bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucosa‐Like Conformal Hydrogel Coating for Aqueous Lubrication
Authors: Bai Meng‐Han , Zhao Baisong , Liu Zhou‐Yun‐Tong , Zheng Zi‐Li , Wei Xin , Li Lingli , Li Ka , Song Xingrong , Xu Jia‐Zhuang , Li Zhong‐Ming
Published: January 2022

Mucosa is a protective and lubricating barrier in biological tissue, which has a great clinical inspiration because of its slippery, soft, and hydrophilic surface. However, mimicking mucosal traits on complex surface remains an enormous challenge. Herein, a novel approach to create mucosa‐like conformal hydrogel coating is developed. A thin conformal hydrogel layer mimicking the epithelial layer is obtained by first absorbing micelles, followed by forming covalent interlinks with the polymer substrate via interface‐initiated hydrogel polymerization. The resulting coating exhibits uniform thickness (≈15 µm), mucosa‐matched compliance (Young's modulus = 1.1 ± 0.1 kPa) and lubrication (coefficients of friction = 0.018 ± 0.003), robust interfacial bonding against peeling (peeling strength = 1218.0 ± 187.9 J m–2), as well as high water absorption capacity. It effectively resists adhesion of proteins and bacteria without compromising biocompatibility. As demonstrated by an in vivo cynomolgus monkey model and clinical trial, applications of the mucosa‐like conformal hydrogel coating on the endotracheal tube significantly reduce intubation‐related complications, such as invasive stimuli, mucosal lesions, laryngeal edema, inflammation, and postoperative pain. This work offers a promising prototype for surface decoration of biomedical devices and holds great prospects for clinical translation to enable interventional operations with minimally invasive impacts.
Computational Exploration Toward Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) Solar Cells: Tailoring Higher Efficiency
Authors: Zhou Jiakai , Ren Chengchao , Su Xianglin , Liu Xiaoning , Huang Qian , Zhang Xiaodan , Hou Guofu , Zhao Ying
Published: January 2022

Despite the inescapable technical challenges and unclear operating mechanisms, the last few years have witnessed considerable advances in tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) structured solar cells, most of which are centered around improving the device performance so as to truly become a step forward from current mainstream technologies. However, a systematic numerical exploration is urgently required to gain a thorough understanding of the effect of the core parameters of the device on the final performance. Here, the numerical simulation way is used to explore the potential of TOPCon technology, focused on the pursuit of higher efficiency. An exhaustive analysis concerning tunnel SiOx and doped polysilicon (poly‐Si) with field passivation effect is carried out to tailor excellent surface passivation. The simulation also suggests that the ultra‐thin SiOx with extremely low pinhole density can suppress the recombination of carriers, thus promoting the passivation quality. Additionally, simulation research is conducted on the potential of using poly‐SiOx(n+) as the doped layer, and an efficiency of 27.60% is realized via adjusting the optimal band gap and dopant concentration. Briefly, this work presents a comprehensive computational analysis of the tunnel oxide, doped layer and their synergistic impacts on the final performance.
Economic performance characterization of intensive shrimp (Penaeus monodon) farming systems in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Hazrat , Rahman Muhammad Meezanur , Jaman Ahmed , Basak Siddhwartha Kumar , Eltholth Mahmoud , Murray Francis
Published: January 2022

Intensive shrimp (Penaeus monodon) production system is relatively new in Bangladesh, and has not yet been adequately described or its viability assessed. The aims of this study were to characterize, assess the economic performance and identify challenges for intensive shrimp farming in Bangladesh. A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire enumerated between October 2016 to June 2017 with 53 farmers in three districts of Khulna Province, southwest Bangladesh. The surveyed farms were categorized into small, medium and large scale based on the number of culture ponds. The average production, operational costs, gross and net income, net income, and cost‐benefit ratios were higher in large farms, followed by medium and small farms. A Cobb–Douglas production function model was used to identify factors influencing shrimp yields, with feed management, health management, pond depth and aeration identified as significant factors. The benefit‐cost ratio was higher than 1, indicative of a positive investment efficiency of intensive shrimp farming system for farmers. Major challenges were associated with quality of inputs, high investment, maintenance of biosecurity and disease outbreaks, water quality, limited number of input suppliers and lack of diagnostic services and technical information at farm level. Our findings suggest that there is an urgent need for human capacity development for shrimp farm owners, workers and technicians. It is also important to improve access to quality inputs, rapid and affordable diagnostics and other technical services.
Methyl benzoate derivatives as inhibitors of pentose phosphate pathway, which promotes cancer progression and drug resistance: An in silico study supported by in vitro results
Authors: Kesebir Arzu Öztürk , Güller Pınar , Kalın Ramazan , Özdemir Hasan , Küfrevioğlu Ömer İrfan
Published: January 2022

