bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutralizing antibody activity against 21 SARS-CoV-2 variants in older adults vaccinated with BNT162b2
Authors: Newman Joseph , Thakur Nazia , Peacock Thomas P. , Bialy Dagmara , Elrefaey Ahmed M. E. , Bogaardt Carlijn , Horton Daniel L. , Ho Sammy , Kankeyan Thivya , Carr Christine , Hoschler Katja , Barclay Wendy S. , Amirthalingam Gayatri , Brown Kevin E. , Charleston Bryan , Bailey Dalan
Published: July 2022

SARS-CoV-2 variants may threaten the effectiveness of vaccines and antivirals to mitigate serious COVID-19 disease. This is of most concern in clinically vulnerable groups such as older adults. We analysed 72 sera samples from 37 individuals, aged 70–89 years, vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 (Pfizer–BioNTech) 3 weeks apart, for neutralizing antibody responses to wildtype SARS-CoV-2. Between 3 and 20 weeks after the second vaccine dose, neutralizing antibody titres fell 4.9-fold to a median titre of 21.3 (neutralization dose 80%), with 21.6% of individuals having no detectable neutralizing antibodies at the later time point. Next, we examined neutralization of 21 distinct SARS-CoV-2 variant spike proteins with these sera, and confirmed substantial antigenic escape, especially for the Omicron (B.1.1.529, BA.1/BA.2), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (B.1.617.2), Theta (P.3), C.1.2 and B.1.638 spike variants. By combining pseudotype neutralization with specific receptor-binding domain (RBD) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, we showed that changes to position 484 in the spike RBD were mainly responsible for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody escape. Nineteen sera from the same individuals boosted with a third dose of BNT162b2 contained higher neutralizing antibody titres, providing cross-protection against Omicron BA.1 and BA.2. Despite SARS-CoV-2 immunity waning over time in older adults, booster vaccines can elicit broad neutralizing antibodies against a large number of SARS-CoV-2 variants in this clinically vulnerable cohort.
Chromosomal phase improves aneuploidy detection in non-invasive prenatal testing at low fetal DNA fractions
Authors: Genovese Giulio , Mello Curtis J. , Loh Po-Ru , Handsaker Robert E. , Kashin Seva , Whelan Christopher W. , Bayer-Zwirello Lucy A. , McCarroll Steven A.
Published: July 2022

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to detect fetal aneuploidy by sequencing the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal plasma is being broadly adopted. To detect fetal aneuploidies from maternal plasma, where fetal DNA is mixed with far-larger amounts of maternal DNA, NIPT requires a minimum fraction of the circulating cfDNA to be of placental origin, a level which is usually attained beginning at 10 weeks gestational age. We present an approach that leverages the arrangement of alleles along homologous chromosomes—also known as chromosomal phase—to make NIPT analyses more conclusive. We validate our approach with in silico simulations, then re-analyze data from a pregnant mother who, due to a fetal DNA fraction of 3.4%, received an inconclusive aneuploidy determination through NIPT. We find that the presence of a trisomy 18 fetus can be conclusively inferred from the patient’s same molecular data when chromosomal phase is incorporated into the analysis. Key to the effectiveness of our approach is the ability of homologous chromosomes to act as natural controls for each other and the ability of chromosomal phase to integrate subtle quantitative signals across very many sequence variants. These results show that chromosomal phase increases the sensitivity of a common laboratory test, an idea that could also advance cfDNA analyses for cancer detection.
High B-value diffusion tensor imaging for early detection of hippocampal microstructural alteration in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Crombé Amandine , Nicolas Renaud , Richard Nathalie , Tourdias Thomas , Hiba Bassem
Published: July 2022

Several studies have highlighted the value of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with strong diffusion weighting to reveal white matter microstructural lesions, but data in gray matter (GM) remains scarce. Herein, the effects of b-values combined with different numbers of diffusion-encoding directions (NDIRs) on DTI metrics to capture the normal hippocampal microstructure and its early alterations were investigated in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis [EAE]). Two initial DTI datasets (B2700-43Dir acquired with b = 2700 s.mm−2 and NDIR = 43; B1000-22Dir acquired with b = 1000 s.mm−2 and NDIR = 22) were collected from 18 normal and 18 EAE mice at 4.7 T. Three additional datasets (B2700-22Dir, B2700-12Dir and B1000-12Dir) were extracted from the initial datasets. In healthy mice, we found a significant influence of b-values and NDIR on all DTI metrics. Confronting unsupervised hippocampal layers classification to the true anatomical classification highlighted the remarkable discrimination of the molecular layer with B2700-43Dir compared with the other datasets. Only DTI from the B2700 datasets captured the dendritic loss occurring in the molecular layer of EAE mice. Our findings stress the needs for both high b-values and sufficient NDIR to achieve a GM DTI with more biologically meaningful correlations, though DTI-metrics should be interpreted with caution in these settings.
Measurement precision of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale and its short forms in chronic low back pain
Authors: Franchignoni Franco , Giordano Andrea , Ferriero Giorgio , Monticone Marco
Published: July 2022

