bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting the occupancy of Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla) suggest a highly specialized ecological niche
Authors: Dhami Bijaya , Neupane Bijaya , Devkota Bishnu Prasad , Maraseni Tek , Sadadev Bipana Maiya , Bista Shreyashi , Adhikari Amit , Chhetri Nar Bahadur , Panta Melina , Stewart Alyssa B.
Published: January 2023

The Chinese pangolin is a critically endangered and biologically unique species, yet information on its status, distribution, and habitat preferences is still scarce in Nepal, which limits effective conservation action. This study identified the current burrow density status, distribution pattern, and important habitat parameters associated with Chinese pangolin distribution in Nepal through opportunistic field surveys. Fifty‐four belt transects were examined for the presence of pangolin burrows. For each active burrow (burrow with freshly dug soil, footprints, and scat near the entrance) and old burrow (burrow with compacted soil, presence of dead leaves, and spider web in the entrance), we recorded the geographic coordinates and assessed data on 11 habitat parameters that included elevation, aspect, slope, canopy cover, ground cover, presence or absence of ant and termite colonies, habitat type, soil type, and distances to the nearest water source, road, and settlement. A total of 141 active burrows and 430 old burrows were recorded with an overall clumped distribution . Active burrow density was estimated to be 1.04 burrows/ha. Of the 11 habitat parameters predicted to influence the probability of encountering pangolin burrows, all parameters were significant except elevation. More than 92% of the burrows were found at elevations between 450 and 750 m and facing either the SE or NW aspect. Similarly, about 90% of the burrows were distributed in areas having slopes between 0% and 30% with moderate to high canopy and ground cover, and located close to water sources, roads, and settlements. Additionally, they strongly preferred forest habitats (with Shorea robusta, Castanopsis indica, Schima wallichii, Clerodendron infortunatum, and Nephrolepis auriculata as the dominant vegetation), areas with red soil, and areas located near ant and termite colonies. Although the study area currently provides suitable habitat for Chinese pangolins, it is slowly being degraded due to increasing rates of forest degradation. Conservation efforts should be increased in order to protect this critically endangered species and their preferred habitats. Finally, our findings reveal the preferred habitat characteristics of Chinese pangolins, which could be instrumental for policy makers and forest managers in making conservation plans for Chinese pangolins.
Narrow Band Gap Compounds with β‐Pyrochlore Structure in the A2O‐V2O5‐2TeO3 (A=Rb, Cs) System
Authors: Fukina Diana G. , Shotina Valeria A. , Boryakov Aleksey V. , Telegin Sergey V. , Volkova Natalia S. , Koroleva Aleksandra V. , Zhizhin Evgeny V. , Suleimanov Evgeny V.
Published: January 2023

Two new isostructural compounds with composition of Rb+V3+0.125V5+0.625Te6+1.25O6 and Cs+V3+0.125V5+0.625Te6+1.25O6 have been synthesized by solid‐state reaction. The crystal structure has been determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis using Rietveld refinement. Both compounds possess β‐pyrochlore structure‐type with cubic space group Fd‐3 m (Z=8); the unit cell parameters: a=10.04120(27) Å for RbV0.75Te1.25O6 Å and a=10.09119(23) Å for CsV0.75Te1.25O6. The oxidation states of vanadium and tellurium have been confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The compounds contain vanadium in mixed valence state (3+ and 5+). The compounds possess the unusual narrow band gap for oxide compounds – in the infrared (IR) range (∼0.6 eV). The schematic electronic structure of the compounds has been estimated using XPS, UPS and electronic conductivity data; however, the shifts of the top of the valence edge and the bottom of the conduction band in the water conditions have been calculated using theoretical approximation. The thermal behavior of obtained compounds has been studied by differential thermal analysis. RbV0.75Te1.25O6 and CsV0.75Te1.25O6 melts at low temperatures (∼500 °C) with decomposition and weight loss. The RbV0.75Te1.25O6 powder decomposes to amorphous phase, whereas CsV0.75Te1.25O6 transform into new β‐pyrochlore compound with another composition.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Regioselective 1,2‐Hydrosilylation of N‐Heteroarenes
Authors: Ma Xinyuan , Mane Manoj V. , Cavallo Luigi , Nolan Steven P.
Published: January 2023

An efficient method for the regioselective 1,2‐hydrosilylation of N‐heteroarenes is reported utilizing silanes as the hydride donor. The ruthenium complex [RuCl(PPh3)2(η5‐(3‐phenylindenylidene))], a versatile catalyst is, for the first time, employed in this catalytic reaction. The catalyst displays high catalytic efficiency at low loading and operates under mild conditions. This catalytic approach showcases high compatibility and regioselectivity with quinolines bearing different substituents and related N‐ heterocyclic compounds. The mechanism of this transformation was probed by performing stoichiometric reactions and examined using DFT calculations.
A systematic review on resource provisioning in fog computing
Authors: Kaur Kirandeep , Singh Arjan , Sharma Anju
Published: January 2023