The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), whose products are vital in biosynthetic events, is targeted in the treatment of many diseases such as cancer and malaria. The objective of this study was to identify new PPP inhibitors. The inhibition effects of methyl 4‐amino benzoates on glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) were analyzed through in vitro experiments and molecular docking studies were used to estimate inhibition mechanisms. IC50 values of compounds were found between 100.8 and 430.8 μM for G6PD and 206 and 693.2 μM for 6PGD. Molecular docking analysis showed that compound 1 was found the most effective inhibitor against hG6PD and compound 4 had the highest inhibitory potency against h6PGD with the estimated binding energy of −6.71 and −7.61 kcal/mol, respectively. In conclusion, it was determined that in vitro and in silico outcomes of the study were highly correlated with each other. The structure of these benzoates may aid in the development of drugs that target the PPP.
Chain‐Like Structures of Biogenic and Nonbiogenic Magnetic Nanoparticles in Vascular Tissues
Authors: Gorobets Svitlana , Gorobets Oksana , Gorobets Yuri , Bulaievska Maryna
Published: January 2022

In this paper, slices of organs from various organisms (animals, plants, fungi) were investigated by using atomic force microscopy and magnetic force microscopy to identify common features of localization of both biogenic and nonbiogenic magnetic nanoparticles. It was revealed that both biogenic and nonbiogenic magnetic nanoparticles are localized in the form of chains of separate nanoparticles or chains of conglomerates of nanoparticles in the walls of the capillaries of animals and the walls of the conducting tissue of plants and fungi. Both biogenic and nonbiogenic magnetic nanoparticles are embedded as a part of the transport system in multicellular organisms. In connection with this, a new idea of the function of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles is discussed, that the chains of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles and chains of conglomerates of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles represent ferrimagnetic organelles of a specific purpose. Besides, magnetic dipole–dipole interaction of biogenic magnetic nanoparticles with magnetically labeled drugs or contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging should be considered when designing the drug delivery and other medical systems because biogenic magnetic nanoparticles in capillary walls will serve as the trapping centers for the artificial magnetic nanoparticles. The aggregates of both artificial and biogenic magnetic nanoparticles can be formed, contributing to the risk of vascular occlusion. Bioelectromagnetics. 43:119–143, 2022. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
l‐Lactate oxidase‐mediated removal of l‐lactic acid derived from fermentation medium for the production of optically pure D‐lactic acid
Authors: Okano Kenji , Sato Yu , Hama Shnji , Tanaka Tsutomu , Noda Hideo , Kondo Akihiko , Honda Kohsuke
Published: January 2022

Background

There has been an increasing demand for optically pure d‐lactic and l‐lactic acid for the production of stereocomplex‐type polylactic acid. The d‐lactic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass is important owing to its great abundance in nature. Corn steep liquor (CSL) is a cheap nitrogen source used for industrial fermentation, though it contains a significant amount of l‐lactic acid, which decreases the optical purity of d‐lactic acid produced.

Method and results

To remove l‐lactic acid derived from the CSL‐based medium, l‐lactate oxidase (LoxL) from Enterococcus sp. NBRC 3427 was expressed in an engineered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (formally called Lactobacillus plantarum) strain KOLP7, which exclusively produces d‐lactic acid from both hexose and pentose sugars. When the resulting strain was applied for d‐lactic acid fermentation from the mixed sugars consisting of the major constituent sugars of lignocellulose (35 g L–1 glucose, 10 g L–1 xylose, and 5 g L–1 arabinose) using the medium containing 10 g L–1 CSL, it completely removed l‐lactic acid derived from CSL (0.52 g L–1) and produced 41.7 g L–1 of d‐lactic acid. The l‐lactic acid concentration was below the detection limit, and improvement in the optical purity of d‐lactic acid was observed (from 98.2% to > 99.99%) by the overexpression of LoxL.

Conclusion and implications

The LoxL‐mediated consumption of l‐lactic acid would enable the production of optically pure d‐lactic acid in any medium contaminated by l‐lactic acid.
Engineering Acetobacterium woodii for the production of isopropanol and acetone from carbon dioxide and hydrogen
Authors: Arslan Kübra , Schoch Teresa , Höfele Franziska , Herrschaft Sabrina , Oberlies Catarina , Bengelsdorf Frank , Veiga María C. , Dürre Peter , Kennes Christian
Published: January 2022

The capability of four genetically modified Acetobacterium woodii strains for improved production of acetone from CO2 and hydrogen was tested. The acetone biosynthesis pathway was constructed by combining genes from Clostridium acetobutylicum and Clostridium aceticum. Expression of acetone production genes was demonstrated in all strains. In bioreactors with continuous gas supply, all produced acetic acid, acetone, and, surprisingly, isopropanol. The production of isopropanol was caused by an endogenous secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (SADH) activity at low gas‐feeding rate. Although high amounts of the natural end product acetic acid of A. woodii were formed,14.5 mM isopropanol and 7.6 mM acetone were also detected, showing that this is a promising approach for the production of new solvents from C1 gases. The highest acetic acid, acetone, and isopropanol production was detected in the recombinant A. woodii [pJIR750_ac1t1] strain, with final concentrations of 438 mM acetic acid, 7.6 mM acetone, and 14.5 mM isopropanol. The engineered strain A. woodii [pJIR750_ac1t1] was found to be the most promising strain for acetone production from a gas mixture of CO2 and H2 and the formation of isopropanol in A. woodii was shown for the first time.
Glass children: The lived experiences of siblings of people with a disability or chronic illness
Authors: Hanvey Imogen , Malovic Aida , Ntontis Evangelos
Published: January 2022

