bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress of Cyanine Fluorophores for NIR‐II Sensing and Imaging
Authors: Zhou Hui‐Jie , Ren Tian‐Bing
Published: March 2022

The cyanine fluorophores, a kind of classic organic fluorophores, are famous for their high extinction coefficient, simple synthetic route, and relatively long absorption and emission wavelengths. Moreover, the excellent biocompatibility and low toxicity in biological samples make cyanine fluorophores show excellent application value in the biomedical field, especially in Near‐Infrared II (NIR‐II) sensing and imaging. In this review, we briefly outline the history, characteristics, and current state of development of cyanine fluorophores. In particular, we described the application of cyanine fluorophores in NIR‐II sensing and imaging. We hope this review can help researchers grab the latest information in the fast‐growing field of cyanine fluorophores for NIR‐II sensing and imaging.
Do subseasonal forecasts take advantage of Madden–Julian oscillation windows of opportunity?
Authors: Specq Damien , Batté Lauriane
Published: March 2022

This study proposes an objective methodology to highlight windows of opportunity in a numerical subseasonal forecasting system. The methodology is based on a contingency table and is applied to the prediction of heavy tropical precipitation by the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) reforecasts in the November‐to‐April season, in relation with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). As a slowly propagating signal of enhanced convection, the MJO may indicate favorable conditions for heavy precipitation a few weeks ahead in some tropical areas. The combined knowledge of these climatological impacts and the current phase of the MJO at initialization defines observation‐based “climatological windows of opportunity.” We then investigate whether the ECMWF S2S forecasts are indeed more performant when there is increased likelihood of heavy rainfall, that is, whether the model converts “climatological windows of opportunity” into “model windows of opportunity.” Our results show that, by Week 2, this is only verified for a limited number of tropical areas, mostly located in the western Pacific and Africa. Meanwhile, failures to seize the opportunities lie in misplaced MJO impacts, signal loss, or too many false alarms.
Importance of Mass Transport in High Energy Density Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries Under Lean Electrolyte Conditions
Authors: Li Shanglin , Ishikawa Shota , Liu Jiali , Ueno Kazuhide , Dokko Kaoru , Inoue Gen , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: March 2022

The operation of a lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) battery under lean electrolyte conditions is essential for enhancing the energy density to a practical level. It is rather challenging to reduce the amount of electrolyte in Li−S cells because the discharge reactions of sulfur (Li2Sx formation: x=8−1) occur via a fully dissolution/precipitation conversion mechanism in conventional electrolyte solutions. Therefore, the use of sparingly solvating electrolytes has been reported as an effective method to reduce the electrolyte content in Li−S cells. However, the majority of related research to date has been based on the use of an excess amount of electrolyte and low S loading. In this study, we investigated the performance of Li−S cells using cathodes with a relatively high S loading (>4 mg cm−2) under lean electrolyte conditions of sparingly solvating electrolytes. The products of inhomogeneous discharge reactions occurring at the separator side in the Li−S cell cathodes blocked the void spaces of the cathode, and the porosity of the cathode decreased due to the expansion of the active material. In addition, the ion pathway toward the interior parts of the electrode (close to the current collector) was hindered, and further discharge reactions were inhibited. The inhomogeneous discharge reactions could be alleviated by enhancing the transport properties of the electrolyte and adequately maintaining the porous structure of the cathode by incorporating an additive in it. The effects of these changes on the Li−S cell performance were also further confirmed by numerical simulations.
Default mode network connectivity and treatment response in geriatric depression
Authors: Kilpatrick Lisa A. , Krause‐Sorio Beatrix , Siddarth Prabha , Narr Katherine L. , Lavretsky Helen
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Default mode network (DMN) connectivity is altered in depression. We evaluated the relationship between changes in within‐network DMN connectivity and improvement in depression in a subsample of our parent clinical trial comparing escitalopram/memantine (ESC/MEM) to escitalopram/placebo (ESC/PBO) in older depressed adults (NCT01902004).

Methods

Twenty‐six participants with major depression (age > 60 years) and subjective memory complaints underwent treatment with ESC/MEM (n = 13) or ESC/PBO (n = 13), and completed baseline and 3‐month follow‐up resting state magnetic resonance imaging scans. Multi‐block partial least squares correlation analysis was used to evaluate the impact of treatment on within‐network DMN connectivity changes and their relationship with symptom improvement at 3 months (controlling for age and sex).

Results

A significant latent variable was identified, reflecting within‐network DMN connectivity changes correlated with symptom improvement (p = .01). Specifically, although overall group differences in within‐network DMN connectivity changes failed to reach significance, increased within‐network connectivity of posterior/lateral DMN regions (precuneus, angular gyrus, superior/middle temporal cortex) was more strongly and positively correlated with symptom improvement in the ESC/MEM group (r = 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.86–0.98) than in the ESC/PBO group (r = 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.13–0.72).