Resource provisioning is allocating resources to clients over the Internet and plays a prominent role in cloud computing infrastructure‐as‐a‐service (IaaS). The main issues of resource provisioning are meeting user demands like bandwidth, response time, throughput, availability, and so on. The cloud computing framework uses virtualization technology to provide on‐demand access to computer system resources, specifically computation and storage. In cloud computing, computing resources are shared across another communication network using virtualization. However, the cloud computing mechanism cannot meet the needs of a large number of Internet of Things (IoT) services. To consider this, fog computing was introduced as a modified mechanism of the cloud paradigm by providing cloud services for the end devices. Fog computing is a decentralized computing model placed between devices, edges, data centers or the cloud. In this way, it helps to meet the demands initiated by IoT services, such as reduced latency, wide mobility coverage, and so on. Several solutions regarding resource allocation in fog computing are available in the research field, but such solutions have not achieved satisfactory results. Therefore, finding a solution by analyzing recent problems is open research. Therefore, this paper reviews different methods established for resource provisioning in fog computing using different parameters from 2015 to 2021 and introduces the limitations, advantages and future directions related to different resource provisioning techniques.
Sarcomatoid renal cell tumor harboring a novel BYSL::TFEB fusion with concurrent TFEB amplification
Authors: Lin Ruihe , Flerova Elizaveta , Wamsley Christine E. , McCue Peter A. , Lallas Costas D. , Jiang Wei , Huang Jialing , Wang Zi‐Xuan , Li Li
Published: January 2023

Transcription factor EB (TFEB)‐rearranged renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exhibits diverse gene fusion patterns and heterogeneous clinicopathologic features. Rare TFEB‐amplified RCCs have been described recently and are associated with a more aggressive clinical course. Herein, we report a case of an 86‐year‐old man with a solid 9.2‐cm kidney tumor that showed a diffuse high‐grade sarcomatoid morphology. The tumor demonstrated a novel BYSL::TFEB fusion containing exons 1–2 of the BYSL gene fused to exons 3–10 of TFEB via next‐generation sequencing by using NextSeq sequencer. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies displayed concurrent high‐copy number TFEB amplification in two distinct patterns, a balanced increase of 5′ and 3′ copies, and solely increased 5′ copies, and mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) gene amplification by using TFEB (6p21.1) dual‐color break‐apart probe and MDM2 FISH probe. Notably, the tumor showed a distinctive immunoprofile with overexpressions of TFEB, epithelial membrane antigen, Cathepsin K, and PDL‐1 (SP263). FISH test for transcription factor binding to IGHM enhancer 3 (TFE3) was negative for rearrangement and corresponding immunonegativity of TFE3. These findings not only expand the repertoire of known TFEB fusion partners implicated in tumorigenesis, but also may provide novel information for target therapy.
Retracted: Gut microbiota and COVID‐19: A systematic review
Authors: SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Afzalian Arian , Pashaei Zahra , Varshochi Sanaz , Karimi Amirali , Mojdeganlou Hengameh , Mojdeganlou Paniz , Razi Armin , Ghanadinezhad Farzaneh , Shojaei Alireza , Amiri Ava , Dashti Mohsen , Ghasemzadeh Afsaneh , Dadras Omid , Mehraeen Esmaeil , Afsahi Amir Masoud
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims

Alteration in humans' gut microbiota was reported in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The gut and upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota harbor a dynamic and complex population of microorganisms and have strong interaction with host immune system homeostasis. However, our knowledge about microbiota and its association with SARS‐CoV‐2 is still limited. We aimed to systematically review the effects of gut microbiota on the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and its severity and the impact that SARS‐CoV‐2 could have on the gut microbiota.

Methods

We searched the keywords in the online databases of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane on December 31, 2021. After duplicate removal, we performed the screening process in two stages; title/abstract and then full‐text screening. The data of the eligible studies were extracted into a pre‐designed word table. This study adhered to the PRISMA checklist and Newcastle−Ottawa Scale Bias Assessment tool.

Results

Sixty‐three publications were included in this review. Our study shows that among COVID‐19 patients, particularly moderate to severe cases, the gut and lung microbiota was different compared to healthy individuals. In addition, the severity, and viral load of COVID‐19 disease would probably also be influenced by the gut, and lung microbiota's composition.

Conclusion

Our study concludes that there was a significant difference in the composition of the URT, and gut microbiota in COVID‐19 patients compared to the general healthy individuals, with an increase in opportunistic pathogens. Further, research is needed to investigate the probable bidirectional association of COVID‐19 and human microbiome.
Comprehensive analysis of radiation impact on the transfer of heat and mass micropolar MHD free convective fluid flow across a stretching permeability sheet with suction/injection
Authors: Saidulu B. , Reddy K. Sreeram
Published: January 2023

As part of our research, we investigate the analysis influence of radiation on heat and mass transfer free convection of micropolar MHD fluids over a stretched porosity sheet involving suction and injection. The governing energy, rotational momentum, and concentration and momentum partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equation ones via a similarity transformation. This system of equations is then solved by using MATLAB's built‐in solver. The Sherwood numbers, Nusselt, friction factor, wall couple shear stress, and dimensionless profiles are all influenced by the various physical parameters of the flow. When the material parameter is increased, velocity rises but decreases when the magnetic parameter and surface condition factor are increased.
Co‐drug development of gallic acid and metformin targeting the pro‐inflammatory cytokines for the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Sharma Kalicharan , Sachan Richa , Alhayyani Sultan , Al‐abbasi Fahd A. , Singh Richa , Anwar Firoz
Published: January 2023

