bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High optical‐throughput spectroscopic singlet oxygen and photosensitizer luminescence dosimeter for monitoring of photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhao Youbo , Moritz Tobias , Hinds Michael F. , Gunn Jason R. , Shell Jennifer R. , Pogue Brian W. , Davis Steven J.
Published: July 2021

We report a high light‐throughput spectroscopic dosimeter system that is able to noninvasively measure luminescence signals of singlet oxygen (1O2) produced during photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a CW (continuous wave) light source. The system is based on a compact, fiber‐coupled, high collection efficiency spectrometer (>50% transmittance) designed to maximize optical throughput but with sufficient spectral resolution (~7 nm). This is adequate to detect 1O2 phosphorescence in the presence of strong luminescence background in vivo. This system provides simultaneous acquisition of multiple spectral data points, allowing for more accurate determination of luminescence baseline via spectral fitting and thus the extraction of 1O2 phosphorescence signal based solely on spectroscopic decomposition, without the need for time‐gating. Simultaneous collection of photons at different wavelengths improves the quantum efficiency of the system when compared to sequential spectral measurements such as filter‐wheel or tunable‐filter based systems. A prototype system was tested during in vivo PDT tumor regression experiments using benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) photosensitizer. It was found that the treatment efficacy (tumor growth inhibition rate) correlated more strongly with 1O2 phosphorescence than with PS fluorescence. These results indicate that this high photon‐collection efficiency spectrometer instrument may offer a viable option for real‐time 1O2 dosimetry during PDT treatment using CW light.
Gallium (Ga)–strontium (Sr) layered double hydroxide composite coating on titanium substrates for enhanced osteogenic and antibacterial abilities
Authors: Li Kai , Tian Hongchuan , Guo Ai , Jin Liguo , Chen Weizhen , Tao Bailong
Published: July 2021

Bacterial infection and poor osteogenic capacity can result in the loosing or failure of titanium (Ti)‐based implants in the clinic. Therefore, it is urgent to design an effective approach to enhance the osteogenic property and restrict bacterial activity. In this study, a layered double hydroxide (LDH) composed of Ga and Sr ions on Ti substrates by a hydrothermal method, then calcined in 250°C and denoted as LDH250. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were confirmed that the LDH films were successfully formed on the Ti substrates. Importantly, the obtained LDH films can induce an alkaline microenvironment around the Ti surface and regulate the behaviors of osteogenic cells and bacteria. In vitro cellular experiments, the LDH250 can enhance the differentiation of both MC3T3‐E1 cells and osteoblasts, stimulate alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), collagen secretion, and mineralization levels. Meanwhile, antimicrobial assay against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) demonstrated that the LDH250 samples had strong antibacterial abilities, which attributed to the release profile of Ga3+ could act as a “Trojan horse” to destroy the bacterial iron metabolism, inducing of local alkaline environment, and producing reactive oxygen species. Hence, this study provides an effective method for reducing antibacterial infection and enhancing the bone integrative capacity of Ti‐based implants for orthopedic applications.
A new functional role of mitochondria‐anchored protein ligase in peroxisome morphology in mammalian cells
Authors: Mohanty Abhishek , Zunino Rodolfo , Soubannier Vincent , Dilipkumar Shilpa
Published: July 2021

Mitochondria and peroxisomes are metabolically interconnected and functionally active subcellular organelles. These two dynamic organelles, share a number of common biochemical functions such as β‐oxidation of fatty acids and detoxification of peroxides. The biogenesis and morphology of both these organelles in the mammalian cells is controlled by common transcription factors like PGC1α, and by a common fission machinery comprising of fission proteins like DRP1, Mff, and hFis1, respectively. In addition, the outer membrane mitochondria‐anchored protein ligase (MAPL), the first mitochondrial SUMO E3 ligase with a RING‐finger domain, also regulates mitochondrial morphology inducing mitochondrial fragmentation upon its overexpression. This fragmentation is dependent on both the RING domain of MAPL and the presence of the mitochondrial fission GTPase dynamin‐related protein‐1 (DRP1). Earlier studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial‐derived vesicles are formed independently of the known mitochondrial fission GTPase, DRP1 are enriched for MAPL and are targeted to peroxisomes. The current study shows that MAPL regulates morphology of peroxisomes in a cell‐type specific manner. Fascinatingly, the peroxisome elongation caused either due to silencing of DRP1 or by addition of polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid was blocked by overexpressing MAPL in mammalian cell lines. Furthermore, the transfection and colocalisation studies of MAPL with peroxisome membrane marker, PMP70, in different cell lines clearly revealed a cell‐type specificity of transport of MAPL to peroxisomes. Previous work has placed the Vps35 (retromer component) as vital for delivery of MAPL to peroxisomes, placing the retromer as critical for the formation of MAPL‐positive mitochondrial‐derived vesicles. The results of polyethylene glycol‐based cell–cell fusion assay signified that the enrichment of MAPL in peroxisomes is through vesicles and a retromer dependent phenomenon. Thus, a novel function for MAPL in peroxisomes is established to regulate peroxisome elongation and morphology under growth conditions and thus possibly modulate peroxisome fission.
Surface texture and fractal analysis of cemented carbide cutting tools
Authors: Ţălu Ştefan , Kulesza Slawomir , Bramowicz Miroslaw , Zhuyu Li
Published: July 2021

