bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of Dissolution‐Precipitation Processes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Sadd Matthew , De Angelis Salvatore , Colding‐Jørgensen Sofie , Blanchard Didier , Johnsen Rune E. , Sanna Simone , Borisova Elena , Matic Aleksandar , Bowen Jacob R.
Published: January 2022

In this work, light is shed on the dissolution and precipitation processes S8 and Li2S, and their role in the utilization of active material in LiS batteries. Combining operando X‐ray Tomographic Microscopy and optical image analysis, in real‐time; sulfur conversion/dissolution in the cathode, the diffusion of polysulfides in the bulk electrolyte, and the redeposition of the product of the electrochemical reaction, Li2S, on the cathode are followed. Using a custom‐designed capillary cell, positioning the entire cathode volume within the field of view, the conversion of elemental sulfur to soluble polysulfides during discharge is quantitatively followed. The results show the full utilization of elemental sulfur in the cathode in the initial stage of discharge, with all solid sulfur converted to soluble polysulfide species. Optical image analysis shows a rapid diffusion of polysulfides as they migrate from the cathode to the bulk electrolyte at the start of discharge and back to the cathode in the later stages of discharge, with the formation and precipitation of Li2S. The results point to the redeposition of Li2S on all available surfaces in the cathode forming a continuous insulating layer, leaving polysulfide species remaining in the electrolyte, and this is the process limiting the cell's specific capacity.
Outstanding CdSe with Multiple Functions Leads to High Performance of GeTe Thermoelectrics
Authors: Jin Yang , Wang Dongyang , Hong Tao , Su Lizhong , Shi Haonan , Zhan Shaoping , Wang Yuping , Wang Sining , Gao Xiang , Qiu Yuting , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: January 2022

Thermoelectric materials can achieve the direct conversion between electricity and heat, which has drawn extensive attention in recent decades. Understanding the chemical nature of band structure and microstructure is essential to boost the thermoelectric performance of given materials. Herein, CdSe alloying promotes the evolution of multiple valence bands in GeTe, resulting in the contemporaneous appearance of band convergence and density of state distortion, which benefits the sharply enhanced effective mass from 2.3 m0 to 5.0 m0. The carrier mobility and effective mass are well optimized via CdSe alloying, contributing to the ultrahigh weighted mobility of ≈199 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 300 K in CdSe‐alloyed GeTe. Accordingly, a superior power factor of ≈41 µW cm−1 K−2 is attained at 673 K. Meanwhile, the nanoprecipitates, strain, and mass field fluctuations introduced by CdSe alloying result in a significantly decreased lattice thermal conductivity. A highest figure of merit (ZT) of ≈2.3 at 673 K and the ultrahigh ZTave of ≈1.46 at 303–773 K are achieved in CdSe‐alloyed GeTe. This work illustrates that the charge and phonon transport properties of GeTe can be simultaneously optimized through integrating band engineering and all‐scale defects incorporation via CdSe alloying.
Nutrition, obesity, and dental development in young adolescents in Chicago
Authors: Cardona Salazar Diana Katerine , Caplin Jennifer , Whyms Pamela , Alrayyes Sahar , Nikita Efthymia , Galang‐Boquiren Maria Therese , Truskoski Deric , Naqvi Afsar , Nicholas Christina L.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Childhood obesity is a systemic disease with multiple downstream consequences, including shifts in timing of growth and development. It has been documented that children with high body mass index (BMI) show accelerated timing of dental development, but the mechanism for this acceleration is unknown. Prior work has suggested that inflammation and/or nutrition may play a role. We investigate the potential association between diet (caloric intake, macronutrients), obesity, and accelerated dental development.

Methods

Children and adolescents (age 10–15; n = 112) were recruited from dental clinics at the University of Illinois Chicago. We collected subjects' height, weight, panoramic radiographic records, and each subject filled out a Block Food Frequency Questionnaire.

Results

The only macronutrient level associated with BMI was a negative correlation to Total Fat consumption (p = .01), though this relationship was not significant in the path analysis (p > .05). Regression analyses indicated that BMI (p = .003) and total caloric intake (controlling for BMI; rho = 0.19; p = .04) were both significantly correlated with timing of dental development. However, when a path analysis was conducted, it was revealed that only BMI was statistically significant (p = .008).