It is well‐documented that pro‐inflammatory cytokines and inflammation play a significant role in the expansion of cancer disease. Gallic acid (GA), a natural compound, and metformin (Met), a synthetic drug exhibit potent anticancer potential via the distinct molecular mechanism. However, whether both these compounds can act synergistically to preclude and treat cancer is still unknown. This prompted us to scrutinize, the synergism between GA and Met, and that of a new co‐drug synthesizing of GA and Met (GA‐Met) and investigated the chemo‐protective effect against breast cancer with possible intervention of cytokines. In vivo studies were based on chemical carcinogenesis, challenging breast tissue by dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA). Tumour incidence, tumour burden, pro‐inflammatory cytokines in serum, breast, hepatic tissue, macroscopically and histological analysis of mammary tumours were carried out and estimated. GA, Met and GA‐Met co‐drug exhibited the inhibition of cell proliferation; higher reduction of cell proliferation was observed by GA‐Met. The inhibitory effect of GA‐Met was linked to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, along with induction of apoptosis and accumulation in the sub‐G1 phase. GA‐Met significantly inhibited the cytokines production along with protection against DMBA‐induced hyperplasia. Taken altogether, the current result suggests that GA‐Met co‐drug endows a safe and protective effect against cancer metastasis and can possibly use for the treatment of human breast cancer.
Electronic and magnetic properties of TATA‐DNA sequence driven by chemical functionalization
Authors: Salgado‐Blanco Daniel , Flores‐Saldaña Diana S. M. , Jaimes‐Miranda Fabiola , López‐Urías Florentino
Published: January 2023

The TATA box is a promoter sequence able to interact directly with the components of the basal transcription initiation machinery. We investigate the changes in the electronic and magnetic properties of a TATA‐DNA sequence when functionalized with different chemical groups; using the first‐principles density functional theory specifically, the TATA‐DNA sequences were functionalized with methyl groups (CH3, methylation), amino groups (NH2, amination), imine groups (NH, imination), chloroamine groups (NCl2, chloramination), H‐adatom (hydrogenation), and Cl‐adatom (chlorination). The functional groups were anchored at nitrogen atoms from adenine and oxygen atoms from thymine at sites pointed as reactive regions. We demonstrated that chemical functionalization induces significant changes in charge transfer, hydrogen bond distance, and hydrogen bond energy. The hydrogenation and imination increased the hydrogen bond energy. Results also revealed that the chemical functionalization of DNA molecules exhibit a ferromagnetic ground state, reaching magnetization up to 4.665 μB and complex magnetic ordering. We further demonstrated that the functionalization could induce tautomerism (proton migration in the base pair systems). The present study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the functionalization further into DNA molecules and visualizing possible future applications.
A simple and low‐cost method to visualize musculature and other aspects of anatomy by confocal microscopy
Authors: Petrov Anatoly A. , Soldatenko Elena V.
Published: January 2023

Confocal microscopy study of musculature and other anatomical structures in whole‐mount preparations of arthropods and some other cuticle‐bearing animals often presents a significant difficulty because the cuticle poses a barrier to fluorescent dyes and their pigmented tissues can cause attenuation of fluorescent signal. This paper describes a simple and inexpensive procedure based on the use of clove oil as a tissue‐clearing, staining, and mounting medium that helps overcome the problem of slow dye penetration and tissue opaqueness and allows muscles and several other organ systems to be visualized by confocal or epifluorescent microscopy. This clove oil‐induced fluorescence (COIF) method relies on the ability of clove oil to accumulate in muscles and some other tissues and become steadily fluorescent if irradiated at 488 nm. For this method, animals were fixed in 70% ethanol or 4% formaldehyde, then dehydrated and mounted in clove oil. Heavily pigmented animals were additionally bleached in hydrogen peroxide prior to the dehydration step. The COIF method showed excellent results in all major groups of arthropods and some mollusks and annelids revealing the three‐dimensional arrangement of muscles, gonads, glands, cellular nuclei and some parts of the nervous and digestive systems. In the other animal groups tested, clove oil stained all tissues making it difficult to observe the anatomical details. The COIF method is advantageous in some respects over other methods such as phalloidin staining because of its tissue penetration and clearing abilities, low cost of the reagents, resistance to photodamage and the possibility of staining museum specimens.
Phenology, floral and reproductive biology of Dichorisandra rhizantha Aona (Commelinaceae), an endemic endangered species in an Atlantic Forest fragment
Authors: de Almeida Junior Railson Alves Correia , de Souza Everton Hilo , da Costa Grênivel Mota , Rossi Mônica Lanzoni , Bittrich Volker , Amaral Maria do Carmo Estanislau do , Aona Lidyanne Yuriko Saleme
Published: January 2023