The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) is a widely studied tool to assess pain catastrophizing for chronic low back pain (LBP). Short forms of the PCS exist, but their measurement precision at individual level is unclear. This study aimed to analyze the Rasch psychometric characteristics of the PCS and three of its short forms (two 4-item and one 6-item) in a sample of 180 Italian-speaking patients with chronic LBP, and compare their measurement precision at the individual level. We performed a Rasch analysis on each version of the PCS and calculated test information functions (TIFs) to examine conditional measurement precision. Rasch analysis showed appropriate rating category functioning, unidimensionality, and acceptable fit to the Rasch model for all PCS versions. This represented a prerequisite for performing further advanced psychometric analyses. According to TIFs, the PCS full scale showed—at any score level—higher measurement precision in estimating individual pain catastrophizing than its short forms (which had unacceptably high standard errors of measurement). Our results show acceptable conditional precision of the PCS full scale in estimating pain catastrophizing. However, further studies are needed to confirm its diagnostic accuracy at individual level. On the other hand, the study warns against use of the three PCS short forms for clinical decision-making at the individual level.
Dynamical links of convective storms associated with tropospheric biennial oscillation in the Indian monsoon regime
Authors: Murali Krishna U. V. , Das Subrata Kumar , Uma K. N. , Jha Abhishek Kumar , Pandithurai G.
Published: July 2022

Tropospheric Biennial Oscillation (TBO) is characterized by a tendency for a relatively stronger monsoon to be followed by a relatively weaker one (positive) or vice-versa (negative). This study examines the distribution of different convective systems occurring during TBO phases over the Indian monsoon region. During negative TBO phase, convection is preferential over the Arabian Sea (AS), whereas during positive TBO phase, it is favoured over the land areas and Bay of Bengal (BoB). The isolated shallow convection (ISC) is dominated over the AS and Indian west coast during negative TBO years. A relatively stable environment (statically) capped with drier mid-troposphere results in abundant ISC over the AS. Broad stratiform rain (BSR) dominates over the central and east coast of India, BoB and Myanmar coast during positive TBO years and wide convective core (WCC) are present along the orographic regions, i.e., Myanmar coast and Western Ghats during negative TBO phase. The anomalous easterlies induced by the upper-ocean temperature gradient interact with the mean monsoon winds during positive TBO to provide pathways for developing BSR echoes. The deep-wide convection (DWC) are higher along the Himalayan foothills during positive TBO years. The moist low-level flow from the AS is trapped by dry mid-level flow from high latitudes, resulting in orographic lifting along the Himalayan foothills and form DWC.
Reduced heart rate variability is related to the number of metabolic syndrome components and manifest diabetes in the sixth Tromsø study 2007–2008
Authors: Azulay Naomi , Olsen Roy Bjørkholt , Nielsen Christopher Sivert , Stubhaug Audun , Jenssen Trond Geir , Schirmer Henrik , Frigessi Arnoldo , Rosseland Leiv Arne , Tronstad Christian
Published: July 2022

Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) are associated with autonomic neuropathy, which predisposes to cardiac events and death. Measures of heart rate variability (HRV) can be used to monitor the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and there are strong indications that HRV can be used to study the progression of ANS-related diabetes complications. This study aims to investigate differences in HRV in healthy, MetS and diabetic populations. Based on 7880 participants from the sixth health survey in Tromsø (Tromsø 6, 2007–2008), we found a significant negative association between the number of MetS components and HRV as estimated from short-term pulse wave signals (PRV). This decrease in PRV did not appear to be linear, instead it leveled off after the third component, with no significant difference in PRV between the MetS and DM populations. There was a significant negative association between HbA1c and PRV, showing a decrease in PRV occurring already within the normal HbA1c range. The MetS and DM populations are different from healthy controls with respect to PRV, indicating impaired ANS in both conditions. In the future, a study with assessment of PRV measurements in relation to prospective cardiovascular events seems justified.
Nutritional support for successful weaning in patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation
Authors: Lo Shih-Ching , Ma Kevin Sheng-Kai , Li Yen-Ru , Li Zi-Yue , Lin Cheng-Hung , Lin Hsing-Chun , Yang Shun-Fa
Published: July 2022