Conclusions

Body mass index percentile, regardless of caloric intake, is positively associated with accelerated dental development. While it is possible that excess caloric intake itself plays a minor role in timing of dental development, we do not see unambiguous evidence for this in our sample. We posit that another mechanism, such as inflammation, may be the link between obesity status and dental development.
Progressing children’s rights and participation: Utilising rights‐informed resources to guide policy and practice
Authors: Canosa Antonia , Graham Anne , Simmons Catharine
Published: January 2022

Social policy in Australia and internationally, that is focused on improving children's safety and well‐being, increasingly makes implicit or explicit reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Concomitantly, children and young people's participation is more widely acknowledged as being key to ensuring policies, programmes and services reflect their views and lived experience. The non‐government sector, along with statutory bodies like the National and State‐based Children's Commissions in Australia, have led the way in advocating for children's participation, including the development of resources to assist in facilitating this. Little is known, however, about the nature, scope and extent of such resources nor the evidence informing them. This article reports the findings of a scoping review of rights‐informed resources and academic articles that provide a sound rationale and “good practice” information, education and/or professional learning about children's participation rights, in particular. The findings highlight some of the tensions and possibilities between the rhetorical aspirations of participation and existing practice. The analysis is intended to support the efforts of organisations endeavouring to improve their understanding and approaches to embedding children's rights, including participation in decision making and other matters of interest or concern to them.
Excitation of Ultraslow High‐q Surface Plasmon Polariton Modes in Dense Arrays of Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kadochkin Alexey S. , Moiseev Sergey G. , Svetukhin Vyacheslav V. , Saurov Alexander N. , Zolotovskii Igor O.
Published: January 2022

This work explores the plasmonic properties of parallel double‐walled carbon nanotube arrays. It is shown that ultraslow surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes possessing a phase velocity some orders of magnitude lower than the speed of light in vacuum and high Q‐factor can be generated in such arrays. It is demonstrated that nonrelativistic electron beams with the velocity less than 106 m s−1 can be used to excite SPPs in arrays of double‐walled carbon nanotubes. For the SPP modes excited by an electron beam, the frequency range of SPP waves and electron beam velocities corresponding to the phase matching within a wide frequency range are determined. It opens the way to design slow‐wave structures based on the dense arrays of multiwalled carbon nanotubes employing an efficient energy transfer from the pump to the SPPs.
CLIPON: A CRISPR‐Enabled Strategy that Turns Commercial Pregnancy Test Strips into General Point‐of‐Need Test Devices
Authors: Tang Yidan , Qi Lijuan , Liu Yichen , Guo Lulu , Zhao Rujian , Yang Meiting , Du Yan , Li Bingling
Published: January 2022

Desirable biosensing assays need to be sensitive, specific, cost‐effective, instrument‐free, and versatile. Herein we report a new strategy termed CLIPON (CRISPR and Large DNA assembly Induced Pregnancy strips for signal‐ON detection) that can deliver these traits. CLIPON integrates a commercial pregnancy test strip (PTS) with four biological elements: the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), CRISPR‐Cas12a, crRNA and cauliflower‐like large‐sized DNA assemblies (CLD). CLIPON uses the Cas12a/crRNA complex both to recognize a target of interest and to release CLD‐bound hCG so that target presence can translate into a colorimetric signal on the PTS. We demonstrate the versatility of CLIPON through sensitive and specific detection of HPV genomic DNA, SARS‐CoV‐2 genomic RNA and adenosine. We also engineer a cell phone app and a hand‐held microchip to achieve signal quantification. CLIPON represents an attractive option for biosensing and point‐of‐care diagnostics.
Selective Fluorescence Imaging of Cancer Cells Based on ROS‐Triggered Intracellular Cross‐Linking of Artificial Enzyme
Authors: Di Yufei , Zhang Endong , Yang Zhiwen , Shen Qi , Fu Xuancheng , Song Gang , Zhu Chuanwei , Bai Haotian , Huang Yiming , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Wang Shu
Published: January 2022

Inside living cells, regulation of catalytic activity of artificial enzymes remains challenging due to issues such as biocompatibility, efficiency, and stability of the catalyst, by which the practical applications of artificial enzymes have been severely hindered. Here, an artificial enzyme, PTT‐SGH, with responsiveness to reactive oxygen species (ROS), was obtained by introducing a catalytic histidine residue to pentaerythritol tetra(3‐mercaptopropionate) (PTT). The artificial enzyme formed large aggregates in cells via the intracellular ROS‐mediated oxidation of thiol groups. The process was significantly facilitated in tumor cells because of the higher ROS concentration in the tumor microenvironment. The catalytic activity of this artificial enzyme was intensively enhanced through deprotonation of cross‐linked PTT‐SGH, which showed typical esterase activities. Selective fluorescence imaging of tumor cells was achieved using the artificial enzyme to trigger the cleavage of the ester bond of the caged fluorophore inside living cells.
Orthoquinone–Based Covalent Organic Frameworks with Ordered Channel Structures for Ultrahigh Performance Aqueous Zinc–Organic Batteries
Authors: Zheng Shibing , Shi Dongjie , Yan Dong , Wang Qiaoran , Sun Tianjiang , Ma Tao , Li Lin , He Dan , Tao Zhanliang , Chen Jun
Published: January 2022

