtain the best electrochemical response of the modified electrode towards H−A. Results show that the PolyCurc‐PGE gives a linear response towards H−A oxidation in the range from 0.50 μM to 500 μM (R2=0.9984). In addition, the sensitivity and detection limit (LOD) of PolyCurc‐PGE were found to be 5432 μA mM−1 cm2 and 0.15 μM H−A, respectively. The developed amperometric method was successfully applied to determine H−A in pharmaceutical and water samples, and acceptable results were obtained with high accuracy and precision.
Biomass Porous Carbon Derived from Celery Leaves with High Capacitance for Supercapacitor
Authors: Wu Jiaqi , Ma Zihan , Wang Guangning , Chen Tingting
Published: May 2023

To develop environmentally friendly and high‐performance supercapacitors, the low‐cost, high‐capacitance renewable electrode material is at present viewed as one of the most challenging tasks for obtaining the next‐generation of energy storage devices. Therefore, in this study, Celery leaves, a common biomass vegetable, are used to prepare activated carbon for high voltage and high‐capacity supercapacitors through a simple method. Due to their high surface area and abundant nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms, hierarchically porous carbon materials can simultaneously realize high capacity and long‐cycling durability. The specific capacitance has been recorded to be up to 753.0 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 with capacity retention as high as 96.7 % even after 5,000 cycles. Also, the assembled symmetric cell provided a high energy density of 17.36 Wh kg−1 at 250 W kg−1. The effects of yellow and green colors and different activation temperatures on the properties of electrode materials were systematically studied. The results showed an excellent electrochemical performance in biomass carbon electrode materials, which would facilitate the development of a high‐quality energy system and a green supercapacitor.
Preparation of Cobalt and Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Composite Catalysts From ZIF‐9 and Their Outstanding Fenton‐like Catalytic Properties Towards Methylene Blue
Authors: Ma Tianhao , Li Haixu , Liu Xiaoguang , He Haobo , Jiang Tiannan , Wang Junsheng , Li Bin , Xue Wendong , Ren Shubin , Sun Jialin
Published: May 2023

To activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and degrade methylene blue (MB), cobalt and nitrogen‐doped porous carbon composite catalysts were prepared through pyrolysing zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF‐9 and dicyandiamide (DCDA) at 700–900 °C with various mass ratios. Powder X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller results showed that Co, porous carbon and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) co‐existed in the catalyst prepared at 800 °C with a ZIF‐9/DCDA ratio of 1 : 3. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested that CNT@ZIF‐800 had a higher ratio of graphitic to turbostratic carbon than CNT@ZIF‐700. It had degraded 94.8 % MB within 30 min, which was about 1.9 times faster than its counterpart C‐ZIF‐800. It also showed faster degradation rates towards Congo red (98.5 %, 5 min) and slower rates towards rhodamine B (90.7 %, 30 min) than MB. Furthermore, XPS revealed that it had 14.5 % more Co−Nx/pyridinic‐N active sites than C‐ZIF‐800. EPR suggested that 1O2 might be the primary catalytic species whereas the SO4−⋅ and ⋅OH the secondary ones. The formation mechanism of such active species might be originated from the synergistic activation of PMS by CNTs, Co−Nx/pyridinic‐N and abundant Co sites in the CNT@ZIF‐800. This work not only provided efficient Fenton‐like catalysts for MB degradation, but also clarified the catalytic mechanism.
Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Cellulose Acetate‐Fibroin for Dialysis Application
Authors: Amin Fazal , Rehman Wajid , Farooq Muhammad Usman , Hussain Rafaqat , ur Rahman Saeed , Rasheed Liaqat , Khan Sohail , Abdellatif Magda H.
Published: May 2023

Membrane separation technology is an efficient and high‐performance technique. It is a thin flat sheet and acts like a delicate barrier for the selective transport of substances under the influence of pressure. Low cost and various applications in industry as well as in medical make it more important. The basic property of a dialysis membrane is the ability to remove toxic materials from blood in minimum time, and maximum protein rejection, and must have the ability to moderate the water flux. Protein deposition or adsorption on the surface of the membrane results in low flux and change of selectivity of membrane for low toxic removal. In this work we prepared cellulose acetate membrane through the phase inversion method. The effects of additives are characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infra‐Red (FT‐IR), and Contact Angle. The membrane performance is also studied in pure water flux, water uptakes, porosity, BSA rejection, and Urea clearance test. This membrane is modified by adding various types of organic and inorganic additives which will perform specific functions. M‐3 membrane showed excellent results its hydrophilicity is 133.33 %, leaching point is 2.08, pure water permeation flux 97.19 L/m2h, porosity is 13.97 nm, BSA rejection value is 91 % and Urea clearance is 92 %. These results show that M‐3 is excellent for dialysis operations.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Evaluation of New 1,3,5‐Trisubstituted 1,2,4‐Triazole Derivatives against Glioblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Koc Elif Beyza , Sucu Bilgesu Onur
Published: May 2023