Successful weaning from ventilators not only improves the quality of life of patients, but also reduces medical expenses. The aim of this study was to explore the association between nutritional provision and successful ventilator weaning. In this retrospective study data from the Respiratory Care Center of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital between October, 2017 and July, 2019 on patient characteristics, amount of nutrition delivered, and clinical outcomes were retrieved. A total of 280 ventilated patients were enrolled and divided into successful extubation and failed weaning groups. There were 178 males (63.6%) and 102 females (36.4%) with a mean age of 67.3 ± 16.9 years. The successful extubation group consisted of patients who tended towards ideal body weight during the weaning process (BMI 23.9 ± 5.0 versus 22.7 ± 4.8 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Patients from both groups initially received the same nutritional intervention, while patients of successful extubation received significantly more calories and protein after weaning (23.8 ± 7.8 kcal versus 27.8 ± 9.1 kcal, p < 0.001 and 0.97 ± 0.36 g versus 1.14 ± 0.42 g, p < 0.001). Successful weaning was associated with higher survival rate (p = 0.016), shortened hospital stay (p = 0.001), and reduced medical costs (p < 0.001). Overall, nutritional support with high calories and protein was associated with the probability of successful ventilator weaning in patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation. Adequate nutrition is a determinant of successful ventilator weaning.
Double-mode and double-beam staggered double-vane traveling-wave tube with high-power and broadband at terahertz band
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Zhang Zheng , Wang Pengpeng , Zhao Yaqi , Zhang Feng , Ruan Cunjun
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a 220 GHz broadband and high-power staggered double-vane traveling-wave tube has been designed and verified. Firstly, a planar double-beam staggered double-vane slow-wave structure is proposed. By using the double-mode operation scheme, the transmission performance and bandwidth have been almost increased with twice as the single mode. Second, to satisfy the high output power requirement and improve the stability of the traveling-wave tube, a double pencil-beam electron optical system has been designed, the 20–21 kV driven voltage and the 2 × 80 mA current are set as the design target. By using the mask portion and the control electrode in the double beam gun, the two pencil beams can be focused with a compression ratio of 7 along their respective centers with narrow distances of about 0.18 mm with good stability. The uniform magnetic focusing system has also been optimized. The stable transmission distance of planar double electron beams could reach 45 mm with the focusing magnetic field of 0.6 T, which was long enough to cover the whole high-frequency system (HFS). Then, to verify the availability of the electron optical system and the performance of the slow-wave structure, particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation has also been carried out with the whole HFS. Results demonstrate that the beam-wave interaction system can get a nearly 310 W peak output power at 220 GHz with a 20.6 kV optimized beam voltage and beam current of 2 × 80 mA, the gain is of 38 dB with the 3-dB bandwidth over 35 dB about 70 GHz. Finally, the high precision microstructures fabrication has been carried out to verify the performance of the HFS, the results show that the bandwidth and the transmission properties are in good agreement with simulation result. Thus, the proposed scheme in this paper is expected to develop the high-power and ultra-wideband terahertz band radiation source with potential applications in the future.
Linear and nonlinear thermoelectric transport in a quantum spin Hall insulators coupled with a nanomagnet
Authors: Wang Rui , Liao Hui , Song Chun-Yan , Tang Guang-Hui , Yang Ning-Xuan
Published: July 2022

Thermoelectric effects in quantum systems have been focused in recent years. Thermoelectric energy conversion study of systems with edge states, such as quantum Hall insulators and quantum spin Hall insulators, is one of the most important frontier topics in material science and condensed-matter physics. Based on the previous paper (Gresta in Phys Rev Lett 123:186801, 2019), we further investigated the linear and nonlinear thermoelectric transport properties of helical edge states of the quantum spin Hall insulators coupled with double nanomagnet, calculated the Seebeck coefficients $$S_c$$

S
c

and the thermoelectrical figure of merit ZT, discussed the influence of the length of the nanomagnet and the relative tilt angle of component of the magnetization perpendicular on the thermoelectric coefficients ($$S_c$$

S
c

and ZT), and summarized some meaningful conclusions in the linear response regime. In the nonlinear regime, we calculated the equivalent figure of merit $$ZT_M$$

Z

T
M

and the power-generation efficiency $$\eta$$
η
in different length of the nanomagnet, obtain the temperature difference of achieving optimal thermoelectricity. The results of this paper further confirm that the setup can indeed be used as a device for achieving high performance thermoelectric.
Electrochemical detection of uric acid in undiluted human saliva using uricase paper integrated electrodes
Authors: Han Seong Hyun , Ha You-Jung , Kang Eun Ha , Shin Kichul , Lee Yun Jong , Lee Gi-Ja
Published: July 2022

In this study, we introduce a uricase-immobilized paper (UOx­-paper) integrated electrochemical sensor for detection of uric acid (UA) in saliva. The UOx was immobilized on the detection zone in the wax-patterned paper substrate. This UOx-paper was integrated with a Prussian blue­-modified, screen-printed carbon electrode after electropolymerization of o-phenylenediamine to construct an electrochemical cell for small-volume (20 μL) of samples. First, we optimized the fabrication conditions of UOx-paper. Next, the amperometric response of the UOx-paper-based electrochemical UA sensor was analyzed using a known concentration of UA standard solution in artificial saliva at an applied potential of − 0.1 V (versus Ag pseudo-reference electrode). The UOx-­paper based electrochemical UA sensor showed a sensitivity of 4.9 μA·mM−1 in a linear range of 50 to 1000 μM (R2 = 0.998), high selectivity and good reproducibility, as well as a limit of detection of 18.7 μM (0.31 mg/dL) UA. Finally, we quantified the UA levels in undiluted saliva samples of healthy controls (n = 20) and gout patients (n = 8). The levels were correlated with those measured with conventional salivary UA enzymatic assays as well as serum UA levels. The UOx-paper-based electrochemical UA sensor is a user-friendly and convenient tool to assess salivary UA levels.
Simultaneous measurement of energy spectrum and fluence of neutrons using a diamond detector
Authors: Liu Jie , Jiang Haoyu , Cui Zengqi , Hu Yiwei , Bai Haofan , Fan Tieshuan , Chen Jinxiang , Gao Yuan , Yang Xiangjun , Zhang Guohui
Published: July 2022