Elaborate molecular design on cathodes is of great importance for rechargeable aqueous zinc–organic batteries’ performance elevation. Herein, we design a novel orthoquinone‐based covalent organic framework with an ordered channel structures (BT‐PTO COF) cathode for an ultrahigh performance aqueous zinc–organic battery. The ordered channel structure facilitates ions transfer and makes the COF follow a redox pseudocapacitance mechanism. Thus, it delivers a high reversible capacity of 225 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and an exceptional long‐term cyclability (retention rate 98.0 % at 5 A g−1 (≈18 C) after 10 000 cycles). Moreover, a co‐insertion mechanism with Zn2+ first followed by two H+ is uncovered for the first time. Significantly, this co‐insertion behaviour evolves to more H+ insertion routes at high current density and gives the COF ultra‐fast kinetics thus it achieves unprecedented specific power of 184 kW kg−1(COF) and a high energy density of 92.4 Wh kg−1(COF). Our work reports a superior organic material for zinc batteries and provides a design idea for future high‐performance organic cathodes.
Low‐cost carbon black‐loaded functional films for interlaminar toughening and in‐situ delamination monitoring of carbon fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Liu Hui , Qu Peng , Yu Sitie , Xu Yihan , Jia Yuxi
Published: January 2022

Functional polyethersulfone (PES)/carbon black (CB) films were fabricated and interleaved into carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates to simultaneously improve the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIC) and delamination monitoring sensitivity. It was found that when the CB content in the functional film was 7.5 wt%, the initial and propagation GIC of the laminate achieved the greatest improvements of 99.16% and 82.83%, respectively. The toughening mechanism was mainly attributed to the formation of phase separation structure, the plastic deformation of PES and the pull‐out of epoxy and CBs. Meanwhile, a delamination increment‐resistance change relationship equation was proposed to predict the delamination increment of the laminate during mode I delamination. Moreover, the effect of CB content in the film on the delamination monitoring sensitivity was investigated. The pure PES film showed the largest sensitivity coefficient k of 4.55, which was much higher than that of Control (0.14). When the CB content was in the range of 2.5–7.5 wt%, both GIC and k remained at relatively high levels, indicating that PES/CB films have promising applications in advanced multifunctional composites due to their low cost, simple manufacturing process, and large‐scale industrial manufacturability.
US FDA–validated TLC method with four greenness assessment evaluations for simultaneous determination of prednisolone and esomeprazole in spiked human plasma
Authors: Abdelhamid Nessreen S. , Magdy Maimana A. , Anwar Basma H. , Farid Nehal F.
Published: January 2022

Recently, prednisolone has been used in treating many medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and cancer. It is also prescribed to mitigate the respiratory complications caused by COVID‐19 infection. It can cause some health complications, such as GIT ulcers, so it should be co‐administered with proton‐pump inhibitors, such as esomeprazole, to prevent the risk of ulcers. This work aims to develop an ecofriendly and sensitive TLC method for simultaneous determination of esomeprazole and prednisolone in their binary mixtures and spiked human plasma. Separation was performed using a mixture of ethyl acetate, methanol, and ammonia (9.5:0.5:0.1, v/v/v) as an eluting system with UV scanning at 245 nm. Dapoxetine was used as an internal standard to correct the variation during sampling. The resulting Rf values for plasma, esomeprazole, prednisolone, and dapoxetine were 0.03, 0.51, 0.72 and 0.85, respectively. Four greenness assessment tools—national environmental method index, eco‐scale assessments, analytical greenness metric approach (AGREE), and green analytical procedure index (GAPI)—were used to evaluate the greenness characteristics of the proposed method to the environment, and the results were acceptable and satisfactory. Validation parameters were checked according to the US FDA guidelines to achieve the international requirements for bioanalytical method validation, and the results were within the accepted ranges.
Translational Approaches for Brain Delivery of Biologics via Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Sadekar Shraddha S. , Bowen Mayumi , Cai Hao , Jamalian Samira , Rafidi Hanine , Shatz‐Binder Whitney , Lafrance‐Vanasse Julien , Chan Pamela , Meilandt William J. , Oldendorp Amy , Sreedhara Alavattam , Daugherty Ann , Crowell Susan , Wildsmith Kristin R. , Atwal Jasvinder , Fuji Reina N. , Horvath Joshua
Published: January 2022