Siblings of disabled or chronically ill children are often hidden family members and their needs for support might not be met. Current research however is limited in its understanding of siblings' lived experiences. This study uses semi‐structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of 16 individuals (referred to as siblings) who grew up with a disabled or chronically ill brother or sister. Participants reflected on their childhood and adolescent experiences as siblings, focusing on their social interactions and relationships, social support, and wellbeing. Using thematic analysis, we identified four distinct but theoretically related themes; participants experienced (a) feelings of invisibility during social interactions, (b) psychological difficulties due to the internalisation of family roles or life conditions, and (c) feelings of guilt and self‐blame. Finally, (d) social support was central as siblings were sometimes unable to understand their own needs, and support from family and peer groups helped them have their negative experiences validated. Our findings suggest greater support for siblings is required with a focus on addressing negative feelings and the availability of social support from people with similar experiences.
Anti‐inflammatory role demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo models using nonsteroidal tetranortriterpenoid, Nimbin (N1) and its analogs (N2 and N3) that alleviate the domestication of alternative medicine
Authors: Sudhakaran Gokul , Prathap Pandurangan , Guru Ajay , Rajesh Ravi , Sathish Sruthy , Madhavan Thirumurthy , Arasu Mariadhas V. , Al‐Dhabi Naif A. , Choi Ki Choon , Gopinath Pushparathinam , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: January 2022

Human health may benefit from the study of natural compounds and phytoconstituents that can protect from inflammation. We investigated Nimbin (N1), a member of the ring C Seco‐tetranortriterpenoids family, and its semi‐natural analog deacetyl Nimbin namely N2 and N3 for their anti‐inflammatory properties. As key findings, N1, N2, and N3 were able to improve wound healing by cell proliferation in a period of 24 h and were able to reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Madin–Darby Canine Kidney cells which were screened using dichloro‐dihydro fluorescein diacetate (DCF‐DA) staining. When the zebrafish larvae were subjected to DCF‐DA assay N1, N2, and N3 were able to substantially reduce the ROS levels in a dose‐dependent manner. In zebrafish larvae, the cell death indicates the fluorescent intensity due to acridine orange staining that was found to be dramatically decreasing upon the treatment of N1, N2, and N3. The cell membrane lipid peroxidation levels were also reduced in a dose‐dependent manner upon the treatment of Nimbin and its analogs indicating lesser blue fluorescent levels. Among the Nimbin and its analogs, N2 was subjected to have better activity. To confirm the activity of N1, N2, and N3, in silico characterization was performed using Density functional theory and molecular docking. As a result, N2 exhibited the lowest electronegative value and highest binding energy when docked with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant proteins CAT, COX, GP, IL‐1, and MPO. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of N2 must be explored at the molecular level as well as in clinical studies for the treatment of inflammation‐associated diseases.
Neuregulin‐1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro
Authors: Li Ling , Shang Lingling , Kang Wenyan , Du Lingqian , Ge Shaohua
Published: January 2022

Neuregulin‐1 (NRG‐1) can promote the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of multiple stem cells, as well as prohibit cell apoptosis. In the present study, we aimed to explore the effects of NRG‐1 on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, angiogenic, and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in vitro. The expression of erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 (ERBB2), ERBB3, and ERBB4 on PDLSCs were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and immunofluorescence. The effects of NRG‐1 on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, angiogenic and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs were assessed by cell proliferation and viability assays, transwell migration assay, flow cytometry assay, tubule formation assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and Alizarin Red S staining, respectively. Gene expression of angiogenesis and osteogenesis‐related markers were detected by qRT‐PCR. Among the ERBB family members, ERBB2 had the highest expression level in PDLSCs. Further, 10 ng/ml NRG‐1 exhibited the maximal effect on proliferation, migration and remarkably inhibited the apoptosis of PDLSCs (p < .05). Moreover, NRG‐1 upregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (CD31), hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF), kinase insert domain‐containing receptor (KDR) in a dose‐dependent manner as well as induced more tube formation. However, NRG‐1 did not affect osteogenesis (p > .05). In summary, our study demonstrated that NRG‐1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis and inhibits the apoptosis of PDLSCs in vitro and can potentially be used in tissue engineering for periodontal regeneration.
Association between patient age, microcirculation, and coronary stenosis assessment with fractional flow reserve and instantaneous wave‐free ratio
Authors: Mejia‐Renteria Hernan , Faria Daniel , Lee Joo Myung , Lee Seung Hun , Jung Ji‐Hyun , Doh Joon‐Hyung , Nam Chang‐Wook , Shin Eun‐Seok , Hoshino Masahiro , Sugiyama Tomoyo , Kanaji Yoshihisa , Gonzalo Nieves , Kakuta Tsunekazu , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Escaned Javier
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To investigate the effect of aging on coronary stenosis functional assessment with fractional flow reserve (FFR) and instantaneous wave‐free ratio (iFR).

Background

Limited data exist regarding the impact of patient age on these coronary pressure indices.

