bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off-axis digital holographic decarrier phase recovery algorithm combined with linear regression
Authors: Shan Ming-Guang , Liu Xiang-Yu , Pang Cheng , Zhong Zhi , Yu Lei , Liu Bin , Liu Lei ,   College of Information and Communication Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China,   Key Laboratory of Advanced Marine Communication and Information Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
Published: February 2022

Benefitting from the high measurement efficiency, off-axis digital holography (DH) has become a most powerful DH technique for fast and high-accuracy measurement. Owing to the carrier frequency, the real image can be isolated easily in the Fourier spectrum of one off-axis hologram, so that the Fourier transform algorithm (FTA) is the most widely used algorithm for off-axis DH to realize the phase retrieval. In the FTA, one of the most important tasks is to figure out the accurate peak position of the real image and then shift the real image to the center of spectrum to remove the carrier. However, owing to the digitalization of the hologram, the peak position of the real spectrum is always not located at an integral pixel position in the practical applications, resulting in carrier residuals, thereby lowering the retrieval quality. Much work on accurately determining the peak position has been conducted to suppress the carrier residuals, such as by using the spectrum centroid method and zero padding. However, those estimation algorithms can achieve only satisfied accuracy in some situations. Then, spatial carrier phase shift (SCPS) is utilized to expand the utilization of space-bandwidth and avoid the spectrum leakage caused by band-pass filtering. The SCPS decomposes one off-axis hologram into several sub-holograms, in which the carrier induces the phase shifts between sub-holograms. Many on-axis phase retrieval algorithms are combined with SCPS to retrieve the phase from one off-axis hologram. However, the retrieved phase is usually composed of the sample phase and the carrier, so the accurate carrier information is also required to remove the carrier and obtain the correct reconstructed phase. In this paper, an accurate phase retrieval with carrier removal from single off-axis hologram by using the linear regression is proposed to achieve the simultaneous phase retrieval and carrier removal. In this method, four phase-shifted sub-holograms are extracted first from one off-axis hologram by SCPS. Since the phase shift between sub-holograms is linearly proportional to the carrier, the linear regression can be combined with least-square method to retrieve the phase and carrier simultaneously. Both the simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can determine the carrier accurately and obtain correct phase without carrier. We believe that this proposed method can be applied to practical measurement.
Body mass index and adipose distribution have opposing genetic impacts on human blood traits
Authors: Thom Christopher S , Wilken Madison B , Chou Stella T , Voight Benjamin F
Published: February 2022

Body mass index (BMI), hyperlipidemia, and truncal adipose distribution concordantly elevate cardiovascular disease risks, but have unknown genetic effects on blood trait variation. Using Mendelian randomization, we define unexpectedly opposing roles for increased BMI and truncal adipose distribution on blood traits. Elevated genetically determined BMI and lipid levels decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, consistent with clinical observations associating obesity and anemia. We found that lipid-related effects were confined to erythroid traits. In contrast, BMI affected multiple blood lineages, indicating broad effects on hematopoiesis. Increased truncal adipose distribution opposed BMI effects, increasing hemoglobin and blood cell counts across lineages. Conditional analyses indicated genes, pathways, and cell types responsible for these effects, including Leptin Receptor and other blood cell-extrinsic factors in adipocytes and endothelium that regulate hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell biology. Our findings identify novel roles for obesity on hematopoiesis, including a previously underappreciated role for genetically determined adipose distribution in determining blood cell formation and function.
Students’ Perception on KSU Translation Online Learning Amidst the COVID-19 Global Pandemic
Authors: Alkhatnai Mubarak
Published: February 2022

The 2020 CoVid-19 pandemic has changed the pattern of the educational sector as it continues to struggle operating amidst a global health emergency. With the transition from the conventional face-to-face to the current online classes, multiple challenges and opportunities sought to be identified and resolved, especially with some language courses like translation, which struggle with the additional contextual teaching and learning difficulties. Given the need, this study focused on the student perceptions of KSU Translation online learning. Data was collected from eighty (80) KSU Translation students using a mixed-method paradigm utilizing a questionnaire-checklist to determine students’ perceptions of the quality and effectiveness of KSU Translation classes’ online delivery. Multiple factors like student participation and focus, KSU faculty ICT teaching competence, and preventive measures on screen time effects were primarily identified. Overall, the students have perceived the KSU translation online learning as highly effective, with some improvement points on instruction methodology. The conduct of faculty webinars, workshops, and online learning training is highly recommended and is perceived as a potential guide on faculty development efforts, projects, and possible future research.
Alan Davies: Ostensive Views, Other Views and Native Speakerism, and the Implications of the Latter for English Language Teaching
Authors: Chaka Chaka
Published: February 2022

