bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Background Study on the Estimation of Horizontal Dilution Potential of air Pollutants in North-Central Nigeria, Using Wind Data
Authors: Shiada M. S. , Ayaakaa D. T. , Bem T. T. , Ode S. O.
Published: March 2023

The study gives a background estimate of the dilution potential of air pollutants (SO2, NO2 and CO) in three selected North Central States of Nigeria. The research was carried out using wind impact area diagram, obtained by using standard deviation to calculate  analysis of pollutants and other variables of spread whose concentration were determined downwind. The results indicate that Makurdi and Lafia have varying wind direction persistence (p) approximately 1.0m2 for all the months. This can cause variation in wind directions. It also indicate unstable pattern of wind observation in this cities. For Makurdi, lowest and highest value of potential stands at M (12.15 m2) and (42.5 m2) were observed in April and May accordingly. For Lafia, values obtained by potential impact stands at M (2.20m2) and (67.50 m2) for the months indicated. Finally, Jos has (p) equal to 1.2m2 through all months, showing steady wind compared to two cities of Makurdi and Lafia and the predominant wind direction during the period  of October 2018 to February 2019. Lowest and largest values of dilution potentials M (1.50m2 and 113.37m2) were obtained for February and December of the same year under review. Lowest values of m (dilution potential) indicate lower dilution potentials in these cities which indicate high concentration of inert pollutants while larger value of M predicts high volume of wind speed with a big impact area. The study showed that, dilution potential can be applied in comparing the wind data in line and space. It also portrays that wind impact diagram gives a good representation of wind along with area of high pollutants concentration as compared to wind rose. Finally, the information obtained from the research suggests air quality monitoring stations are required in Makurdi, Lafia and Jos for effective monitoring of air pollutants in these cities.
SCAV‐3 affects apoptotic cell degradation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Ma Aiying , Feng Qi , Li Peiyao , Yuan Lei , Xiao Hui
Published: March 2023

As the final step in apoptosis, apoptotic cells (ACs) are swiftly removed by specialized phagocytes, such as macrophages, or nonprofessional phagocytes, such as epidermal cells. Genetic studies of model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans have helped to elucidate the mechanisms of AC clearance and the underlying causes of disorders related to the dysregulation of these pathways. C. elegans possesses six class B scavenger receptor homologs, but whether they affect apoptosis is unknown. Here, we show that only the loss of function of scav‐3, the C. elegans homolog of human lysosomal integral membrane protein‐2, resulted in a considerable accumulation of cell corpses, which was caused by a failure in degradation rather than engulfment. SCAV‐3 was found to be widely distributed and localized in lysosomes to maintain the integrity of the lysosomal membrane. Further study revealed that loss of scav‐3 had no effect on phagosome maturation or the recruitment of lysosomes to phagosomes carrying cell corpses. Moreover, we discovered that the hydrolytic enzymes contained in the lysosomes were reduced in phagosomes in scav‐3 mutants. Thus, hydrolases may leak from the damaged lysosome during phagolysosome formation due to the loss of scav‐3 function, which reduces lysosome digestion activity and thus directly contributes to the elimination of ACs.
Single Quantum Dot Selection and Tailor‐Made Photonic Device Integration using a Nanoscale‐Focus Pinspot
Authors: Choi Minho , Lee Mireu , Park Sung‐Yul L. , Kim Byung Su , Jun Seongmoon , Park Suk In , Song Jin Dong , Ko Young‐Ho , Cho Yong‐Hoon
Published: March 2023

Among the diverse platforms of quantum light sources, epitaxially grown semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are one of the most attractive workhorses for realizing quantum photonic technologies owing to their outstanding brightness and scalability. However, the spatial and spectral randomness of most QDs severely hinders the construction of large‐scale photonic platforms. In this work, a methodology is presented to deterministically integrate single QDs with tailor‐made photonic structures. A nondestructive luminescence picking method termed as nanoscale‐focus pinspot (NFP) is applied using helium‐ion microscopy to reduce the luminous QD density while retaining the surrounding medium. A single QD emission is only extracted out of the high‐density ensemble QDs. Then the tailor‐made photonic structure of a circular Bragg reflector (CBR) is designed and deterministically integrated with the selected QD. Given that the microscopy can image with nanoscale resolution and apply NFP in situ, photonic devices can be deterministically fabricated on target QDs. The extraction efficiency of the NFP‐selected QD emission is improved by 25 times after the CBR integration. Since the NFP method only controls the luminescence without destroying the medium, it is applicable to various photonic structures such as photonic waveguides or photonic crystal cavities regardless of materials.
Zinc Single‐Atom‐Regulated Hard Carbons for High‐Rate and Low‐Temperature Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Zhixiu , Wang Jing , Feng Wuliang , Yin Xiuping , Feng Xiaochen , Zhao Shengyu , Li Caixia , Wang Ruixiao , Huang Qiu‐An , Zhao Yufeng
Published: March 2023