Due to the excellent radiation hardness and high–temperature endurance, diamond detectors are suitable for intense neutron measurements and promising for neutron diagnostics of scientific fusion devices. In the present work, simultaneous measurement of energy spectrum and fluence of neutrons using a diamond detector was realized for the first time. The absolute response matrix of the diamond detector was simulated based on detailed analysis of the nuclear reactions and the proper selection of nuclear reaction data. Neutron energy spectra as well as neutron fluences for 5.0, 5.5, 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 MeV neutrons from d–d reaction were measured using the diamond detector based on the absolute response matrix. The measured neutron energy spectra and neutron fluences are reasonable compared with those detected using a EJ-309 liquid scintillator and a 238U fission chamber, respectively, which verifies the reliability of the present work. Furthermore, the energy spectrum and fluence of a 14.2 MeV d–t neutron source were also measured using the diamond detector. The present work demonstrates the ability of simultaneous measurement of energy spectrum and fluence as well as for both d–d and d–t neutrons using a diamond detector, which is of great significance for neutron diagnostics of scientific fusion devices.
The rise of Indian summer monsoon precipitation extremes and its correlation with long-term changes of climate and anthropogenic factors
Authors: Falga Renaud , Wang Chien
Published: July 2022

The trends of extreme precipitation events during the Indian summer monsoon measured by two different indicators have been analyzed for the period of 1901–2020, covering the entire India in 9 regions segregated by a clustering analysis based on rainfall characteristics using the Indian Meteorological Department high-resolution gridded data. In seven regions with sufficiently high confidence in the precipitation data, 12 out of the 14 calculated trends are found to be statistically significantly increasing. The important climatological parameters correlated to such increasing trends have also been identified by performing for the first time a multivariate analysis using a nonlinear machine learning regression with 17 input variables. It is found that man-made long-term shifting of land-use and land-cover patterns, and most significantly the urbanization, play a crucial role in the prediction of the long-term trends of extreme precipitation events, particularly of the intensity of extremes. While in certain regions, thermodynamical, circulation, and convective instability parameters are also found to be key predicting factors, mostly of the frequency of the precipitation extremes. The findings of these correlations to the monsoonal precipitation extremes provides a foundation for further causal relation analyses using advanced models.
Design, characterization and structure–function analysis of novel antimicrobial peptides based on the N-terminal CATH-2 fragment
Authors: Sharma Pratibha , Sharma Sheetal , Joshi Shubhi , Barman Panchali , Bhatt Aashish , Maan Mayank , Singla Neha , Rishi Praveen , Ali Md. Ehesan , Preet Simran , Saini Avneet
Published: July 2022

The emergence of multidrug resistance coupled with shrinking antibiotic pipelines has increased the demand of antimicrobials with novel mechanisms of action. Therefore, researchers across the globe are striving to develop new antimicrobial substances to alleviate the pressure on conventional antibiotic therapies. Host-Defence Peptides (HDPs) and their derivatives are emerging as effective therapeutic agents against microbial resistance. In this study, five analogs (DP1-5) of the N-terminal (N-15) fragment of CATH-2 were designed based on the delicate balance between various physicochemical properties such as charge, aliphatic character, amphipathicity and hydrophobicity. By means of in-silico and in-vitro studies a novel peptide (DP1) with the sequence “RFGRFLRKILRFLKK” was found to be more effective and less toxic than the N-terminal CATH-2 peptide. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were applied for structural insights. Antimicrobial, haemolytic, and cytotoxic activities were also assessed. The resulting peptide was characterized by low cytotoxicity, low haemolytic activity, and efficient anti-microbial activity. Structurally, it displayed strong helical properties irrespective of the solvent environment and was stable in membrane-mimicking environments. Taken together, the data suggests that DP1 can be explored as a promising therapeutic agent with possible clinical applications.
Towards 3D basic theories of plant forms
Authors: Lin Yi , Hyyppä Juha
Published: July 2022

Allometric, metabolic, and biomechanical theories are the critical foundations for scientifically deciphering plant forms. Their concrete laws, however, are found to deviate for plenty of plant specimens. This phenomenon has not been extensively studied, due to technical restrictions. This bottleneck now can be overcome by the state-of-the-art three-dimensional (3D) mapping technologies, such as fine-scale terrestrial laser scanning. On these grounds, we proposed to reexamine the basic theories regarding plant forms, and then, we case validated the feasibility of upgrading them into 3D modes. As an in-time enlightening of 3D revolutionizing the related basic subject, our theoretical prospect further sorted out the potential challenges as the cutting points for advancing its future exploration, which may enable 3D reconstruction of the basic theories of plant forms and even boost life science.
Mitochondrial prohibitin complex regulates fungal virulence via ATG24-assisted mitophagy
Authors: Yan Yaqin , Tang Jintian , Yuan Qinfeng , Liu Caiyun , Chen Xiaolin , Liu Hao , Huang Junbin , Bao Chonglai , Hsiang Tom , Zheng Lu
Published: July 2022

Prohibitins are highly conserved eukaryotic proteins in mitochondria that function in various cellular processes. The roles of prohibitins in fungal virulence and their regulatory mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we identified the prohibitins ChPhb1 and ChPhb2 in a plant pathogenic fungus Colletotrichum higginsianum and investigated their roles in the virulence of this anthracnose fungus attacking crucifers. We demonstrate that ChPhb1 and ChPhb2 are required for the proper functioning of mitochondria, mitophagy and virulence. ChPhb1 and ChPhb2 interact with the autophagy-related protein ChATG24 in mitochondria, and ChATG24 shares similar functions with these proteins in mitophagy and virulence, suggesting that ChATG24 is involved in prohibitin-dependent mitophagy. ChPhb1 and ChPhb2 modulate the translocation of ChATG24 into mitochondria during mitophagy. The role of ChATG24 in mitophagy is further confirmed to be conserved in plant pathogenic fungi. Our study presents that prohibitins regulate fungal virulence by mediating ATG24-assisted mitophagy.
Classifying soft self-assembled materials via unsupervised machine learning of defects
Authors: Gardin Andrea , Perego Claudio , Doni Giovanni , Pavan Giovanni M.
Published: July 2022