Commelinaceae is an important component of the Atlantic Forest and its analysis can provide information on the conservation of that species. This study had the objective of analyzing the phenology and floral and reproductive biology of Dichorisandra rhizantha, growing in an Atlantic Forest fragment, to obtain data related to the form of reproduction and pollination mechanism of this species. We monitored the phenophases and reproductive biology of the D. rhizantha in the area studied using different methodologies and microscopy techniques (LM, SEM and FM). The flowering period occurs during the dry season. The species is andromonoecious and has daytime anthesis (4:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). It has purple zygomorphic flowers and rimose but functionally poricidal anthers. The pollen viability was 97.6% and the two floral morphs investigated contained a large quantity of pollen grains. The time of greatest stigma receptivity (anthesis) coincided with the pollen viability. Cross‐pollination was the only efficient reproductive system of the species, with observation of gametophytic self‐incompatibility and pollen tubes growth only as far as the middle or lower third of the pistil. We observed bee species of the genera Xylocopa and Euglossa visiting the flowers and acting as effective pollinators. The immature fruits were formed after about 3.25 ± 1 days, and the presence was noted of ants of the genus Cephalotes acting as dispersers of the seeds, with aril serving as the reward. Although the natural reproductive system is efficient, D. rhizantha is endangered, mainly due to fragmentation of habitat caused by deforestation and urban encroachment.
Africa's lockdown dilemma: High poverty and low trust
Authors: Egger Eva‐Maria , Jones Sam , Justino Patricia , Manhique Ivan , Santos Ricardo
Published: January 2023

As the COVID‐19 pandemic unfolded, sub‐Saharan African countries faced the dilemma of how to minimize viral transmission without adversely affecting the poor. This study proposes an index of lockdown readiness, taking into account housing conditions and income security, and analyses how this predicts the pandemic responses of governments. Drawing on Afrobarometer data, we document that less than two in 10 urban households were fully ready for a lockdown and that neither institutional nor community trust levels offset this challenge. We find that the prior degree of lockdown readiness was predictive of the stringency of restrictions adopted but not of social unrest.
The characteristics and evolution process of presummer intense regional rainfall over the Pearl River Delta metropolitan region
Authors: Li Yuping , Lu Xi , Xiang Kunlun , Jiang Mingnuo
Published: January 2023

The presummer intense regional rainfall events (RREs) over the Pearl River Delta (PRD) metropolitan region have been defined using rainy stations, maximum instantaneous regional rainfall coefficient (RRCt) and maximum rainfall intensity based on the rain gauge data from 2008 to 2017. Most of intense RREs with the maximum rainfall intensity about 20–60 mm·h−1 and the lifetime shorter than 24 h have the primary rainfall peak from noon to afternoon. Based on the rainfall pattern at 3 h prior to the events start, the intense RREs can be classified into two groups that one is southeastward propagation mode originating from the northwestern mountains of PRD and another is coastal mode from South China Sea (SCS). During the premonsoon‐onset period, the first type of RREs is the main mode causing the heavy rain in the cities of the inland region owing to the anomalous cold air from north confronting the wet and warm air from south with the increased southwesterly winds resulting in the strengthening frontal zone and moisture convergence. After the summer monsoon onset, the main rainfall pattern changes to the coastal mode having the significant impact on the coastal cities. The obvious anomalous cyclonic circulation related with the increased moisture convergence in the coastal regions providing the favourable conditions of the convection initiation and development. The study of the characteristics and evolution process of preceding intense RREs can improve the forecasting skills and reduce the risk of urban inundation.
Application of highly ozonated sunflower oil does not improve palatal wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Loureiro Bruno B. , Juber Paola , Souza Alessandra A. , Cezario Edson M. , Lima‐Junior Josué C. , Fontes Karla Bianca F. C. , Soares Isabela F. , Zuza Elizangela P.
Published: January 2023

Background

Ozone is a molecule that plays an important role in dentistry, specially for wound healing. The aim of the present study was to clinically and immunologically evaluate the effect of ozonated oil on the healing of palatal wounds.

Methods

This is a prospective, longitudinal, triple‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. The groups were divided as follows: Test group (n = 14): after removal of the free gingival graft (FGG), the palatal wound was treated with ozonized seed sunflower oil with a peroxide index between 510 and 625 meq O2/kg; Control group (n = 14): after removal of the FGG, the palatal wound was treated with non‐ozonated sunflower oil (placebo). The treatments were applied three times a day, for 7 days.

Results

There were no significant differences in the measurements of wound area (mm2) between the test and control groups in the different periods evaluated (0, 3, 7, and 14 days; p > 0.05). The intra‐group analysis showed a significant decrease in wound size over the course of days (0, 3, 7, and 14 days; p < 0.05). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; pg/mL) presented a significant reduction at 7 days (p < 0.05) compared to day 3 in the test group (p < 0.05). There was a statistical difference for malondialdehyde (MDA; pg/mL) in the test group between 3 and 7 days post‐treatment (p < 0.05) and between test and control groups on the 7th day (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The application of highly ozonated sunflower oil did not improve the remaining scar area of the palate, decreasing the VEGF and increasing the oxidative stress marker MDA.
Passive layer investigation on tin and tin solder alloys
Authors: Schneider Michael , Langklotz Ulrike , Körsten Oliver , Gierth Uta
Published: January 2023