This work highlights the usefulness of multi‐scale‐fractal and surface‐texture analysis in the machining of cemented carbide cutting edge by electrolytic‐abrasive honing (EAH) process. In order to achieve this, a fresh (untreated) cutting edge sample and the same sample after machining by electrolytic‐abrasive honing (treated) were studied upon their characteristics of surface texture and material properties to provide manufacturers a sustainable advantage in strengthening their tools. The surface characteristics of untreated and honed samples have been analyzed by evaluating four similar locations in the regions of each sample. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used for the characterization of materials surface. It was found that the unprepared cutting edge and the electrolytic‐abrasive sharp surface regions of the samples could be distinguished by area scale analysis and surface texture characteristics. The present study will help in improving the life span estimation of the tools and highlight the opportunities for the statistical modeling of lubrication mechanisms between the tool and the workpiece.
Efficient access to some new pyrimidine derivatives and their antimicrobial evaluation
Authors: El‐mahdy Kamelia M. , Farouk Osama
Published: July 2021

1‐[4‐(3‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐6‐methyl‐2‐thioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrimidin‐5‐yl]ethanone (1) was used as a precursor for heterocyclic synthesis. Condensation of compound 1 with monochloroacetic acid and benzaldehyde gave thiazolopyrimidine 2 which in turn underwent cyclization with malononitrile dimmer to afford malononitrile derivative 3. Also, the reaction of compound 1 with benzaldehyde under a basic condition produced chalcone 4. Chalcone 4 can be used as a key intermediate for further preparation of heterocyclic compounds. In addition, compound 1 was allowed to react with malononitrile dimmer and/or ethyl chloroacetate to give pyrimidines 8 and 9, respectively. Alkylation of compound 8 with ethyl chloroacetate afforded S‐alkylated product 10 which was treated with hydrazine hydrate to yield the hydrazino derivative 11. Alternative synthesis of compound 10 was taken place through reaction of compound 9 with malononitrile dimmer. The biological activity of the synthesized compounds was investigated. Compounds 1, 4, 5, and 8 recorded high activities against Gram positive bacteria (S. aureus). Structures of the new synthesized compounds were elucidated by elemental analysis and spectral data.
Quiescent‐Interval Slice‐Selective MRA Accurately Estimates Intravascular Stent Dimensions Prior to Intervention in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Decker Josua A. , Fischer Andreas M. , Schoepf U. Joseph , Xiong Fei , Todoran Thomas M. , Aldinger Jonathan , Ellis Lauren , Edelman Robert R. , Koktzoglou Ioannis , Emrich Tilman , Varga‐Szemes Akos
Published: July 2021

Background

Quiescent‐interval slice‐selective (QISS) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a non‐contrast alternative for the pre‐procedural assessment of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, the feasibility of pre‐procedural stent size estimation using QISS MRA would merit investigation.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of QISS MRA for pre‐procedural stent size estimation in PAD patients compared to computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Thirty‐three PAD patients (68 ± 9 years, 18 men, 15 women).

Field Strength/Sequence

Two‐dimensional balanced steady‐state free precession QISS MRA at 1.5 T and 3 T.

Assessment

All patients received QISS MRA and CTA of the lower extremity run‐off followed by interventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Stenotic lesion length and diameter were quantified (AMF and AVS with 3 and 13 years of experience in cardiovascular imaging, respectively) to estimate the dimensions of the stent necessary to restore blood flow in the treated arteries. Measured dimensions were adjusted to the closest stent size available.

Statistical Tests

The Friedman test with subsequent pairwise Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to compare the estimated stent dimensions between QISS MRA, CTA, and the physical stent size used for intervention. Intra‐class correlation (ICC) analysis was performed to assess inter‐reader agreement. Significant differences were considered at P < 0.05.

Results

No significant difference was observed between estimated stent diameter by QISS MRA or CTA compared to physical stent diameter (8.9 ± 2.9 mm, 8.8 ± 3.0 mm, and 8.8 ± 3.8 mm, respectively; χ2 = 1.45, P = 0.483). There was a significant underestimation of stent length for both QISS MRA and CTA, compared to physical stent length (45.8 ± 27.8 mm, 46.4 ± 29.3 mm, and 50.4 ± 34.0 mm, respectively; χ2 = 11.96) which could be corrected when measurements were adjusted to the next available stent length (χ2 = 2.38, P = 0.303). Inter‐reader assessment showed good to excellent agreement between the readers (all ICC ≥0.81).