This paper sets out to answer two questions by characterizing and deconstructing Alan Davies’s seminal views and concepts - especially his ostensive views and his native speakerism - within the context of applied linguistics. Arguing that these are some of Davies’s seminal views and concepts, it offers a philosophical framing of his ostensive views and his other views by maintaining that they entail elements of philosophizing and fragments of the postmodern turn in the manner in which they are articulated in relation to applied linguistics. The paper also argues that Davies’s views of native speakerism are constructed within a classical binary perspective and, thus, can be construed to be fostering othering non-native speakers. In addition, it situates native speakerism within de-coloniality, epistemic break and de-linking, arguing that a de-colonial framework lends itself well to critiquing native speakerism. On this basis, it contends that there is a need to reconceptualize the notion of native speakerism that resonates with a de-colonial perspective. Lastly, the paper offers implications de-coloniality has for ELT.
Should the frequency, severity, or both response scales be used for multi-item dental patient-reported outcome measures?
Authors: Pattanaik Swaha , John Mike T. , Chung Seungwon , Keller San
Published: February 2022

Background

The Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) index asks the respondents to indicate both, the frequency and severity of the impact. However, it is not clear if the two scaling methods are correlated, and if using one scale is sufficient. The purpose of the study was to investigate the correlation between frequency and severity rating scales of the OIDP instrument, and whether only one of the rating scales can be used instead of both.

Methods

A battery of patient-reported outcome questionnaires were administered to a consecutive sample of adult dental patients from HealthPartners dental clinics in Minnesota (N = 2,115). Only those who responded to any of the OIDP items were included in the analysis for this study (N = 873). We assessed correlations between the frequency and severity scales for all OIDP items, and for the summary scores of the two OIDP response scales. We additionally fit a categorical structural equation model (SEM) (or an item factor analysis model) and examined the correlation between two latent variables (Frequency and Severity).

Results

The correlation estimates for all OIDP items were greater than 0.50, indicating large correlations between the frequency and severity scores for each OIDP item. The correlation estimate between the two summary scores was 0.85 (95% CI [0.82–0.86]). When we calculated the correlation coefficient using a latent variable model, the value increased to 0.96 (95% CI [0.93–1.00]).

Conclusion

Our study findings show that OIDP frequency and severity scores are highly correlated, which indicates the use of one scale only. Based on previous evidence, we recommend applying the frequency rating scale only in research and clinical settings.
Second language vocabulary teaching and learning: A commentary on four studies for the JALT vocabulary SIG
Authors: Beglar David
Published: February 2022

Four papers by Brandon Kramer, Tohru Matsuo, Aaron Sponseller, Young Ae Kim, Suzuka Nishiyama, and Stuart McLean, Stuart Benson and Naheen Madarbakus-Ring, Michael McGuire and Jennifer Larson-Hall, and Atsushi Mizumoto, Geoffrey Pinchbeck, and Stuart McLean were presented in the morning session of the 2021 Vocabulary SIG Symposium held in Kyoto, Japan, on 04 December 2021. As discussant, it was my pleasure to comment on each of the papers. The fours studies were investigations of the attrition of productive vocabulary knowledge, the lexical composition of two English for Academic Purposes (EAP) textbooks, the relationship between high-frequency multi-word sequences, speech rate, and listening perception, and the use of various word lists with the New Word Level Checker. After reviewing and summarising each study in this paper, I present suggestions for further developing the studies and expanding the research agenda of each study.
Renal Volume Nomogram on Computed Tomography in North Indian Population Correlated with Age, Gender and Height
Authors: Singh Harshika , Khanduri Sachin , Krishnam Anvit , Fatima Mariyam , Hamza Minal , Yadav Poonam , Katara Shivangi , Siddiqui Saim Ali
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Assessment of renal size is a difficult task in view of the complex shape of kidney. Among different imaging modalities Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) owing to their 3 Dimensional reconstructional ability are quite helpful in assessment of kidney size. A relationship between renal size and anthropometric parameters is an issue of interest. Aim: To assess kidney size in North Indian adult population using CT and to assess its relationship with age, sex and height. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done over a period of two years (January 2018 to December 2019) in which a total of 300 adults aged between 20-90 years with normal renal function were enrolled. Age and sex of subjects was noted and their heights were measured. All the subjects underwent computed tomographic assessment for kidney size using 384 Slice Somatom Force, Seimens Corp. Multidetected CT machine. Contrast enhanced abdominal CT was performed to visualise the kidneys. Linear renal dimensions (length, lateral diameter, anteriorposterior diameter) were measured and renal volume was calculated using the ellipsoid volume formula. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software. Independent samples t-test, paired t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson coefficient constants were calculated. Results: A total of 300 subjects were included, with the mean age of subjects were 41.12 years. Exactly half (50%) were males. Mean kidney size was 94.62 (95% CI: 90.27-98.97) cm3 for right side and 119.84 (95% CI=113.40-126.29) cm3 for left side. Average kidney size was 107.23 (95% CI=102.66-111.80) cm3. For both the sides, males had significantly larger kidney as compared to that of females (p-value <0.01). With increasing age, a significant decline in kidney size was observed (p-value <0.001). With increasing height, a significant increase in kidney size was observed (p-value <0.001). Height showed a significant positive correlation with both right and left side of kidney size (r=0.588, p-value <0.05). Conclusion: The present study provided the normal range for kidney size among North Indian adults using CT. The findings showed an age, gender and height dependence of kidney size in present study population.
Unilateral Perisylvian Syndrome with Subcortical Heterotopia: A Case Report
Authors: Kethineni Mounisha , Manchikanti Venkatesh , Prasad Niharika
Published: February 2022