Hard carbons, as one of the most commercializable anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), have to deal with the trade‐off between the rate capability and specific capacity or initial Columbic efficiency (ICE), and the fast performance decline at low temperature (LT) remains poorly understood. Here, a comprehensive regulation on the interfacial/bulk electrochemistry of hard carbons through atomic Zn doping is reported, which demonstrates a record‐high reversible capacity (546 mAh g−1), decent ICE (84%), remarkable rate capability (140 mAh g−1 @ 50 A g−1), and excellent LT capacity (443 mAh g−1 @ −40 °C), outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art literature. This work reveals that the Zn doping can generally induce a local electric field to enable fast bulk Na+ transportation, and meanwhile catalyze the decomposition of NaPF6 to form a robust inorganic‐rich solid‐electrolyte interphase, which elaborates the underlying origin of the boosted electrochemical performance. Importantly, distinguished from room temperature, the intrinsic Na+ migration/desolvation ability of the electrolyte is disclosed to be the crucial rate‐determining factors for the SIB performance at LT. This work provides a fundamental understanding on the charge‐storage kinetics at varied temperatures.
α‐Benzylation of Carbonyl Compounds Enabled by Synergistic Copper/Amine Catalyzed Decarboxylation of Arylacetic Acids
Authors: Wen Kangmei , Feng Mengxia , Gao Qiwen , Chen Chen , Wu Yinrong , Zhou Jiamin , Huang Liangbin , Tang Xiaodong
Published: March 2023

Herein, we report synergistic copper/amine‐catalyzed reactions for directly α‐benzylating carbonyl compounds with arylacetic acids. These reactions represent the first examples of decarboxylative oxidative synergistic transition‐metal/enamine catalysis for α‐functionalizing carbonyl compounds. The process features starting‐material availability, good functional group tolerance, mild reaction conditions, and good‐to‐excellent yields. Dibenzylated products were formed in moderate yields under slightly altered reaction conditions, and some products were transformed into 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indole derivatives by acid‐catalyzed intermolecular cyclization reactions with indoles. Moreover, biological studies revealed that some products have anticancer properties and may be useful in drug‐discovery studies.

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Local fishers’ knowledge on the ecology, economic importance, and threats faced by populations of African snakehead fish, Parachanna obscura, within Côte d'Ivoire freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Amoutchi Amien Isaac , Kamelan Tanoh Marius , Kargbo Alpha , Gneho Doh Arioste Delchinor , Kouamelan Essetchi Paul , Mehner Thomas
Published: March 2023

Traditionally, population sizes, ecology, and threats to species and their habitats have been obtained by empirical scientific studies. However, the knowledge of local and indigenous communities worldwide has been acknowledged as an extremely rich and underused source of information on how the environment, biodiversity, and local conditions are changing over time. In this view, the objective of the study was to investigate local fishers’ knowledge of local names, habitats, uses, market price, change in population abundance, and threats faced by the snakehead fish (Parachanna obscura) in Ivorian freshwaters. The study was conducted using face‐to‐face interviews and a structured questionnaire with 381 fishers during the period from October 2020 to February 2021. The results show that this fish species is strongly appreciated for the good taste of its flesh, with market prices varying between 1.5 and 3€ on average. All respondents confirmed that the species is not yet produced in aquaculture and mentioned their willingness to support its introduction into aquaculture. Several local names of P. obscura fish were recorded, with ‘Sounôgô‐djêguê’ (used in 36% of fishers’ ethnic groups), ‘Pino’ (21%), and ‘Édjoué‐bile’ (21%) being the most popular names used in Ivorian fishers’ communities. All respondents agreed that P. obscura is a potamodromous fish species living preferably in wetlands, rivers, lakes, and streams. A significant decrease in the abundance of this fish was observed by 71% of fishers, perceived mainly due to overfishing, deforestation around watersheds, habitat destruction/modification, obnoxious fishing practices, pesticide use in farms close to watersheds, and climate change, especially lack of rainfall. The study clearly demonstrated the importance of local ecological knowledge of fishers in identifying threats to fish populations, habitat types used by the species, and other relevant information; therefore, this ecological knowledge has to be integrated into biomonitoring and conservation policy of aquatic biodiversity. The information obtained from this study is also helpful for future studies on the management and cultivation of this species.
Polysaccharide‐based biomaterials in a journey from3Dto4Dprinting
Authors: Shokrani Hanieh , Shokrani Amirhossein , Seidi Farzad , Mashayekhi Mohammad , Kar Saptarshi , Nedeljkovic Dragutin , Kuang Tairong , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Mozafari Masoud
Published: March 2023

3D printing is a state‐of‐the‐art technology for the fabrication of biomaterials with myriad applications in translational medicine. After stimuli‐responsive properties were introduced to 3D printing (known as 4D printing), intelligent biomaterials with shape configuration time‐dependent character have been developed. Polysaccharides are biodegradable polymers sensitive to several physical, chemical, and biological stimuli, suited for 3D and 4D printing. On the other hand, engineering of mechanical strength and printability of polysaccharide‐based scaffolds along with their aneural, avascular, and poor metabolic characteristics need to be optimized varying printing parameters. Multiple disciplines such as biomedicine, chemistry, materials, and computer sciences should be integrated to achieve multipurpose printable biomaterials. In this work, 3D and 4D printing technologies are briefly compared, summarizing the literature on biomaterials engineering though printing techniques, and highlighting different challenges associated with 3D/4D printing, as well as the role of polysaccharides in the technological shift from 3D to 4D printing for translational medicine.
Recent Advances in the Catalytic Synthesis of 1,3‐Diamines
Authors: Yang Beiqi , Yu Aiwen , Wang Yuanhua
Published: March 2023