Data Conclusion

QISS MRA represents a reliable method for pre‐procedural lesion assessment and stent diameter and length estimation in PAD patients.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Recent Advances in Radio‐Frequency Coil Technologies: Flexible, Wireless, and Integrated Coil Arrays
Authors: Darnell Dean , Truong Trong‐Kha , Song Allen W.
Published: July 2021

Radio‐frequency (RF) coils are to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners what eyes are to the human body. Because of their critical importance, there have been constant innovations driving the rapid development of RF coil technologies. Over the past four decades, the breadth and depth of the RF coil technology evolution have far exceeded the space allowed for this review article. However, these past developments have laid the very foundation on which some of the recent technical breakthroughs are built upon. Here, we narrow our focus on some of the most recent RF coil advances, specifically, on flexible, wireless, and integrated coil arrays. To provide a detailed review, we discuss the theoretical underpinnings, experimental implementations, promising results, as well as future outlooks covering these exciting topics. These recent innovations have greatly improved patient comfort and ease of scan, while also increasing the signal‐to‐noise ratio, image resolution, temporal throughput, and diagnostic and treatment accuracy. Together with advances in other MRI subfields, they will undoubtedly continue to drive the field forward and lead us to an ever more exciting future.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Threshold‐based characteristics of apricot frost exposure at young fruit in the warm temperate zone, China
Authors: Yang Jianying , Dong Hangyu , Huo Zhiguo , Wang Peijuan , Yao Shuran , Wu Dingrong , Ma Yuping
Published: July 2021

Late spring frost stress is one of the major environmental limiting factors for apricot in the warm zone in China. Investigation of frost exposure of apricot is of particular interest for estimating the frost risk, thus representing the potential damage for apricot production. In this study, daily minimum temperature (Tmin), disaster and phenological data of apricot from 1981 to 2020 in the warm zone were integrated to explore the temperature threshold on apricot at young fruit, facilitating the assessment of apricot frost exposure (E) under the background of climate warming. The daily Tmin was firstly extracted according to the historical disaster records, to identify the per‐ and ongoing weather conditions of the low‐temperature events. The overall accuracy and Receiver Operating Characteristics curve (ROC) were combined to identify the trigger threshold of apricot frost. 1.9°C was identified as the apricot frost trigger threshold in regional assessment, with relatively higher correct rate for disaster (90.2%) and lower incorrect rate for none‐disaster (23.4%). An area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.88 was obtained, demonstrating a good performance of Tmin as the trigger factor in discriminating between apricot frost and no frost. High frequency of days suffered from apricot and frost exposure at young fruit were mainly found in the northwestern and middle parts of the region, with frequencies of more than 2 days and E more than 3. Regional days suffered from apricot frost and E were found to have a negative trend with slope −0.0317 and −0.789, respectively, whereas the northwest and middle part of the study region were found to have an increasing trend. The results can provide technical and theoretical support for targeted apricot frost detection and risk assessment, and measures for apricot frost prevention and mitigation can be implemented according to the threshold‐based results.
Article processing charge expenditure in Chile: The current situation
Authors: Krauskopf Erwin
Published: July 2021

The National Agency of Research and Development from Chile is proposing, for the first time, a national OA policy aiming to ensure access to the scientific knowledge contained in publications resulting from research projects and graduate thesis. Since no information regarding APC expenditure in Chile is available, this study examined the cost of APC for the 2019 publications that included at least one Chilean affiliation. The total expenditure for the year 2019 was estimated at USD 9,129,939. The results confirm that almost one third of the total APC was spent on publications from Health & Medical Sciences, research area with the highest APC (USD 6000). Furthermore, five commercial publishers collected 52% of the total APC expenditure. Unfortunately, the cost of publishing in some journals is so high that it causes detrimental effects on the research capacity of under resourced individuals. In the Chilean scenario, APC is not well suited to scale as most universities do not have an OA budget to support researchers that are eager to publish their work in OA journals. Perhaps the implementation of an OA policy ought to be accompanied by sustainable APC funding grants aimed at supporting under resourced researchers that want to make their research freely available.
Prediction of the Oligomer Distribution after Degradation of (Co)Polymers with Inserted Break Points
Authors: Liausvia Fiona , Rusli Wendy , van Herk Alexander
Published: July 2021

Introduction of some weaker break points in otherwise all carbon backbone polymers produced via chain growth polymerizations can facilitate easy recycling and/or biodegradability. The break points are used to generate oligomers that then can be purified from additives and reconstituted into the circular polymers. In some cases, the oligomers can be biodegradable. For both purposes, predicting and controlling the oligomer length is of great importance. The authors look at chain growth polymerizations and compare the oligomer distributions obtained via Kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations by using the more easily accessible analytical solutions (AS). Before hydrolysis, the authors talk about the sequence length distribution; after hydrolysis, the resulting oligomer length distributions are dealt with. It turns out that for the targeted small oligomers, the AS approach is a fast alternative for the time‐consuming KMC simulations. To account for termination to occur during long sequences being formed, a correction factor is successfully introduced. The correction is based on the average degree of polymerization. With the AS method it is then shown that applying optimal monomer addition profiles narrows down the width of the oligomer distributions, optimizes the use of the weak‐bond‐inserting monomers, and brings the oligomer length in the right desired range.
CRISPR/Cas9 in zebrafish: An attractive model for FBN1 genetic defects in humans
Authors: Yin Xiaoyun , Hao Jianxiu , Yao Yuanqing
Published: July 2021

Background

Mutations in the fibrillin‐1 gene (FBN1) are associated with various heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTD). The most studied HCTD is Marfan syndrome. Ninety percent of Marfan syndrome is caused by mutations in the FBN1 gene. The zebrafish share high genetic similarity to humans, representing an ideal model for genetic research of human diseases. This study aimed to generate and characterize fbn1+/− mutant zebrafish using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene‐editing technology.

