bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric Dearomatization of Phenols via Ligand‐Enabled Cooperative Gold Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Yongliang , Zhao Ke , Li Xinyi , Quintanilla Carlos D. , Zhang Liming
Published: July 2023

By employing a chiral bifunctional phosphine ligand, a gold(I)‐catalyzed efficient and highly enantioselective dearomatization of phenols is achieved via versatile metal‐ligand cooperation. The reaction is proven to be remarkably general in scope, permitting substitutions at all four remaining benzene positions, accommodating electron‐withdrawing groups including strongly deactivating nitro, and allowing carbon‐based groups of varying steric bulk including tert‐butyl at the alkyne terminus. Moreover, besides N‐(o‐hydroxyphenyl)alkynamides, the corresponding ynoates and ynones are all suitable substrates. Spirocyclohexadienone‐pyrrol‐2‐ones, spirocyclohexadienone‐butenolides, and spirocyclohexadenone‐cyclopentenones are formed in yields up to 99 % and with ee up to 99 %.
Bis‐ and Tris‐norbornadienes with High Energy Densities for Efficient Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Schulte Robin , Afflerbach Sandra , Paululat Thomas , Ihmels Heiko
Published: July 2023

Molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST) systems can convert, store and release solar energy in chemical bonds, i.e., as chemical energy. In this work, phenyl‐ and naphthyl‐linked bis‐ and tris‐norbornadienes are presented as promising MOST systems with very high energy densities. The substrates were synthesized by Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions and their absorption properties and characteristic parameters for MOST applications were investigated. The norbornadiene derivatives showed absorption onsets of up to 386 nm and photoisomerization quantum yields of 56 % per photoisomerization event. The resulting quadricyclane products have half‐lifes up to 14 d and very high energy densities of up to 734 kJ/kg. Overall, these norbornadienes fulfill necessary criteria for an optimal MOST system and are, therefore, a highly promising basis for the development of materials for efficient solar energy conversion and storage.
Mild Synthesis of Polychlorinated Arenes for Efficient Organic Light‐emitting Diodes with Dual Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: Jiao Yihang , Chen Zijian , Qiu Weidong , Xie Hongwei , Yang Jiaji , Peng Xiaomei , Xie Wentao , Gu Qing , Li Mengke , Liu Kunkun , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: July 2023

Polychlorinated (hetero)arenes have shown great promise for organic optoelectronics applications. However, the harsh synthetic routes for polychlorinated compounds and the possible luminescence quenching from the compact intermolecular π–π stacking induced by chlorine atoms limit their investigations and applications in luminescent materials. Herein, two isomeric polychlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds JY‐1‐Cl and JY‐2‐Cl consisting of rigidified aryl ketones and amine are designed and synthesized under mild conditions through nucleophilic chlorination intermediated by an electron donor‐acceptor complex. Among them, as a result of the strong π–π interactions induced by chlorine atoms, JY‐2‐Cl exhibits bright monomer and dimer emissions with dual thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) characters. Notably, compared with the non‐chlorinated compounds, a high photoluminescence quantum yield is maintained after introducing multiple chlorine atoms into JY‐2‐Cl. The first dual‐TADF organic light‐emitting diodes are also successfully fabricated with maximum external quantum efficiency as high as 29.1 % by employing JY‐2‐Cl as emitter. This work presents a new paradigm and synthesis of polychlorinated amine‐carbonyl PAHs and demonstrates the great potential of the chlorinated materials for luminescent applications.
Preparation of MoS2/diesel dispersion nanofluid and its application in diluent blending‐viscosity reduction technology for heavy oil production
Authors: Fu Lipei , Ren Zhangkun , Jiang Lujun , Chen Wenzheng , Ding Wenli , Liao Kaili , Qiu Xinxin , Chen Lifeng , Shao Minglu
Published: July 2023

Diluent blending‐viscosity reduction technology is an important method for heavy oil exploitation. For conventional diluent blending‐viscosity reduction technology, many disadvantages such as large amount of light oil and poor thermal conductivity limit its development in the oil field. In this paper, nano‐molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with excellent thermal conductivity was added into diesel to improve the thermal conductivity of light oil, and the stability of MoS2/diesel dispersion was improved by adding the dispersant. The effect of diluent blending‐viscosity reduction technology was evaluated using MoS2/diesel dispersion as light oil system. The results showed that the dispersion effect of ultrasonic cell crusher was better than that of a homogenizer and ultrasonic cleaner; the stability of MoS2/diesel dispersions decrease with the increase of the dosage of nanoparticles and with temperature. A certain degree of mechanical oscillation can improve the stability of MoS2/diesel dispersions. Compared with Span‐80 and N,N‐dimethylformamide, the stability was significantly improved when the concentration of succinimide ashless dispersant was 1%. The evaluation of diluent blending‐viscosity reduction technology experiment shows that adding an appropriate dosage of MoS2 can reduce the amount of light oil and improve the viscosity reduction effect at low temperature. When the blending ratio was 5% at 50°C, the viscosity reduction rate of MoS2/diesel dispersion relative to diesel increased by 44.9%. Therefore, it is of great significance to reduce the energy consumption and increase the production of heavy oil by diluent blending‐viscosity reduction technology based on oil‐based nanofluids with high thermal conductivity.
An efficient strategy to design and construct high‐strength and fluorescence poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels via freeze–Thaw cycles
Authors: Li Zhou , Wu Weihang , Chen Sina , Xia Biao , Lin Tengfei , Gao Min , Zhao Chunlin , Wu Xiao , Lin Cong , Yang Weijin , Wang Yu
Published: July 2023