1,3‐Diamines are important for many biologically active molecules, but there have been fewer studies on the synthesis of 1,3‐diamines than those on the synthesis of 1,2‐diamines. Relatively speaking, there are not sufficient reports on non‐catalytic methods in this direction. Among various methods, the catalytic construction of diamine products from nitrogen‐containing substrates is the most straightforward, but it suffers from the need to pre‐synthesize nitrogen‐containing substrates and is therefore narrowly used. For non‐specialized substrates, the direct construction of C−N bonds by metal‐ or non‐metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization is undoubtedly the most efficient approach. This method is currently focused on monofunctionalization, but less has been reported for the simultaneous construction of multiple C−N bonds. Here, we summarize some innovative methods for the synthesis of 1,3‐diamines that have been developed in the past five years, encompassing various directions such as non‐catalytic reaction and metal‐ or non‐metal catalyzed reaction.
Effectiveness of informational interviewing for facilitating networking self‐efficacy in university students
Authors: Kanar Adam M.
Published: March 2023

Networking helps people explore careers and find jobs. To date, the scientific literature has described few evidence‐based techniques for boosting networking self‐efficacy in university students. Here, two studies assessed the effectiveness of informational interviewing as a theory‐based technique for improving networking self‐efficacy. Study 1 (n = 90) used a pre–post, quasi‐experimental design and found participants who conducted a virtual informational interview with business professionals reported higher networking self‐efficacy at posttest than participants in a comparison condition. Study 2 (n = 72) used a single‐group design with three measurement occasions and found self‐reported learning during an in‐person informational interview moderated the relationship between participants’ pre‐ and posttest networking self‐efficacy. Results suggest that informational interviewing can be an effective technique for increasing networking self‐efficacy among university students.
Better Peptides via Chemical Glycosylation: Somatostatin Analogues Having a Human Complex‐Type N‐Glycan with Improved Drug Properties
Authors: Ochiai Hirofumi , Shimoda Taiji , Fukae Kazuhiro , Maeda Masatoshi , Ishii Kazuyuki , Yoshida Kenta , Tezuka Katsunari , Tazuru Keisuke , Saijo Hayato , Asai Hiroaki , Kanatani Akio , Nishiuchi Yuji
Published: March 2023

Somatostatin (somatotropin release‐inhibiting factor, SRIF) is a growth hormone inhibitory factor in the form of a 14‐ or 28‐amino acid peptide. SRIF affects several physiological functions through its action on five distinct SRIF receptor subtypes (sst1–5). Native SRIF has only limited clinical applications due to its rapid degradation in plasma. To overcome this obstacle, we have developed glycosylated SRIF analogues that possess not only metabolic stability but also high affinity to all five receptor subtypes by attaching human complex‐type oligosaccharides. Such glycosylated SRIF analogues with improved pharmacokinetic profiles could be potent and novel therapeutic drugs for SRIF‐related diseases in which several SRIF receptor subtypes are closely involved, and also shed light on new indications. Our results show that chemical glycosylation can be a powerful tool for the development of peptide and protein analogues superior to the original molecules with enhanced drug properties.
Obese asthma phenotypes display distinct plasma biomarker profiles
Authors: Björkander Sophia , Klevebro Susanna , Hernandez‐Pacheco Natalia , Kere Maura , Ekström Sandra , Sparreman Mikus Maria , van Hage Marianne , James Anna , Kull Inger , Bergström Anna , Mjösberg Jenny , Tibbitt Christopher Andrew , Melén Erik
Published: March 2023

Background

Obese asthma is a complex phenotype and further characterization of the pathophysiology is needed. This study aimed to explore inflammation‐related plasma biomarkers in lean and overweight/obese asthmatics.

Methods

We elucidated levels of inflammation‐related plasma proteins in obese asthma phenotypes in the population‐based cohort BAMSE (Swedish: Children, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology) using data from 2069 24‐26‐year‐olds. Subjects were divided into lean asthma (n = 166), lean controls (n = 1440), overweight/obese asthma (n = 73) and overweight/obese controls (n = 390). Protein levels (n = 92) were analysed using the Olink Proseek Multiplex Inflammation panel.

Results

Of the 92 included proteins, 41 were associated with lean and/or overweight/obese asthma. The majority of proteins associated with overweight/obese asthma also associated with overweight/obesity among non‐asthmatics. Beta‐nerve growth factor (BetaNGF), interleukin 10 (IL‐10), and matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP10) were associated only with lean asthma while C‐C motif chemokine 20 (CCL20), fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), interleukin 5 (IL‐5), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 9 (TNFRSF9), and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) were associated only with overweight/obese asthma. Overweight/obesity modified the association between asthma and 3 of the proteins: fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), interleukin 4 (IL‐4), and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA). In the overweight/obese group, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was associated with non‐allergic asthma but not allergic asthma.