Perisylvian syndrome is a neurological disorder in which a specific area of the brain (called the perisylvian area) develops abnormally, with polymicrogyria as the underlying developmental abnormality. A 21-year-old female reported to the department with complaint of two episodes of seizures per day since 6 months. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed multiple small gyri with few sulci noted in the right perisylvian cortex and right frontal lobe, suggesting polymicrogyria. Mild volume loss of right frontoparietal lobes was seen. The small subcortical focus of grey matter signal was noted in the right frontal lobe suggesting of heterotopia. The diagnosis of the perisylvian syndrome is mainly based on the clinical and radiologic features which are treated symptomatically and by multidisciplinary rehabilitative measures as there is no cure for this syndrome.
Palmer Dermatoglyphics in Essential Hypertensive Patients: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sangeeth J Mimmy , Alban Shoma , Jacinth J Sujitha
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics deal with the study of papillary ridge patterns on the skin of fingers, palms, toes and soles. Each pattern is a unique anatomical marker, and their development is strongly affected by genetic and environmental factors. Aim: To determine whether essential hypertensive patients have significant dermatoglyphic pattern association as compared to non hypertensive participants in the study population. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in 228 patients (114 diagnosed essential hypertensive patients and 114 non hypertensive patients) attending the Department of Medicine at Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, Tamil Nadu, India, of both the sexes and belonging to different age groups. Informed consent was obtained from each individual. Palmar and fingertip prints of the patients and the controls were taken on the white crystal bond paper by modified Purvis-Smith method and the following parameters were analysed: i) Fingertip pattern frequency; ii) Total and Absolute Finger Ridge Count (AFRC); iii) a-b ridge count; and iv) ‘atd’ angle. The statistical contents like arithmetic mean and standard deviation were calculated and the t-test and chi-square test were applied wherever necessary. Results: There were more loop pattern in digit 2 of left hand of female hypertensives than controls. There was increased Total Finger Ridge Counts (TFRC) in both males (134.14±19.560; p-value=0.038) and females (131.42±27.777; p-value=0.001) hypertensives and significantly higher AFRC (187.65±67.806; p-value=0.001) in female hypertensives, There was decreased ‘a-b’ ridge count in both hands of male (Right: 24.19±4.36; p-value=0.001left:24.54±3.586;p-value=0.001)andfemale(right: 23.65±3.43; p-value=0.001 left:24.16±3.321; p-value=0.001) patients and decreased ‘atd’ angle in both hands of male (right: 38.86±4.001; P=0.003 left: 38.51±4.428; p-value=0.001) and right hand of female (40.70±4.476; p-value=0.009) hypertensive patients, as compared to that of controls. Conclusion: As the parameters showed significant association, they can be used as dermatoglyphic markers for early detection of essential hypertension.
Deep Learning, Introduction To
Authors: Li Yao , Wang Justin , Lee Thomas C.M.
Published: February 2022

Deep neural networks have been widely used for tackling numerous machine learning problems that were once believed to be challenging. With their remarkable ability to fit training data, deep neural networks have achieved revolutionary successes in many fields such as computer vision, natural language progressing, and robotics. Many works have been done to develop new architectures of deep neural networks to tackle different problems in real data. In this article, we briefly review the architectures, properties, and applications of different types of deep neural networks.
Bayesian Small Area Estimation
Authors: Polettini Silvia , Arima Serena
Published: February 2022

The wealth of timely and detailed information provided by sample surveys (seeSurvey Sampling; Finite Populations, Sampling From) attracts interest of researchers and analysts, with planned domains (seeSampling Designs in Surveys) being of primary yet clearly not exclusive inferential interest. Indeed, based on the sample data, a whole variety of subpopulations could be investigated to comprehend local needs and issues, highlight the geography of socioeconomic disparities, drive the planning and evaluation of policies, and so on.

We denote bysmall areaany geographical or demographic domain that is not planned for the survey. Counties, municipalities or states, or the groups obtained by cross‐classification of age, sex, ethnicity, and region are examples. In general, we calldirectan estimator solely based on the subsample of units belonging to the area of interest. Accurate design‐based inference may be jeopardized by the small (or even zero) sample size of such domains, whence the terminology. Inferential interest concerns area‐specific parameters, usually means, proportions, or percentiles. Typical applications include estimation of mean household income at the municipality level in poverty studies, the number of persons affected by a given disease in a given sex by age by region classification in epidemiological studies, the crop area under vines at the regional level in agricultural economics, and counts and rates for school age children under poverty at the county and school district levels for allocation of funds. To produce reliable estimates of such aggregates, we useindirect estimatorsthat rely on auxiliary information to connect small areas through explicit or implicit models, thus borrowing strength and increasing the effective sample size. Such process is generally referred to as “small area estimation.” The articleSmall Area Estimationdescribes the nature of the problem and the different approaches. This article focuses on Bayesian models for small area estimation. We present two basic linear models and briefly discuss a number of different extensions that are easily accommodated under a Bayesian framework.
Desirability
Authors: Hammett Patrick
Published: February 2022