Fluorescent hydrogels are soft materials that can emit light under certain conditions, which makes them attractive for biomedical and engineering applications. Nevertheless, one of the major challenges in developing fluorescent hydrogels is their low mechanical properties. To overcome this challenge, we have developed an efficient method for preparing high‐strength and fluorescence hydrogels via freeze–thaw cycles. This approach offers a promising solution to enhance the mechanical properties of fluorescent hydrogels, which could broaden their applications in various fields. We used polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the main component and added 2,4,6‐tri(4‐aminophenyl) triazine (TAPT) as a rigid fluorescent substance. We find that these hydrogels have higher strength than conventional PVA hydrogels. These hydrogels exhibit strong fluorescence. Hydrogen bonds and π‐π stacking between NH2 and PVA construct the network structure. The composite hydrogel has significant mechanical properties, with a maximum tensile strength of 44.7 MPa, maximum elongation at break of 310.1% and Young's modulus of 138.5 MPa. Compared with the PVA hydrogel, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the hydrogel with the addition of 2% TAPT are increased by 292.6% and 153.0%, respectively. TAPT molecules are bound to the inside of the gel network, which makes the composite hydrogels have strong fluorescence. These hydrogels with high strength and fluorescence have a wide range of applications in flexible electronics and information displays.
A Rehmannia glutinosa caffeic acid O‐methyltransferase functional identification: Reconstitution of the ferulic acid biosynthetic pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using Rehmannia glutinosa enzymes
Authors: Yang Yan Hui , Song Hao Wei , Lai Jun Yi , Li Rui Fang , Wang Zi Chao , Jia Hui Cong , Yang Yong
Published: July 2023

Rehmannia glutinosa produces many pharmacological natural components, including ferulic acid (FA) which is also an important precursor of some medicinal ingredients, so it is very significant to explore FA biosynthesis for enhancing the production of FA and its derivations. This study aimed to determine and reconstitute the R. glutinosa FA biosynthetic pathway from phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a safe host for the biosynthesis of plant‐derived products. Although plant caffeic acid O‐methyltransferases (COMTs) are thought to be a vital catalytic enzyme in FA biosynthesis pathways, to date, none of the RgCOMTs in R. glutinosa has been characterized. This study identified an RgCOMT and revealed its protein enzymatic activity for FA production in vitro. The RgCOMT overexpression in R. glutinosa significantly increased FA yield, suggesting that its molecular function is involved in FA biosynthesis. Heterologous expression of the RgCOMT and reported R. glutinosa genes, RgPAL2 (encoding phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase [PAL] protein), RgC4H (cinnamate 4‐hydroxylase [C4H]), and RgC3H (p‐coumarate‐3‐hydroxylase [C3H]), in S. cerevisiae confirmed their catalytic abilities in the reaction steps for the FA biosynthesis. Importantly, in this study, these genes were introduced into S. cerevisiae and coexpressed to reconstitute the R. glutinosa FA biosynthetic pathway from Phe metabolism, thus obtaining an engineered strain that produced an FA titer of 148.34 mg L−1. This study identified the functional activity of RgCOMT and clarified the R. glutinosa FA biosynthesis pathway in S. cerevisiae, paving the way for the efficient production of FA and its derivatives.
Prostate cancer cells synergistically defend against CD8+ T cells by secreting exosomal PD‐L1
Authors: Li Dameng , Zhou Xueying , Xu Wenxian , Chen Yuxin , Mu Chenglong , Zhao Xinchun , Yang Tao , Wang Gang , Wei Liang , Ma Bo
Published: July 2023

Background

Metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) remains fatal and incurable, despite a variety of treatments that can delay disease progression and prolong life. Immune checkpoint therapy is a promising treatment. However, emerging evidence suggests that exosomal programmed necrosis ligand 1 (PD‐L1) directly binds to PD‐1 on the surface of T cells in the drain lineage lymph nodes or neutralizes administered PD‐L1 antibodies, resulting in poor response to anti‐PD‐L1 therapy in mCRPC.

Materials and Methods

Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to compare PD‐L1 levels in exosomes derived from different prostate cancer cells. PC3 cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice, and then ELISA assay was used to detect human specific PD‐L1 in exosomes purified from mouse serum. The function of CD8+ T cells was detected by T cell mediated tumor cell killing assay and FACS analysis. A subcutaneous xenograft model was established using mouse prostate cancer cell RM1, exosomes with or without PD‐L1 were injected every 3 days, and then tumor size and weight were analyzed to evaluate the effect of exosomal PD‐L1.

Results

Herein, we found that exosomal‐PD‐L1 was taken up by tumor cells expressing low levels of PD‐L1, thereby protecting them from T‐cell killing. Higher levels of PD‐L1 were detected in exosomes derived from the highly malignant prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cell lines. Moreover, exosomal PD‐L1 was taken up by the PD‐L1‐low‐expressing LNCaP cell line and inhibited the killing function of CD8‐T cells on tumor cells. The growth rate of RM1‐derived subcutaneous tumors was decreased after knockdown of PD‐L1 in tumor cells, whereas the growth rate recovered following exosomal PD‐L1 tail vein injection. Furthermore, in the serum of mice with PCa subcutaneous tumors, PD‐L1 was mainly present on exosomes.