Conclusion

These data indicate distinct plasma protein phenotypes in lean and overweight/obese asthmatics which, in turn, can impact upon therapeutic approaches.
General analysis of LC oscillator with active and passive transconductance amplification
Authors: Kiani Vosta Pezhman , Miar‐Naimi Hossein , Javadi Mohsen
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of oscillation frequency, oscillation amplitude, and phase noise is conducted for an LC cross‐coupled oscillator with unequal inductors, active and passive transconductance amplification structure, and very low phase noise. In this study, for the first time, a complete analysis of the phase noise of this oscillator is presented using a novel method that does not require complex simulations to calculate the Impact Sensitivity Function (ISF) and phase noise, and as a result, a closed‐form equation is extracted for the phase noise. The calculated results are compared with the corresponding simulations to evaluate the validity of the extracted equations. Using the closed‐form phase noise equation as well as the oscillation frequency, designers can comprehend the design trade‐offs and design an oscillator for specific phase noise and oscillation frequency. The proposed method of calculating the ISF is also applicable and valid for other second‐order oscillators. In the following, the structure of the proposed oscillator is designed and simulated using the standard 0.18‐μm CMOS technology with a 1.8‐
power supply and 575.2‐MHz oscillation frequency to have the optimal coupling coefficient in terms of the phase noise and oscillation amplitude. The simulation results as well as the analyses performed based on the phase noise and oscillation amplitude parameters show that the structure proposed in this study provides a better performance with a much lower phase noise comparing with the structure of a conventional cross‐coupled oscillator as well as the proposed cross‐coupled oscillator with equal inductors.
Overlapping outbreaks of multiple bark beetle species are rarely more severe than single‐species outbreaks
Authors: Tutland Niko J. , Rodman Kyle C. , Andrus Robert A. , Hart Sarah J.
Published: March 2023

Biotic disturbances that overlap in space and time may result in important shifts in forest structure and composition, with potential effects on many ecosystem services. Starting in the late 1990s, outbreaks of multiple bark beetle species caused widespread mortality of three co‐occurring conifer species in the ca. 40,000‐km2 subalpine zone of the southern Rocky Mountains (SRM), USA. To better understand the implications of such outbreaks, our goal was to determine if overlapping outbreaks of multiple bark beetle species caused greater tree mortality than single‐species outbreaks in stands with multiple susceptible host tree species. We mapped stand susceptibility to outbreaks of spruce beetle (SB, Dendroctonus rufipennis), mountain pine beetle (MPB, Dendroctonus ponderosae), and western balsam bark beetle (WBBB, Dryocoetes confusus) by combining aerial survey data and forest composition variables in a random forest modeling framework. Then, we used existing maps of cumulative forest mortality from bark beetles to investigate the extent and severity of overlapping outbreaks from 1999 to 2019. We found that 46% of stands with two or more of the three studied hosts species—Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), or subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa)—were susceptible to overlapping outbreaks (25% of all sampled stands). Of those stands, 31% experienced outbreaks of two or more beetle species. Stands affected by outbreaks of both MPB and SB had higher tree mortality than stands affected by one species alone, though stands susceptible to both MPB and SB were uncommon (<4% of all sampled stands). No other combinations of beetle outbreaks increased tree mortality above levels caused by single‐species outbreaks. Thus, contrary to expectations, overlapping outbreaks were rarely more severe than single‐species outbreaks in the SRM. This suggests that diverse forest communities may buffer against the most severe effects of bark beetle outbreaks, even during warm, dry conditions.
Cytokines enhance human Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell TCR‐dependent and TCR‐independent effector functions
Authors: Field Kirsty R. , Wragg Kathleen M. , Lee Wen Shi , Rigau Marc , Uldrich Adam P. , Kent Stephen J. , Juno Jennifer A.
Published: March 2023