A series of novel 1,3,5‐trisubstituted‐1,2,4‐triazole derivatives were successfully synthesized from the starting materials of caffeic acid (CA) and ferulic acid (FA) in moderate to good yields (45–71 %). All novel compounds were screened for antiproliferative activity against three glioblastoma (GB) cell lines. Several compounds exhibited improved cytotoxic activities compared to the caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). Among the novel derivatives, 4‐(2‐(1‐benzyl‐3‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐5‐yl)vinyl)‐2‐methoxyphenol (4) exhibited the most potent activity against the U87G, T98G and LN229 cell lines. Western blot results showed significantly reduced poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and increased the Bcl‐2‐associated X (Bax) protein levels in T98G cells. Also, flow cytometry results using Annexin‐V/Propidium Iodide (PI) staining indicated that apoptosis was induced in T98G cells. It was found to be a promising drug candidate with strong physicochemical and bioavailability properties as a result of SwissADME calculations. These results show that novel compounds containing a 1,2,4‐triazole moiety have a good antiproliferative activity on GB cells.
Asymmertic Synthesis of β‐Azido Esters through a Combination of Aldol and Mitsunobu Reactions
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Kun , Chou Yi , Chiou Xin‐Shun , Tseng Po‐Yu
Published: May 2023

This method offers several advantages over traditional methods for the asymmetric synthesis of β‐azido esters. First, the use of N‐acetyl camphorsultam allows for excellent stereoselectivity in the aldol reaction, which is crucial for the subsequent Mitsunobu reaction. Second, the use of trimethylsilyl azide (TMSN3) instead of hydrazoic acid (HN3) eliminates the need for handling a highly toxic and explosive reagent, making the process safer and easier to carry out. Third, the use of basic conditions for the Mitsunobu reaction allows for the reaction to proceed efficiently without the formation of the undesired silyl ethers.
Illness anxiety predicts higher mental strain and vaccine willingness—A nine‐wave longitudinal study during the first 1.5 years of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Bendau Antonia , Petzold Moritz Bruno , Plag Jens , Asselmann Eva , Ströhle Andreas
Published: May 2023

Illness anxiety may amplify vulnerability to psychopathological symptoms during the COVID‐19‐pandemic—perhaps especially at the beginning of the pandemic and during high infection waves, but empirical evidence on this is lacking. In addition, considering a potentially functional facet of it, illness anxiety might be associated with higher vaccine willingness. We analyzed data of a nine‐wave longitudinal online‐survey (March 2020–October 2021) with 8148 non‐probability sampled adults of the general population in Germany (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04331106). Using multilevel analysis, we investigated longitudinal associations of dimensionally assessed illness anxiety (worry about illness, bodily preoccupation) with mental strain and vaccine willingness and considered the dynamic of the pandemic (i.e., duration and infection rates). Higher worry about illness and bodily preoccupation were associated with higher COVID‐19‐related fears, unspecific anxiety, depressive symptoms, and vaccine willingness. Vaccine willingness increased over time and in parallel to higher infection rates. Symptoms of mental strain decreased with continuing duration of the pandemic but increased when infection rates inclined. This decrease and increase, respectively, was steeper in individuals with higher illness anxiety. Our findings suggest that individuals with higher illness anxiety are more vulnerable to experience psychopathological symptoms during the ongoing pandemic, particularly at its beginning and during times of high infection rates. Thus, illness anxiety and associated symptoms should be targeted by adaptive measures. The fluctuation of symptoms parallel to the pandemic situation implies that support should be particularly issued at the beginning of extraordinary situations as well as during phases of high infection rates.
Defect‐Healing Induced Monoclinic Iron‐Based Prussian Blue Analogs as High‐Performance Cathode Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Peng Jian , Huang Jiaqi , Gao Yun , Qiao Yun , Dong Huanhuan , Liu Yang , Li Li , Wang Jiazhao , Dou Shixue , Chou Shulei
Published: May 2023

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) have attracted wide interest as a class of ideal cathodes for rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and facile synthesis. Herein, a series of highly crystalline Fe‐based PBAs (FeHCF) cubes, where HCF stands for the hexacyanoferrate, is synthesized via a one‐step pyrophosphate‐assisted co‐precipitation method. By applying this proposed facile crystallization‐controlled method to slow down the crystallization process and suppress the defect content of the crystal framework of the PBAs, the as‐prepared materials demonstrate high crystallization and a sodium‐rich induced rhombohedral phase. As a result, the as prepared FeHCF can deliver a high specific capacity of up to 152.0 mA h g−1 (achieving ≈90% of its theoretical value) and an excellent rate capability with a high‐capacity retention ratio of 88% at 10 C, which makes it one of the most competitive candidates among the cathodes reported regarding both capacity and rate performance. A highly reversible three‐phase‐transition sodium‐ion storage mechanism has been revealed via multiple in situ techniques. Furthermore, the full cells fabricated with as‐prepared cathode and commercial hard carbon anode exhibit excellent compatibility which shows great prospects for application in the large‐scale energy storage systems.
Characterization Tools to Probe Degradation Mechanisms in Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Souk Y. , Kumachang Cyril C. F. , Doumon Nutifafa Y.
Published: May 2023