Conclusions

Increased within‐network connectivity of core DMN nodes was more strongly correlated with depressive symptom improvement with ESC/MEM than with ESC/PBO, supporting an improved engagement of brain circuitry implicated in the amelioration of depressive symptoms with combined ESC/MEM treatment in older adults with depression and subjective memory complaints.
Circadian rhythms of blood pressure in hypertensive patients with cerebral microbleeds
Authors: Chen Yang‐Kun , Liang Wen‐Cong , Yuan Shu‐Lan , Ni Zhuo‐Xin , Li Wei , Liu Yong‐Lin , Qu Jian‐Feng
Published: March 2022

Background

Whether the circadian rhythms of blood pressure (BP) contribute to the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the relationship between nocturnal BP and CMBs in hypertensive patients.

Methods

This prospective case‐control study recruited 51 hypertensive patients with CMBs and 51 hypertensive patients without CMBs, matched with age and gender, serving as controls. A 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring was conducted in all subjects. Differences in ambulatory BP parameters between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analyzes were conducted to investigate the relationship between the ambulatory BP parameters and presence of CMBs.

Results

Patients with CMBs had a significant higher nocturnal mean SBP and lower relative nocturnal SBP dipping rate. Two logistic models were constructed to explore the association between ABPM indices and the presence of CMBs, adjusted with history of ischemic stroke and smoking. In model 1, higher nocturnal mean SBP positively correlated with presence of CMBs [standardized β = 0.254, odds ratio (OR) = 1.029, p = .041]. In model 2, the relative nocturnal SBP dipping rate was negatively correlated with CMBs (standardized β = −.363, OR = 0.918, p = .007). Only patients with deep CMBs had significant higher nocturnal mean SBP and lower relative nocturnal SBP dipping rate in comparison with those without CMBs.

Conclusions

Higher nocturnal SBP and lower relative nocturnal SBP dipping rate may be associated with CMBs in hypertensive patients.
The Fibrillin‐1/VEGFR2/STAT2 signaling axis promotes chemoresistance via modulating glycolysis and angiogenesis in ovarian cancer organoids and cells
Authors: Wang Ziliang , Chen Wei , Zuo Ling , Xu Midie , Wu Yong , Huang Jiami , Zhang Xu , Li Yongheng , Wang Jing , Chen Jing , Wang Husheng , Sun Huizhen
Published: March 2022

Background

Chemotherapy resistance is a primary reason of ovarian cancer therapy failure; hence it is important to investigate the underlying mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance and develop novel potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

RNA sequencing of cisplatin‐resistant and ‐sensitive (chemoresistant and chemosensitive, respectively) ovarian cancer organoids was performed, followed by detection of the expression level of fibrillin‐1 (FBN1) in organoids and clinical specimens of ovarian cancer. Subsequently, glucose metabolism, angiogenesis, and chemosensitivity were analyzed in structural glycoprotein FBN1‐knockout cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer organoids and cell lines. To gain insights into the specific functions and mechanisms of action of FBN1 in ovarian cancer, immunoprecipitation, silver nitrate staining, mass spectrometry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and Fӧrster resonance energy transfer‐fluorescence lifetime imaging analyses were performed, followed by in vivo assays using vertebrate model systems of nude mice and zebrafish.

Results

FBN1 expression was significantly enhanced in cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer organoids and tissues, indicating that FBN1 might be a key factor in chemoresistance of ovarian cancer. We also discovered that FBN1 sustained the energy stress and induced angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, which promoted the cisplatin‐resistance of ovarian cancer. Knockout of FBN1 combined with treatment of the antiangiogenic drug apatinib improved the cisplatin‐sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, FBN1 mediated the phosphorylation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) at the Tyr1054 residue, which activated its downstream focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/protein kinase B (PKB or AKT) pathway, induced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) at the tyrosine residue 690 (Tyr690), promoted the nuclear translocation of STAT2, and ultimately altered the expression of genes associated with STAT2‐mediated angiogenesis and glycolysis.

Conclusions

The FBN1/VEGFR2/STAT2 signaling axis may induce chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells by participating in the process of glycolysis and angiogenesis. The present study suggested a novel FBN1‐targeted therapy and/or combination of FBN1 inhibition and antiangiogenic drug for treating ovarian cancer.
Combination chemotherapy consisting of irinotecan, etoposide, and carboplatin for refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma
Authors: Imaya Masayuki , Muramatsu Hideki , Narita Atsushi , Yamamori Ayako , Wakamatsu Manabu , Yoshida Taro , Miwata Shunsuke , Narita Kotaro , Ichikawa Daisuke , Hamada Motoharu , Nishikawa Eri , Kawashima Nozomu , Nishio Nobuhiro , Kojima Seiji , Takahashi Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2022

Background

Patients with primary refractory and relapsed neuroblastoma have a poor prognosis since safe and effective chemotherapies for these patients are currently limited. The development of new chemotherapy regimens for these patients is imperative to improve survival outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 40 patients with refractory (n = 36) or relapsed (n = 4) neuroblastoma who received irinotecan, etoposide, and carboplatin (IREC) as a second‐line treatment. We evaluated their therapeutic response and the toxicity of IREC. We also assessed the impact of UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms, which are involved in irinotecan metabolism, on outcomes and toxicity.