The present work investigates the passive film formation and properties on tin and tin solder alloys in weakly acidic nitrate solution by using conventional electrochemical methods as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky analysis. It is observed that the influence of the main alloying elements, antimony and copper, positively influences the formation and properties of native oxide films on the respective alloys. If the oxide film is anodically formed, the process can be interpreted as a high‐field mechanism. In this case, antimony, as well as copper, increases the electron conductivity of the anodic formed layers analogous to the transparent conducting oxide layers (e.g., ATO layers).
Stretchable Polyaniline@Epoxidized Natural Rubber Composites with Strong 3D Conductive Networks for High Performance Strain Sensors
Authors: Gao Yifei , Sun Jinyu , Tian Xiaohui , Yuan Yizhong
Published: January 2023

Flexible strain sensors are one of the core devices in wearable electronics. At present, it is still difficult to develop flexible strain sensors with high stretchability, sensitivity, and long‐term stability. In this study, polyaniline (PANI) is successfully coated onto the surface of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) nanospheres to form the PANI@ENR composites with core–shell structure by in situ polymerization. At PANI content of 5 wt% (PANI/ENR), the optimally conductive networks of PANI endow the composites with excellent comprehensive properties. The strain‐sensing tests show that the PANI@ENR composites possess two successive linear sensing ranges (gauge factor of 7.3 in 0–400% strain, gauge factor of 1.8 in 400–1000% strain) and excellent cycling stability (over 2500 cycles at 0–50% strain). In addition, PANI@ENR‐based strain sensors can monitor the movements of human finger joints, elbow joints, and knee joints in real time, indicating a wide range of potential applications in wearable flexible electronics.
Reversible Molecular Capture and Release in Microfluidics by Host–Guest Interactions in Hydrogel Microdots
Authors: Jiao Chen , Liubimtsev Nikolai , Zagradska‐Paromova Zlata , Appelhans Dietmar , Gaitzsch Jens , Voit Brigitte
Published: January 2023

The integration of microscopic hydrogels with high specific surface area and physically reactive groups into microfluidic systems for selective molecular interactions is attracting increasing attention. Herein, the reversible capture and release of molecules through host–guest interactions of hydrogel dots in a microfluidic device is reported, which translates the supramolecular chemistry to the microscale conditions under continuous flow. Polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel arrays with grafted β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)  modified poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) (CD‐PMOXA) chains are fabricated by photopolymerization and integrated into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐on‐glass chip. The β‐CD/adamantane (β‐CD/Ada) host–guest complex is confirmed by two dimensional Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy NMR (2D NOESY NMR) prior to transfer to microfluidics. Ada‐modified molecules are successfully captured by host–guest interaction formed between the CD‐PMOXA grafted chains in the hydrogel network and the guest molecule in the solution. Furthermore, the captured molecules are released by perfusing free β‐CD with higher binding affinity than those grafted in the hydrogel array. A small guest molecule adamantane‐fluorescein‐isothiocyanate (Ada‐FITC) and a macromolecular guest molecule (Ada‐PMOXA‐Cyanine 5 (Cy5)) are separately captured and released for three times with a release ratio up to 46% and 92%, respectively. The reproducible capture and release of functional molecules with different sizes demonstrates the stability of this hydrogel system in microfluidics and will provide an opportunity for future applications.
Theoretical research of chalcogenide waveguide CH4 sensor based on lift‐off method
Authors: Liu Yang , Pi Mingquan , Zheng Chuantao
Published: January 2023

Chalcogenide (ChG) waveguide gas sensor with good application prospect at mid‐infrared band can be fabricated by the lift‐off method with a simple process. However, the inclined sidewalls of the core layer caused by lift‐off are unavoidable. The TE and TM mode ChG rectangular waveguides were optimized and the influence of inclined angle on the sensing performance was studied. The performance of TE mode ChG waveguide is more affected by the fabrication error of the inclined angle. The relative variation of the external confinement factor and limit of detection of the TM mode waveguide are 10 and 23 times smaller than that of the TE mode waveguide. This work provides guidance for the design, fabrication, and application of the ChG waveguide gas sensors fabricated by the lift‐off method.
A markerless beam's eye view motion monitoring algorithm based on structure conversion and demons registration in medical image with partial data
Authors: Qiu Minmin , Guan Qi , Zhong Jiajian , Huang Taiming , Luo Ning , Deng Yongjin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To propose a markerless beam's eye view (BEV) motion monitoring algorithm, which works with the inferior quality megavolt (MV) images with multi‐leaf collimator (MLC) occlusion‐compatible.

Methods

A thorax phantom was used to verify the accuracy of the algorithm. Lung tumor quality assurance (QA) plans were generated for the phantom, and delivered 10 times on the linear accelerator with manually treatment offsets in various directions. The algorithm was used to register 753 electronic portal imaging device (EPID) images with the appropriate digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR), calculating a registration offset that was compared with the actual offset to determine the monitoring errors. Image similarity measure was used as an independent check. Additionally, patient data of 21 lung tumor treatment plans were gathered. A total of 533 pairs of patient images were acquired for motion monitoring study, to offer quantifiable data of the tumor position change during treatment.