Conclusion

In summary, tumor cells share PD‐L1 synergistically against T cells through exosomes. Inhibition of exosome secretion or prevention of PD‐L1 sorting into exosomes may improve the therapeutic response of prostate tumors to anti‐PD‐L1 therapy.
Growth of community‐based immunotherapy treatment in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Price Megan Ellis , Gordon Sarah , Emmitt Caroline , Ndugga Nambi , Kabdiyeva Aigerim , Mull Hillary , Pizer Steven , Garrido Melissa M.
Published: July 2023

Background

The MISSION and CHOICE Acts expanded the Veterans Health Administration's (VA) capacity to purchase immunotherapy services for VA patients from community‐based providers. Our objective was to identify predictors of community‐based immunotherapy treatment, and assess differences in cost and utilization across community treatment settings

METHODS

We examined claims for 21,257 patients who started immunotherapy treatment between 2015 and 2020. We assessed growth in VA community‐based immunotherapy care, predictors of community‐based immunotherapy treatment using multivariable logistic regression based on patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We compared utilization and costs among those who received community‐based immunotherapy services in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) versus physician office settings (POs).

Results

The proportion of community‐based immunotherapy in the VA increased from 5.3% in 2015 to 32.1% in 2020, with total annual costs of immunotherapy growing from $6.1 million to $187 million. Older, married, and rural patients and those with more comorbidities were more likely than younger, single, or urban patients to be treated in the community. Black patients were more likely to be treated in the VA. Respiratory Cancer was the most common cancer type in both settings. Among community immunotherapy patients, we observed no meaningful differences in the number of units administered, the unit drug costs, or the cost per immunotherapy visit between POs and HOPDs.

Conclusion

Drug costs did not differ widely across HOPDs and POs among VA patients who receive community‐based immunotherapy.
Left segmental hypoplasia of liver with concomitant gallbladder agenesis
Authors: Pandit Narendra , Neupane Durga
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Congenital liver anomalies are rarely reported. To the best of our knowledge and literature review, associated gallbladder agenesis with left hepatic lobe agenesis is extremely rare. The rarity of this condition and its uncertain radiological features often leads to misdiagnosis and unwarranted surgical treatments.
Successful treatment of fungal ball‐associated tinea capitis in a healthy infant: An unusual presentation
Authors: Abtahi‐Naeini Bahareh , Payandeh Atefeh , Rastegarnasab Fereshteh
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Presentation of tinea capitis with fungal mass in an infant is extremely rare. Tinea capitis with and without abscess formation is prone to be misdiagnosed in infants and should be considered as a differential diagnosis of inflammatory hair loss in infants and toddlers as well as school‐aged children.

Tinea capitis is the scalp fungal infection that most often affects early school children. It rarely affects neonates and adults. The presentation of fungal ball in the setting of tinea capitis is extremely rare. Herein, we describe a 7‐month‐old girl with a fungal ball associated with tinea capitis with a scalp mass adjacent to the scalp dermatophytosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of fungal ball in a healthy infant with tinea capitis.
Insights into the Application of Ultrasound Tomography in the Precipitation of Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Aghajanian Soheil , Koulountzios Panagiotis , Soleimani Manuchehr , Rymarczyk Tomasz , Koiranen Tuomas
Published: July 2023

The application of an ultrasound tomography (UST) system in a liquid‐phase reactive crystallization process is reported. The measurement system was applied to precipitated calcium carbonate processing where liquid Na2CO3 was added to a CaCl2 solution. Analysis of the measured sound velocity signals from the experiments demonstrated a clear change in the average time‐of‐flight (TOF) delay signals, indicating the detection of the onset of the precipitation and the formation of the microcrystalline stable phase of calcite. Moreover, spatial‐centric TOF signals from the tomographic images were associated with an increase in the overall suspension density. These findings highlight the potential of the UST measurement system for studying the solidification phenomenon during CaCO3 precipitation.
Wasser, Wasserstoff, Wasserstoffbrücke und mehr
Authors: Ludwig Ralf
Published: July 2023

Wasserstoff hat das chemische Symbol H und ist die Nummer eins im Periodensystem der Elemente, und auch sonst besonders. Heute ist der Wasserstoff prominenter denn je. Kein anderer energiereicher Stoff eignet sich besser zur Ablösung der fossilen Energieträge Kohle, Öl und Gas, die durch CO2‐Emissionen das Klima stark belasten. Damit wird der Wasserstoff zu einem wichtigen Element der Energiewende. Grund genug, den Wasserstoff in einem kleinen Steckbrief vorzustellen: das Element, das H‐Atom, H2‐Molekül, den ortho‐ und den para‐Wasserstoff. Erörtert wird auch die schwierige Frage, wer den Wasserstoff entdeckt hat. Interessanterweise kann Wasserstoff in Gashydraten gespeichert werden, ausgerechnet in Käfigen des Namengebers Wasser. Die in funktionellen Gruppen gebundenen Wasserstoffatome sind großartige Brückenbauer. Wasserstoffbrücken bestimmen die Struktur und Dynamik von Wasser und Biomolekülen. Und schließlich nimmt der an sich farblose Wasserstoff eine Farbe an: Die Farbskala bemisst sich an dem Herstellungsverfahren des Wasserstoffs. Grün steht hier im Zentrum der Farbenlehre, denn nur die Elektrolyse von Wasser in Wasser‐ und Sauerstoff mit Strom aus Sonnen‐ und Windenergie reduziert die CO2 wirklich.
Smoothed model‐assisted small area estimation of proportions
Authors: Gao Peter A. , Wakefield Jon
Published: July 2023