Results

A total of 112 cycles of IREC were administered to 40 patients with a median of 2 cycles per patient (range, 1–9). Six (15%) patients (UGT1A1 wild‐type [n = 2] and heterozygous [n = 4]) showed objective responses, including partial response (n = 1), tumor shrinkage (n = 4), and improved findings on their MIBG scan (n = 1). Grade 4 neutropenia, grade 4 leukopenia, and grades 3–4 gastrointestinal toxicity were observed in 110 (98%), 88 (79%), and 3 (3%) cycles, respectively. There was no IREC‐related mortality. Patients with UGT1A1 polymorphisms showed a higher frequency of grade 4 leukopenia, but these patients did not have increased treatment‐related mortality or non‐hematologic toxicity.

Conclusions

IREC showed an objective response rate of 15% including 1 case with partial response. IREC was well tolerated regardless of UGT1A1 genotype. This study suggests that IREC is a promising second‐line chemotherapy for refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma.
Value creation or value destruction: Conceptualizing the experiential nature of value‐in‐use
Authors: Abid Muhammad Farrukh , Shamim Amjad , Khan Zaheen , Khan Imran
Published: March 2022

The studies to date on service research have provided a generic overview on customer's positive value‐in‐use (value creation) as well as negative value‐in‐use (value destruction). Surprisingly, very little attention is made to exploring the experiential nature of value‐in‐use. This study aims to conceptualize the experiential nature of value‐in‐use where positive value‐in‐use results in value destruction in some situations (and value creation commonly), and negative value‐in‐use results in value creation in some situations (and value destruction normally). By integrating value‐in‐experience and value‐in‐context, the study proposed experience‐dominant logic (EDL) as an important paradigm for value creation in the customer journey. The EDL is backed by the four foundational premises for which the insights are taken from literature as well as through in‐depth interviews with customers and managers of the E‐beauty services. The research also provides a framework for future research avenues as well as various future research directions.
Solanum linnaeanum Leaves: Chemical Profiling of VOCs and Effects on Seed Germination and Early Growth of Monocots and Dicots
Authors: Garzoli Stefania , Orlando Francesca , Iriti Marcello , Vitalini Sara
Published: March 2022

Some Solanaceae plants are a rich source of sesquiterpenoid phytoalexins with allelopathic potential. Powder and aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of Solanum linnaeanum Hepper & P.M.L. Jaeger were used to treat the seeds of three target species (Lolium multiflorum Lam., Sinapis alba L. and Trifolium incarnatum L.). Both matrices were evaluated along with untreated controls to determine their toxicity on germination and seedling growth. The results revealed that the pre‐emergence treatments were able to be very effective against all three species in the filter paper test by inhibiting the germination up to 100 %. The effectiveness was reduced by the interaction with soil. Despite this, significant data were obtained, albeit different according to the applied matrix. In general, L. multiflorum was the most sensitive to both the action of the leaf powder and aqueous extract while S. alba was found to be the most resistant to powder activity and T. incarnatum had the strongest response to the extract. For the first time, SPME‐GC/MS technique was used to characterize the volatile chemical profile of S. linnaeanum leaves. The analyses highlighted the presence of different classes of compounds including terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids potentially useful in the fight against noxious plants both in natural and cultivated ecosystems.
Multiplexed Delivery of Synthetic (Un)Conjugatable Ubiquitin and SUMO2 Enables Simultaneous Monitoring of Their Localization and Function in Live Cells
Authors: Mann Guy , Sadhu Pradeep , Brik Ashraf
Published: March 2022

Ubiquitin (Ub) and its related small Ub like modifier (SUMO) are among the most influential protein post‐translational modifications in eukaryotes. Unfortunately, visualizing these modifications in live cells is a challenging task. Chemical protein synthesis offers great opportunities in studying and further understanding Ub and SUMO biology. Nevertheless, the low cell permeability of proteins limits these studies mainly for in vitro applications. Here, we introduce a multiplexed protein cell delivery approach, termed MBL (multiplexed bead loading), for simultaneous loading of up to four differentially labeled proteins with organic fluorophores. We applied MBL to visualize ubiquitination and SUMOylation events in live and untransfected cells without fluorescent protein tags or perturbation to their endogenous levels. Our study reveals unprecedented involvements of Ub and SUMO2 in lysosomes depending on conjugation states. We envision that this approach will improve our understanding of dynamic cellular processes such as formation and disassembly of membraneless organelles.
“CAROTID”: From the Greek “Karoun”—“to stupefy.” Still does
Authors: Inci Errol , Block Peter C.
Published: March 2022

Key Points

Particularly in an elderly population, carotid artery stenting may be a suitable alternative to carotid endarterectomy with an experienced operator and careful patient selection

Large randomized clinical trials comparing carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy are still pending

Recent update of guidelines from the European Stroke Organization is helpful for deciding which patients are best suited for carotid intervention
Predischarge transthoracic echocardiogram after TAVI – Is it really necessary?
Authors: Upadhyay Ankit , Jneid Hani
Published: March 2022

Key Points

Predischarge TTE after an uncomplicated TAVI procedure may not be necessary as long as an adequate intraprocedural echocardiogram and predischarge clinical assessment are performed.