Results

The monitoring algorithm can process various degrees (10%–80%) of image loss, and performs well when dealing with non‐rigid registration for partial data images. About 86.8% of the monitoring errors are less than 3 mm in the algorithm verification of the phantom study, and about 80% of the errors are under than 2 mm. Normalized Mutual Information (NMI) of phantom images changes from 1.182 ± 0.026 to 1.202 ± 0.027, with p < 0.005, and the Hausdorff‐Distance (HD) changes from 3.506 ± 0.417 mm to 3.466 ± 0.473 mm, with p < 0.005. Translation with a displacement range of ‐6.0 mm to 6.2 mm is the predominant change of the patient target during treatment. NMI of patient images changes from 1.216 ± 0.031 to 1.225 ± 0.031, with p < 0.005, and HD changes from 3.131 ± 0.876 mm to 3.118 ± 0.038 mm, with p < 0.005. The dice index of target before and after registration is 0.264 ± 0.336, indicating the presence of non‐negligible non‐rigid deformation.

Conclusions

The study provides a robust markerless motion monitoring algorithm for multi‐modal, partial data and inferior quality image processing.
A novel mixed and energy‐momentum consistent framework for coupled nonlinear thermo‐electro‐elastodynamics
Authors: Franke Marlon , Zähringer Felix , Hille Moritz , Ortigosa Rogelio , Betsch Peter , Gil Antonio J.
Published: January 2023

A novel mixed framework and energy‐momentum consistent integration scheme in the field of coupled nonlinear thermo‐electro‐elastodynamics is proposed. The mixed environment is primarily based on a framework for elastodynamics in the case of polyconvex strain energy functions. For this elastodynamic framework, the properties of the so‐called tensor cross product are exploited to derive a mixed formulation via a Hu‐Washizu type extension of the strain energy function. Afterwards, a general path to incorporate nonpotential problems for mixed formulations is demonstrated. To this end, the strong form of the mixed framework is derived and supplemented with the energy balance as well as Maxwell's equations neglecting magnetic and time dependent effects. By additionally choosing an appropriate energy function, this procedure leads to a fully coupled thermo‐electro‐elastodynamic formulation which benefits from the properties of the underlying mixed framework. In addition, the proposed mixed framework facilitates the design of a new energy‐momentum consistent time integration scheme by employing discrete derivatives in the sense of Gonzalez. A one‐step integration scheme of second‐order accuracy is obtained which is shown to be stable even for large time steps. Eventually, the performance of the novel formulation is demonstrated in several numerical examples.
Real‐time control of connected vehicles in signalized corridors using pseudospectral convex optimization
Authors: Shi Yang , Wang Zhenbo , LaClair Tim J. , Wang Chieh (Ross) , Shao Yunli
Published: January 2023

Recent advances in Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies have opened up new opportunities to enable safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation systems. However, developing reliable and rapid speed control algorithms in highly dynamic environments with complex inter‐vehicle interactions and nonlinear vehicle dynamics is still a daunting task. In this paper, we develop a novel speed control method for CAVs to produce optimal speed profiles that minimize the fuel consumption and avoid idling at signalized intersections. To this end, an optimal control problem is formulated using the information of the upcoming traffic signal to adapt vehicles' speeds to avoid frequent stop‐and‐go driving patterns. By applying the pseudospectral discretization method and the sequential convex programming method, the computational efficiency is greatly improved, enabling potential real‐time on‐vehicle applications. In addition, the algorithm is implemented under a model predictive control framework to ensure online control with instant response for collision avoidance and robust vehicle coordination. The proposed algorithm is verified through numerical simulations of three different traffic scenarios. The convergence and accuracy of the proposed approach are demonstrated by comparing with a popular nonlinear solver. Furthermore, the benefit of the proposed method in both traffic mobility and fuel efficiency is validated using the speed profile determined from a traffic following model in a simulation software as the baseline.
Artificial intelligence‐based digital scores of stromal tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour‐associated stroma predict disease‐specific survival in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Albusayli Rawan , Graham J Dinny , Pathmanathan Nirmala , Shaban Muhammad , Raza Shan E Ahmed , Minhas Fayyaz , Armes Jane E , Rajpoot Nasir
Published: January 2023

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known to have a relatively poor outcome with variable prognoses, raising the need for more informative risk stratification. We investigated a set of digital, artificial intelligence (AI)‐based spatial tumour microenvironment (sTME) features and explored their prognostic value in TNBC. After performing tissue classification on digitised haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides of TNBC cases, we employed a deep learning‐based algorithm to segment tissue regions into tumour, stroma, and lymphocytes in order to compute quantitative features concerning the spatial relationship of tumour with lymphocytes and stroma. The prognostic value of the digital features was explored using survival analysis with Cox proportional hazard models in a cross‐validation setting on two independent international multi‐centric TNBC cohorts: The Australian Breast Cancer Tissue Bank (AUBC) cohort (n = 318) and The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Cancer (TCGA) cohort (n = 111). The proposed digital stromal tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (Digi‐sTILs) score and the digital tumour‐associated stroma (Digi‐TAS) score were found to carry strong prognostic value for disease‐specific survival, with the Digi‐sTILs and Digi‐TAS scores giving C‐index values of 0.65 (p = 0.0189) and 0.60 (p = 0.0437), respectively, on the TCGA cohort as a validation set. Combining the Digi‐sTILs feature with the patient's positivity status for axillary lymph nodes yielded a C‐index of 0.76 on unseen validation cohorts. We surmise that the proposed digital features could potentially be used for better risk stratification and management of TNBC patients. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Mechanical, DMA, and fatigue behavior of Vitis vinifera stalk cellulose Bambusa vulgaris fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Kaliappan S. , Velumayil Ramesh , Natrayan L. , Pravin P.
Published: January 2023