Delivery of biologics via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has demonstrated potential to access the tissues of the central nervous system (CNS) by circumventing the blood‐brain barrier and blood‐CSF barrier. Developing an effective CSF drug delivery strategy requires optimization of multiple parameters, including choice of CSF access point, delivery device technology, and delivery kinetics to achieve effective therapeutic concentrations in the target brain region, whereas also considering the biologic modality, mechanism of action, disease indication, and patient population. This review discusses key preclinical and clinical examples of CSF delivery for different biologic modalities (antibodies, nucleic acid‐based therapeutics, and gene therapy) to the brain via CSF or CNS access routes (intracerebroventricular, intrathecal‐cisterna magna, intrathecal‐lumbar, intraparenchymal, and intranasal), including the use of novel device technologies. This review also discusses quantitative models of CSF flow that provide insight into the effect of fluid dynamics in CSF on drug delivery and CNS distribution. Such models can facilitate delivery device design and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic translation from preclinical species to humans in order to optimize CSF drug delivery to brain regions of interest.
Functional classification of left ventricular remodelling: prognostic relevance in myocardial infarction
Authors: Chimed Surenjav , van der Bijl Pieter , Lustosa Rodolfo , Fortuni Federico , Montero‐Cabezas Jose M. , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Gersh Bernard J. , Delgado Victoria , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: January 2022

Aims

The current definition of post ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) left ventricular (LV) remodelling is purely structural (LV dilatation) and does not consider LV function (ejection fraction, EF), even though it is known to be a predictor of long‐term post‐STEMI outcome. This study aimed to reclassify LV remodelling after STEMI by integrating LV dilatation and function (LVEF) and to investigate the prognostic implications.

Methods and results

Data from an ongoing registry of STEMI patients who were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were retrospectively evaluated. Four distinct remodelling subgroups were identified: (i) no LV dilatation, no LVEF impairment,(ii) no LV dilatation but LVEF impairment, (iii) LV dilatation but no LVEF impairment, and (iv) LV dilatation and LVEF impairment. The impact of functional LV remodelling on outcomes was analysed. A total of 2346 patients were studied (mean age 60 ± 11 years, 76% men). During a median follow‐up of 76 (interquartile range 52 to 107) months, 282 (12%) died, while the composite of death and heart failure hospitalization occurred in 305 (13%) patients. Those with LV remodelling and LVEF impairment had a significantly lower survival rate (P < 0.001) and event‐free survival rate (P < 0.001) compared with other functional LV remodelling groups.

Conclusions

Employing a functional LV post‐infarct remodelling classification has the potential to improve risk stratification beyond structural LV remodelling alone. Identification of patients with the worst prognosis by using a functional LV remodelling approach may allow institution of early preventative therapies.
Organoaluminum Cation Catalyzed Selective Hydrosilylation of Carbonyls, Alkenes, and Alkynes
Authors: Sarkar Nabin , Sahoo Rajata Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Sayantan , Nembenna Sharanappa
Published: January 2022

The N,N’‐chelated β‐diketiminate analogue i. e., conjugated bis‐guanidine (CBG) ligand L(3H) [L= {(ArHN)(ArN)−C=N−C=(NAr)(NHAr)}; Ar=2,6‐Et2‐C6H3], has been used to synthesize mono‐ and dinuclear Al(III) dimethyl complexes, [L(2H) AlMe2] (1) and [L(H)(AlMe2)2] (2). Compounds 1 and 2 are synthesized by deprotonation method using free ligand and appropriate stoichiometric amounts of AlMe3 and are structurally characterized by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique. Moreover, the reaction of compound 1 with B(C6F5)3 afforded a three‐coordinate aluminum methyl cation [L(2H)AlMe]+ [MeB(C6F5)3]− 3 in good yield. Compound 3 was thermally stable and characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that compound 3 catalyzed hydrosilylation of carbonyls, alkenes, and alkyne with triethylsilane (HSiEt3) under solvent‐free conditions. We found that catalyst 3 is also effective for large‐scale hydrosilylation reactions. Additionally, we have shown that compound 3 catalyzed benzaldehyde's intermolecular chemoselective hydrosilylation over other reducible functional groups.
Necklace‐Like Sn@C Fiber Self‐Supporting Electrode for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Xu Zihao , Ye Jinrui , Pan Youya , Liu Kai , Liu Xiaofang , Shui Jianglan
Published: January 2022