Vγ9Vδ2 T cells can recognize various molecules associated with cellular stress or transformation, providing a unique avenue for the treatment of cancers or infectious diseases. Nonetheless, Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell‐based immunotherapies frequently achieve suboptimal efficacies in vivo. Enhancing the cytotoxic effector function of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells is one potential avenue through which the immunotherapeutic potential of this subset may be improved. We compared the use of four pro‐inflammatory cytokines on the effector phenotype and functions of in vitro expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, and demonstrated TCR‐independent cytotoxicity mediated through CD26, CD16, and NKG2D, which could be further enhanced by IL‐23, IL‐18, and IL‐15 stimulation throughout expansion. This work defines promising culture conditions that could improve Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell‐based immunotherapies and furthers our understanding of how this subset might recognize and target transformed or infected cells.
Influence of gravity connections and damper activation forces on the seismic behavior of steel CBF buildings with dissipative floor connectors
Authors: Paronesso Martina , Lignos Dimitrios G.
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the influence of typical gravity connections on the seismic demands of steel concentrically braced frame (CBF) buildings with friction dampers as dissipative floor connectors. The investigated connections include (i) typical shear tab, (ii) clip angle, (iii) flush end‐plate and (iv) shear tab connections with bottom T‐stub. It is shown that the seismic behavior of the gravity framing system (GFS) is practically insensitive to the gravity connection type because the supplemental damping provided by the dissipative floor connectors dominates the seismic response of the GFS. While flush end‐plate and shear tab connections with bottom T‐stub generally exhibit smaller rotational demands than more flexible gravity connections, the resultant lateral drift demands in the GFS are more‐or‐less identical in all cases due to the elastic contribution of the gravity columns. A simplified method is proposed to evaluate the influence of the damper activation forces on the seismic response of multi‐story CBF buildings equipped with floor sliding friction dampers. First, the building is transformed into an equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom system. Subsequently, dual graphics called P‐spectra are generated through nonlinear response history analysis. These graphics allow to estimate the peak floor absolute acceleration demands and peak/residual roof displacements of the GFS as a function of the activation forces of the sliding friction dampers. An application example demonstrates that the proposed method can be reliably employed in a pre‐design phase to identify the range of damper activation forces through which an optimal performance of the steel CBF building may be anticipated.
Physicochemical, thermal, and functional properties of gari (fermented‐cassava product) enriched with cowpea hull at different stages of production
Authors: Olapade Gbemileke M. , Karim Olayinka R. , Olawuyi Ibukunoluwa F.
Published: March 2023

Gari was produced using the traditional method and enriched with freshly produced cowpea hull in wet form to improve the nutritional composition. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of stages of inclusion of cowpea hull on some quality attributes of gari. Factorial design of two stages of inclusion (before and after fermentation) with four levels (0%, 3%, 5% and 7%) of cowpea hull treatments and standard methods were used to analyze the gari. Stages of inclusion of cowpea hull had a significant (p < 0.05) effects on lightness (L*) which reduced as percentage of cowpea hull increased while redness (a*), yellowness (b*) and change in colour increased as cowpea hull increased. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows a diverse functional group with more than five peaks in the graph. Thermal properties reduced as percentage of cowpea hull increased in the fermented cowpea hulls samples and increased in unfermented which was evident in the pasting properties (1275–2143 RVU, 93–271 RVU, 5.92–6.97 min and 51.70–95.06°C for peak viscosity, breakdown, peak time and temperature), respectively. Enrichment of gari using 5% cowpea hull fermented with the cassava mash is therefore recommended.
A case report of simultaneous robot‐assisted nephroureterectomy and robot‐assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Yajima Shugo , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Takenaka Shin , Koike Yuki , Odajima Suguru , Okubo Naoya , Umino Yosuke , Kataoka Madoka , Tanabe Hiroshi , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Robot‐assisted surgery is spreading across surgical specialities as a less invasive alternative to conventional laparoscopic and open surgery.

Case presentation

In this report, robot‐assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy and robot‐assisted nephroureterectomy were performed simultaneously for a 69‐year‐old Japanese female with giant cervical polyp and ureteral cancer. All specimens could be removed from the vagina. The operative time was 379 min, the estimated intraoperative blood loss was 29 mL, and the patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day without complications.

Conclusion

We reported our experience with simultaneous robot‐assisted nephroureterectomy and robot‐assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of simultaneous robot‐assisted nephroureterectomy and robot‐assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery.
A review of high‐speed optical imaging technology for the analysis of ultrasound contrast agents in an acoustic field
Authors: Bellotti Adriano
Published: March 2023

Stabilized microbubbles were commercialized over 30 years ago for use as contrast agents in ultrasound imaging. In recent years, interest in microbubble–acoustic interactions has expanded to applications not only in ultrasound imaging but also in drug and gene delivery. To understand the interaction of a microbubble and ultrasonic field, scientists optically observe the behavior of microbubbles during acoustic excitation. Because of the fast oscillations of microbubbles in ultrasound fields, the application of ultra‐high‐speed photography is required to capture bubble behavior. This manuscript reviews the approaches, challenges, and progress in high‐speed imaging systems utilized for microbubble analysis, focusing on innovations in camera technology.
Monetary economy and budget deficit in endogenous growth model
Authors: Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: March 2023

By an endogenous growth model with two‐period overlapping generations structure and money holding of consumers, we examine the existence of budget deficit in an economy which endogenously grows by investments of firms. The main results are as follows. (1) Budget deficit is necessary for full employment under constant prices. (2) Inflation is induced if the actual budget deficit is greater than the value at which full employment is achieved under constant prices. (3) If the actual budget deficit is smaller than the value which is necessary and sufficient for full employment under constant prices, a recession occurs. Therefore, balanced budget cannot achieve full employment under constant prices. We do not assume that budget deficit must later be made up by budget surplus. This paper is an example of an analysis using a very simple model of the following statement by John Maynard Keynes.

“Unemployment develops, that is to say, because people want the moon;—men cannot be employed when the object of desire (i.e. money) is something which cannot be produced and the demand for which cannot be readily choked off. There is no remedy but to persuade the public that green cheese is practically the same thing and to have a green cheese factory (i.e. a central bank) under public control.”