This investigation aimed to determine the effect of adding Vitis vinifera stalk cellulose (VSC) to epoxy resin composites reinforced with Bambusa vulgaris fiber (BVF). This study also focused on the mechanical, dynamic mechanical analysis, and fatigue properties of epoxy composites fabricated using VSC and BVF. The composite laminates were prepared using a hand layup method and were evaluated with respect to the corresponding ASTM standards. The mechanical properties illustrate that the increment in values for tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, Izod impact as well as hardness maximum up to 162 MPa, 6.21 GPa, 182 MPa, 6.48 GPa, 5.72 J, and 90 shore‐D, respectively for 5.0 vol% of BVF and 40 vol% of bamboo fiber composite designation EBG3 (Epoxy + Bamboo + Grape cellulose). Similarly, the addition of BVF by 40 vol% improved the storage modulus, loss factor, and fatigue life count of composite “EB” (Epoxy + Bamboo) by about 2.91 GPa, 0.55 and 19,227, respectively. The highest observed storage modulus and minimum loss factor were about 4.14 GPa and 0.36 for the composite designation “EBG3” as well as the maximum observed fatigue life counts were about 34,227 for the same. These composites with mechanically strong properties with improved thermo‐mechanical properties and fatigue life could be applicable in automotive side door beadings, ballistic resistance defense equipments, sports goods, and also in some of the household gadgets making purposes.
Influence of fiber areal density on mechanical behavior of basalt fiber/epoxy composites under varying loading rates: An experimental and statistical approach
Authors: Biswas Rahul , Sharma Nisha , Singh Kalyan Kumar
Published: January 2023

The stress–strain characteristics and failure behavior of composites are strain rate dependent and affected by the fiber areal density. To elucidate the combined influence of areal density and strain rate on the strength of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (BFRP), an experimental study was conducted on BFRP laminates of two different fiber areal densities, that is, 380 GSM and 200 GSM, having distinct stacking sequence under three different loading rates. Failure modes, failure strength, and Weibull parameters were used to characterize the experimental outcomes. The experiment was carried out to investigate the mechanical responses and associated failure modes at strain rates ranging from quasi‐static 0.1 mm/min to a high strain rate of 10 mm/min. It has been demonstrated that there is a substantial correlation between the fiber areal density, loading rate, and stacking order of BFRP laminates and the increase in maximum flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength. For an increase in the fiber areal density from 200 GSM to 380 GSM flexural strength is increased by 18%–30%, while ILSS strength is increased by 30%–52%. Based on the finding, the asymmetric type‐2 laminate exhibits better properties than the symmetric and asymmetric type‐1 laminates due to the presence of more (0°/90°) laminae at the tensile side of the laminate. Inferring the mechanical characteristics of composite materials and their relationship to strain rate from experimental data required a statistical technique. The statistical analysis and experimental findings demonstrate that the shape parameter and linear coefficient are not reliant on the strain rate.
Preparation of spherical nanocellulose from Gai bamboo and mechanical properties of chitosan/nanocellulose composite
Authors: Do Thi Vi Vi , Tran Ngoc Bao An , Nguyen‐Thai Ngoc Uyen
Published: January 2023

In this study, spherical cellulose nanocrystals have been extracted from Gai bamboo (Bambusa blumeana) fibers by sulfuric acid hydrolysis methods. The removal of amorphous components, lignin, and hemicellulose in raw bamboo fiber and the incorporation of sulfate groups were explored via the changes of bond's vibration in Fourier‐infrared spectra and the decrease of onset temperature of thermogravimetric diagram. The results from transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction revealed that the nanocellulose has a spherical shape with a diameter of 2 to 10 nm and the crystallization index of 70.30% and crystallization degree of 0.77. The improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of the chitosan films loaded with spherical nanocellulose were evaluated. Interestingly, the tensile strength, modulus, and elongation at break for chitosan film loaded with spherical nanocellulose were all increased. The highest value achieved with chitosan film containing nanocellulose of 2 phr. The increase values of tensile strength, modulus and elongation at break were of 63%, 207 MPa, and 30%, respectively. In addition, the moisture absorption of the chitosan film was decreased to 20% indicating that the barrier properties have improved. These improvements illustrated the advancement of nano sized of spherical nanocellulose and the chemical compatibility between nanocellulose and chitosan that resulted in well‐dispersion of nanocellulose in chitosan matrix, developed high performance bionanocomposite.
Development of a method for recycling factory waste carbon fiber prepregs and increasing the added value of the collected material
Authors: Bao Limin , Sun Ye , Ruan Fangtao , Murakami Yasushi , Yu Yaonan
Published: January 2023