In countries where population census data are limited, generating accurate subnational estimates of health and demographic indicators is challenging. Existing model‐based geostatistical methods leverage covariate information and spatial smoothing to reduce the variability of estimates but often ignore the survey design, while traditional small area estimation approaches may not incorporate both unit‐level covariate information and spatial smoothing in a design consistent way. We propose a smoothed model‐assisted estimator that accounts for survey design and leverages both unit‐level covariates and spatial smoothing. Under certain regularity assumptions, this estimator is both design consistent and model consistent. We compare it with existing design‐based and model‐based estimators using real and simulated data.
Phenolic compounds—Occurrence in water, sediment and sludge, and ecological risk evaluation
Authors: Ndwabu Sinayo , Malungana Mncedisi , Mahlambi Precious
Published: July 2023

Ten phenolic compounds (PC) concentration levels were determined in river water, wastewater, sediments and sludge using solid phase extraction (SPE) microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic extraction (UE), and their ecological risk was evaluated. All the extraction methods showed good sensitivity with limit of detection and limit of quantification values at 0.01–2.00 and 0.02–6.07 µg L−1 for SPE, 0.05–1.20 and 0.17–3.17 µg kg−1 for MAE and 0.09–1.33 and 0.26–3.54 µg kg−1 for UE, correspondingly. Recovery ranges of 75.2–112% (SPE), 80.9–110% (MAE) and 79.3–119% (UE) were obtained. The PC concentrations in wastewater matrix were within the maximum allowable limit except for 2,4‐dichlorophenol at sampling point wdv4. In river water, at Camps Drift the highest concentrations compared to other sampling points was measured, however, all were within the acceptable limits. The risk quotient values exhibited high ecological risk in majority of the sites, with effects range median values indicating toxic effects to the surroundings likely to occur frequently. The probable carcinogenic risk potential was notably found to be high for adults with increment life cancer risk through dermal exposure (ILCRderm) values of 5.34 × 10−2 and 5.92 × 10−2 compared to that for children at 1.26 × 10−2 and 1.39 × 10−2 for both sludge and sediment samples.
Diagnostic role of FNA cytology in the evaluation of cervical lymph nodes in thyroid cancers: Combined evaluation of thyroglobulin in eluate from FNA cytology
Authors: Tralongo Pietro , Bruno Carmine , Policardo Federica , Vegni Federica , Feraco Angela , Carlino Angela , Ferraro Giulia , Milardi Domenico , Navarra Elena , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Lombardi Celestino Pio , Raffaelli Marco , Larocca Luigi Maria , Pantanowitz Liron , Rossi Esther Diana
Published: July 2023

Background

The presurgical evaluation of cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) in the management of thyroid malignant lesions is crucial for the extent of surgery or detection of metastases. In these last decades, fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been shown to have a central role in the detection of nodal thyroid metastases. It is adopted for the possibility of confirming suspected metastases either in the presurgical phase or in the follow‐up of patients after thyroidectomy. However, FNAC from CLNs can be challenging, especially in cystic lesions. In this regard, the combination of FNAC with thyroglobulin measurement in the eluate from FNAC (Tg‐FNAC) seems to increase the sensitivity of FNAC in the detection of CLN metastases. The role of FNAC and Tg‐FNAC was investigated in this series.

Methods

One hundred fifty‐three prospective cytological samples of CLNs were studied along with surgical follow‐up in the period between 2020 and 2022. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed on liquid‐based cytology–stored material.

Results

One hundred fifty‐nine enlarged CLNs included 19 central lymph nodes and 140 CLNs. Forty‐two thyroidal CLN metastases and 117 reactive lymph nodes were found. Thirty‐one CLN dissections were performed in patients with a previous diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma (mostly papillary thyroid carcinoma [PTC]), whereas 128 CLNs with a concomitant suspicious and/or malignant thyroid nodule were found. There was one false‐positive case among all the malignant histologically confirmed cases, and two of 117 reactive CLNs (1.7%) had a diagnosis of metastatic PTC. Markedly high Tg‐FNAC was found in all metastatic CLNs, including 11 cystic metastatic CLNs detected by Tg‐FNAC with a negative FNAC. ICC (including Tg, CK‐19, and LCA) recognized nine cases with low Tg‐FNAC and scant suspicious thyrocytes. Tg‐FNAC plus FNAC diagnosed 94.2% of malignancies.