In the appendix of this paper, we show that if money as well as goods are produced by capital and labor, budget deficit is not necessary for full employment under constant prices.
An antibody that targets cell‐surface glucose‐regulated protein‐78 inhibits expression of inflammatory cytokines and plasminogen activator inhibitors by macrophages
Authors: Gunner Cory B. , Azmoon Pardis , Mantuano Elisabetta , Das Lipsa , Zampieri Carlotta , Pizzo Salvatore V. , Gonias Steven L.
Published: March 2023

Glucose‐regulated protein‐78 (Grp78) is an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone, which is secreted by cells and associates with cell surfaces, where it functions as a receptor for activated α2‐macroglobulin (α2M) and tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA). In macrophages, α2M and tPA also bind to the transmembrane receptor, LDL receptor‐related protein‐1 (LRP1), activating a cell‐signaling receptor assembly that includes the NMDA receptor (NMDA‐R) to suppress innate immunity. Herein, we demonstrate that an antibody targeting Grp78 (N88) inhibits NFκB activation and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) treated with the toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) ligand, lipopolysaccharide, or with agonists that activate TLR2, TLR7, or TLR9. Pharmacologic inhibition of the NMDA‐R or deletion of the gene encoding LRP1 (Lrp1) in BMDMs neutralizes the activity of N88. The fibrinolysis protease inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI1), has been implicated in diverse diseases including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Deletion ofLrp1independently increased expression of PAI1 and PAI2 in BMDMs, as did treatment of wild‐type BMDMs with TLR agonists. tPA, α2M, and N88 inhibited expression of PAI1 and PAI2 in BMDMs treated with TLR‐activating agents. Inhibiting Src family kinases blocked the ability of both N88 and tPA to function as anti‐inflammatory agents, suggesting that the cell‐signaling pathway activated by tPA and N88, downstream of LRP1 and the NMDA‐R, may be equivalent. We conclude that targeting cell‐surface Grp78 may be effective in suppressing innate immunity by a mechanism that requires LRP1 and the NMDA‐R.
Every planar graph with Δ ${\rm{\Delta }}$ ⩾ 8 is totally (Δ+2) $({\rm{\Delta }}+2)$‐choosable
Authors: Bonamy Marthe , Pierron Théo , Sopena Éric
Published: March 2023

Total coloring is a variant of edge coloring where both vertices and edges are to be colored. A graph is totally ‐choosable if for any list assignment of colors to each vertex and each edge, we can extract a proper total coloring. In this setting, a graph of maximum degree needs at least colors. In the planar case, Borodin proved in 1989 that colors suffice when is at least 9. We show that this bound also holds when is 8.
Pneumonitis and multiple pneumonial infections under combined immune‐checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Mayer Kristine E. , Gan Thomas , Gaa Jochen , Biedermann Tilo , Posch Christian
Published: March 2023

The introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies has revolutionized melanoma treatment. The downside are immune‐mediated adverse events which are frequent and require close patient management. We report a case of severe immune‐mediated hepatitis and pneumonitis under combined immune‐checkpoint inhibitor therapy requiring immunosuppressive therapy. Under immunosuppressive therapy, however, a series of opportunistic infections occurred. It can be challenging to distinguish the signs of immune‐mediated adverse events of checkpoint inhibitors and pathogen‐mediated inflammation due to overlaps in clinical and laboratory findings. This case has the goal to rise awareness for infectious complications during immunosuppressive therapy needed to address immune‐mediated adverse events of checkpoint inhibitors.
Attention fusion network with self‐supervised learning for staging of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) using multiple MR protocols
Authors: Kim Bomin , Lee Geun Young , Park Sung‐Hong
Published: March 2023

Background

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is characterized as bone cell death in the hip joint, involving a severe pain in the groin. The staging of ONFH is commonly based on Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (CT), which are important for establishing effective treatment plans. There have been some attempts to automate ONFH staging using deep learning, but few of them used only MR images.

Purpose

To propose a deep learning model for MR‐only ONFH staging, which can reduce additional cost and radiation exposure from the acquisition of CT images.

Methods

We integrated information from the MR images of five different imaging protocols by a newly proposed attention fusion method, which was composed of intra‐modality attention and inter‐modality attention. In addition, a self‐supervised learning was used to learn deep representations from a large amount of paired MR‐CT dataset. The encoder part of the MR‐CT translation network was used as a pretraining network for the staging, which aimed to overcome the lack of annotated data for staging. Ablation studies were performed to investigate the contributions of each proposed method. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the performance of the networks.

Results

Our model improved the performance of the four‐way classification of the association research circulation osseous (ARCO) stage using MR images of the multiple protocols by 6.8%p in AUROC over a plain VGG network. Each proposed method increased the performance by 4.7%p (self‐supervised learning) and 2.6%p (attention fusion) in AUROC, which was demonstrated by the ablation experiments.