Sodium‐ion battery (SIB) is regarded as the next generation of large‐scale energy storage systems, but it still faces problems such as low energy density, severe expansion/contraction of electrode volume, and poor cycle performance. Herein, necklace‐like Sn‐MOF@PAN fibers are prepared by the electrospinning method and then carbonized into Sn‐C necklace paper as the binder‐free cathode in an SIB. In each bead, Sn nanoparticles are wrapped by a porous carbon shell. The morphology and composition of the necklace‐shaped Sn@C nanofibers are optimized by adjusting the ratio of Sn‐MOF/PAN in the precursor. Sn@C with the optimal composition has a high specific capacity of 207 mAh g−1 even at a high current density of 2 A g−1 and maintains a specific capacity of 327 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. This research provides a high‐performance flexible electrode for SIBs.
Analysis of cleaning process losses in photovoltaic cells
Authors: Benli Hüseyin , Gürtürk Mert , Ertürk Neslihan Koçdemir
Published: January 2022

In this study, the experimental data concerning wrong cleaning methods on the output performances of the photovoltaic cells are investigated. A concept was created in the form of pre‐experiment and post‐experiment with the samples used in the experimental study. Previously, the current, voltage, and power of the photovoltaic (PV) module samples were measured and all these values were re‐determined after the application of the incorrect cleaning procedure, dust accumulation effect composed by the wind, and human mistake. The results showed that the reduction in I‐V and P‐V characteristics strongly dependent on residues of cleaning chemicals and surface damage. It was found that the I‐V and P‐V losses due to external factors were 30%–40% for I‐V and 15%–20% for P‐V. Also, it was found that the chemical agent used during the cleaning process and I‐V and P‐V losses from human error were found to be 20%–30% for I‐V and 20%–25% for P‐V.
Plantain‐based dough meal: Nutritional property, antioxidant activity and dyslipidemia ameliorating potential in high‐fat‐induced rats
Authors: Oluwajuyitan Timilehin David , Ijarotimi Oluwole Steve , Fagbemi Tayo Nathaniel
Published: January 2022

This study was designed to evaluate the nutritional property of plantain‐based dough meal, antioxidant activity and dyslipidemia‐ameliorating potential in high‐fat‐induced rats. The flour blends, that is, plantain 70%, soy cake 30% (PSC); plantain 65%, soy cake 30%, rice bran 5% (PSR); plantain 65%, soy cake 30%, oat‐bran 5% (PSO); plantain 60%, soy cake 30%, rice bran 5%, oat‐bran 5% (PSRO); and controls (100% plantain flour and Cerolina) were evaluated for proximate, amino acids, antioxidants, phenolic profile, and antihyperlipidemia. Protein, fiber, and energy composition varied from 2.2 to 4.97 g/100 g, 16.44 to 19.59 g/100 g, and 369.7 to 385.5 kcal/100 g, respectively. The essential amino acid index and predicted biological values of the foods ranged from 68.31% to 76.31% and 62.19% to 71.48%, respectively. Phenolic profiles (mg/g) were gallic acid (25.33–31.26), caffeic acid (2.75–4.61), ferulic acid (5.16–12.73), luteolin (16.31–23.60), kaempferol (21.51–30.64), quercetin (24.28–37.13), chlorogenic acid (42.25–59.78), myricetin (28.41–38.41), 3,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (27.17–41.59), and 4, 5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (39.96–51.28). The antioxidant activity (2,2‑azino‑bis (3‑ethylbenzthiazoline‑6‑sulfonate)*, 2,2‐ diphenyl‐1‐picryhydrazyl*, ferric‐reducing antioxidant activity, metal (Fe2+) chelation and hydroxyl (OH*) free radicals of PSRO was higher than other experimental food samples. In vivo study shows that the atherogenic index, coronary risk index and log (triglyceride concentration/high‐density lipoprotein concentration) of rats fed on experimental foods were lower than recommended values. The study established that PSRO had higher antioxidant and anti‐hyperlipidemia properties; hence, it may be suitable as a functional food.
High‐dose administration of purified cyanidin‐3‐glucose or a blackberry extract causes improved mitochondrial function but reduced content in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Solverson Patrick , Albaugh George P. , Harrison Dawn J. , Luthria Dave L. , Baer David J. , Novotny Janet A.
Published: January 2022