Conclusions

FNAC represents a valid method for the evaluation of CLNs, especially combined with ICC. Tg‐FNAC is an additional method with a useful role in FNAC.
Analyzing the cortical fine structure as revealed by ex‐vivo anatomical MRI
Authors: Kruggel Frithjof , Solodkin Ana
Published: July 2023

The human cortex has a rich fiber structure as revealed by myelin‐staining of histological slices. Myelin also contributes to the image contrast in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Recent advances in Magnetic Resonance (MR) scanner and imaging technology allowed the acquisition of an ex‐vivo data set at an isotropic resolution of 100 µm. This study focused on a computational analysis of this data set with the aim of bridging between histological knowledge and MRI‐based results. This work highlights: (1) the design and implementation of a processing chain that extracts intracortical features from a high‐resolution MR image; (2) a demonstration of the correspondence between MRI‐based cortical intensity profiles and the myelo‐architectonic layering of the cortex; (3) the characterization and classification of four basic myelo‐architectonic profile types; (4) the distinction of cortical regions based on myelo‐architectonic features; and (5) the segmentation of cortical modules in the entorhinal cortex.
Testing a moral exemplar intervention in a non‐conflict context: The effects of moral exemplars on key dimensions of outgroup evaluations
Authors: Bojerud Erik , Younadam Ramina , Čehajić‐Clancy Sabina
Published: July 2023

Moral exemplar interventions have been shown to increase many positive intergroup outcomes, including perceptions of outgroup morality. However, existing research on moral exemplar interventions has only been conducted in post‐conflict contexts. This study investigates the effects of a moral exemplar intervention on outgroup evaluations in a non‐conflict context. By examining the effects on three key dimensions of outgroup evaluations (morality, sociability, and competence) in Sweden, we aim to extend the generalizability of moral exemplar interventions. An online experiment was conducted with self‐identified Swedes (N = 193) to explore the effects of outgroup (Middle Eastern) moral versus neutral exemplars. Results indicate that moral exemplar stories increased perceptions of outgroup morality while not significantly affecting perceived outgroup competence or sociability. These findings support the hypothesis that moral exemplars influence a specific positive dimension of outgroup evaluations, namely perceptions of morality, rather than any positive dimension such as sociability or competence. The present study also gives tentative support for the applicability of moral exemplar interventions in contexts and settings with no recent history of collective violence.
Eight years of weekly eDNA monitoring in the North‐Western Pacific
Authors: Sildever Sirje , Nishi Noriko , Tazawa Satoshi , Kasai Hiromi , Hirai Junya , Shiomoto Akihiro , Kikuchi Taisei , Katakura Seiji , Nagai Satoshi
Published: July 2023

Detection of marine organisms based on environmental DNA (eDNA) has expanded the knowledge of species richness, distribution, and appearance patterns. We used eDNA data from a single location sampled weekly over 8 years to detect as many species as possible, and investigate their appearance patterns and associations with biotic and abiotic factors. We detected >2500 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated with unique species from nine supergroups. The dominating currents that differ significantly in temperature, salinity, and nutrient concentrations structured the richness of the OTUs. We further detected sporadic and seasonal or continuous presence among the OTUs connected with a single species. This study shows that the long‐term eDNA‐based monitoring approach provides comprehensive knowledge of the species present as well as their associations with biotic and abiotic factors.
Reducing crosstalk between microstrip lines using CSR structure
Authors: Wang Yafei , Li Chenlong , Li Xuehua
Published: July 2023

Aiming at the problem of crosstalk between microstrip lines, a method of reducing crosstalk by using cross‐shape resonators (CSR) structures is proposed. On the premise of not changing the spacing of microstrip lines, this method adds CSR structures between the coupled microstrip lines to increase the capacitive coupling and thus to suppress the far‐end crosstalk. Based on the analysis of the equivalent circuit of CSR structure, the parameters simulation and verification are carried out by ADS and HFSS software. Through HFSS simulation and physical test of the designed CSR structure, the results show that: the CSR structure can significantly reduce the far‐end crosstalk by about 15 dB in the frequency of 0–10 GHz, and the maximum can reach 43 dB. Compared with 3W crosstalk reduction method and rectangular‐shape resonators crosstalk reduction method, the crosstalk reduction effect is improved.
Thermoelectric Power Factor of Boron‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Cementitious Composites
Authors: Wei Jian , Wang Taotao , Hui Jiawei , Li Xueting , Zhang Hao , Wang Yuan , Guo Yupeng , Zhang Siqing
Published: July 2023

In recent years, fossil fuel emissions and human activities have generated a lot of heat energy, causing environmental temperatures to rise. Thermoelectric cementitious composites that use temperature difference power generation to achieve the transformation of thermal and electrical energy can achieve a reduction in urban environmental temperature and alleviate resource depletion. However, the low thermoelectric conversion efficiency at this stage restricts its development. Herein, boron‐doped carbon nanotubes (B‐CNTs) are proposed to improve the thermoelectric properties of cement materials by doping boron into carbon nanotubes through the thermal diffusion method. At H3BO3: CNTs = 1:4, the synthesized B‐CNTs improve the Seebeck coefficient, which is mainly due to the increase in defect content and the appearance of additional phases around the Fermi energy level, leading to enhanced thermoelectric properties due to the increase in carrier scattering intensity. The thermoelectric optimum of the cement matrix composite with 7.0 wt% B‐CNTs content is 1.1 × 10−4, which is three times higher than that of the undoped carbon nanotube. This article provides a research idea to modify the thermoelectric properties of the material by doping the carbon material.
Utility of scratch art therapy in adult epilepsy patients with difficulties in social adaptation
Authors: Kanesaki Hiromi , Watanabe Kiwamu , Osugi Kazuha , Ohara Hiroya , Takada Kozue , Kinoshita Masako
Published: July 2023

Objective

Adult patients with epilepsy are confronted with significant psychological and psychosocial burdens. However, the role of psychological intervention to improve quality of life has not been fully established yet. The basis of art therapy is symbolic representations of inner experiences but patients may have difficulty expressing themselves. Here, we investigated utilities of scratch art therapy in Japanese adult patients with epilepsy who feel difficulties in social adaptation.