Desirability uses a standardized scale to measure the degree to which a product or process metric conforms to its requirements. Then, we may combine individual desirability ratings into a multiresponse composite desirability index using the weighted geometric mean. This index provides a single numerical measure of requirement conformance to compare alternatives or optimize a product or process design. This article first summarizes the calculation methods for different desirability use cases. Then, we explore three applications. These include the use of the composite desirability index to (i) measure the overall conformance using a design scorecard, (ii) compare a set of design alternatives for multiple criteria decision‐making, and (iii) optimize a set of responses for a common set of process factors using a controlled design of experiment. In this article, we demonstrate the use of the composite desirability index to optimize a set of responses using a Central Composite Design (CCD) example.
Bayesian Implementation of the Fault Tree Analysis
Authors: Joshi Chaitanya , Ruggeri Fabrizio , Wilson Simon P.
Published: February 2022

This article illustrates why a fully Bayesian approach to Fault Tree Analysis can be useful, describes how it can be performed, and discusses one of the important considerations to be made regarding such analysis, namely, prior elicitation. It then describes an easy‐to‐use prior robustness approach for Fault Tree Analysis to quantify the sensitivity of the prior elicitation of the failure probability to misspecification of uncertainty in elementary events.
Bayesian Finite Mixture Models
Authors: Grün Bettina , Malsiner‐Walli Gertraud
Published: February 2022

Finite mixture models are a useful statistical model class for clustering and density approximation. In the Bayesian framework finite mixture models require the specification of suitable priors in addition to the data model. These priors allow to avoid spurious results and provide a principled way to define cluster shapes and a preference for specific cluster solutions. A generic model estimation scheme for finite mixtures with a fixed number of components is available using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling with data augmentation. The posterior allows to assess uncertainty in a comprehensive way, but component‐specific posterior inference requires resolving the label‐switching issue.

In this article, we focus on the application of Bayesian finite mixture models for clustering. We start with discussing suitable specification, estimation, and inference of the model if the number of components is assumed to be known. We then continue to explain suitable strategies for fitting Bayesian finite mixture models when the number of components is not known. In addition, all steps required to perform Bayesian finite mixture modeling are illustrated on a data example where a finite mixture model of multivariate Gaussian distributions is fitted. Suitable prior specification, estimation using MCMC, and posterior inference are discussed for this example, assuming the number of components to be known as well as unknown.
Samuel Karlin
Authors: Feldman Marcus W. , Kenett Ron S.
Published: February 2022

Samuel Karlin was a mathematician who made fundamental contributions to mathematical theory, functional analysis, operations research, game theory, mathematical economics, stochastic processes, statistics, genetics, population genetics, and computational biology. In this article, we provide an overall review of his career, emphasizing the last two domains. Obituaries that cover other domains of his work are listed in the references.
Loss of Nexilin function leads to a recessive lethal fetal cardiomyopathy characterized by cardiomegaly and endocardial fibroelastosis
Authors: Johansson Josefin , Frykholm Carina , Ericson Katharina , Kazamia Kalliopi , Lindberg Amanda , Mulaiese Nancy , Falck Geir , Gustafsson Per‐Erik , Lidéus Sarah , Gudmundsson Sanna , Ameur Adam , Bondeson Marie‐Louise , Wilbe Maria
Published: February 2022

The Nexilin F‐Actin Binding Protein (Nexilin) encoded by NEXN is a cardiac Z‐disc protein important for cardiac function and development in humans, zebrafish, and mice. Heterozygote variants in the human NEXN gene have been reported to cause dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Homozygous variants in NEXN cause a lethal form of human fetal cardiomyopathy, only described in two patients before. In a Swedish, four‐generation, non‐consanguineous family comprising 42 individuals, one female had three consecutive pregnancies with intrauterine fetal deaths caused by a lethal form of dilated cardiomyopathy. Whole‐exome sequencing and variant analysis revealed that the affected fetuses were homozygous for a NEXN variant (NM_144573:c.1302del;p.(Ile435Serfs*3)). Moreover, autopsy and histology staining declared that they presented with cardiomegaly and endocardial fibroelastosis. Immunohistochemistry staining for Nexilin in the affected fetuses revealed reduced antibody staining and loss of striation in the heart, supporting loss of Nexilin function. Clinical examination of seven heterozygote carriers confirmed dilated cardiomyopathy (two individuals), other cardiac findings (three individuals), or no cardiac deviations (two individuals), indicating incomplete penetrance or age‐dependent expression of dilated cardiomyopathy. RNA sequencing spanning the variant in cDNA blood of heterozygote individuals revealed nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay of the mutated transcripts. In the current study, we present the first natural course of the recessively inherited lethal form of human fetal cardiomyopathy caused by loss of Nexilin function. The affected family had uneventful pregnancies until week 23–24, followed by fetal death at week 24–30, characterized by cardiomegaly and endocardial fibroelastosis.
Asymmetric Synthesis of N‐Substituted 1,2‐Amino Alcohols from Simple Aldehydes and Amines by One‐Pot Sequential Enzymatic Hydroxymethylation and Asymmetric Reductive Amination
Authors: Li Yu , Hu Na , Xu Zefei , Cui Yunfeng , Feng Jinhui , Yao Peiyuan , Wu Qiaqing , Zhu Dunming , Ma Yanhe
Published: February 2022