Conclusions

We have shown the feasibility of the MR‐only ONFH staging by using self‐supervised learning and attention fusion. A large amount of paired MR‐CT data in hospitals can be used to further improve the performance of the staging, and the proposed method has potential to be used in the diagnosis of various diseases that require staging from multiple MR protocols.
Frontal Sinus Balloon Sinuplasty—Patient Satisfaction and Factors Predicting Reoperation
Authors: Sainio Sara , Blomgren Karin , Koskinen Anni , Lundberg Marie
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore predictive factors of postoperative outcome of frontal sinus balloon dilation.

Study Design

Retrospective questionnaire study.

Setting

Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland.

Methods

We reviewed electronic records of all patients who underwent frontal sinus balloon dilatation (successful or attempted) in our clinic from 2008 to 2019. We documented patient characteristics, preoperative imaging results, intraoperative factors, possible complications, and reoperations. Those who underwent frontal sinus balloon sinuplasty were sent a questionnaire regarding their current symptoms and long‐term satisfaction with surgery.

Results

In total, 258 operations (404 frontal sinuses) were reviewed, with a technical success rate of 93.6% (n = 378). The revision rate was 15.7% (n = 38). Previous sinonasal surgery predicted a higher revision rate (p = .004, odds ratio [OR] = 3.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40‐6.56). Patients with hybrid surgery had significantly fewer reoperations compared to the balloon only group (p = .002, OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.16‐0.67). The response rate of the questionnaire was 64.5% (n = 156), of which 88.5% (n = 138) reported a long‐term benefit from the balloon sinuplasty. Patient satisfaction was higher (p = .02, OR = 8.26, 95% CI 1.06‐64.24) among patients using nasal corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Technical success rate and patient satisfaction after frontal sinus balloon sinuplasty are high. Balloon sinuplasty seems insufficient in reoperations. A hybrid approach appears to result in fewer reoperations than a balloon only approach.
Comparative efficacy and safety of suvorexant and lemborexant for insomnia treatment
Authors: Hayashi Teruaki , Yamanashi Takehiko , Iwata Masaaki
Published: March 2023

Aim

Although suvorexant and lemborexant, which have orexin receptor antagonist activity, are used as sleep medications in Japan, no report has directly compared their efficacy and safety. This study compared the efficacy and safety of the drugs.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who presented to the Outpatient Department of Psychiatry at Tottori University Hospital between December 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Information was obtained from 108 patients who were newly treated with suvorexant or lemborexant. Data were analyzed after excluding one case of discontinuation due to a post‐administration allergic reaction. Improvement in sleep status after administration was assessed retrospectively from medical records by using the Clinical Global Impressions‐Improvement (CGI‐I) Scale, which is a subscale of the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) Scale. The incidence of side‐effects was obtained from the medical records of the patient's first visit after administration.

Results

There was no significant difference between the CGI‐I scores in the suvorexant (mean [SD], 3.05 [0.93]) and lemborexant groups (mean [SD], 3.38 [0.83]) (p = 0.10). The incidence of side‐effects with continued treatment was not significantly different between the suvorexant group (12.5%) and the lemborexant group (2.9%) (p = 0.10). Patients who switched from suvorexant to lemborexant had CGI‐I scores ≤4, and no side‐effects were observed after switching to lemborexant.

Conclusion

There was no difference in effectiveness between suvorexant and lemborexant. However, lemborexant might cause side‐effects less frequently than suvorexant, at least in the early stages of treatment.
Critical thinking disposition and academic achievement among Chinese high school students: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Tang Minyan , Wang Maowen , Chen Liang , Sun Xiaohua
Published: March 2023

This study tested a moderated mediation model that included critical thinking disposition (independent variable), emotional intelligence (moderator), academic self‐efficacy (mediator), and academic achievement (dependent variable) in a sample of 642 high school participants aged 14–16 years (M = 15.59, SD = 0.97, 48.44% males) in China, using data from an in‐school questionnaire. Study findings showed that critical thinking disposition was positively associated with academic achievement. Academic self‐efficacy played a mediating role between critical thinking disposition and academic achievement. Moreover, emotional intelligence played a moderating role in the second half of the mediation process, in which critical thinking disposition affected academic achievement through academic self‐efficacy. The results revealed the mechanism of critical thinking disposition on academic achievement.
Identification of novel smORFs and microprotein acting in response to rehydration of Nostoc flagelliforme
Authors: Peng Zhao , Huwanixi Aishuake , Wan Cuihong
Published: March 2023