Methods

Seven adult epilepsy patients (four males, age: 32.1 ± 9.9, mean ± SD) treated in epilepsy clinic of our hospital, who complained of psychosocial problems and underwent psychotherapy sessions combined with art therapy, were included. Six patients had focal epilepsy and two of them were sequelae of encephalitis. They were comorbid with depression, mood disorders, anxiety, memory disturbance, and insomnia. Psychotherapy sessions were scheduled at the same day of their clinic visit, every 4–12 weeks, 60 min per day, and art therapy was performed as a part (up to 30 min, in accord with the condition of the patient) of each session. Scratch art therapy was performed by using ready‐made publications. Each patient selected favorite motives of figure out of several options suggested by the therapist.

Results

All patients quickly adapted themselves to scratch art therapy and verbally expressed their hidden emotions during drawing. One female patient with emotional lability appealed that she could stab herself by pointed end of the pen. Three patients added self‐motivated lines to the designed draft. Two patients realized problems to be solved and moved to other suitable therapeutic procedures.

Significance

The current case series study demonstrated utilities of scratch art therapy in Japanese adult patients with epilepsy who feel difficulties in social adaptation. Scratch art therapy is easy to introduce in adult epilepsy patients who have trouble expressing themselves or have uncontrollable emotions.
Epilepsy is an important feature of KBG syndrome associated with poorer developmental outcome
Authors: Buijsse Nathan , Jansen Floor E. , Ockeloen Charlotte W. , van Kempen Marjan J. A. , Zeidler Shimriet , Willemsen Marjolein H. , Scarano Emanuela , Monticone Sonia , Zonneveld‐Huijssoon Evelien , Low Karen J. , Bayat Allan , Sisodiya Sanjay M. , Samanta Debopam , Lesca Gaetan , de Jong Danielle , Giltay Jaqcues C. , Verbeek Nienke E. , Kleefstra Tjitske , Brilstra Eva H. , Vlaskamp Danique R. M.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the epilepsy phenotype in a large international cohort of patients with KBG syndrome and to study a possible genotype–phenotype correlation.

Methods

We collected data on patients with ANKRD11 variants by contacting University Medical Centers in the Netherlands, an international network of collaborating clinicians, and study groups who previously published about KBG syndrome. All patients with a likely pathogenic or pathogenic ANKRD11 variant were included in our patient cohort and categorized into an “epilepsy group” or “non‐epilepsy group”. Additionally, we included previously reported patients with (likely) pathogenic ANKRD11 variants and epilepsy from the literature.

Results

We included 75 patients with KBG syndrome of whom 26 had epilepsy. Those with epilepsy more often had moderate to severe intellectual disability (42.3% vs 9.1%, RR 4.6 [95% CI 1.7–13.1]). Seizure onset in patients with KBG syndrome occurred at a median age of 4 years (range 12 months – 20 years), and the majority had generalized onset seizures (57.7%) with tonic–clonic seizures being most common (23.1%). The epilepsy type was mostly classified as generalized (42.9%) or combined generalized and focal (42.9%), not fulfilling the criteria of an electroclinical syndrome diagnosis. Half of the epilepsy patients (50.0%) were seizure free on anti‐seizure medication (ASM) for at least 1 year at the time of last assessment, but 26.9% of patients had drug‐resistant epilepsy (failure of ≥2 ASM). No genotype–phenotype correlation could be identified for the presence of epilepsy or epilepsy characteristics.

Significance

Epilepsy in KBG syndrome most often presents as a generalized or combined focal and generalized type. No distinctive epilepsy syndrome could be identified. Patients with KBG syndrome and epilepsy had a significantly poorer neurodevelopmental outcome compared with those without epilepsy. Clinicians should consider KBG syndrome as a causal etiology of epilepsy and be aware of the poorer neurodevelopmental outcome in individuals with epilepsy.
Association between empirical dietary inflammatory index, odds, and severity of anxiety disorders: A case–control study
Authors: Torabynasab Kimia , Shahinfar Hossein , Effatpanah Mohammad , Jazayeri Shima , Azadbakht Leila , Abolghasemi Jamileh , Jamali Soulmaz
Published: July 2023

Diet may be a modifiable factor in the prevention of psychiatric disorders by modulating inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the association between empirical dietary inflammatory index (EDII) that is designed to evaluate the inflammatory potential of diets and anxiety disorders (AD) in adults. This case–control study was carried out on 85 patients who were group matched by gender with 170 healthy subjects. Data for dietary intake were assessed by using a 147‐item validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric measures were collected using standard methods. EDII score was developed according to participants' dietary intakes of 28 predefined food groups. Multivariate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to investigate the association of empirically derived inflammatory potential of the diet and anxiety disorder. We observed that after adjusting for confounders, individuals in the top category of EDII score were 2.09 fold more likely to have anxiety disorder compared with those in the bottom category (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.33). Also, higher EDII contributed to a higher GAD‐7 score (p < .001). There was a significant positive linear association between EDII and AD (β = 3.64, p < .001). After controlling for potential confounders AD had a strong positive correlation with the EDII score (r = .61, p‐value <.001). In conclusion, in this case–control study, we realized that there is a positive association between the EDII score, odds, and severity of anxiety disorder. Ultimately, the potential role necessitates clarifying this association by conducting large‐population prospective cohort studies.
Collision tumor of spindle cell lipoma arising from perirenal tissue and acquired cystic disease‐associated renal cell carcinoma: A rare case report
Authors: Sakai Yasuyuki , Oikawa Kensuke , Matsukawa Masanori
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Collision tumors are a rare phenomenon defined as two or more histologically distinct tumors that are in contact with each other.