Unlike molecular crystals, soft self-assembled fibers, micelles, vesicles, etc., exhibit a certain order in the arrangement of their constitutive monomers but also high structural dynamicity and variability. Defects and disordered local domains that continuously form-and-repair in their structures impart to such materials unique adaptive and dynamical properties, which make them, e.g., capable to communicate with each other. However, objective criteria to compare such complex dynamical features and to classify soft supramolecular materials are non-trivial to attain. Here we show a data-driven workflow allowing us to achieve this goal. Building on unsupervised clustering of Smooth Overlap of Atomic Position (SOAP) data obtained from equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, we can compare a variety of soft supramolecular assemblies via a robust SOAP metric. This provides us with a data-driven “defectometer” to classify different types of supramolecular materials based on the structural dynamics of the ordered/disordered local molecular environments that statistically emerge within them.
Improving the physicochemical properties of a traditional Portuguese cake – “económicos” with chestnut flour
Authors: Fernandes Filipa A. , Pedrosa Mariana C. , Ueda Jonata M. , Ferreira Elisabete , Rodrigues Paula , Heleno Sandrina A. , Carocho Márcio , Prieto Miguel A. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R. , Barros Lillian
Published: July 2022

“Económicos” are traditional Portuguese pastry products; although their production is low-cost, their nutritional value is equally low.
Advances of bioactive tellurium nanomaterials in anti-cancer phototherapy
Authors: Li Can , Gao Fucheng , Wang Yandong , Zhao Li , Li Hui , Jiang Yanyan
Published: July 2022

This review summarizes the synthesis and anti-cancer phototherapy applications of tellurium nanomaterials, and puts forward some breakthrough ideas for subsequent applications.
Size effect of DyF3 nanoparticles on Curie temperature
Authors: Alakshin Egor , Kondratyeva Ekaterina , Garaeva Adeliya , Sakhatskii Alexander , Likholetova Marina , Romanova Irina , Tagirov Murat
Published: July 2022

The critical exponent of the correlation length ν = 1.51 ± 0.25 and critical size d0 = 1.2 ± 0.6 nm for the dipole ferromagnet DyF3 has been determined experimentally by the finite-size-scalingt heory for the first time.
Space-confined growth of large-mismatch CsPb(BrxCI1−x)3/GaN heterostructures with tunable band alignments and optical properties
Authors: Zhang Mingsong , Luo Qingyuan , Sheng Chuangwei , Cao Dan , Chen Xiaoshuang , Shu Haibo
Published: July 2022

Space-confined growth strategy is developed to grow large-mismatch CsPb(Br1−xClx)3/GaN heterostructures with type-II band alignment and tunable optical properties'.
Effects of sintering temperature on thermoelectric figure of merit of trace Al2O3 doped n-type ZnO nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Xizu , Zheng Yun , Suwardi Ady , Wu Jing , Teo Siew Lang , Zhu Qiang , Wu Gang , Xu Jianwei
Published: July 2022

Facile preparation of Al2O3–ZnO nanocomposites, followed by a spark plasma sintering process at high temperature, achieved a thermoelectric ZT value of 0.91 at 860 K.
Facile synthesis of mesoporous NixCo9−xS8 hollow spheres for high-performance supercapacitors and aqueous Ni/Co–Zn batteries
Authors: Zhang Daojun , Zhang Jingchao , Li Jiaqi , Li Chengxiang , Li Yuting , Liu Yingying , Zhang Renchun
Published: July 2022

Mesoporous NiCo9S8-0.6 hollow spheres as a high-performance supercapacitor and aqueous Ni/Co–Zn battery.
Target-specific mononuclear and binuclear rhenium(i) tricarbonyl complexes as upcoming anticancer drugs
Authors: Sharma S. Ajay , N. Vaibhavi , Kar Binoy , Das Utpal , Paira Priyankar
Published: July 2022

In this review, rhenium-based complexes are highlighted as promising cancer theranostics, which are endowed with the ability to detect and annihilate cancer cells in the body.
A thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole functionalized covalent triazine framework showing superior photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production and dye degradation
Authors: Wang Hao , Guan Lijiang , Liu Jiawei , Lei Tingting , Xue Yuxin , Qu Zhi , Jin Shangbin , Ma Haixia , Guo Zhaoqi
Published: July 2022

The introduction of fused bi-heterocyclic units with an n-type semiconductor characteristic into a covalent triazine framework can significantly improve its photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutant degradation efficiency.
Azide molecule mediated electrolyte engineering for selective photoelectrochemical azo coupling and efficient and stable water splitting
Authors: Li Shutao , Li Min , Chen Fang , Huang Hongwei
Published: July 2022

Azide molecule mediated electrolyte engineering is proposed for selective photoelectrochemical azo coupling and efficient and stable water splitting over a polyaniline passivated BiVO4 photoanode.
Multi-material 3D printing-enabled multilayers for smart actuationviamagnetic and thermal stimuli
Authors: Ravichandran Dharneedar , Ahmed Reza James , Banerjee Rounak , Ilami Mahdi , Marvi Hamid , Miquelard-Garnier Guillaume , Golan Yuval , Song Kenan
Published: July 2022