With the adoption of the newer TAVI platforms, which carries lower rates of paravalvular leak, the elimination of predischarge TTE in appropriately selected patients is reasonable and may be cost‐saving.

More studies are needed using larger patient cohorts to identify subsets of patients in whom predischarge TTE can be safely eliminated.
Sound and light editorial: The ROCK cohort II study
Authors: Alasnag Mirvat
Published: March 2022

Key Points

Complications of distal Left Main revascularization are of higher clinical significance given the larger territory portended.

Intravascular imaging is a strong predictor of outcomes following distal Left Main percutaneous revascularization at one year compared with angiography alone.

No significant difference in the predictive value of OCT and IVUS can be detected.
Esthetic and functional rehabilitation of peg‐shaped maxillary lateral incisors: Practical recommendations
Authors: Omeish Nadine , Nassif Ali , Feghali Sara , Vi‐Fane Brigitte , Bosco Julia
Published: March 2022

Peg‐shaped maxillary lateral incisors cause many functional and esthetic major consequences in affected patients. Their esthetic and functional rehabilitations are often multidisciplinary, involving different clinical procedures like periodontal, orthodontic, or prosthodontic procedures. No exhaustive protocol has been established to improve their comprehensive management by general dentists or specialists. The aim of this article is to elaborate a simplified clinical protocol of complete management of peg‐shaped maxillary lateral incisors by a multidisciplinary team (general practitioners, orthodontists, and prosthodontists). A clinical case of two peg‐shaped maxillary lateral incisors completely rehabilitated with multidisciplinary approaches including orthodontic treatment and restoration by veneers and direct composite resin, according to the established protocol. Extraoral, intraoral, and smile clinical analysis are crucial to ensure optimal rehabilitation. Treatment results previsualization via wax‐up and/or mock‐up play a key role in the communication between practitioner and patient to help the latter make decision. These options also facilitate the achievement of a multidisciplinary approach by accurately estimating the number of dental movements and the type of restorations that are most suitable to the presenting clinical situation.
Staphylococcal endocarditis with meningitis and basal ganglia infarcts mimicking meningococcemia
Authors: Giri Subarna , Shrestha Bhushan , Gajurel Bikram Prasad , Sapkota Dharmendra , Gautam Niraj , Shrestha Ashish
Published: March 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the common causes of infective endocarditis (IE). IE can present with various neurological complications such as stroke, brain abscess, and meningitis, the mortality rate can be very high in such cases.
Liu regression after random forest for prediction and modeling in high dimension
Authors: Arashi Mohammad , Lukman Adewale F. , Algamal Zakariya Y.
Published: March 2022

In the modern era, using advanced technology, we have access to data with many features, and therefore, feature engineering has become a vital task in data analysis. One of the challenges in model estimation is to combat multicollinearity in high‐dimensional data problems where the number of features (
) exceeds the number of samples
. We propose a novel, yet simple, strategy to estimate the regression parameters in a high‐dimensional regime in the presence of multicollinearity. The proposed approach enjoys the good properties of the random forest and the simple structure of a class of linear unified estimators. We give a fast and straightforward algorithm to estimate the regression coefficients when
and multicollinearity exist. Numerical investigation reveals the superior performance of the method in test mean squared error. The technique is also applied to melting chemical data, where we conducted an estimation among 4885 features and discussed advantages.
Engineering of Portable Smartphone Integrated with Liposome‐Encapsulated Curcumin for Onsite Visual Ratiometric Fluorescence Imaging of Hypochlorite
Authors: Shen Yizhong , Zhu Chunlei , Wei Yunlong , Chen Huanhuan , Wu Zeyu , Ye Yingwang , Han De‐Man
Published: March 2022