The chiral N‐substituted 1,2‐amino alcohol motif is found in many natural and synthetic bioactive compounds. In this study, enzymatic asymmetric reductive amination of α‐hydroxymethyl ketones with enantiocomplementary imine reductases (IREDs) enabled the synthesis of chiral N‐substituted 1,2‐amino alcohols with excellent ee values (91–99 %) in moderate to high yields (41–84 %). Furthermore, a one‐pot, two‐step enzymatic process involving benzaldehyde lyase‐catalyzed hydroxymethylation of aldehydes and subsequent asymmetric reductive amination was developed, offering an environmentally friendly and economical way to produce N‐substituted 1,2‐amino alcohols from readily available simple aldehydes and amines. This methodology was then applied to rapidly access a key synthetic intermediate of anti‐malaria and cytotoxic tetrahydroquinoline alkaloids.
Synthesis, Stereochemical Confirmation, and Derivatization of 12(S),16ϵ‐Dihydroxycleroda‐3,13‐dien‐15,16‐olide, a Clerodane Diterpene That Sensitizes Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus to β‐Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Zeiler Michael J. , Connors Gina M. , Durling Greg M. , Oliver Allen G. , Marquez Lewis , Melander Roberta J. , Quave Cassandra L. , Melander Christian
Published: February 2022

Over the past decades, antibiotic resistance has grown to a point where orthogonal approaches to combating infections caused by resistant bacteria are needed. One such approach is the development of non‐microbicidal small molecules that potentiate the activity of conventional antibiotics, termed adjuvants. The diterpene natural product 12(S),16ϵ‐dihydroxycleroda‐3,13‐dien‐15,16‐olide, which we refer to as (−)‐LZ‐2112, is known to synergize with oxacillin against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To explore this activity, (−)‐LZ‐2112 was synthesized and the structure confirmed through X‐ray analysis. Preliminary structure–activity relationship studies following the synthesis of several analogs identified key structural elements responsible for activity and indicate that scaffold simplification is possible. A preliminary mode of action study suggests mecA plays a role in the adjuvant activity of (−)‐LZ‐2112.
Molecularly Engineered Covalent Organic Frameworks for Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis
Authors: Kou Mingpu , Wang Yongye , Xu Yixue , Ye Liqun , Huang Yingping , Jia Baohua , Li Hui , Ren Jiaqi , Deng Yu , Chen Jiahao , Zhou Ying , Lei Kai , Wang Li , Liu Wei , Huang Hongwei , Ma Tianyi
Published: February 2022

Synthesizing H2O2 from water and air via a photocatalytic approach is ideal for efficient production of this chemical at small‐scale. However, the poor activity and selectivity of the 2 e− water oxidation reaction (WOR) greatly restricts the efficiency of photocatalytic H2O2 production. Herein we prepare a bipyridine‐based covalent organic framework photocatalyst (denoted as COF‐TfpBpy) for H2O2 production from water and air. The solar‐to‐chemical conversion (SCC) efficiency at 298 K and 333 K is 0.57 % and 1.08 %, respectively, which are higher than the current reported highest value. The resulting H2O2 solution is capable of degrading pollutants. A mechanistic study revealed that the excellent photocatalytic activity of COF‐TfpBpy is due to the protonation of bipyridine monomer, which promotes the rate‐determining reaction (2 e− WOR) and then enhances Yeager‐type oxygen adsorption to accelerate 2 e− one‐step oxygen reduction. This work demonstrates, for the first time, the COF‐catalyzed photosynthesis of H2O2 from water and air; and paves the way for wastewater treatment using photocatalytic H2O2 solution.
Peptoid‐Directed Formation of Five‐Fold Twinned Au Nanostars through Particle Attachment and Facet Stabilization
Authors: Jin Biao , Yan Feng , Qi Xin , Cai Bin , Tao Jinhui , Fu Xiaofeng , Tan Susheng , Zhang Peijun , Pfaendtner Jim , Naser Nada Y. , Baneyx François , Zhang Xin , DeYoreo James J. , Chen Chun‐Long
Published: February 2022

While bio‐inspired synthesis offers great potential for controlling nucleation and growth of inorganic particles, precisely tuning biomolecule–particle interactions is a long‐standing challenge. Herein, we used variations in peptoid sequence to manipulate peptoid–Au interactions, leading to the synthesis of concave five‐fold twinned, five‐pointed Au nanostars via a process of repeated particle attachment and facet stabilization. Ex situ and liquid‐phase TEM observations show that a balance between particle attachment biased to occur near the star points, preferential growth along the [100] direction, and stabilization of (111) facets is critical to forming star‐shaped particles. Molecular simulations predict that interaction strengths between peptoids and distinct Au facets differ significantly and thus can alter attachment kinetics and surface energies to form the stars. This work provides new insights into how sequence‐defined ligands affect particle growth to regulate crystal morphology.
Single Cell Imaging of Electrochemiluminescence‐Driven Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Ming‐Ming , Xu Cong‐Hui , Zhao Wei , Chen Hong‐Yuan , Xu Jing‐Juan
Published: February 2022