Methods

We analyzed 514 patients with coronary stenosis interrogated with intravascular physiology. The influence of patient age on FFR, iFR, and microcirculation‐related indices was investigated. Vessel‐oriented composite outcome (VOCO) was assessed in the FFR‐based deferred population according to iFR, coronary flow reserve (CFR), and age.

Results

FFR increased (r = 0.128, p = 0.004), iFR remained unchanged (r = −0.001, p = 0.980), and CFR decreased (r = −0.095, p = 0.001) with patient age. Relationship between FFR and CFR differed across age groups (r = 0.263 in <60 years old vs. r = 0.124 in ≥60 years old, p = 0.0056), whereas iFR correlated to CFR similarly regardless age (r = 0.283 in <60 years old vs. r = 0.219 in ≥60 years old, p = 0.3781). No differences were found on angiographic stenosis severity (%DS 47.4 in <60 years old and 49.8 in ≥60 years old, p = 0.317). At 5 years, FFR‐based revascularisation deferral in patients ≥60 years old was associated with more VOCO when either iFR (25%) or CFR (16.9%) were abnormal, compared to patients with normal iFR (6.3%) or normal CFR (4.6%) (log‐rank p < 0.001). This difference in clinical outcomes was not observed in younger patients.

Conclusions

FFR values increased progressively with patient age, potentially associated with age‐related changes in the coronary microcirculation. Conversely, iFR values remained unchanged across the patient age spectrum. In ≥60 years old patients with revascularisation deferral based on FFR, both abnormal iFR and CFR values were associated with worse long‐term patient outcomes.
Admission high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels improve the Grace risk score prediction on in‐hospital outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Lin Xiao Long , Sun Hao Xuan , Li Fan Qi , Zhao Jin Yang , Zhao Dong Hui , Liu Jing Hua , Fan Qian
Published: January 2022

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the main cause of death and disability in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Both the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (Grace) score and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) were associated with prognosis in patients with AMI. However, whether the addition of the hs‐CRP to Grace risk score could improve the predictive power of Grace risk score on the prognosis of patients with AMI is unclear.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the inclusion of hs‐CRP in the Grace risk score could improve the ability to correctly distinguish the occurrence of in‐hospital outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 1804 patients with AMI in the final analysis. Patients were divided into four groups by hs‐CRP quartiles. The relation between hs‐CRP and Grace risk score was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors. The predictive value of hs‐CRP add to Grace risk score was evaluated by C‐statistic, net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated differentiation improvement (IDI), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis.

Results

The hs‐CRP and Grace risk score had a significantly positive correlation (r = .191, p < .001). hs‐CRP combined with Grace risk score could improve the ability of Grace risk score alone to correctly redistinguish the occurrence of in‐hospital outcome (C‐statistic = 0.819, p < .001; NRI = 0.05956, p = .007; IDI = 0.0757, p < .001).

Conclusion

Admission hs‐CRP level was a significant independent risk factor for in‐hospital outcomes in patients with AMI. The inclusion of hs‐CRP in the Grace risk score could improve the ability to correctly distinguish the occurrence of in‐hospital outcomes.
Association between brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in different age groups
Authors: Sang Da Sen , Zhang Qi , Song Da , Tao Jie , Wu Shou Ling , Li Yong Jun
Published: January 2022

Background

To investigate the association between brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in different age groups.

Methods

A total of 39 417 people, receiving Kailuan physical examination, completing baPWV examination from 2010 to 2017, with no history of CVD and atrial fibrillation, were selected as the observation objects. The population was categorized into one age group per 10 years, namely the <50, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80‐year‐old groups, and the total population, and each group was further assigned into three classes according to the triple quartiles of baPWV. Kaplan–Meier method helped to calculate the cumulative incidence of CVD in different age groups. The effect of baPWV on CVD in different age groups was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

Kaplan–Meier survival curve indicated statistical significance (p < .05) in the cumulative incidence of CVD among the whole population, <50, 50–59, and 60–69‐year‐old groups, while the cumulative incidence of end‐point events among the baPWV subgroups of 70–79 and ≥80‐year‐old groups exhibited no statistical significance (p > .05). Compared with baPWV in the Q1 group, hazard ratio value (95% confidence interval [CI]) of CVD in the Q3 group was 4.14 (95% CI: 2.98–5.75) in the total population, 2.98 (95% CI: 1.08–8.21) in <50‐year‐old population, 4.49 (95% CI: 2.89–7.00) in 50–59‐year‐old population, 2.78 (95% CI: 1.76–4.39) in 60–69‐year‐old population, 1.39 (95% CI: 0.86–2.24) in 70–79‐year‐old population, and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.55–2.41) in ≥80‐year‐old population.

Conclusion

CVD risk attributed to increased arterial stiffness reduces with age.
Improved survival of patients with myelofibrosis in the last decade: Single‐center experience
Authors: Masarova Lucia , Bose Prithviraj , Pemmaraju Naveen , Daver Naval G. , Sasaki Koji , Chifotides Helen T. , Zhou Lingsha , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Estrov Zeev , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: January 2022

Background

The management of myelofibrosis (MF) has changed over the last several years and could have an impact on patient outcome. This study evaluates the survival of patients with MF at the authors' institution to determine whether it changed in the last decade.