Precisely onsite monitoring of hypochlorite (ClO−) is of great significance to guide its rational use, reducing/avoiding its potential threat toward food safety and human health. Considering ClO− could quench fluorescence of curcumin (CCM) by oxidizing the o‐methoxyphenol of CCM into benzoquinone, a portable ratiometric fluorescence sensor integrated with smartphone was designed for realizing the visual point‐of‐care testing (POCT) of ClO−. The amphiphilic phospholipid polymer was used as carrier to wrap curcumin, forming a novel liposome‐encapsulated CCM, which provided a scaffold to bind with [Ru(bpy)3]2+ through electrostatic interaction, thus assembling [Ru(bpy)3]2+‐functionalized liposome‐encapsulated CCM ([Ru(bpy)3]2+@CCM‐NPs). Further integrated with smartphone, visual imaging of [Ru(bpy)3]2+@CCM‐NPs could be achieved and the accurate onsite detection of ClO− could be realized with a detection limit of 66.31 nM and a linear range of 0.2210 to 80.0 μM. In addition, the sensor could monitor ClO− in real samples with an onsite detection time of ∼154.0 s.
Artificial intelligence empowered threat detection in the Internet of Things: A systematic review
Authors: Soltani Nasim , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Bohlouli Mahdi , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi
Published: March 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) is a new phenomenon that proposes novel business opportunities. IoT allows the world to be programmable and might provide several benefits for organizations. Based on the IoT survey, cyber‐security issues are among the most extensive and complicated challenges faced by IoT devices. Threat detection is considered a preventive measure against malware threats, ransomware, and attacks, which become more serious each year because of the dramatic rise in malware attacks. This article investigates threat detection techniques that fall into three categories: malware detection, attack detection, and ransomware detection, published from 2017 to August 2021. We examine solutions, techniques, features, classifiers, and tools proposed by IoT researchers. Some questions are proposed, and answering the questions may help the researchers suggest a more efficient solution in future works. Furthermore, the achievement and disadvantages of each study are discussed. Finally, based on the reviewed studies, some open challenges and practical measures to future directions are suggested, worth further studying and researching threat detection techniques in the IoT.
The effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery on body composition in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Vitarello John , Goncalves Marcus D. , Zhou Qin C. , Iasonos Alexia , Halpenny Darragh F. , Plodkowski Andrew , Schwitzer Emily , Mueller Jennifer J. , Zivanovic Oliver , Jones Lee W. , Cadoo Karen A. , Konner Jason A.
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to quantify changes in body composition during ovarian cancer treatment and relate these changes to rates of complete gross resection (CGR).

Methods

One hundred two patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery were a part of a prospectively collected database that included computed tomography scans at three time points—diagnosis, following NACT, and following debulking surgery. Skeletal muscle, visceral adipose, and subcutaneous adipose tissue volumes were obtained from a 30‐mm volumetric slab beginning at the third lumbar vertebrae.

Results

Following NACT, skeletal muscle volume was significantly reduced (352.5 to 335.0 cm3, P < 0.001), whereas adiposity was unchanged. Body mass index (BMI) and skeletal muscle volume were significantly lower in patients who achieved CGR (P < 0.05). When these patients were stratified by BMI, the significant association of skeletal muscle to CGR was limited to patients with a BMI < 25 kg/m2 (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Skeletal muscle volume was significantly reduced in patients undergoing NACT for ovarian cancer. Non‐overweight patients were more likely to achieve CGR if they had lower skeletal muscle volume. Use of volumetric‐based measurement for ascertaining body composition should be explored further.
Management of anorexia prevents skeletal muscle wasting during cisplatin‐based chemotherapy for thoracic malignancies
Authors: Miyawaki Eriko , Naito Tateaki , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Miyawaki Taichi , Mamesaya Nobuaki , Kawamura Takahisa , Kobayashi Haruki , Omori Shota , Wakuda Kazushige , Ono Akira , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Murakami Haruyasu , Mori Keita , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: March 2022

Background

Cancer‐associated skeletal muscle loss often occurs in patients with advanced lung cancer who are receiving chemotherapy. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) or anorexia on muscle wasting.

Methods

In this post‐hoc analysis of a phase II clinical trial of antiemetic agents, chemotherapy‐naïve Japanese patients with thoracic malignancies were prospectively recruited between May and October 2015. Total control of CINV was defined as the absence of nausea and vomiting without rescue therapy 0–120 h after each course of chemotherapy. Non‐anorexia was defined as having no anorexia or having an anorexia grade no higher than ‘1’ during the 3 month period following chemotherapy initiation. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by computed tomography, and lumbar skeletal muscle index (LSMI) was calculated.

Results

Among 29 patients, CINV was totally controlled in 7 (24%) and grade 2 or 3 anorexia was observed in 10 (34%). The LSMI significantly decreased across the entire cohort (mean ± standard error of the mean: −3.1 ± 0.6 cm2/m2, P < 0.01); this reduction was similar among patients with and without total control of CINV (−4.1 ± 1.3 vs. −2.8 ± 0.7 cm2/m2, P = 0.38). Patients with anorexia experienced a larger decrease in LSMI than did those without anorexia during the study period (−5.4 ± 0.9 vs. −1.9 ± 0.7 cm2/m2, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Significant skeletal muscle mass depletion was observed despite well‐controlled CINV. Continuous oral food intake may be required throughout the course of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.
Body composition, sarcopenia, and quality of life in patients with oesophageal cancer before resection surgery and at follow‐up: a cohort study
Authors: Persson Jan , Fagevik Olsén Monika , Iresjö Britt‐Marie , Smedh Ulrika
Published: March 2022

Aims

Oesophageal cancer is associated with dysphagia and reduced caloric intake. Body composition and prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with oesophageal cancer before and after surgery are not well known. The aims were to (i) describe body composition and sarcopenia, physical performance, and quality of life (QoL) in a cohort of patients with oesophageal cancer before surgery with curative intent; (ii) investigate alterations in body composition as a consequence of the surgery at 1 and 3 months post‐operatively; and (iii) investigate if pre‐operative measures are correlated to morbidity, length of stay, QoL, or mortality.