Transitional compositions or phase-changing structures in specific layers can respond to environmental changes differently and show intelligent behaviors.
Crystallization regulation and protection of quasi-2D perovskite film by copolymer to enhance the stability of perovskite light-emitting diodes
Authors: Dong Jie , Wang Wei , Li Yueqiao , Huang Xiaofeng , Lu Yao , Qiao Bo , Zhao Suling , Song Dandan , Xu Zheng
Published: July 2022

Enhancing the stability of quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes by using a copolymer to regulate crystallization and protect perovskite films.
A Mott transistor with giant switching ratio at room temperature and its emulation of artificial synapses
Authors: Zhang You-Shan , Chen Bin-Jie , Deng Xing , Guan Zhao , Chen Bin-Bin , Chen Ye , Zhong Ni , Xiang Ping-Hua , Duan Chun-Gang
Published: July 2022

A Mott synaptic transistor using 5d Mott insulator Sr2IrO4 as the channel exhibits a giant switching ratio of 105 at room temperature and emulates multi-essential functions of biological synapses.
Fluorescent litmus film for detecting acid vapors: free-standing and robust AIE sensing film fabricated by photopolymerization of self-assembled hierarchical triphenylamine-based gelators
Authors: Yoon Won-Jin , Yang Seungchul , Jang Junhwa , Oh Mintaek , Rim Minwoo , Ko Hyeyoon , Koo Jahyeon , Lim Seok-In , Choi Yu-Jin , Jeong Kwang-Un
Published: July 2022

Free-standing fluorescent litmus film fabricated by polymerization of aggressive induced emission (AIE) organogel for detecting acid vapors provides the sensing properties for industrial safety.
Linguistically Informed Acoustic and Perceptual Analysis of Bilingual Children's Speech Productions: An Exploratory Study in the Jamaican Context
Authors: León Michelle , Washington Karla N. , McKenna Victoria S. , Crowe Kathryn , Fritz Kristina
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to characterize speech acoustics in bilingual preschoolers who speak Jamaican Creole (JC) and English. We compared a standard approach with a culturally responsive approach for characterizing speech sound productions. Preschoolers' speech productions were compared to adult models from the same linguistic community as a means for providing confirmatory evidence of typical speech patterns specific to JC–English speakers.

Method:

Two protocols were applied to the data collected using the Diagnostic Evaluation of Articulation and Phonology (DEAP) Articulation subtest: (a) the standardized DEAP protocol and (b) a culturally and linguistically adapted protocol reflective of the Jamaican post-Creole (English to Creole) continuum. The protocols were used to analyze responses from JC-English–speaking preschoolers (n= 119) and adults (n= 15). Responses were analyzed using acoustic (voice onset time, whole-word duration, and vowel duration) and perceptual (percentage of consonant correct–revised and response frequencies) measures.

Results:

The culturally responsive protocol captured variation in the frequency and acoustic differences produced in the post-Creole continuum, with higher amounts of “other” responses compared to “standard” target responses for both children and adults. Adults' whole-word durations were shorter and showed more consistent prevoicing during initial plosives compared to the children.

Conclusions:

Applying culturally responsive methods, including knowledge of the variation produced in the post-Creole continuum and with adult models from the same linguistic community, improved the ecological validity of speech characterizations for JC–English preschoolers. Acoustic properties of speech should be investigated further as a means of describing bilingual development and distinguishing between difference and disorder.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.20249382
An improved nonlocal means‐based correction strategy for mixed noise removal
Authors: Shao Yuhao , Jiang Jielin , Hong Xiangming
Published: July 2022

Noise removal is a classic problem. Most researchers focus on Gaussian noise removal due to the regularity of the noise distribution, while mixed noise removal is always challenging because of the uncertainty of the noise distribution. Mixtures of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) with salt‐and‐pepper impulse noise (SPIN) and mixtures of AWGN with random‐valued impulse noise (RVIN) are typical examples of mixed noise. Most mixed noise removal methods are effective in the removal of mixed AWGN and SPIN, but perform poorly in the removal of AWGN and RVIN. The main reason is the randomness of RVIN, which leads to poor denoising performance when the RVIN is strong. In this paper, an improved nonlocal means‐based correction strategy (INS) is proposed. In INS, an improved nonlocal means strategy is applied to replace the impulse noise pixels to make the mixed noise obey an approximate Gaussian distribution. To prove the validity of INS, a convolutional neural network (CNN) in combination with INS (CNNINS) is applied to remove mixed noise. Experimental results are used to compare the proposed CNNINS with the most advanced mixed noise removal methods.
QPNet: Lane‐changing trajectory planning combining quadratic programming and neural network under the convex optimization framework
Authors: Wang Ying , Wei Chong , Li Shurong
Published: July 2022