Methods

CRISPR/Cas9 was applied to generate an fbn1 frameshift mutation (fbn1+/−) in zebrafish. F1 fbn1+/− heterozygotes were crossed with transgenic fluorescent zebrafish to obtain F2 fbn1+/− zebrafish. Morphological abnormalities were assessed in F2 fbn1+/− zebrafish by comparing with the Tuebingen (TU) wild‐type controls at different development stages.

Results

We successfully generated a transgenic line of fbn1+/− zebrafish. Compared with TU wild‐type zebrafish, F2 fbn1+/− zebrafish exhibited noticeably decreased pigmentation, increased lengths, slender body shape, and abnormal cardiac blood flow from atrium to ventricle.

Conclusion

We generated the first fbn1+/− zebrafish model using CRISPR/Cas9 gene‐editing approach to mimic FBN1 genetic defects in humans, providing an attractive model of Marfan syndrome and a method to determine the pathogenicity of gene mutation sites.
Analysis of a model for the dynamics of microswimmer suspensions
Authors: Emmrich Etienne , Geuter Lukas
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a model that was recently derived in Reinken et al. to describe the dynamics of microswimmer suspensions is studied. In particular, the global existence of weak solutions, their weak–strong uniqueness, and a connection to a different model that was proposed in Wensink et al. is shown.
A novel increment approach for optimal control problem of fractional‐order (1, 2] nonlinear systems
Authors: Patel Rohit , Shukla Anurag , Jadon Shimpi , Udhayakumar Ramalingam
Published: July 2021

This paper deals with fractional optimal control governed by semilinear equations using the increment approach. We have considered controlled object as

with the initial conditions:

where α ∈ (1, 2], s(τ) is state variable in
, B(τ) ∈ Lp, ϱ(0, T), and
. Let the m‐dimensional control vector function be C(τ) and defined as
. Assume the function η(τ, C(τ)) satisfies Caratheodory condition and defined on
. We have obtained our results with the help of the adjoint equation and Pontryagin's maximum condition. For better understanding, we have included one example.
Who carries strategic inventory? Manufacturer or retailer
Authors: Dong Chang , Liu Qian
Published: July 2021

It is widely accepted that the retailer's use of strategic inventory can mitigate double marginalization and improve supply chain coordination. However, the recent literature of channel coordination only considers the effects of the retailer's strategic inventory, leaving the manufacturer's incentive to hold strategic inventory mostly unexplored. In reality, there are situations where the manufacturer's inventory can be observed or inferred by the retailer and hence affects the vertical interaction. In our two‐period dynamic model, we show that the manufacturer in equilibrium may carry a positive amount of inventory, which yields a significant impact on the equilibrium decisions and the supply chain players' profits. Specifically, we find that the manufacturer's use of strategic inventory commits a lower propensity to resume production in the second period, thereby encouraging the retailer to carry more strategic inventory at a higher wholesale price in the first period. The manufacturer's use of strategic inventory always hurts the retailer's profit but may enhance channel profit, consumer surplus, and social welfare. Moreover, we show that the manufacturer can earn an even higher profit by directly committing to no replenishment in the second period, observed in industries with longer production lead time and higher production setup costs.
Tensor method for optimal control problems constrained by fractional three‐dimensional elliptic operator with variable coefficients
Authors: Schmitt Britta , Khoromskij Boris N. , Khoromskaia Venera , Schulz Volker
Published: July 2021

We introduce the tensor numerical method for solving optimal control problems that are constrained by fractional two‐ (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) elliptic operators with variable coefficients. We solve the governing equation for the control function which includes a sum of the fractional operator and its inverse, both discretized over large 3D spacial grids. Using the diagonalization of the arising matrix‐valued functions in the eigenbasis of the one‐dimensional Sturm–Liouville operators, we construct the rank‐structured tensor approximation with controllable precision for the discretized fractional elliptic operators and the respective preconditioner. The right‐hand side in the constraining equation (the optimal design function) is supposed to be represented in a form of a low‐rank canonical tensor. Then the equation for the control function is solved in a tensor structured format by using preconditioned CG iteration with the adaptive rank truncation procedure that also ensures the accuracy of calculations, given an ‐threshold. This method reduces the numerical cost for solving the control problem to (plus the quadratic term with a small weight), which outperforms traditional approaches with complexity in the 3D case. The storage for the representation of all 3D nonlocal operators and functions involved is also estimated by . This essentially outperforms the traditional methods operating with fully populated matrices and vectors in . Numerical tests for 2D/3D control problems indicate the almost linear complexity scaling of the rank truncated preconditioned conjugate gradient iteration in the univariate grid sizen.
A hybrid static–dynamic continuum approach for concurrent atomistic‐to‐continuum methods
Authors: Wurm Patrick , Ulz Manfred H.
Published: July 2021