Methods and results

An observational study was performed in 76 consecutive patients with oesophageal cancer planned for open surgery with curative intent. Data were collected from the patient history database. QoL data were derived from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ‐OES18 questionnaire. Pre‐operatively, the patients displayed normal body mass index despite that almost 20% were sarcopenic, 86% had a lowered physical performance level, and 37% of the patients were severely malnourished. All body composition variables except fat mass declined up to 3 months after surgery. No pre‐operative biometric measure or QoL item correlated with risk for complications. High physical performance, female sex, and high global QoL score positively predicted overall survival.

Conclusions

Severe malnourishment was common in patients judged suitable for surgery in spite of normal body mass index. Neither pre‐operative malnutrition nor sarcopenia was independent risk factor for morbidity or overall mortality. Oesophageal surgery causes long‐lasting catabolic effects, highlighting the importance of optimal peri‐operative and post‐operative nutrition.
Speech perception in noise in children with dyslexia: Does speech sound disorder matter?
Authors: Mari Giorgia , Picciotti Pasqualina Maria , Martina Bianca Maria , Loperfido Antonella , Zagari Felicia , Proietti Ilaria , Longobardi Ylenia , D'Alatri Lucia
Published: March 2022

The aim of this observational cohort study with a control group is to compare consonant perception skills in quiet and in noise in children with typical language and learning development and in children with dyslexia, with and without Speech Sound Disorder (SSD). Three groups were included: A control group of twenty children with normal reading abilities and typical language development, twelve children with dyslexia and typical language development and thirteen children with dyslexia and SSD. All subjects received a consonant recognition test in three different listening conditions (quiet, + 10 and 0 Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio). In all test conditions, children with dyslexia and SSD had significantly lower consonant recognition scores than the control group and the children with dyslexia and typical language development (p < .0001). The poorer performances observed in children with dyslexia and SSD may be explained by impaired phonological processing underlying both conditions.
Choosy cannibals: Targeted consumption of conspecific hatchlings by larval cane toads is triggered by species‐specific defensive toxins
Authors: Crossland Michael R. , Shine Richard , DeVore Jayna L.
Published: March 2022

In many species, cannibalism is uncommon and involves nonselective consumption of conspecifics as well as heterospecifics. However, within their invasive Australian range, cane toad larvae (Rhinella marina) specifically target and voraciously consume the eggs and hatchlings of conspecifics, often extirpating entire clutches. In contrast, toad larvae rarely consume the eggs and hatchlings of native frogs. Here, we use laboratory studies to demonstrate that this selective consumption is triggered by species‐specific chemical cues: maternally‐invested bufadienolide toxins that otherwise defend cane toad eggs and hatchlings against predators. We find that these cues stimulate feeding behaviors in toad tadpoles, such that the addition of bufadienolide toxins to the water column increases predation on eggs, not only of conspecifics, but also of native anuran species that are otherwise usually ignored. In contrast, we find that cannibalism rates on conspecific hatchlings are high and unaffected by the addition of bufadienolide cues. The maternally‐invested toxins present in conspecific eggs may therefore be more easily detected post‐hatching, at which point tadpole feeding behaviors are induced whether or not additional toxin cues are present. As bufadienolide cues have previously been found to attract toad tadpoles to vulnerable hatchlings, our present findings demonstrate that the same toxin cues that attract cannibalistic tadpoles also induce them to feed, thereby facilitating cannibalism through multiple behavioral effects. Because native fauna do not produce bufadienolide toxins, the species specificity of these chemical cues in the Australian landscape may have facilitated the evolution of targeted (species‐specific) cannibalism in invasive cane toad populations. Thus, these bufadienolide toxins confer cost (increased vulnerability to cannibalism in early life‐stages) as well as benefit (reduced vulnerability to predation by other taxa).
Effects ofRhododendronremoval and prescribed fire on bees and plants in the southern Appalachians
Authors: Ulyshen Michael , Elliott Katherine , Scott Joel , Horn Scott , Clinton Patsy , Liu Ning , Miniat Chelcy F. , Caldwell Peter , Oishi Chris , Knoepp Jennifer , Bolstad Paul
Published: March 2022

Rhododendron maximumis an evergreen shrub native to the Appalachian Mountains of North America that has expanded in recent decades due to past disturbances and land management. The purpose of this study was to explore how bees and plants were affected by the experimental removal ofR.maximumfollowed by a prescribed fire in one watershed compared to a neighboring reference watershed. Bees and plants were sampled for three years in both watersheds. Comparisons were based on the rarefaction and extrapolation sampling curves of Hill numbers as well as multivariate methods to assess effects on community composition. Bee richness, Shannon's diversity, and Simpson's diversity did not differ between watersheds in the year after removal but were all significantly higher in the removal watershed in year two, following the prescribed fire. Bee Shannon's diversity and Simpson's diversity, but not richness, remained significantly higher in the removal watershed in the third year. Similar but weaker patterns were observed for plants. Comparisons of community composition found significant differences for bees in the second and third year and significant differences for plants in all three years. For both groups, significant indicator taxa were mostly associated with the removal watershed. Because bees appeared to respond more strongly to the prescribed fire than to the removal ofR.maximumand these benefits weakened considerably one year after the fire, clearingR.maximumdoes not appear to dramatically improve pollinator habitat in the southern Appalachians. This conclusion is underscored by the fact that about one quarter of the bee species in our study area were observed visitingR.maximumflowers. The creation of open areas with wildflowers may be a better way to benefit bees in this region judging from the high diversity of bees captured in the small roadside clearings in this study.
Multiple resource limitation of dryland soil microbial carbon cycling on the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Choi Ryan T. , Reed Sasha C. , Tucker Colin L.
Published: March 2022