Organic solar cells (OSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising due to their low cost and potential for renewable solar energy conversion. They are compatible with many substrates and varied deposition techniques, including solution processing. They can be coupled with other solar cell types in tandem and multijunction structures. Despite these great attributes and advancements in power conversion efficiencies over the years, they suffer from severe degradation, leading to low lifetime. In terms of research, their stability studies lag. One reason is the complexity of degradation studies and, sometimes, the lack of adequate tools to do an in‐depth probe. Another reason is the lack of comprehensive literature on metrologies’ appropriateness for this kind of study. Although there are reviews on stability and improvement in the efficiency of devices, they focus either on the degradation mechanisms or efforts to use specific tools. There is little on comprehensive characterization tools for their degradation studies. Herein, the experimental tools and techniques researchers use in general to probe degradation in OSCs and PSCs are studied. This review is intended as a starting point and a go‐to material for current and future researchers and (under‐)graduate students interested in stability studies.
An infinite family of w1+∞ invariant theories on the celestial sphere
Authors: Banerjee Shamik , Kulkarni Harshal , Paul Partha
Published: May 2023

Abstract

In this note we determine the graviton-graviton OPE and the null states in any w1+∞ symmetric theory on the celestial sphere. Our analysis shows that there exists a discrete infinite family of such theories. The MHV-sector and the quantum self dual gravity are two members of this infinite family. Although the Bulk Lagrangian description of this family of theories is not currently known to us, the graviton scattering amplitudes in these theories are heavily constrained due to the existence of null states. Presumably they are exactly solvable in the same way as the minimal models of 2-D CFT.
Modulatory effect of liraglutide on doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity and behavioral abnormalities in rats: role of testicular-brain axis
Authors: Alafifi Shorouk A. , Wahdan Sara A. , Elhemiely Alzahraa A. , Elsherbiny Doaa A. , Azab Samar S.
Published: May 2023

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a powerful chemotherapeutic agent used in many types of malignancies. However, its use results in testicular damage. DOX-induced testicular damage results in low level of serum testosterone which may affect cognitive function. The current study investigated the protective effect of liraglutide (50, 100 μg/kg/day) in testicular toxicity and the consequent cognitive impairment induced by DOX. DOX treatment reduced sperm count (62%) and sperm motility (53%) and increased sperm abnormalities (786%), as compared to control group. DOX also reduced serum testosterone level (85%) and the gene expression of testicular 3β-HSD (68%) and 17β-HSD (82%). Moreover, it increased testicular oxidative stress (MDA and GSH) by 103% and 59%, respectively, apoptotic (caspase-3 and P53) by 996% and 480%, respectively. In addition, DOX resulted in increasing autophagic markers including PAKT, mTOR, and LC3 by 48%, 56%, and 640%, respectively. Additionally, rats’ behavior in Y-maze (60%) and passive avoidance task (85%) was disrupted. The histopathological results of testis and brain supported the biochemical findings. Treatment with liraglutide (100 μg/kg/day) significantly abrogated DOX-induced testicular damage by restoring testicular architecture, increasing sperm count (136%) and sperm motility (106%), and decreasing sperm abnormalities (84%) as compared to DOX group. Furthermore, liraglutide increased serum testosterone (500%) and steroidogenesis enzymes 3β-HSD (105%) and 17β-HSD (181%) along with suppressing oxidative stress (MDA and GSH) by 23% and 85%, respectively; apoptotic (caspase-3 and P53) by 59% and55%, respectively; and autophagic markers including PAKT, mTOR, and LC3 by 48%, 97%, and 60%, respectively. Moreover, it enhanced the memory functions in passive avoidance and Y-maze tests (132%). In conclusion, liraglutide is a putative agent for protection against DOX-induced testicular toxicity and cognitive impairment through its antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiautophagic effects.
The history of phytolith research in Australasian archaeology and palaeoecology
Authors: Turnbull Molly , Parker Adrian G. , Jankowski Nathan R.
Published: May 2023

Although phytolith research has come of age in archaeology and palaeoecology internationally, it has remained relatively marginalised from mainstream practice in Australasia. The region’s initial isolation from international scientific communities and uniqueness of its vegetation communities, has led to an exclusive set of challenges and interruptions in phytolith research. Examining a history of Australasian phytolith research presents the opportunity to recognise developments that have made phytoliths a powerful tool in reconstructing past environments and human uses of plants. Phytolith research arrived early in Australia (1903), after a convoluted journey from Germany (1835–1895) and Europe (1895–1943), but phytoliths were initially misidentified as sponge spicules (1931–1959). Formal understanding of phytoliths and their applications began in Australasia during the late 1950s, continuing throughout the 1960s and 1970s (1959–1980). After a brief hiatus, the modern period of phytolith analyses in Australasian archaeological and palaeoenvironmental research began in the 1980s (1984–1992), focusing on investigating the deep past. Advancements continued into the 1990s and early 2000s. Wallis and Hart declared in 2003 that Australian phytolith research had finally come of age, but more a fitting description would be that it had peaked. Since then phytolith research in Australasia slowed down considerably (2005-present). Local phytolith reference collections for Australasian flora, critical for identifying ancient phytoliths, are essentially no longer produced.