Methods

This retrospective study consists of 844 patients (64% male; median age, 66 years; range, 20‐90 years) who were examined between 2000 and 2020 with a new diagnosis of MF. Only patients with available marrow biopsy who had reticulin fibrosis of grade 2 or higher were included. Patients were compared by year of presentation: 2000‐2010 (n = 373) and 2011‐2020 (n = 471).

Results

A statistically significant improvement in median survival in the last decade was noted: from 48 months (95% CI, 42‐54 months) to 63 months (95% CI, 55‐71 months) (P < .001; HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.64‐0.95]). Improved survival was observed also in patients 65 years old or older and those having intermediate 2 or high‐risk Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) or DIPSS‐Plus risk scores. Among 532 patients treated with MF‐directed therapy, patients exposed to JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib had superior outcomes with median overall survival of 84 months (95% CI, 70‐94 months).

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that survival of patients with MF has improved in the last decade. This improvement is likely due to increased disease awareness, advances in supportive care, and the development of effective treatments.
Deep‐learning‐based seizure detection and prediction from electroencephalography signals
Authors: Ibrahim Fatma E. , Emara Heba M. , El‐Shafai Walid , Elwekeil Mohamed , Rihan Mohamed , Eldokany Ibrahim M. , Taha Taha E. , El‐Fishawy Adel S. , El‐Rabaie El‐Sayed M. , Abdellatef Essam , Abd El‐Samie Fathi E.
Published: January 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) is among the main tools used for analyzing and diagnosing epilepsy. The manual analysis of EEG must be conducted by highly trained clinicians or neuro‐physiologists; a process that is considered to have a comparatively low inter‐rater agreement. Furthermore, the new data interpretation consumes an excessive amount of time and resources. Hence, an automatic seizure detection and prediction system can improve the quality of patient care in terms of shortening the diagnosis period, reducing manual errors, and automatically detecting debilitating events. Moreover, for patient treatment, it is important to alert the patients of epilepsy seizures prior to seizure occurrence. Various distinguished studies presented good solutions for two‐class seizure detection problems with binary classification scenarios. To deal with these challenges, this paper puts forward effective approaches for EEG signal classification for normal, pre‐ictal, and ictal activities. Three models are presented for the classification task. Two of them are patient‐specific, while the third one is patient non‐specific, which makes it better for the general classification tasks. The two‐class classification is implemented between normal and pre‐ictal activities for seizure prediction and between normal and ictal activities for seizure detection. A more generalized three‐class classification framework is considered to identify all EEG signal activities. The first model depends on a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with residual blocks. It contains thirteen layers with four residual learning blocks. It works on spectrograms of EEG signal segments. The second model depends on a CNN with three layers. It also works on spectrograms. On the other hand, the third model depends on Phase Space Reconstruction (PSR) to eliminate the limitations of the spectrograms used in the first models. A five‐layer CNN is used with this strategy. The advantage of the PSR is the direct projection from the time domain, which keeps the main trend of different signal activities. The third model deals with all signal activities, and it was tested for all patients of the CHB‐MIT dataset. It has a superior performance compared to the first models and the state‐of‐the‐art models.
Improved Battery Cycle Life Prediction Using a Hybrid Data‐Driven Model Incorporating Linear Support Vector Regression and Gaussian
Authors: Alipour Mohammad , Tavallaey Shiva Sander , Andersson Anna M. , Brandell Daniel
Published: January 2022

The ability to accurately predict lithium‐ion battery life‐time already at an early stage of battery usage is critical for ensuring safe operation, accelerating technology development, and enabling battery second‐life applications. Many models are unable to effectively predict battery life‐time at early cycles due to the complex and nonlinear degrading behavior of lithium‐ion batteries. In this study, two hybrid data‐driven models, incorporating a traditional linear support vector regression (LSVR) and a Gaussian process regression (GPR), were developed to estimate battery life‐time at an early stage, before more severe capacity fading, utilizing a data set of 124 battery cells with lifetimes ranging from 150 to 2300 cycles. Two type of hybrid models, here denoted as A and B, were proposed. For each of the models, we achieved 1.1 % (A) and 1.4 % (B) training error, and similarly, 8.3 % (A) and 8.2 % (B) test error. The two key advantages are that the error percentage is kept below 10 % and that very low error values for the training and test sets were observed when utilizing data from only the first 100 cycles.The proposed method thus appears highly promising for predicting battery life during early cycles.
Development of a Generic Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Lactation and Prediction of Maternal and Infant Exposure to Ondansetron via Breast Milk
Authors: Job Kathleen M. , Dallmann André , Parry Samuel , Saade George , Haas David M. , Hughes Brenna , Berens Pamela , Chen Jia‐Yu , Fu Christina , Humphrey Kelsey , Hornik Christoph , Balevic Stephen , Zimmerman Kanecia , Watt Kevin
Published: January 2022