We report a photodynamic therapy driven by electrochemiluminescence (ECL). The luminescence generated by Ru(bpy)32+ and co‐reactant tripropylamine (TPA) pair acts as both optical readout for ECL imaging, and light source for the excitation of photosensitizer to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) system. The ECL‐driven PDT (ECL‐PDT) relies on the effective energy transfer from ECL emission to photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6), which sensitizes the surrounding O2 into ROS. The dynamic process of gradual morphological changes, the variation of cell‐matrix adhesions, as well as the increase of cell membrane permeability in the process of ECL‐PDT were monitored under ECL microscopy (ECLM) with good spatiotemporal resolution. Combining real‐time imaging with ECL‐PDT, this new strategy provides not only new insights into dynamic cellular processes, but also promising potential of ECL in clinical applications.
Alkylgold(III) Complexes Undergo Unprecedented Photo‐Induced β‐Hydride Elimination and Reduction for Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jiang Jia , Cao Bei , Chen Yuting , Luo Hejiang , Xue Jiaying , Xiong Xiaolin , Zou Taotao
Published: February 2022

Spatiotemporally controllable activation of prodrugs within tumors is highly desirable for cancer therapy to minimize toxic side effects. Herein we report that stable alkylgold(III) complexes can undergo unprecedented photo‐induced β‐hydride elimination, releasing alkyl ligands and forming gold(III)‐hydride intermediates that could be quickly converted into bioactive [AuIII−S] adducts; meanwhile, the remaining alkylgold(III) complexes can photo‐catalytically reduce [AuIII−S] into more bioactive AuIspecies. Such photo‐reactivities make it possible to functionalize gold complexes on the auxiliary alkyl ligands without attenuating the metal–biomacromolecule interactions. As a result, the gold(III) complexes containing glucose‐functionalized alkyl ligands displayed efficient and tumor‐selective uptake; notably, after one‐ or two‐photon activation, the complexes exhibited high thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibition, potent cytotoxicity, and strong antiangiogenesis and antitumor activities in vivo.
Effect of particle size on the pyrolysis process of low‐rank coal: Assessment of structural evolution by N2 adsorption, Raman, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared
Authors: Wu Hao , Zou Chong , Zhen Xue‐Le , Ren Meng‐Meng
Published: February 2022

It is of great theoretical significance and application value to study the influence of particle size difference of low‐rank coal on the structure of char and establish a relationship to regulate the pyrolysis process and performance of char. The structure changes of char prepared from raw coal with different particle sizes were analyzed by N2 adsorption, Raman, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The results show that with the increase of pyrolysis temperature (500°C–700°C), the specific surface area of char first increases and then decreases and reaches the maximum value at 650°C. When the particle size of raw coal increases gradually, the process of volatile matter removal is limited by mass transfer, and the diffusion pore expansion makes the specific surface area and pore volume of char increase rapidly, and the char degree of ordering increases. The central sample of char prepared from raw coal with the same particle size has a larger specific surface area than the edge sample, which may be due to the restriction of mass transfer resistance in the release process of volatiles, resulting in a larger specific surface area of the central sample and a lower ordering degree of the central sample. The sample with pyrolysis temperature of 550°C was selected for comparison, and its structural parameters were inconsistent, because the volatiles were not removed at this temperature, which had a great impact on the structural evolution.
κ‐carrageenan/polyvinyl alcohol‐graphene oxide biopolymer composite membrane for application of air‐breathing passive direct ethanol fuel cells
Authors: Zakaria Zulfirdaus , Kamarudin Siti Kartom , Kudus Muhammad Helmi Abdul , Wahid Khairul Anuar Abd
Published: February 2022

In this article, new biopolymer composite membranes based on κ‐carrageenan, polyvinyl alcohol and graphene oxide (designated as κ‐car/PVA‐GO) were synthesized by casting method for the application of passive direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFCs). FTIR, XRD, and FESEM analysis proved that the κ‐car/PVA‐GO biopolymer composite membrane has been successfully fabricated. The fabrication of the κ‐car/PVA‐GO biopolymer composite membrane effectively increases the proton conductivity and ethanol barrier. The high proton conductivity is achieved 2.67 × 10−3 S/cm and the reduced permeability of ethanol 1.95 × 10−7 cm2/s at 30°C. Besides, PVA blend modification and the introduction of GO improve the mechanical properties of the κ‐car biopolymer. The maximum power density of the passive DEFCs is 3.84 mW/cm2 using the κ‐car/PVA‐GO biopolymer composite membrane, which is higher than the Nafion membrane, which achieved only 2.02 mW/cm2 in a similar operating condition of passive DEFCs at 30°C. Furthermore, the κ‐car/PVA‐GO biopolymer composite membrane could be maintained in a fuel cell atmosphere for 1000 h. According to our review of the literature, there are no studies have used the carrageenan‐based membrane in the application of passive DEFCs. This is a promising biopolymer electrolyte membrane for use in passive DEFCs.
The Prominent Role of Hematopoietic Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 4 in Arthritis: Collagen‐ and Granulocyte Colony‐Stimulating Factor–Induced Arthritis Model in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Fukui Shoichi , Gutch Sarah , Fukui Saeko , Cherpokova Deya , Aymonnier Karen , Sheehy Casey E. , Chu Long , Wagner Denisa D.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Genome‐wide association studies have connected PADI4, encoding peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). PAD4 promotes neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. This study was undertaken to investigate the origin of PAD4 and the importance of NET formation in a C57BL/6 mouse model of arthritis.