Concurrent atomistic‐to‐continuum methods commonly employ either a dynamic or a quasi‐static continuum model. Both of these approaches have advantages and drawbacks which render their applicability problem‐specific. We present a new hybrid static–dynamic continuum model, which combines the advantages of both approaches while potentially removing the drawbacks. This numerical approach is an innovative superposition of a dynamic and a quasi‐static subproblem and, thus, is limited to linear elastic continua. We apply the approach to a prototypical representative of the concurrent atomistic‐to‐continuum methods and namely, the coupled atomistic and discrete dislocation method. We present three numerical examples to compare the performance of the dynamic, quasi‐static and hybrid continuum model.
Variationally consistent computational homogenization of chemomechanical problems with stabilized weakly periodic boundary conditions
Authors: Kaessmair Stefan , Runesson Kenneth , Steinmann Paul , Jänicke Ralf , Larsson Fredrik
Published: July 2021

A variationally consistent model‐based computational homogenization approach for transient chemomechanically coupled problems is developed based on the classical assumption of first‐order prolongation of the displacement, chemical potential, and (ion) concentration fields within a representative volume element (RVE). The presence of the chemical potential and the concentration as primary global fields represents a mixed formulation, which has definite advantages. Nonstandard diffusion, governed by a Cahn–Hilliard type of gradient model, is considered under the restriction of miscibility. Weakly periodic boundary conditions on the pertinent fields provide the general variational setting for the uniquely solvable RVE‐problem(s). These boundary conditions are introduced with a novel approach in order to control the stability of the boundary discretization, thereby circumventing the need to satisfy the LBB‐condition: the penalty stabilized Lagrange multiplier formulation, which enforces stability at the cost of an additional Lagrange multiplier for each weakly periodic field (three fields for the current problem). In particular, a neat result is that the classical Neumann boundary condition is obtained when the penalty becomes very large. In the numerical examples, we investigate the following characteristics: the mesh convergence for different boundary approximations, the sensitivity for the choice of penalty parameter, and the influence of RVE‐size on the macroscopic response.
Factors influencing quality of life among childhood cancer survivors in Korea: A quantile regression approach
Authors: Hong Hye Chong , Kim Young Man , Min Ari
Published: July 2021

Cancer treatment in childhood may negatively affect survivors' quality of life. In this study, we aimed to determine the contributing factors for health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in survivors of childhood cancer in Korea using quantile regression analysis. This study was a secondary analysis. Data were collected from 130 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) from November 2018 to July 2019. Participants completed the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Health‐Promoting Lifestyle Profile‐II, and 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (physical component summary [PCS] and mental component summary [MCS]). Quantile and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the factors contributing to HRQOL. The quantile and linear regression models revealed different results on the contributing factors to HRQOL in CCS. Mean PCS and MCS scores were 78.55 (SD = 15.08) and 64.02 (SD = 18.00), respectively. Symptoms (e.g., difficulty concentrating, worrying, pain, and lack of energy), physical activity, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, stress management, depression, and anxiety were significant influencing factors in some PCS quantiles, while symptoms, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, depression, and stress were significant influencing factors in some MCS quantiles. The findings of this study showed specific contributing factors in CCS with different levels of HRQOL. There is a need for targeted interventions related to risk reduction and stratification for CCS with different HRQOL levels. Symptom management strategies, early detection programs for CCS with psychological distress, and clinical and counseling interventions for CCS with poor HRQOL need to be developed.
Metal‐organic frameworks derived ZnO@MOF@PZS flame retardant for reducing fire hazards of polyurea nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Rongzhen , Chen Yan , Liu Yanyan , Ma Mingliang , Tong Zhouyu , Chen Xilei , Bi Yuxin , Huang Weibo , Liao Zijian , Chen Shuailiang , Zhang Xinyi , Li Qianqian
Published: July 2021

Transition metal as flame retardant has attracted intense interests in recent years. In this work, ZnO@MOF@PZS was prepared via hydrothermal and polycondensation methods. ZnO nanoflowers played the role as a template for growth of MOF@PZS and zinc source for formation of MOF. Subsequently, the obtained ZnO@MOF@PZS was mixed into polyurea (PUA) to investigate its flame retardancy and toxicity suppression properties. The cone calorimeter test (CCT) showed that ZnO@MOF@PZS significantly improved the flame retardancy of PUA composites. The addition of 3 wt% ZnO@MOF@PZS into PUA could result in peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR) and total CO production (TCO) of 28.30%, 19.59% and 36.65%, respectively. The result of universal testing machine showed that ZnO@MOF@PZS‐add PUA had better mechanical properties. It is notable that the improved flame retardant properties for PUA composites are mainly attributed to ZnO@MOF@PZS promoting the formation of dense char residue.
A multi‐ethnic analysis of immune‐related gene expression signatures in patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Heong Valerie , Tan Tuan Z , Miwa Maiko , Ye Jieru , Lim Diana , Herrington C Simon , Iida Yasushi , Yano Mitsutake , Yasuda Masanori , Ngoi Natalie YL , Wong SB Justin , Okamoto Aikou , Gourley Charlie , Hasegawa Kosei , Tan David SP , Huang Ruby YJ
Published: July 2021