Ondansetron is commonly used in breastfeeding mothers to treat nausea and vomiting. There is limited information in humans regarding safety of ondansetron exposure to nursing infants and no adequate study looking at ondansetron pharmacokinetics during lactation. We developed a generic physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic lactation model for small molecule drugs and applied this model to predict ondansetron transfer into breast milk and characterize infant exposure. Drug‐specific model inputs were parameterized using data from the literature. Population‐specific inputs were derived from a previously conducted systematic literature review of anatomic and physiologic changes in postpartum women. Model predictions were evaluated using ondansetron plasma and breast milk concentration data collected prospectively from 78 women in the Commonly Used Drugs During Lactation and infant Exposure (CUDDLE) study. The final model predicted breast milk and plasma exposures following a single 4 mg dose of intravenous ondansetron in 1,000 simulated women who were 2 days postpartum. Model predictions showed good agreement with observed data. Breast milk median prediction error (MPE) was 18.4% and median absolute prediction error (MAPE) was 53.0%. Plasma MPE was 32.5% and MAPE was 43.2%. The model‐predicted daily and relative infant doses were 0.005 mg/kg/day and 3.0%, respectively. This model adequately predicted ondansetron passage into breast milk. The calculated low relative infant dose indicates that mothers receiving ondansetron can safely breastfeed. The model building blocks and population database are open‐source and can be adapted to other drugs.
Safe from sunburn: The divergent diel pattern of a Hydrophis sea snake
Authors: Bessesen Brooke , González‐Suárez Manuela
Published: January 2022

Diel activity patterns are an important aspect of wildlife ecology and evolution and provide valuable information for conservation and monitoring, yet for many species, activity patterns remain unstudied and may be presumed to mirror related taxa. Here, we describe the distinct diel patterns of an endemic population of venomous sea snakes Hydrophis platurus xanthos inhabiting a narrow range (circa 320 km2) in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. To investigate, we conducted a systematic visual survey over five 24‐h cycles and evaluated 339 h of previously obtained sighting data from different studies spanning a decade. While sporadic diurnal surfacing does occur, mostly for respiration, our observations revealed marked crepuscular peaks with regular surfacing through the night. We also report on observed surface behaviors that were also found to vary in frequency at different phases of the photoperiodic cycle. In particular, we show feeding as more common at night. Hydrophis platurus xanthos has developed a circadian rhythm that differs noticeably from its taxonomic parent (H. p. platurus is reported as diurnal across its Indo‐Pacific range), and no congeners have been categorized as crepuscular. Our work thus contributes to the ecological knowledge of this evolutionarily distinct marine elapid and offers insights into the potential role of environmental conditions in shaping animal activity.
Reproduction ecology of an emerging fishery resource, the amphibious mudskipper Periophthalmus chrysospilos, in the Mekong Delta
Authors: Dinh Quang Minh , Nguyen Ton Huu Duc , Lam Tran Thi Huyen , Truong Ngon Trong , Nguyen Tien Thi Kieu , Jaafar Zeehan
Published: January 2022

Populations of Periophthalmus chrysospilos, the Gold‐spotted mudskipper, within the Mekong Delta are facing extirpation risks due to indiscriminate harvesting for the growing aquarium and food‐fish trade. This study provides some of the first information on reproductive ecology—such as spawning type and season, length at first maturity, and batch fecundity—of this species, to be used in their management. The sex ratio of wild populations, based on 1031 individuals (523 males and 508 females) is 1:1. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) values are exhibit a non‐normal distribution and changed with gender, season, and site. A combination of GSIs and the monthly appearance of mature gonads suggest that this species reproduces throughout the year, with peak from July to October. This species exhibits sexual and spatial variation in size at first maturity (Lm) as Lm is 6.2–8.6 cm in males and 6.4–7.3 cm in females. The batch fecundity (F = 2614 to 23,465 eggs/female) exhibits non‐normal distribution and varies with site, with the highest values at Dam Doi, Ca Mau (13,336 ± 1,279 SE) and the lowest at Tran De, Soc Trang (6654 ± 851 SE). In addition, batch fecundity is directly proportional to body size due to high determination relationships between batch fecundity and fish size (r2 > 0.64 for all cases). Information derived on the reproductive biology of this species can inform its conservation, sustainable exploitation, and ex situ propagation.
Biodiversity influences the effects of oil disturbance on coastal ecosystems
Authors: Zerebecki Robyn A. , Heck Kenneth L. , Valentine John F.
Published: January 2022

Biodiversity can enhance the response of ecosystems to disturbance. However, whether diversity can reduce the ecological effect of human‐induced novel and extreme disturbances is unclear. In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon (DwH) platform exploded, allowing an uncontrolled release of crude oil into the northern Gulf of Mexico. Initial surveys following the spill found that ecological impacts on coastal ecosystems varied greatly across habitat‐type and trophic group; however, to date, few studies have tested the influence of local biodiversity on these responses. We used a meta‐analytic approach to synthesize the results of 5 mesocosm studies that included 10 independent oil experiments and 5 independent oil + dispersant experiments. We tested whether biodiversity increased the resistance and/or resilience of coastal ecosystems to oil disturbance and whether a biodiversity effect depended on the type of diversity present (taxonomic or genetic) and/or the response type measured (population, community, or ecosystem level). We found that diversity can influence the effects of oiling, but the direction and magnitude of this diversity effect varied. Diversity reduced the negative impact of oiling for within‐trophic‐level responses and tended to be stronger for taxonomic than genetic diversity. Further, diversity effects were largely driven by the presence of highly resistant or quick to recover taxa and genotypes, consistent with the insurance hypothesis. However, we found no effect of diversity on the response to the combination of oil and dispersant exposure. We conclude that areas of low biodiversity may be particularly vulnerable to future oil disturbances and provide insight into the benefit of incorporating multiple measures of diversity in restoration projects and management decisions.
Generating Monofluoro‐Substituted Amines and Amino Acids by the Interaction of Inexpensive KF and Sulfamidates
Authors: Zeng Jun‐Liang , Xu Zhi‐Hong , Niu Liang‐Feng , Yao Chuan , Liang Lu‐Lu , Zou Yu‐Lu , Yang Lijun
Published: January 2022