Understanding interactions among biogeochemical cycles is increasingly important as anthropogenic alterations of global climate and of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) cycles interactively affect the Earth system. Ecosystem processes in the dryland biome, which makes up over 40% of Earth's terrestrial surface, are often distinctively sensitive to small changes in resource availability, likely because levels of many resources are low. However, data also suggest that simultaneous changes in the availability of multiple resources may be necessary to affect a response in these low‐resource systems, offering an opportunity to test patterns and controls of co‐limitation, serial limitation, and individual limitation in soil environments. While drylands may play a governing role in key aspects of Earth's C cycle, and while an improved understanding of resource limitation could substantially improve our forecasts of dryland responses to change, our understanding of interacting controls on soil C cycle processes remains notably poor in these dry systems. Here, we address multiple fundamental hypotheses of resource controls over ecosystem function to test how water, C, N, and P regulate soil C cycling individually and interactively in a dryland ecosystem on the Colorado Plateau. Using a series of laboratory incubations, we found that, while water, C, and N limited C cycling through serial limitation, water alone resulted in an extremely small respiratory response from target organisms, whereas water + C resulted in a dramatic increase in soil C cycling, suggesting a degree of functional co‐limitation. Nitrogen additions alone resulted in no changes to soil C cycling, but when N was added in concert with water and C, N greatly increased soil C cycling rates relative to additions of water and C without N. Phosphorus additions had no effect on the C cycle either alone or synergistically. These patterns were consistent with the stoichiometry of the system and interactions among resources were surprising in ways that inform our understanding of critical theories in ecology, such as the Transient Maxima Hypothesis, supporting the suggestion that multiple resource limitation explains pulse‐dynamic C cycling in drylands better than water limitation alone.
Aggregation of Copper(I) and Silver(I) Chloride Phosphane Complexes Determined by Aryl‐Stacking and Weak Hydrogen Bonds in the Ligand Periphery
Authors: Müller Felix , Mix Andreas , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: March 2022

Starting from pentafluorobenzene and 1,2,3,4‐tetrafluorobenzene, the phosphane ligands (o‐C6F4R)Me2P (R=H, F), as well as their copper(I) and silver(I) chloride complexes [(o‐C6F4R)Me2P]2MCl (M=Cu, Ag; R=H, F) were synthesized. All complexes were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and CHN analyses. Their solid‐state structures were determined by X‐ray diffraction experiments and compared with each other with regard to their aggregation motifs. The aggregation in solution was investigated by variable‐temperature diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy (VT‐DOSY) experiments.
A new programmable dipping robot
Authors: Harms Lena , Roth Nico , Wittstock Gunther
Published: March 2022

A new dipping robot is presented for the execution of layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition procedures for the modification of electrode surfaces. It is composed of low‐budget parts broadly available three‐dimensional (3D) printer. New extra hardware components produced by 3D printing and the open‐source software can turn such a device into a flexible dipping robot. The required changes in code as well as the printing instructions for the changed hardware components are documented and are made freely available together with tools that allow customizing LbL coating processes. The potential of this very flexible instrumentation is exemplified by a redox‐active film of nickel hexacyanoferrate on a gold electrode modified by a monolayer of 3′‐mercaptobiphenyl‐carbonitrile. Scanning electron microscopy confirm the absence of micometer‐sized cracks. It shows the typical voltammetric behavior of that material.
Membrane‐electrode assembly design parameters for optimal CO2 reduction
Authors: Romiluyi Oyinkansola , Danilovic Nemanja , Bell Alexis T. , Weber Adam Z.
Published: March 2022