Lane‐changing is a basic driving behaviour, which largely impacts on traffic safety and efficiency. With the development of technology, the automated lane‐changing system has attracted extensive attention. Among it, the trajectory planning part is a challenging problem owing to the complexity and diversity of the driving situations. The planner requires the real‐time capability to produce safe and comfortable trajectories for coping with the dynamically changing environment. Based on this, the paper proposes a lane‐changing trajectory planning model in dynamic driving environments. The model constructs a neural network to predict the end position of the ego vehicle, and then adopts the mathematical programming method to solve the optimal lane‐changing trajectory that guarantees the ride safety and comfort. With the assistance of the neural network, the lane‐changing trajectory planning problem is converted into a quadratic programming (QP) model, thereby achieving rapid solution of the model. Moreover, to train the proposed algorithm, a novel approach for generating the scenario data is designed, which can generate rich and diverse traffic scenarios at a low cost. The simulation results show that the proposed model can plan a lane‐changing trajectory quickly and effectively, and the ego vehicle can follow the planned trajectory safely and comfortably.
A single‐layer circularly polarized planar lens antenna at millimetre‐wave
Authors: Sadeghi‐Marasht Samaneh , Rahimi Mohammad Reza , Sharawi Mohammad S. , Zhu Anding
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a novel single‐layer planar lens antenna with the capability of keeping circular polarization (CP) of the incoming CP wave and enhanced gain for millimetre‐wave applications. Because of the symmetric design of the lens unit cell, a 90‐degree phase difference between two modes of the incoming CP wave can be maintained with high amplitude. Furthermore, the phase variations created by the designed unit cells change the phase of the incoming wave and result in antenna gain enhancement. Two different feeding antennas, a CP patch antenna and a 2 × 2 CP antenna array, are used as the feeding section to evaluate the performance of the proposed lens. Maximum gains of 19.2 dBiC and 23.4 dBiC with −10 dB impedance bandwidths of 3.5% and 2.9% at Ka‐band are reported for the proposed lens fed by these two CP antennas, respectively, while keeping the axial ratio value below 3 dB. The substrate material of the proposed lens design is RO4003 C with the total dimensions of 9.79λ0 × 9.79λ0 × 0.047λ0 (where λ0 is the free space wavelength at 28 GHz). The measurements conducted on the fabricated prototypes agree very well with the simulation and analysis results.
Interaction of helminth parasites with the haemostatic system of their vertebrate hosts: a scoping review
Authors: Diosdado Alicia , Simón Fernando , Serrat Judit , González-Miguel Javier
Published: July 2022

Helminth parasitoses are among the most prevalent health issues worldwide. Their control depends largely on unravelling host–parasite interactions, including parasitic exploitation of the host haemostatic system. The present study undertakes a scoping review of the research carried out in this field with the aim of unifying and updating concepts. Multiple keywords combined with Boolean operators were employed to design the literature search strategy. Two online databases were used to identify original peer-reviewed articles written in English and published before 1st January 2020 describing molecular interactions between helminth parasites and the host haemostatic system. Relevant data from the selected sources of evidence were extracted and analysed. Ninety-six publications reporting 259 interactions were selected. Fifty-three proteins belonging to 32 species of helminth parasites were involved in interactions with components of the host haemostatic system. Many of these proteins from both parasite and host were conserved among the different interactions identified. Most of these interactions were related to the inhibition of the coagulation system and the activation of fibrinolysis. This was associated mainly with a potential of parasites to reduce the formation of blood clots in the host and attributed to biological processes, such as parasite nutrition, survival, invasion, evasion and migration or the appearance of pathological mechanisms in the host. A wide range of helminth parasites have developed similar strategies to exploit the haemostatic system of their hosts, which could be regarded as an evolutionary conserved mechanism that could confer benefits to parasites in terms of survival and establishment in their vertebrate hosts.
Penile Prosthesis in Transgender Men after Phalloplasty
Authors: Purohit Rajveer S. , Kent Marissa , Djordjevic Miroslav L.
Published: July 2022

A penile prosthesis can be successfully implanted after phalloplasty in transgender men to permit sexual intercourse. A prosthesis can be categorized as malleable or inflatable. The most common penile prosthesis implanted after masculinizing genital surgery is the inflatable prosthesis but this can be a challenging operation with high complication rates. Penile prosthesis in transgender patients differs from cis-patients in many respects but one critical difference is the absence of the tough, protective tunica of the corporal body to contain the prosthesis. This causes greater mobility of the prosthesis under the skin and increases the risk of migration and erosion of the device through the skin. In addition, to overcome the absence of a corpora cavernosa, the proximal portion of the prosthesis must be anchored to bone. Complications include injury to the urethra, vascular injury, skin breakdown, infection, device migration, device failure, extrusion, and erosion. There is no robust data on the use of penile prosthesis in transgender men with only multiple reports of small numbers of patients. While successful implantation can improve patients' quality of life, surgeons should counsel patients about the relatively high risk of the need for revision surgery.
Assessment of Indonesian-Language Orthodontics-Related YouTube Video as a Source of Information
Authors: Hariyani Ninuk , Rahmawati Aurellia , Rachmawati Yuanita Lely , Rahardjo Anton , Maharani Diah Ayu
Published: July 2022

Objectives Health-seeking behavior through social media including orthodontics treatment has become popular among community in Indonesia. However, the characteristics of uploaded video in term of quality, reliability, and usefulness are unknown. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of Indonesian-language orthodontic-related YouTube videos uploaded.

Materials and Methods This study adopted cross-sectional design and analyzed 300 videos as the sample. A final 100 related videos were included for analysis of the quality, usefulness, and reliability of the video uploaded as well as viewers' interaction in term of popularity and visibility. Mann–Whitney's test was used for the statistical analysis.