The regioselective ring‐opening of 1,2‐ and 1,3‐sulfamidates with fluorine anion is reported. Direct construction of monofluoro‐substituted amines and amino acid derivatives using inexpensive and easily available potassium fluoride (KF). The monofluorination process only needs 35 minutes under heating, which will be an attractive route for the synthesis of the PET fluorine‐18 radiotracer. The application of the product can be extended to the construction of fluorinated polypeptides after simple deprotection treatment.
Tea processing steps affect chemical compositions, enzyme activities, and antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of coffee leaves
Authors: Ding Jian , Mei Suhuan , Gao Ling , Wang Qiang , Ma Haile , Chen Xiumin
Published: January 2022

Coffee leaves have been processed into a tea‐like beverage; however, how tea processing steps affect the chemical compositions and the bioactivities remain unknown. In the present study, the impacts of tea processing steps on the proximate compositions, phytochemicals, enzyme activities, and the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities of coffee leaves were investigated. The results showed that although soluble protein, soluble sugar, and phenolics were increased during withering, they were gradually decreased in the sequential processing steps associated with the decreases in the antioxidant activity and nitric oxide inhibitory activity in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Coffee leaves treated with the kill‐green process possessed greater phenolics and antioxidant activity compared with the no kill‐green counterparts due to the lower polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities found in the no kill‐green coffee leaves. Coffee leaves significantly inhibited the expressions of proteins (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α] and prostaglandin E2 [PGE‐2]) proteins and genes (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS] and cyclooxygenase 2 [COX‐2]); however, tea processing steps have lesser effects on the anti‐inflammatory activity. Our study indicated that kill‐green is the crucial processing step to affect the phenolic composition and bioactivity of coffee leaf tea processed with the kill‐green process; however, for the coffee leaves processed without the kill‐green process, rolling and fermentation are the key influencing steps.
Neural oscillations track recovery of consciousness in acute traumatic brain injury patients
Authors: Frohlich Joel , Crone Julia S. , Johnson Micah A. , Lutkenhoff Evan S. , Spivak Norman M. , Dell'Italia John , Hipp Joerg F. , Shrestha Vikesh , Ruiz Tejeda Jesús E. , Real Courtney , Vespa Paul M. , Monti Martin M.
Published: January 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG), easily deployed at the bedside, is an attractive modality for deriving quantitative biomarkers of prognosis and differential diagnosis in severe brain injury and disorders of consciousness (DOC). Prior work by Schiff has identified four dynamic regimes of progressive recovery of consciousness defined by the presence or absence of thalamically‐driven EEG oscillations. These four predefined categories (ABCD model) relate, on a theoretical level, to thalamocortical integrity and, on an empirical level, to behavioral outcome in patients with cardiac arrest coma etiologies. However, whether this theory‐based stratification of patients might be useful as a diagnostic biomarker in DOC and measurably linked to thalamocortical dysfunction remains unknown. In this work, we relate the reemergence of thalamically‐driven EEG oscillations to behavioral recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a cohort of N = 38 acute patients with moderate‐to‐severe TBI and an average of 1 week of EEG recorded per patient. We analyzed an average of 3.4 hr of EEG per patient, sampled to coincide with 30‐min periods of maximal behavioral arousal. Our work tests and supports the ABCD model, showing that it outperforms a data‐driven clustering approach and may perform equally well compared to a more parsimonious categorization. Additionally, in a subset of patients (N = 11), we correlated EEG findings with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) connectivity between nodes in the mesocircuit—which has been theoretically implicated by Schiff in DOC—and report a trend‐level relationship that warrants further investigation in larger studies.
Characterize the microstructure change after tendon enthesis injury using synchrotron radiation μCT
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Shengcan , Chen Yang , Xiao Han , Wang Linfeng , Hu Jianzhong , Xu Daqi , Lu Hongbin
Published: January 2022