Little is known about the immune environment of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) and its impact on various ethnic backgrounds. The aim of this OCCC immune‐related gene expression signatures (irGES) study was to address the interaction between tumour and immune environment of ethnically‐diverse Asian and Caucasian populations and to identify relevant molecular subsets of biological and clinical importance. Our study included 264 women from three different countries (Singapore, Japan, and the UK) and identified four novel immune subtypes (PD1‐high, CTLA4‐high, antigen‐presentation, and pro‐angiogenic subtype) with differentially expressed pathways, and gene ontologies using the NanoString nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel. The PD1‐high and CTLA4‐high subtypes demonstrated significantly higher PD1, PDL1, and CTLA4 expression, and were associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression, assessed by immunohistochemistry, revealed that about 5% of OCCCs had deficient MMR expression. The prevalence was similar across the three countries and appeared to cluster in the CTLA4‐high subtype. Our results suggest that OCCC from women of Asian and Caucasian descent shares significant clinical and molecular similarities. To our knowledge, our study is the first study to include both Asian and Caucasian women with OCCC and helps to shine light on the impact of ethnic differences on the immune microenvironment of OCCC. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The effect of health literacy on patient’s perceived shared decision‐making among Chinese cancer patients
Authors: Xiao Lin , Miao Jingxia , Peng Meifang , Jiang Haihua , Liu Suting , Liu Yawei , Zhang Lili
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To explore the relationship between patient’s health literacy and perceived shared decision‐making (SDM) among Chinese cancer patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 458 cancer patients from four public hospitals in Guangzhou, China. Patients’ self‐reported data were collected using the Health Literacy Management Scale (HeLMS) and the nine‐item Shared Decision‐Making Questionnaire (SDM‐Q‐9). Hierarchical multiple regressions, controlling for patient–doctor relationship, social support, sociodemographic and clinical variables were conducted to explore the effect of health literacy on perceived SDM.

Results

Health literacy itself accounted for 68.0% of the variance in perceived SDM. Higher scores in domains “information acquisition ability,” and “communication interaction ability” of HeLMS were significantly associated with a higher level of perceived SDM after controlling the covariates (R2 = 75.7%).

Conclusions

Health literacy, especially the information acquisition ability and communication interaction ability, played a prominent role for Chinese cancer patients to be involved in treatment decision making.
Introduction of a new scheme for classifying β‐turns in protein structures
Authors: Zhang Ruojing , Stahr Michael C. , Kennedy Michael A.
Published: July 2021

Protein β‐turn classification remains an area of ongoing development in structural biology research. While the commonly used nomenclature defining type I, type II and type IV β‐turns was introduced in the 1970s and 1980s, refinements of β‐turn type definitions have been introduced as recently as 2019 by Dunbrack, Jr and co‐workers who expanded the number of β‐turn types to 18 (Shapovalov et al, PLOS Computat. Biol., 15, e1006844, 2019). Based on their analysis of 13 030 turns from 1074 ultrahigh resolution (≤1.2 Å) protein structures, they used a new clustering algorithm to expand the definitions used to classify protein β‐turns and introduced a new nomenclature system. We recently encountered a specific problem when classifying β‐turns in crystal structures of pentapeptide repeat proteins (PRPs) determined in our lab that are largely composed of β‐turns that often lie close to, but just outside of, canonical β‐turn regions. To address this problem, we devised a new scheme that merges the Klyne‐Prelog stereochemistry nomenclature and definitions with the Ramachandran plot. The resulting Klyne‐Prelog‐modified Ramachandran plot scheme defines 1296 distinct potential β‐turn classifications that cover all possible protein β‐turn space with a nomenclature that indicates the stereochemistry of i + 1 and i + 2 backbone dihedral angles. The utility of the new classification scheme was illustrated by re‐classification of the β‐turns in all known protein structures in the PRP superfamily and further assessed using a database of 16 657 high‐resolution protein structures (≤1.5 Å) from which 522 776 β‐turns were identified and classified.
Evaluation of pH Measurement Using Electron‐Beam‐Induced Current Detection
Authors: Shibano Satoru , Kawata Yoshimasa , Inami Wataru
Published: July 2021

The study of biological functions requires measurements of changes in intracellular ion concentrations and their distribution. Ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistors and light‐addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPSs) operate on the basis of ion‐sensitive membranes and semiconductors that can measure the ion concentration around cells. In this study, the authors develop an ion sensors based on an operating principle similar to that of LAPSs. An electron beam rather than light is utilized. When a semiconductor is irradiated with an electron beam, electron–hole pairs are generated, and an induced current is produced with an amplitude that depends on the ion concentration. The bias voltage characteristics of the capacitance and photocurrent of the fabricated sensor substrate are evaluated and it is demonstrated that the proton concentration could be measured with an electron beam based on the same principle as in LAPSs.
Reliable Resistive Switching and Synaptic Behaviors Based on a TiOx‐Doped N Memristor for Information Storage and Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Yang Liu , Lin Dong , Qi Meng , Xiu Xiaoming , Dong Haikuan , Wang Heng
Published: July 2021