Case presentation

The patient was a man with a history of end‐stage diabetic nephropathy under hemodialysis treatment for 15 years. A plain computed tomography scan showed a 4.3 cm mass with obscured margins in the right perirenal fat of the lower pole kidney. On T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion showed heterogeneous signal intensity with a partially cystic component. A radical nephrectomy was performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination revealed collision tumors constituted of a spindle cell lipoma covering the kidney surface underneath the perirenal fat and diffusely distributed acquired cystic disease‐associated renal cell carcinoma in the renal parenchyma.

Conclusion

We report the first case of collision tumors comprising spindle cell lipoma and acquired cystic disease‐associated renal cell carcinoma.
Unpacking the role of adolescent religious affiliation in youth outcomes
Authors: Hardy Sam A. , Morgan McKay , Nelson Jenae M. , Schwadel Philip
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to unpack the role of adolescent religious affiliation in positive and negative youth outcomes.

Methods

We used data from Wave 1 (2002–2003) of the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR). Participants were a nationally representative sample of 3290 adolescents from across the United States. Measures were adolescent‐report or parent‐report items of religiousness (individual religiousness, family religiousness, peer religiousness, and religious community supportiveness) and youth outcomes (future orientation, grades, community involvement, alcohol use, sexual activity, and depression).

Results

First, ANOVAs revealed that four dimensions of religiousness (individual religiousness, family religiousness, peer religiousness, and religious community supportiveness) and five youth outcomes (future orientation, grades, community involvement, alcohol use, and sexual activity, but not depression), varied significantly across religious affiliation. Second, regressions examining direct effects found that the multicategorical nominal variable of religious affiliation predicted all outcomes except alcohol use and depression after accounting for the four dimensions of religiousness. Third, each of the four dimensions of religiousness mediated relations between religious affiliation and at least one of the outcomes.

Conclusions

In short, religious affiliation seems to play a unique role in youth outcomes, above and beyond other dimensions of religiousness. This role of religious affiliation perhaps functions in part via individual and contextual dimensions of religiousness.
A tri‐directional examination of adolescent personality, perceived parenting, and economic and parental adversity contexts in influencing adolescent behavioral outcomes
Authors: Truhan Tayler E. , Sedikides Constantine , Armour Cherie , Papageorgiou Kostas A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Adolescent personality is consistently linked to behavioral strengths and difficulties. However, most of this work is limited in that it does not consider personality beyond the Big Five or economic or parental adversity contexts. The Tri‐Directional Framework of Parent and Offspring Traits and Outcomes highlights the collective influence of personality, parenting, and context on offspring behavioral outcomes.

Methods

Parent and adolescent cross‐sectional data were collected from 2019 to 2021 as part of the Parents and Children Together project in the United Kingdom. Adolescents (N = 310, 48.7% female) self‐reported on Dark Triad traits, parenting, and behavior. Parents (N = 288, 46.9% mothers) self‐reported on socioeconomic status and adverse childhood experiences. In two path analysis models, we examined: (1) adolescent Dark Triad, context, and their interactions as predictors of perceived maternal and paternal warmth, hostility, and control; and (2) adolescent Dark Triad, perceived parenting, context, and personality‐parenting interactions as predictors of adolescent behavioral strengths and difficulties.

Results

Adolescent narcissistic traits were the strongest predictors of perceived maternal parenting, whereas adolescent psychopathy and Machiavellianism were the strongest predictors of perceived paternal parenting. Adolescent personality interacted with contextual factors in predicting parenting, but not with perceived parenting in predicting behavior.

Conclusion

Adolescent Dark Triad traits, especially narcissism, and contextual factors are important for the parent‐offspring relationship and developmental outcomes. We recommend that research move beyond assessing direct trait‐outcome associations to examining how these associations operate in different environments.
Associations of mentalization and epistemic trust with internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescence: A gender‐sensitive structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Locati Francesca , Benzi Ilaria Maria Antonietta , Milesi Alberto , Campbell Chloe , Midgley Nicholas , Fonagy Peter , Parolin Laura
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Mentalization, operationalized as reflective functioning (RF), allows individuals to interpret actions as caused by intentional mental states. Previous research highlighted the gender‐specific associations between adolescents' internalizing and externalizing difficulties and mentalizing impairments. In addition, research suggested that mentalizing facilitates the creation of epistemic trust (ET) to evaluate social information as accurate, reliable, and relevant. However, few investigations explored the concurrent associations between RF, ET, and adolescent psychopathology.