The microstructure of the bone‐tendon interface (BTI) deserves in‐depth investigation. In this study, we first aimed to extend the application of synchrotron radiation μCT to characterize the gradient structure of supraspinatus tendon (SST) enthesis, from both tissue morphology to cell distribution. Second, to acquire detailed morphological information of SST enthesis when after injury. Our results showed that in normal enthesis, the phenotype of chondrocyte in BTI was dependent on its distance to subchondral bone. After injury, the fibrocartilage cells were disrupted, as evidenced by reduced lacunae size. Our observation may partly explain the loss of BTI mechanical properties after injury, and we believe the application of synchrotron radiation microcomputed tomography will have promising potential for characterizing the morphology changes in enthesis and for evaluating the therapeutic effects of interventions in preclinical studies.
Programmable Terahertz Metamaterials with Non‐Volatile Memory
Authors: Chen Benwen , Wu Jingbo , Li Weili , Zhang Caihong , Fan Kebin , Xue Qiang , Chi Yaojia , Wen Qiye , Jin Biaobing , Chen Jian , Wu Peiheng
Published: January 2022

Spatial light modulators (SLMs) exhibit a powerful capability of controlling electromagnetic waves. They are found to have numerous applications at terahertz (THz) frequencies, including wireless communication, digital holography, and compressive imaging. However, the development toward large‐scale, multi‐level, and multi‐functional THz SLM encounters technical challenges. Here, an electrically programmable THz metamaterial consisting of an array of 8×8 pixels is presented, in which the phase change material of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is embedded. After successfully suppressing the crosstalk from adjacent pixels, the THz wave can be modulated in a programmable manner. The switching speed of each pixel is in the order of 1 kHz. In particular, utilizing the hysteresis effect of VO2, the memory effect is demonstrated. The THz amplitude of each pixel can be written and erased by individual current pulses. Furthermore, multi‐state THz images can be generated and stored. This programmable metamaterial with memory function can be extended to other frequency bands and opens a route for electromagnetic information processing.
Modified 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy reduces pain and improves therapeutic effects in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma mouse model
Authors: Zeng Qingyu , Zhou Chu , Zhang Yunfeng , Yan Guorong , Wang Xiuli
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Conventional ALA‐PDT (C‐PDT) has limited efficacy in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and there is obvious pain during treatment, which limits its clinical application. We sought to modify photodynamic therapy into a more painless and effective treatment.

Methods

We modified C‐PDT by reducing the incubation time of the pro‐sensitizer and increasing the light dose; we named this method modified ALA‐PDT (M‐PDT). We compared the pain response and curative effect between C‐PDT and M‐PDT in cSCC mouse models. Pain‐related proteins were examined by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Tumor progression‐associated signaling pathways were analyzed by RNA‐seq and western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was measured with a ROS test kit and Microplate reader.

Results

M‐PDT greatly reduced pain during treatment. Interestingly, when the cSCC tumor volume increased to 150–200 mm3, M‐PDT almost completely eliminated the tumors, while C‐PDT did not. The better curative effect of M‐PDT might be due to the stronger suppression of the Stat3, Erk1/2, and mTOR signaling pathways. Moreover, flow cytometry demonstrated that M‐PDT could recruit CD8+ T cells to inhibit cSCC progression. Further investigation determined that the different mechanisms of C‐PDT and M‐PDT were related to more ROS generation induced by M‐PDT.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that M‐PDT, which is more painless and effective than C‐PDT, is expected to provide a solution for the treatment of cSCC.
The effect of oxygen on the CO2 corrosion of tensile wires in simulated annulus environments of flexible pipes
Authors: Silva Pedro N. , Svenningsen Gaute , Dugstad Arne , Gomes Jose A. C. P.
Published: January 2022

The effect of oxygen on the CO2 corrosion of carbon steel wires in simulated annulus environments of flexible pipes was investigated. Wire specimens were exposed to modified artificial seawater solutions with and without dissolved oxygen. Dissolved corrosion products (Fe2+ and bicarbonate/carbonate) were added to the test solution to simulate corrosion in the annulus environment. Linear polarisation resistance technique was used to monitor the corrosion rates of specimens. The morphology of corrosion scales was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the crystalline phases were determined by X‐ray diffraction. Surface analysis of corroded specimens was carried out by means of SEM and optical profilometry. Different corrosion morphologies were observed, influenced by the different corrosion scales formed throughout the sequence of environmental conditions imposed on the material.
Has the COVID‐19 pandemic made us more materialistic? The effect of COVID‐19 and lockdown restrictions on the endorsement of materialism
Authors: Moldes Olaya , Dineva Denitsa , Ku Lisbeth
Published: January 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to an increase in the factors that typically facilitate the endorsement of materialistic values (e.g., higher media consumption, stress and anxiety, loneliness, death anxiety, and lower moods). In this paper, we examine how contextual changes affecting the antecedents of materialism influence its advocacy with a mixed‐method approach. First, a correlational study (Study 1) suggests that increases in media consumption and stress and anxiety during the pandemic predicted current levels of materialism, however, these effects were limited. Second, contrary to our expectations, a longitudinal study (Study 2) shows that people's focus on money decreased during the pandemic. Last, a social media content analysis (Study 3) reveals a downward trend in users’ online discourses about consumption‐related behaviors, but an upward trend in brands promoting spending as a way to attain well‐being. The observed effects could fuel deeper societal change in the labor market and in consumer behavior, and have further implications for individual and societal well‐being in a post‐pandemic world. We recommend future interventions aimed at diminishing materialistic attitudes to examine the effects of decreasing media consumption and to explore how other factors introduced by the pandemic (e.g., a health or well‐being focus) might moderate its advocacy.