Nostoc flagelliforme, a terrestrial cyanobacterium spread throughout arid and semi‐arid areas, has been long known for its outstanding adaptability to extremely dry conditions. This microorganism is able to recover biological activities within hours after months of anhydrobiosis state, attracting investigation through proteomic analysis. Except for canonical proteome, microproteins encoded by small ORFs (smORFs) have recently been regarded as indispensable participants in metabolic processes. However, the involvement of smORFs in N. flagelliforme remains unknown. Here we first constructed a smORF database in N. flagelliforme using bioinformatic prediction, resulting in 6072 novel smORFs. Then LS‐MS/MS analysis was applied to identify expression patterns of microproteins and seek smORFs and their encoded microprotein playing a role during rehydration. In total, 18 novel microproteins were mined based on a smORF searching strategy combined with three proteomic assays, of which five were annotated as ribosomal proteins, one as RNA polymerase subunit, and one as acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase. We also suggested the possible functions of smORFs according to their expression pattern and discovered two neighboring and homologous smORFs. All these results will expand our knowledge of smORFs‐encoded microproteins and their relation to the stress response of extremophilic microorganisms.
Psychosocial experiences of cancer survivors and their caregivers in sub‐Saharan Africa: A synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Ikharo Ebahi , Gondwe Kaboni Whitney , Conklin Jamie L. , Zimba Chifundo Colleta , Bula Agatha , Jumbo Wongani , Wella Kondwani , Mapulanga Patrick , Idiagbonya Eno , Bingo Samuel A. M. , Chilemba Evelyn , Hotchkiss Jennifer , Montano Nilda Peragallo , Qan'ir Yousef , Song Lixin , Leak Bryant Ashley
Published: March 2023

Objective

To synthesize and examine current literature on survivorship experiences and psychosocial oncologic care programs of individuals affected by cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

This was a systematic review guided by the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We searched 6 databases for articles published from inception to 21 October 2021. Articles were appraised using the Johanna Briggs Institute's Checklist for Qualitative Research. For data synthesis, we used the World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life framework [WHOQOL] to organize experiences into 6 domains/themes.

Results

Twenty‐five qualitative studies were included in the synthesis. Studies focused on psychosocial care of adults (>18 years) affected by cancer in SSA. The common WHOQOL domains were social relations, spirituality/religion/personal beliefs, and psychological.

Conclusion

Findings echo need for individuals with cancer and their caregivers. Healthcare professionals are an essential resource for information and support services that can be tailored to individuals need. This synthesis highlighted caregiver stress and stressors from the community that could impact care of individuals with cancer. A holistic approach is needed that incorporates professional and social aspects of care.
Prevalence of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Among Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Halioua Bruno , Taieb Jonathan , Seneschal Julien , Corgibet Florence , Misery Laurent , Marquié Adrien , Merhand Stéphanie , Staumont-Salle Delphine , Ezzedine Khaled , Taieb Charles , Richard Marie-Aleth
Published: March 2023

Sleep disorders have received considerable attention from the dermatologic community, especially in patients with atopic dermatitis. We confirmed that excessive daytime sleepiness is a common problem among patients with atopic dermatitis, with it affecting 46.1% of the evaluated subjects. We demonstrated that excessive daytime sleepiness was also significantly associated with disease severity in patients with atopic dermatitis and had a detrimental impact on quality of life, well-being and burden. These findings suggest the importance of careful assessment and the management of sleep disorders in atopic dermatitis patients. Intervention programs for sleep disorders in this population might help to improve their quality of life and their well-being.
Board experiential diversity and corporate radical innovation
Authors: Genin Aurora , Ma Wenting , Bhagwat Vineet , Bernile Gennaro
Published: March 2023

Research Summary

How does board experiential diversity affect corporate radical innovation? We find that the combined diversity of directors' educational, industrial, and organizational experiences spurs the quantity and quality of path‐breaking patents developed at a firm. Instrumental variable analysis leveraging exogenous variation in firm access to the nonlocal supply of directors with diverse experiences indicates causality, which is corroborated by difference‐in‐differences tests. Firm heterogeneity suggests experientially diverse directors spur radical innovation by better serving the firm's advisory needs rather than via improved governance. Our findings enrich theoretical insights into how corporate board leadership may affect innovation and long‐term value creation at the firm.

Managerial Summary

This study offers practical guidance on director recruitment. Board directors with diverse educational, industrial, and organizational experiences can support the invention of radical technology. This type of innovation can create substantial economic and social value. Noting the benefits of diverse experiences in the boardroom, corporate executives can search beyond the traditional director pedigree (e.g., Ivy League‐educated financiers), where female and minority individuals remain underrepresented. In doing so, the firm can find more qualified candidates to assemble a demographically and intellectually diverse board, thus cultivating an inclusive corporate culture conducive to shareholder and stakeholder value creation.
Graphene and boron nitride foams for smart functional applications
Authors: Xu Chiwei , Zeng Jinjue , Wang Yue , Jiang Xiangfen , Wang Xuebin
Published: March 2023

Graphene and boron nitride (BN) foams, as two types of three‐dimensional (3D) nanomaterials consisting of two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets, can inherit a series of excellent properties of the 2D individuals. The internal 3D network can prevent aggregation or restacking between isolated graphene or BN nanosheets, and provide a highway for phonon/electron transports. Moreover, the interconnected porous structure creates a continual channel for the mass exchange of exotic species. The light‐element graphene and BN foams can thus possess the characteristics of low density, high porosity, high surface area, and excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Benefiting from these advantages, they show a wide range of applications. The usual synthesis methods and the recent functional applications of graphene and BN foams are reviewed herein, including their applications as supporting materials, elastic materials, acoustic shielding materials, thermal interface materials, electromagnetic shielding materials, adsorption materials, electrocatalysis and thermal catalyses materials, electrochemical energy storage, and thermal energy storage materials. Current challenges and outlooks are additionally discussed.