Berry consumption shows antiobesity and antidiabetic effects in animals and humans. Anthocyanin or berry extracts increase insulin sensitivity, reduce lipid droplet formation, and cause a white‐to‐brite phenotypic switch of adipocytes in vitro. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G) or blackberry extract (BBE) on cellular respiration of a fatty acid substrate in differentiated adipocytes. In separate experiments, 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were treated with 0, 150 nM, or 50 μM purified C3G ‐or‐ 0, 150 nM, 25 μM, or 50 μM C3G‐equivalents from a BBE. Baseline, state‐4, state‐3, and uncoupled respiration states were created experimentally and measured by high‐resolution respirometry. Respiration rate within each state was corrected for mitochondrial content determined by PCR. Mitochondrial content was significantly reduced with high‐dose C3G and the two high‐dose BBE. The high‐dose C3G caused a significant increase in respiration rate for baseline, state‐4, state‐3, and uncoupled states compared to control and physiologic dose C3G. The intermediate‐high dose (25 μM) BBE also significantly increased respiration rate for the same states compared to control and other treatment levels of BBE; this effect was not observed at the high‐dose (50 μM) BBE. Administration of high‐dose purified C3G or BBE decreased mitochondrial content but enhanced cellular respiration on a fatty acid substrate in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes across several mitochondrial states. We did not observe a phenotypic switch to brite adipocytes like others, but our empirical findings in cellular respiration on a fatty acid substrate support the antiobesity effects associated with anthocyanins and berries.
Large volume headspace GC/MS analysis for the identification of volatile compounds relating to seafood decomposition
Authors: Wang Zhengfang , de Jager Lowri S. , Begley Timothy , Genualdi Susan
Published: January 2022

Decomposition in seafood products in the United States is monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) laboratories using sensory testing, which requires highly trained analysts. A large‐volume headspace (LVHS) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method was developed to generate analytical results that can be directly compared to sensory evaluation. Headspace vapor was withdrawn from a 1‐L vial containing 50 g seafood sample using a large volume headspace autosampler. Various volatile compounds were collected simultaneously. Analytes were preconcentrated by a capillary column trapping system and then sent through a cryo‐focuser mounted onto the GC injector. A selected ion monitoring (SIM) MS acquisition method was used to selectively monitor 38 compounds of interest. Samples of red snapper, croaker, weakfish, mahi‐mahi, black tiger shrimp, yellowfin tuna, and sockeye salmon that have been assessed and scored by an FDA National Seafood Sensory Expert (NSSE) were used for method performance evaluation. Characteristic compounds potentially associated with seafood quality deterioration for each seafood species were identified by quantitative analysis using pooled matrix‐matched calibrations and two‐sample t‐test statistical analysis. Classification of fresh and decomposed samples was visualized on the analysis of variance (ANOVA)–principal component analysis (PCA) score plots. The results determined that the LVHS‐GC/MS technique appeared promising as a screening tool to identify compounds representative of sensory analysis.
Advances in sarcoma molecular diagnostics
Authors: Wang Xue Qi , Goytain Angela , Dickson Brendan C. , Nielsen Torsten Owen
Published: January 2022

Sarcomas are cancers of mesenchymal origin with the potential to arise in diverse anatomic locations. With over 80 subtypes, which often demonstrate overlapping morphologies, sarcomas frequently require ancillary testing to enable accurate classification. Pathognomonic driver mutations can often be leveraged for diagnostic purposes and include fusion genes, amplification events, and recurrent point mutations. Until relatively recently, the major clinical molecular diagnostic tests have been karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction; however, these techniques have a number of limitations. Recent technological advances have led to the development of more comprehensive assays with higher throughput, thereby replacing the need for a suite of single gene tests. These approaches include next‐generation sequencing, fluorescent bar code hybridization, and DNA methylation profiling, among others. Herein, we review the application of recently developed techniques relevant to the diagnosis of sarcomas, and emerging assays with the potential for future development and clinical implementation.
One‐week escitalopram intake alters the excitation–inhibition balance in the healthy female brain
Authors: Zsido Rachel G. , Molloy Eóin N. , Cesnaite Elena , Zheleva Gergana , Beinhölzl Nathalie , Scharrer Ulrike , Piecha Fabian A. , Regenthal Ralf , Villringer Arno , Nikulin Vadim V. , Sacher Julia
Published: January 2022