Bipolar resistive switching (RS) and synaptic behaviors of resistive random access memory (RRAM) based on TiO
x
are demonstrated. RS uniformity is improved by introducing nitrogen into the RS layer using radio frequency sputtering in the reactive Ar/N2 ambient. The conductive mechanism is in good agreement with the space−charge‐limited conduction model. The activation energy fit by the Arrhenius equation and conductive atomic force microscopy results indicate that the conductive filaments are formed by oxygen vacancies. More importantly, reliable multilevel RRAM can be achieved by tuning the compliance current, which enables the achievement of distinguishable resistance states. Furthermore, multilevel RRAM enables the simulation of synaptic functions, such as learning−forgetting−relearning, habituation, and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP). Image pattern recognition based on STDP learning rules using a digital memristor is demonstrated. The findings may offer a route to the development of future storage and neuromorphic computing.
Influence of Hafnium Defects on the Optical and Structural Properties of Zirconium Nitride
Authors: Bopp Steven Edward , Qian Haoliang , Liu Zhaowei
Published: July 2021

Recently, the application of transition metal mononitrides (TMNs) to plasmonics and nonlinear optics has grown at an astounding rate. TiN and ZrN have emerged as the dominating materials in this direction. However, even though ZrN is reported to have lower dielectric losses and enhanced tunability in plasmonic applications when compared with TiN, the body of work regarding TiN is much more mature than that of ZrN. This imbalance of work regarding ZrN may be in part an effect of pollution in precursor materials for the fabrication of ZrN, leading to an increased imaginary part of permittivity and frustration in reproduction of ZrN with literature‐like properties. Herein, the effects of Hf defects (a common pollutant in Zr) on the optical properties of nitride films grown with radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering are reported. Hf defects are introduced into nitride films with a sputtering target made of the Hf‐polluted “grade 702” Zr alloy. Hf defects are found in all analyzed films with concentrations at around ≈0.5−1 at %. Chemical, structural, and optical properties of RF magnetron‐sputtered Hf
x
:Zr
y
N
z
films (x ≪ y,z) are characterized and discussed.
Non‐pneumophila Legionella species pneumonia with orange‐coloured sputum
Authors: Asami‐Noyama Maki , Harada Misa , Murakawa Kaori , Suizu Junki , Murakawa Keita , Chikumoto Ayumi , Hamada Kazuki , Murata Yoriyuki , Oishi Keiji , Yamaji Yoshikazu , Edakuni Nobutaka , Hirano Tsunahiko , Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Matsunaga Kazuto
Published: July 2021

We herein report an immunocompromised patient familiar with gardening admitted to our hospital suffering from severe pneumonia caused by Legionella longbeachae. We suspected non‐pneumophila Legionella species pneumonia because of gardening habits, the negative urine antigen test and the non‐significant Gram staining results of orange‐coloured sputum. The pathogen was identified using mass spectrometry analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. It is important to perform the medical interview carefully, noting the colour of sputum and gardening habits, for diagnosis and targeted therapy of non‐pneumophila Legionella species pneumonia, even if the urine Legionella antigen test is negative.
Transthoracic placement of fiducials with ultrasound or electronic navigational bronchoscopy needle guidance by the interventional pulmonologist: A case series
Authors: Gaspard Dany , Boujaoude Ziad , Kubicek Gregory , Abouzgheib Wissam
Published: July 2021

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has become one of the main options for treatment of thoracic malignancies, leading to the need for more fiducial marker placement. We report cases where these fiducials were placed transthoracically by interventional pulmonologists using ultrasound (US) and electronic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) needle guidance. Six cases were identified in the Cooper University Hospital medical records where such procedures were performed, alone or in combination with other interventions. All six patients underwent successful placement of fiducials. Concomitant bronchoscopic procedures were performed in four cases. All patients proceeded to SBRT without the need for further interventions. The overall retention rate of fiducials was 80%. No complications were noted. Fiducials' placement by interventional pulmonologists using US or ENB needle guidance is safe and effective, and may be combined with other procedures in a single setting.
Do brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) move streambed substrate?—Implications for durability and maintenance of artificial spawning habitat
Authors: Palm Daniel , Holmgren Annika , Losee James P. , Tylstedt Viktor , Hellstrom Gustav
Published: July 2021

Artificial spawning habitat has been used to mitigate for lost habitat and to increase the abundance of salmonids, but the endurance and potential need of maintenance of these habitat improvements have not been well studied. We studied the movement of gravel, attributed to spawning activity of brown trout in a third‐order stream in northern Sweden by deploying PIT‐tagged grains of gravel on artificially constructed gravel patches. The results suggest that gravel movement was substantial and most prevalent at the central parts of the patches. As 76% of the tagged gravel was mobilized during a single spawning season, maintenance of this habitat improvement may be necessary in order to guarantee its functionality over time. This study provides a first step in guiding managers tasked with identifying factors degrading restored spawning habitat and maintenance needed.
The Impact of Stigmatization of Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis and Mastocytosis in Different Areas of Life—A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Heim-Ohmayer P. , Freiberger A. , Gedik M. , Beckmann J. , Ziehfreund S. , Zink A. , Hähl W. , Schielein M. C.
Published: July 2021

Background

Stereotypes and false assumptions about chronic and visible skin diseases can determine the behaviour towards affected individuals and result in stigmatization or discrimination.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the perceived disease-related stigmatization of individuals with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD) or mastocytosis. The study also aims to broaden people-centred knowledge of the effects of stigmatization in different areas of life, namely in everyday life, at work, in sports and in relationships.