Results The majority of the videos were uploaded by individual users (60%) with moderate quality, usefulness, and reliability. Statistical analysis showed that orthodontics-related YouTube videos uploaded by individuals have lower popularity and reliability compared with health professional (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Most of the Indonesian-language orthodontic-related YouTube videos have moderate quality, usefulness, and reliability. There is a need from health professional to contribute more related video as main source of health information for the general to make healthy health-seeking behavior.
SARS-CoV-2-Induced Immunosuppression: A Molecular Mimicry Syndrome
Authors: Kanduc Darja
Published: July 2022

Background Contrary to immunological expectations, decay of adaptive responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) characterizes recovered patients compared with patients who had a severe disease course or died following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This raises the question of the causes of the virus-induced immune immunosuppression. Searching for molecular link(s) between SARS-CoV-2 immunization and the decay of the adaptive immune responses, SARS-CoV-2 proteome was analyzed for molecular mimicry with human proteins related to immunodeficiency. The aim was to verify the possibility of cross-reactions capable of destroying the adaptive immune response triggered by SARS-CoV-2.

Materials and Methods Human immunodeficiency–related proteins were collected from UniProt database and analyzed for sharing of minimal immune determinants with the SARS-CoV-2 proteome.

Results Molecular mimicry and consequent potential cross-reactivity exist between SARS-CoV-2 proteome and human immunoregulatory proteins such as nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB), and variable diversity joining V(D)J recombination-activating gene (RAG).

Conclusion The data (1) support molecular mimicry and the associated potential cross-reactivity as a mechanism that can underlie self-reactivity against proteins involved in B- and T-cells activation/development, and (2) suggest that the extent of the immunosuppression is dictated by the extent of the immune responses themselves. The higher the titer of the immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 immunization, the more severe can be the cross-reactions against the human immunodeficiency–related proteins, the more severe the immunosuppression. Hence, SARS-CoV-2-induced immunosuppression can be defined as a molecular mimicry syndrome. Clinically, the data imply that booster doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines may have opposite results to those expected.
Development of Cam Impingement following Operative Fixation of Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Zacharias Anthony J. , Muffly Brian T. , Zuelzer David A. , Jacobs Cale A. , Wright Raymond D. , Duncan Stephen T.
Published: July 2022

The development of femoroacetabular impingement following acetabular fracture fixation is under-recognized. This study assessed radiographic changes of the hip joint after acetabular fracture fixation, and the clinical implications of associated radiographic changes. Institutional review of patients under age 40 who underwent acetabular fracture fixation from 2010 to 2016 with minimum 1-year radiographic follow-up was performed. Two independent evaluators compared immediate postoperative radiographs and those at final follow-up for basic radiographic parameters. Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and two-tailed t-tests were used to compare those with and without cam lesion development. Two-hundred twenty-four hips were reviewed, with 55 hips (53 patients) meeting inclusion criteria (age = 29.2 years, 60% male, average follow-up = 2.1 years). Average α angle increased from 53.8 to 75.5 degrees postfixation (p < 0.001). Average immediate postoperative joint space was unchanged from that at follow-up (3.6 versus 3.6 mm, p = 0.90), and there was no association between joint space narrowing and cam lesion development. Forty-four hips had postoperative α angles of less than 65 degrees. At final follow-up, 26/44 hips (59.1%) had α angles of greater than 65 degrees. Lower body mass index was an independent risk factor for increase in α-angle (p < 0.05). Hip dislocation, acetabular fracture pattern, age, and joint space narrowing were not risk factors for the development of cam deformity. Two patients had undergone hip preservation procedures at the last follow-up. Our findings identify the development of primarily femoral-sided femoroacetabular impingement following acetabular fracture fixation and highlight the importance of prolonged postoperative follow-up for these patients. Providers should scrutinize radiographs in those with new-onset pain or poor satisfaction following acetabular fixation.
Utilizing the Retrograde Flow of Internal Mammary Vessels as a Donor Pedicle
Authors: Jaiswal Dushyant , Mathews Saumya , Gupta Himanshu , Shankhdhar Vinay Kant , Mantri Mayur , Bindu Ameya , Pilania Vineet , Yadav Prabha
Published: July 2022

Introduction The aim of this study is to assess the results of retrograde flow of internal mammary artery and vein (IMA/V) as a donor vessel for free flap microvascular anastomosis (MVA). This need arises with bipedicle deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps, when all four zones with extra fat need to be harvested for unilateral breast reconstruction coupled with poor midline crossover of circulation naturally or because of midline scar. Large anterolateral thigh flaps for chest wall cover, with multiple perforators from separate pedicles, also need supercharging. This needs an additional source of donor vessels, antegrade IMA/V being the first one.

Materials and Methods Retrospective study of microvascular breast reconstruction using retrograde internal mammary donor vessels.

Results Out of 35 cases, 20 cases had distal IMA/V, with retrograde flow, as donor vessel for second set of arterial and venous anastomosis. In two cases, retrograde IMA/V was used for the solitary set of MVA. In remaining 13 cases, either retrograde IMA or V was utilized either as a principal or accessory donor. No flap was lost. Venous and arterial insufficiency happened in one case each, both were salvaged. Two cases developed partial necrosis, needing debridement and suturing. One case developed marginal necrosis. Only one case developed fat necrosis with superadded infection on follow-up.

Conclusion Distal end of IMA and IMV on retrograde flow is safe for MVA as an additional or sole pedicle. It is convenient to use being in the same field. It enables preservation of other including thoracodorsal pedicle and latissimus dorsi flap for use in case of a complication or recurrence.