Methods

To permit the effective use of C57BL/6 mice in the collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model, we introduced the administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) for 4 consecutive days in conjunction with the booster immunization on day 21. Mice with global Padi4 deficiency (Padi4−/−) and mice with hematopoietic lineage–specific Padi4 deficiency (Padi4Vav1Cre/+) were evaluated in the model.

Results

G‐CSF significantly increased the incidence and severity of CIA. G‐CSF–treated mice showed elevated citrullinated histone H3 (Cit‐H3) levels in plasma, while vehicle‐treated mice did not. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed deposition of Cit‐H3 in synovial tissue in G‐CSF–treated mice. Padi4−/− mice developed less severe arthritis and had lower levels of serum interleukin‐6 and plasma Cit‐H3, lower levels of Cit‐H4 in synovial tissue, and less bone erosion on micro–computed tomography than Padi4+/+ mice in the G‐CSF–modified CIA model. Similarly, Padi4Vav1Cre/+ mice developed less severe arthritis, compared with Padi4fl/fl mice, and presented the same phenotype as Padi4−/− mice.

Conclusion

We succeeded in developing an arthritis model suitable for use in C57BL/6 mice that is fully compliant with high animal welfare standards. We observed a >90% incidence of arthritis in male mice and detectable NET markers. This model, with some features consistent with human RA, demonstrates that hematopoietic PAD4 is an important contributor to arthritis development and may prove useful in future RA research.
An experimental and modelling analysis of cloud droplet growth from vehicular emissions with non‐ideal microphysics over an Asian mega‐city
Authors: Gumber Siddharth , Ghosh Satyajit
Published: February 2022

Large cities in the developing world have unregulated traffic with dysfunctional diesel operated vehicles spewing out copious amounts of micron to sub‐micron sized soot and black carbon particles. These particles mix with other aerosol particles as they are lifted by buoyant eddies. It is shown that the particles are rendered partly soluble as they get coated with soluble sulphate to activate into cloud droplets. This multi‐component aerosol mixture thus comprises of fully soluble as well as partially soluble components so that mass accommodation and diffusional mass transfer considerations need to be carefully quantified over small non‐planar surfaces of aerosol particles sourced from such emissions. The emitted soot and black carbon particles have number concentrations comparable to the sulphate mode and are small enough that the assumption of an infinitely dilute solution droplet is untenable. An X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry indicates the presence of inorganic ions confirming the validity of non‐ideal solution effects warranting a closer look at the osmotic coefficients. Additionally, laboratory values of the binary diffusion coefficients of water vapour cannot be applied to processes operating over the cloud base located several kilometres above where the pressure and temperature are different. A full Lennard‐Jones diffusivity model is used with an accounting of the dipole moment of water vapour which most models ignore. This first study, combining these micro‐scale enhancements are included in a Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) case study over an Asian city. Not only are significant differences obtained in the cloud morphology when compared to a baseline case, but modelled cloud optical depths agree better with observations.
Ultra‐centrifugation force in adaptive evolution changes the cell structure of oleaginous yeast Trichosporon cutaneum into a favorable space for lipid accumulation
Authors: Liu Qi , Lu Minping , Jin Ci , Hou Weiliang , Zhao Liao , Bao Jie
Published: February 2022

Microbial lipid production from lignocellulose biomass provides an essential option for sustainable and carbon‐neutral supply of future aviation fuels, biodiesel, as well as various food and nutrition products. Oleaginous yeast is the major microbial cell factory but its lipid‐producing performance is far below the requirements of industrial application. Here we show an ultra‐centrifugation fractionation in adaptive evolution (UCF) of Trichosporon cutaneum based on the minor cell density difference. The lightest cells with the maximum intracellular lipid content were isolated by ultra‐centrifugation fractionation in the long‐term adaptive evolution. Significant changes occurred in the cell morphology with a fragile cell wall wrapping and enlarged intracellular space (two orders of magnitude increase in cell size). Complete and coordinate assimilations of all nonglucose sugars derived from lignocellulose were triggered and fluxed into lipid synthesis. Genome mutations and significant transcriptional regulations of the genes responsible for cell structure were identified and experimentally confirmed. The obtained T. cutaneum MP11 cells achieved a high lipid production of wheat straw, approximately five‐fold greater than that of the parental cells. The study provided an effective method for screening the high lipid‐containing oleaginous yeast cells as well as the intracellular products accumulating cells in general.
Interhemispheric functional connectivity asymmetry is distinctly affected in left and right mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Zhao Xu , Kang Huicong , Zhou Zhiqiang , Hu Ying , Li Juan , Li Shihui , Li Jia , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The differences of functional connectivity (FC) and functional asymmetry between left and right mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (LMTLE and RMTLE) have not been completely clarified yet. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the FC changes and the FC asymmetric patterns of MTLE, and to compare the differences in FC and functional asymmetry between LMTLE and RMTLE.