Neural health relies on cortical excitation–inhibition balance (EIB). Previous research suggests a link between increased cortical excitation and neuroplasticity induced by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Whether there are modulations of EIB following SSRI‐administration in the healthy human brain, however, remains unclear. Thus, in a randomized double‐blind study, we administered a clinically relevant dose of 20 mg escitalopram for 7 days (time when steady state is achieved) in 59 healthy women (28 escitalopram, 31 placebo) on oral contraceptives. We acquired resting‐state electroencephalography data at baseline, after a single dose, and at steady state. We assessed 1/f slope of the power spectrum as a marker of EIB, compared individual trajectories of 1/f slope changes contrasting single dose and 1‐week drug intake, and tested the relationship of escitalopram plasma levels and cortical excitatory and inhibitory balance shifts. Escitalopram‐intake was associated with decreased 1/f slope, indicating an EIB shift in favor of excitation. Furthermore, 1/f slope at baseline and after a single dose of escitalopram was associated with 1/f slope at steady state. Higher plasma escitalopram levels at a single dose were associated with better maintenance of these EIB changes throughout the drug administration week. These findings demonstrate the potential for 1/f slope to predict individual cortical responsivity to SSRIs and widen the lens through which we map the human brain by testing an interventional psychopharmacological design in a clearly defined endocrinological state.
Differentiating distinct and converging neural correlates of types of systemic environmental exposures
Authors: Vargas Teresa G. , Damme Katherine S. F. , Mittal Vijay A.
Published: January 2022

Systemic environmental disadvantage relates to a host of health and functional outcomes. Specific structural factors have seldom been linked to neural structure, however, clouding understanding of putative mechanisms. Examining relations during childhood/preadolescence, a dynamic period of neurodevelopment, could aid bridge this gap. A total of 10,213 youth were recruited from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study. Self‐report and objective measures (Census and Federal bureau of investigation metrics extracted using geocoding) of environmental exposures were used, including stimulation indexing lack of safety and high attentional demands, discrepancy indexing social exclusion/lack of belonging, and deprivation indexing lack of environmental enrichment. Environmental measures were related to cortical thickness, surface area, and subcortical volume regions, controlling for other environmental exposures and accounting for other brain regions. Self‐report (|β| = .04–.09) and objective (|β| = .02–.06) environmental domains related to area/thickness in overlapping (e.g., insula, caudal anterior cingulate), and unique regions (e.g., for discrepancy, rostral anterior and isthmus cingulate, implicated in socioemotional functions; for stimulation, precuneus, critical for cue reactivity and integration of environmental cues; and for deprivation, superior frontal, integral to executive functioning). For stimulation and discrepancy exposures, self‐report and objective measures showed similarities in correlate regions, while deprivation exposures evidenced distinct correlates for self‐report and objective measures. Results represent a necessary step toward broader work aimed at establishing mechanisms and correlates of structural disadvantage, highlighting the relevance of going beyond aggregate models by considering types of environmental factors, and the need to incorporate both subjective and objective measurements in these efforts.
Long‐term suspended sediment and particulate organic carbon yields from the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed and Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Glossner Kayla L. , Lohse Kathleen A. , Appling Alison P. , Cram Zane K. , Murray Erin , Godsey Sarah E. , Van Vactor Steve , McCorkle Emma P. , Seyfried Mark S. , Pierson Fredrick B.
Published: January 2022

Long‐term (>20 y) suspended sediment (SS) and particulate organic carbon (POC) records are relatively rare and yet are necessary for understanding linkages between climate, erosion and carbon export. We estimated long‐term (>23 y) SS and POC yields from four nested catchments that ranged from <1 to 54 km2 in area across the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed and Critical Zone Observatory (RCEW‐CZO) in southwestern Idaho, USA. We found strong relationships between log10SS and log10POC (R2 = 0.38–0.86) that varied across catchments but remained robust across years, one dry and one of the wettest water years on record. Mean annual SS yields varied from 18 to 89 g SS m−2 y−1 and POC from 0.6 to 11.0 g C m−2 y−1 across the four catchments. Water yield explained much of the temporal variation (72%–85%) in SS and POC yields except in a small, snow‐dominated headwater catchment where it explained 15%–51%. The largest five water years accounted for 69%–84% of the total SS and POC yields in catchments with 24 y records. All catchments had positive slopes (>0) for SS and POC concentration‐discharge (C‐Q) relationships, with large catchments exhibiting greater slopes (0.66–0.97) than smaller ones (0.14–0.16). In addition, most catchments were dominated (80%) by clockwise hysteretic curves. Lack of seasonal exhaustion in the SS‐POC relationships, positive C‐Q and clockwise relations indicated that these systems were transport‐rather than supply limited, and that sediment and POC appeared to be sourced from channel/bank erosion and remobilization. POC yields represent 1%–10% of mean water year net ecosystem exchange depending on elevation; lower elevation catchments may shift from being carbon sinks to sources after accounting for fluvial POC export associated with changes in climate.
Implementation of the first pharmacist‐led diabetes clinic at Ministry of Health Hospitals, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alnais Meshal Abdullah , Altebainawi Ali Faris
Published: January 2022

Background

The burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing and becoming a public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with one in every four adults living with diagnosed DM.