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. CFRP prepregs (intermediate products) are generally used in CFRP production, with a large number of prepreg cut‐offs being discarded during cutting processes. There is strong demand for a method for recycling carbon fiber prepreg cut‐offs. This paper proposes a method for recycling such material, which is characterized by low cost and high added value, in order to foster the development of a recycling‐oriented society. We prepare carbon tapes (CTs) by cutting discarded cut‐offs according to their size so as to maximize fiber length. Using a simple water CT dispersion method, we fabricate uniform CT sheets and mold a recycled CT‐reinforced composite (R‐CT‐RC). Sample prototyping and mechanical characteristic testing indicate that this R‐CT‐RC is characterized by low recycling cost and desirable mechanical properties. Recycled CT‐reinforced composite with thermoplastic (R‐CT‐RC/TP), which is prepared by adding thermoplastic resin between CTs, can be re‐molded and therefore readily re‐recycled.
Effect of alkaline treatment on physical, structural, mechanical and thermal properties of Bambusa tulda (Northeast Indian species) based sustainable green composites
Authors: Saha Abir , Kumari Poonam
Published: January 2023

In recent years, sustainable composites have gained increased attention due to various reasons, such as the depletion of non‐renewable resources, environmental sustainability, and the introduction of plastic pollution. The present work aims to develop biocomposites (with a maximum biological content of 61.78%) based on Bambusa tulda fiber and cashew‐nut shell oil‐based bio‐epoxy resin. Different concentrations of NaOH (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) are used to determine the most suitable NaOH concentration for bamboo fiber treatment. The effect of different treatment concentrations on bamboo fiber has been analyzed by performing single‐fiber tensile testing, fiber pull‐out testing, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and atomic force microscopy. The investigation revealed that the 6% NaOH‐treated fiber showed better thermo‐mechanical and interfacial properties. Various fiber weight fractions (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) are used for composite fabrication, and 30% fiber‐loaded composites show the best mechanical properties. The effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of biocomposites was investigated using composites with a 30% fiber weight fraction and different NaOH treatments. It has been reported that 30% fiber weight fraction 6% NaOH treated composites show better tensile strength (132.916 MPa), tensile modulus (6.983 GPa), flexural strength (154.8 MPa), modulus (8.243 GPa), and impact strength (44.06 kJ/m2) with less moist absorption. The developed composites have shown excellent potential for advanced engineering applications when compared with previously reported composites.
Inclusion of sex chromosomes in noninvasive prenatal testing in Asia, Australia, Europe and the USA: A survey study
Authors: Steffensen Ellen Hollands , Skakkebæk Anne , Gadsbøll Kasper , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Westover Thomas , Strange Heather ,   The NIPT‐SCA‐map Study Group, Vogel Ida
Published: January 2023

Objective

To examine the extent to which sex chromosomes are included in current noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and the reporting practices with respect to fetal chromosomal sex and sex chromosome aberrations (SCAs), in addition to an update on the general implementation of NIPT.

Method

A questionnaire addressing the research objectives was distributed by email to fetal medicine and clinical genetics experts in Asia, Australia, Europe and the USA.

Results

Guidelines on NIPT are available in the majority of the included countries. Not all existing guidelines address reporting of fetal chromosomal sex and SCAs. In most settings, NIPT frequently includes sex chromosomes (five Australian states, China, Hong Kong, Israel, Singapore, Thailand, USA and 23 of 31 European countries). This occurs most often by default or when parents wish to know fetal sex. In most settings, a potential SCA is reported by stating the risk hereof as “low” or “high” and/or by naming the SCA. Less than 50% of all pregnant women receive NIPT according to respondents from three Australian states, China, Israel, Singapore, Thailand and 24 of 31 European countries. However, this percentage, the genomic coverage of NIPT and its application as primary or secondary screening vary by setting.

Conclusion

In most of the studied countries/states, NIPT commonly includes sex chromosomes. The reporting practices concerning fetal chromosomal sex and SCAs are diverse and most commonly not addressed by guidelines. In general, NIPT is variably implemented across countries/states.
Comprehensive guidance for antibiotic dosing in obese adults: 2022 update
Authors: Meng Lina , Mui Emily , Ha David R. , Stave Christopher , Deresinski Stan C. , Holubar Marisa
Published: January 2023

Drug dosing in obese patients continues to be challenging due to a lack of high‐quality evidence to guide dosing recommendations. We first published guidance for antibiotic dosing in obese adults in 2017, in which we critically reviewed articles identified from a broad search strategy to develop dosing recommendations for 35 antimicrobials. In this updated narrative review, we searched Pubmed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library using Medical Subject Headings including anti‐infectives, specific generic antimicrobial names, obese, pharmacokinetics, and others. We reviewed 393 articles, cross‐referenced select cited references, and when applicable, referenced drug databases, package inserts, and clinical trial data to update dosing recommendations for 41 antimicrobials. Most included articles were pharmacokinetic studies, other less frequently included articles were clinical studies (mostly small, retrospective), case reports, and very rarely, guidelines. Pharmacokinetic changes are frequently reported, can be variable, and sometimes conflicting in this population, and do not always translate to a documented difference in clinical outcomes, yet are used to inform dosing strategies. Extended infusions, high doses, and therapeutic drug monitoring remain important strategies to optimize dosing in this population. Additional studies are needed to clinically validate proposed dosing strategies, clarify optimal body size descriptors, dosing weight scalars, and estimation method of renal function in obese patients.