Methods

In total, 12 LMTLE, 11 RMTLE patients, and 23 healthy controls (HC) were included. Region of interest (ROI)‐based analysis was used to evaluate FC. The right functional connectivity (rFC) and left functional connectivity (lFC) of each ROI were calculated. Asymmetry index (AI) was calculated based on the following formula: . Paired t‐test and univariate analysis of variance were used to analyze FC asymmetry. Linear correlation analysis was performed between significant FC changes and lateralized ROIs and epilepsy onset age and duration.

Results

LMTLE and RMTLE patients showed different patterns of alteration in FC and functional asymmetry when compared with controls. RMTLE presented more extensive FC abnormalities than LMTLE. Regions in ipsilateral temporal lobe presented as central regions of abnormalities in both patient groups. In addition, the asymmetric characteristics of FC were reduced in MTLE compared with HC, with even more pronounced reduction for RMTLE group. Meanwhile, ROIs presented FC AI differences among the three groups were mostly involving left temporal lobe (L_hippo, L_amyg, L_TP, L_aMTG, and L_pTFusC). No correlation was found between significant FC changes and lateralized ROIs and epilepsy onset age and duration.

Conclusion

The FC and asymmetric features of MTLE are altered and involve both the temporal lobe and extra‐temporal lobe. Furthermore, the altered FC and asymmetric features were distinctly affected in LMTLE and RMTLE compared to controls.
Treatment decision‐making during outpatient clinic visit of patients with esophagogastric cancer. The perspectives of clinicians and patients, a mixed method, multiple case study
Authors: Luijten Josianne C. H. B. M. , Brom Linda , Vissers Pauline A. J. , van de Wouw Yes. A. J. , Warmerdam Fabienne A. R. M. , Heisterkamp Joos , Mook Stella , Oulad Hadj Jamal , van Det Marc J. , Timmermans Liesbeth , Hulshof Maarten C. C. M. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Rosman Camiel , Siersema Peter D. , Westerman Marjan J. , Verhoeven Rob H. A. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A. P.
Published: February 2022

Background

The probability of undergoing treatment with curative intent according to the hospital of diagnosis varies for esophagogastric cancer in the Netherlands. Little is known about the factors contributing to this variation. This study aimed to improve the understanding of the differences between the multidisciplinary team meeting treatment proposal and the treatment that was actually carried out and to qualitatively investigate the differences in treatment decision‐making after the multidisciplinary team meeting treatment proposal between hospitals.

Methods

To gain an in‐depth understanding of treatment decision‐making, quantitative data (i.e., multidisciplinary team meeting proposal and treatment that was carried out) were collected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Changes in the multidisciplinary team meeting proposal and applied treatment comprised changes in the type of treatment option (i.e., curative or palliative, or no change) and were calculated according to the multivariable multilevel probability of undergoing treatment with curative intent (low, middle, and high). Qualitative data were collected from eight hospitals, including observations of 26 outpatient clinic consultations, 30 in‐depth interviews with clinicians, seven focus groups with clinicians, and three focus groups with patients. Clinicians and patients' perspectives were assessed using thematic content analysis.

Results

The multidisciplinary team meeting proposal and applied treatment were concordant in 97% of the cases. Clinicians' implementation of treatment decision‐making in clinical practice varied, which was mentioned by the clinicians to be due to the clinician's personality and values. Differences between clinicians consisted of discussing all treatment options versus only the best fitting treatment option and the extent of discussing the benefits and harms. Most patients aimed to undergo curative treatment regardless of the consequences, since they believed this could prolong their life.

Conclusion

Since changes in the multidisciplinary team meeting‐proposed treatment and actual treatment were rarely observed, this study emphasizes the importance of an adequately formulated multidisciplinary team meeting proposal.
Systematic review of neighborhood socioeconomic indices studied across the cancer control continuum
Authors: Sorice Kristen A. , Fang Carolyn Y. , Wiese Daniel , Ortiz Angel , Chen Yuku , Henry Kevin A. , Lynch Shannon M.
Published: February 2022

Background

There is extensive interest in understanding how neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) may affect cancer incidence or survival. However, variability regarding items included and approaches used to form a composite nSES index presents challenges in summarizing overall associations with cancer. Given recent calls for standardized measures of neighborhood sociodemographic effects in cancer disparity research, the objective of this systematic review was to identify and compare existing nSES indices studied across the cancer continuum (incidence, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survival/mortality) and summarize associations by race/ethnicity and cancer site to inform future cancer disparity studies.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, peer‐reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2019 containing keywords related to nSES and cancer were identified in PubMed.

Results

Twenty‐four nSES indices were identified from 75 studies. In general, findings indicated a significant association between nSES and cancer outcomes (n = 64/75 studies; 85.33%), with 42/64 (65.63%) adjusting for highly‐correlated individual SES factors (e.g., education). However, the direction of association differed by cancer site, race/ethnicity, and nSES index.

Conclusions

This review highlights several methodologic and conceptual issues surrounding nSES measurement and potential associations with cancer disparities. Recommendations pertaining to the selection of nSES measures are provided, which may help inform disparity‐related disease processes and improve the identification of vulnerable populations in need of intervention.