Methods

Qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted among individuals with either psoriasis, AD or mastocytosis. Participants were recruited via self-help networks and were asked to express their experience of stigmatization in different areas of life. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and evaluated based on Mayring's content analysis.

Results

In total, 24 individuals aged 19–79 years and living in Germany were included in the study—eight for each disease. Stigmatization was experienced in all three diseases in all mentioned areas of life as well as in interaction with medical professionals. Self-exclusion, negative self-perception and negative behaviour of others were the most frequent experiences with stigmatization.

Conclusion

Stigmatization, both internal and external, is an important factor contributing to the mental burden of people with chronic skin diseases. More research is needed to gain deeper insight into stigmatization and its psychological burden in various contexts to enhance people-centred care in chronic skin diseases.
CuCo LDHs Coated CuCoTe Honeycomb‐Like Nanosheets as a Novel Anode Material for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Jayababu Nagabandi , Kim Daewon
Published: July 2021

Metal–organic frameworks derived metal chalcogenides as a new class of active materials can abolish the existing challenges in supercapacitors with their large electroactive sites and enhanced electrochemical conductivities. With its adequate conductivity and electrochemical properties, tellurium based metal chalcogenide electrodes can deliver better electrochemical performances than other chalcogenides. Herein, CuCoTe honeycomb‐like nanosheets are grown on nickel foam (CuCoTe HNSs/NF) and then CuCo layered double hydroxides are successively coated on them (CTC HLSs/NF). The CTC HLSs/NF electrode exhibits tremendous performance with its high specific capacity of 399 mAh g−1 at 7 A g−1 of current density and good capacity retention (81.3%) after 3000 cycles. Finally, CTC HLSs/NF electrode is utilized for the hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) assembly along with activated carbon coated nickel foam in an aqueous electrolyte. The fabricated HSC shows high energy density (214.7 Wh kg−1) and power density (40 kW kg−1). Moreover, the device retains 96.3% of its capacitance at the end of the 5000th cycle, showing its high stability. Owing to their unique morphology and superior electrochemical properties, the present method of fabrication and selected materials can address the issues faced by electrochemical capacitors.
Unusual Nanofractal Microparticles for Rapid Protein Capture and Release
Authors: Song Yongyang , Dong Xuefang , Shang Danyi , Zhang Xiaofei , Li Xiuling , Liang Xinmiao , Wang Shutao
Published: July 2021

Ion exchange porous microparticles are widely used for protein separation, but their totally porous structure often leads to slow diffusion rate and long separation time. Here unusual nanofractal microparticles synthesized by a strategy of electrostatic interaction regulated emulsion interfacial polymerization are demonstrated that exhibit excellent capability of rapid protein capture, release, and separation. The growth of nanostructures at nanofractal microparticle surface can be controlled by changing electrostatic repulsion between ion groups from weak to strong. The nanofractal microparticles provide a 3D contact model between ion groups and proteins, enable fast protein diffusion rate at initial capture and release stage, and realize rapid and efficient separation of similarly sized proteins as a proof of concept, superior to porous microparticles. This strategy offers an effective and general way for the synthesis of microparticles towards rapid and efficient separation in various fields of biomedicine, environment, and food.
Phase Transitions in a Perovskite Thin Film Studied by Environmental In Situ Heating Nano‐Beam Electron Diffraction
Authors: Meyer Tobias , Kressdorf Birte , Roddatis Vladimir , Hoffmann Jörg , Jooss Christian , Seibt Michael
Published: July 2021

The rich phase diagram of bulk Pr1−xCaxMnO3 resulting in a high tunability of physical properties gives rise to various studies related to fundamental research as well as prospective applications of the material. Importantly, as a consequence of strong correlation effects, electronic and lattice degrees of freedom are vigorously coupled. Hence, it is debatable whether such bulk phase diagrams can be transferred to inherently strained epitaxial thin films. In this paper, the structural orthorhombic to pseudo‐cubic transition for x = 0.1 is studied in ion‐beam sputtered thin films and differences to the respective bulk system are pointed out by employing in situ heating nano‐beam electron diffraction to follow the temperature dependence of lattice constants. In addition, it is demonstrated that controlling the environment during heating, that is, preventing oxygen loss, is crucial in order to avoid irreversible structural changes, which is expected to be a general problem of compounds containing volatile elements under non‐equilibrium conditions.
When you think you know: Restorative justice between a hearing faculty member and a Deaf+ student
Authors: Ramirez‐Stapleton Lissa D. , Duarte Donna L.
Published: July 2021

Students with disabilities are continuously challenged in the classroom by educators’ lack of knowing and these moments can lead to academic trauma. Through restorative justice practices a hearing faculty member and a Deaf+ student find common ground to unpack a challenging semester together. Using scholarly personal narrative methodology and written in four vignettes, this piece focuses on the need to be vulnerable when you do not know, the complex web of intersectional privileged and oppressed identities in the classroom and addressing head on.