Methods

A sample of 447 Italian cisgender adolescents (57% assigned females at birth; age range 12–19 years old; Mage = 15.54, SD = 1.98) self‐reported RF (RFQY‐5), ET towards mother, father, and peers (IPPA) and mental health problems (YSR‐112). Gender‐specific structural equation modeling explored the associations between RF, ET, and internalizing/externalizing problems.

Results

Results suggested an excellent fit for the theoretical model and revealed gender‐related associations. In females, findings suggest that ET mediates the association between RF and psychopathology, with indirect associations from RF through ET to lower internalizing and externalizing problems. However, in males, RF and ET display independent associations with psychopathology.

Conclusion

Overall, findings suggest that ET might be a transdiagnostic factor playing different roles associated with adolescent psychopathology. Indeed, links between RF and ET might help to explore gender differences in mental health problems in this developmental phase.
TWEAK promotes inflammatory response in liver fibrosis
Authors: Kong Yun , Yang Yi , Wu Shasha , Li Wenyan
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in liver fibrosis. The liver Kupffer cells (KCs) and mononuclear macrophages (J774A.1) were used as the objects of study to induce M1 polarization with LPS/IFN‐γ. After TWEAK intervention, the M1 cell proportion and marker cytokine levels were detected. Thereafter, CD266 expression was silenced, and NLRP3 expression was inhibited by the NLRP3 inhibitor, so as to investigate the impact of TWEAK on M1 polarization of KCs. In addition, the mouse model of liver fibrosis was constructed to observe the influence of TWEAK on mouse liver fibrosis. According to our results, TWEAK promoted M1 polarization of liver KCs and J774A.1 cells, and silencing CD266 expression or treatment with the NLRP3 inhibitor suppressed the effect of TWEAK. In the mouse experiment, it was discovered that after knocking down NLRP3 expression or using NLRP3 inhibitor to antagonize the effect of TWEAK, the mouse liver function and M1 cell level in liver tissues were improved.
MRI Radiomics Features of Adenohypophysis Determine the Activation of Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Gonadal Axis in Peri‐Puberty Children
Authors: Liu Dong , Lv Wenzhi , Liu Weiyin Vivian , Tian Tian , Qin Yuanyuan , Li Yakun , Liu Qin , Cai Jianjian , Gao Sikang , Ding Guojun , Zhao Yunyun , Zhou Yiran , Xie Yan , Zhu Wenzhen
Published: July 2023

Background

The status of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis is important for assessing the onset of physiological or pathological puberty. The reference standard gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test requires hospital admission and repeated blood samples. A simple noninvasive method would be beneficial.

Objectives

To explore a noninvasive method for evaluating HPG axis activation in children using an MRI radiomics model.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Two hundred thirty‐nine children (83 male; 3.6–14.6 years) with hypophysial MRI and GnRH stimulation tests, randomly divided a training set (168 children) and a test set (71 children).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, 3D isotropic fast spin echo (CUBE) T1‐weighted imaging (T1WI) sequences.

Assessment

Radiomics features were extracted from sagittal 3D CUBE T1WI, and imaging signatures were generated using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) with 10‐fold cross‐validation. Diagnostic performance for differential diagnosis of HPG status was compared between a radiomics model and MRI features (adenohypophyseal height [aPH] and volume [aPV]).

Statistical Tests

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Eight hundred fifty‐one radiomics features were extracted and reduced to 10 by the LASSO method in the training cohort. The radiomics model based on CUBE T1WI showed good performance in assessment of HPG axis activation with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.91) in the test set. The AUC of the radiomics model was significantly higher than that of aPH (0.81 vs. 0.65) but there was no significant difference compared to aPV (0.81 vs. 0.78, P = 0.58). In DCA analysis, the radiomics signature showed higher net benefit over the aPV and aPH models.

Data Conclusions

The MRI radiomics model has potential to assess HPG axis activation status noninvasively, potentially providing valuable information in the diagnosis of patients with pathological puberty onset.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Plasma versus serum for extracellular vesicle (EV) isolation: A duel for reproducibility and accuracy for CNS‐originating EVs biomarker analysis
Authors: Taha Hash Brown
Published: July 2023

Blood‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a popular source of biomarkers for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, but inconsistencies in isolation and analysis hinder their clinical translation. This review summarizes recent studies that investigate the impact of different anticoagulated plasma and serum on the yield, purity, and molecular content of EVs. Specifically, the studies compare ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citrate, heparin plasma, and serum and highlight the risk of contamination from platelet‐derived EVs. Here, I offer practical guidelines for standardizing EV isolation and analysis, recommending the use of plasma anticoagulated with acid‐citrate‐dextrose (ACD) or citrate followed by EDTA and heparin, subgroup analyses for samples from different biobank repositories, and avoiding serum and plasma‐to‐serum transformation. Other factors like illness, age, gender, meal timing, exercise, circadian timing, and arm pressure during blood draw can alter EV signatures. Yet, how these variables interact with different anticoagulated plasma or serum samples is unclear, necessitating further research. Furthermore, whether the changes are dependent on the isolation or quantification methodology remains an area of investigation. Importantly, the perspective emphasizes the need for consistency in experimental methodologies to improve the reproducibility and clinical applicability of CNS‐originating EV biomarker studies. The proposed guidelines, along with ongoing efforts to standardize blood sample handling and collection, may facilitate the development of more reliable and informative CNS‐originating EV biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring of CNS diseases.