Commercial‐scale generation of carbon‐containing chemicals and fuels by means of electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) requires electrolyzers operating at high current densities and product selectivities. Membrane‐electrode assemblies (MEAs) have been shown to be suitable for this purpose. In such devices, the cathode catalyst layer controls both the rate of CO2R and the distribution of products. In this study, we investigate how the ionomer‐to‐catalyst ratio (I:Cat), catalyst loading, and catalyst‐layer thickness influence the performance of a cathode catalyst layer containing Ag nanoparticles supported on carbon. In this paper, we explore how these parameters affect the cell performance and establish the role of the exchange solution (water vs. CsHCO3) behind the anode catalyst layer in cell performance. We show that a high total current density is best achieved using an I:Cat ratio of 3 at a Ag loading of 0.01–0.1 mgAg/cm2 and with a 1.0 M solution of CsHCO3 circulated behind the anode catalyst layer. For these conditions, the optimal CO partial current density depends on the voltage applied to the MEA. The work also reveals that the performance of the cathode catalyst layer is limited by a combination of the electrochemically active surface area and the degree to which mass transfer of CO2 to the surface of the Ag nanoparticles and the transport of OH− anions away from it limit the overall catalyst activity. Hydration of the ionomer in the cathode catalyst layer is found not to be an issue when using an exchange solution. The insights gained allowed for a Ag CO2R MEA that operates between 200 mA/cm2 and 1 A/cm2 with CO faradaic efficiencies of 78–91%, and the findings and understanding gained herein should be applicable to a broad range of CO2R MEA‐based devices.
Full‐scale shaking table test and numerical modeling of a 3000‐liter legged storage tank isolated with a vertical rocking isolation system
Authors: Reyes Sergio I. , Almazán José L. , Vassiliou Michalis F. , Tapia Nicolás F. , Colombo José I. , de la Llera Juan C.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the numerical and experimental evaluation of a vertical‐rocking isolation (VRI). This evaluation is done by 1‐D shaking table tests performed on a full‐scale legged storage tank of 3000‐liters capacity and its representation through a simple yet representative rigid lumped‐mass model approach. The isolation system setup consisted of four ISO3D‐2G devices, each one placed on each leg of the tank, which uses high‐damping natural rubber to generate the restoring and dissipative forces. The ISO3D‐2G device is vertically flexible and laterally rigid, enabling the isolation mechanism of the rocking motion of the tank. The experiments were carried out using three white noise for the system identification and 17 ground motions inputs for the system validation. The measured variables included the lateral acceleration and displacement of the tank, and the vertical and rotational behavior of the isolation interface. The identification results showed a vertical‐rotational coupled fundamental mode that is highly dependent on the amplitude of deformation, with a period varying from 0.5 to more than 1 s, depending on the intensity of the motion. The maximum displacement of the tank at the top remained below 13 cm with total accelerations of nearly 0.3 g, both for motions with Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 g. The mean maximum values were predicted with the simplified model with errors of less than 10% and 21% for displacements and accelerations, respectively. Finally, the results show that the behavior of vertical‐rocking isolated structures can be predicted by simplified models with reasonable errors and that the development of simple design guidelines and equations for VRI systems is possible.
Sonophotocatalytic Dye Degradation Using rGO‐BiVO4 Composites
Authors: Kumar Manish , Ansari M. N. M. , Boukhris Imed , Al‐Buriahi M. S. , Alrowaili Z. A. , Alfryyan Nada , Thomas P. , Vaish Rahul
Published: March 2022

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/bismuth vanadate BiVO4 composites are fabricated with varied rGO amounts (0, 1, 2, and 3 wt%) through the synergetic effects of ultrasonication, photoinduced reduction, and hydrothermal methods, and the materials are tested as tools for sonophotocatalytic methylene blue (MB) dye degradation. The effect of rGO content on the sonophotocatalytic dye degradation capabilities of the composites are explored. Characterization of the proposed materials is done through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy as well as scanning electron microscopy. The coexistence of BiVO4 and rGO is confirmed using Raman spectroscopy and XRD. TEM confirms the existence of interfaces between rGO and BiVO4 and XPS affirms the existence of varied elemental oxidation states. In order to investigate the charge carriers transportation, time‐dependent photocurrent responses of BiVO4 and 2 wt%‐ rGO/BiVO4 are done under visible light irradiation. The sonophotocatalytic MB dye degradation in an aqueous medium displays promising enhancement with rGO doping in rGO/BiVO4 composite. The 2 wt%‐ rGO/BiVO4 sample exhibits ≈52% MB dye degradation efficiency as compared to pure BiVO4 (≈25%) in 180 min of the sonophotocatalysis experiment. Phytotoxicity analysis through germination index is done using vigna radiata seeds.
AnchoisFert: A New Organic Fertilizer from Fish Processing Waste for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Muscolo Adele , Mauriello Francesco , Marra Federica , Calabrò Paolo Salvatore , Russo Mariateresa , Ciriminna Rosaria , Pagliaro Mario
Published: March 2022

The “AnchoisFert”, the solid residue comprised of milled anchovy leftovers after fish oil extraction with biobased limonene, is a powerful organic fertilizer. Employed to promote the growth of Tropea's red onion (Allium cepa), the fertilizer turns out to largely be superior to commonly used organic (manure) and chemical (nitrogen phosphorous potassium) fertilizers. Rich in proteins, organic carbon, flavonoids, magnesium, potassium, phosphate and sulfate, and devoid of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes, the new organic fertilizer can replace both conventional organic and inorganic fertilizers. This discovery closes the fishing material cycle for the most fished species across the seas opening the route to a new class of organic fertilizers of exceptional performance derived from abundant biowaste via a low‐cost and environmentally‐friendly circular economy process.