Aims

To provide the framework for other MOH hospitals seeking to establish their own Pharmacist‐Led Diabetic Clinic (PLDCs).

Materials & Methods

The PLDC service is provided through a collaborative practice agreement (CPA). This CPA allows the clinical pharmacist to educate, assess, monitor, order related laboratory tests, prescribe and modify medications within specified criteria.

Results

Many interventions have been reported to improve clinical outcomes in patients with DM. Such interventions include clinical pharmacists' roles, who have been at the forefront of providing patient‐centered care approaches in patients with DM.

Discussion

Given the high burden of DM and clinical pharmacists' potentials in delivering care to people with DM, we established the first Pharmacist‐Led Diabetic Clinic (PLDC) at one of the 286 Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals, “King Salman Specialist Hospital in Hail Region”, in 2017.

Conclusion

The PLDC was developed to improve quality of life, educate patients, and facilitate the implementation of evidence‐based research findings.
Galectin-3 Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation of Precursor Cells From Patients With Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Xu Liang , Qian Zhuang , Wang Sinian , Wang Rong , Pu Xiaojiang , Yang Bo , Zhou Qingshuang , Du Changzhi , Chen Quanchi , Feng Zhenhua , Xu Leilei , Zhu Zezhang , Qiu Yong , Sun Xu
Published: January 2022

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is a noninflammatory skeletal disease characterized by the progressive ectopic ossification and calcification of ligaments and enthuses. However, specific pathogenesis remains unknown. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are a major source of osteoblasts and play vital roles in bone metabolism and ectopic osteogenesis. However, it is unclear whether BMSCs are involved in ectopic calcification and ossification in DISH. The current study aimed to explore the osteogenic differentiation abilities of BMSCs from DISH patients (DISH-BMSCs). Our results showed that DISH-BMSCs exhibited stronger osteogenic differentiation abilities than normal control (NC)-BMSCs. Human cytokine array kit analysis showed significantly increased secretion of Galectin-3 in DISH-BMSCs. Furthermore, Galectin-3 downregulation inhibited the increased osteogenic differentiation ability of DISH-BMSCs, whereas exogenous Galectin-3 significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation ability of NC-BMSCs. Notably, the increased Galectin-3 in DISH-BMSCs enhanced the expression of β-catenin as well as TCF-4, whereas attenuation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling partially alleviated Galectin-3-induced osteogenic differentiation and activity in DISH-BMSCs. In addition, our results noted that Galectin-3 interacted with β-catenin and enhanced its nuclear accumulation. Further in vivo studies showed that exogenous Galectin-3 enhanced ectopic bone formation in the Achilles tendon in trauma-induced rats by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The current study indicated that enhanced osteogenic differentiation of DISH-BMSCs was mainly attributed to the increased secretion of Galectin-3 by DISH-BMSCs, which enhanced β-catenin expression and its nuclear accumulation. Our study helps illuminate the mechanisms of pathological osteogenesis and sheds light on the possible development of potential therapeutic strategies for DISH treatment. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Global interpretation of novel alternative splicing events in human congenital pulmonary airway malformations: A pilot study
Authors: Yang Weili , Zhao Pu , Cao Ping , Miao Chunlin , Ji Xiang , Gao Ya , Li Peng , Cheng Jiwen
Published: January 2022

Little is known about differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and alternative splicing (AS) landscapes in congenital lung malformations (CLMs). We applied reference‐based assembly of sequencing reads from RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) libraries to identify DEGs and AS landscapes in the lesions and normal lung tissue from the most common types of CLMs, including congenital pulmonary airway malformation‐Ⅰ (CPAM‐Ⅰ), CPAM‐Ⅱ, intralobar sequestration (ILS), and ILS with CPAM (ILS‐CPAM). We analyzed the expression profiles and related biological functions of AS events (ASEs). We further constructed a co‐expression regulatory network between RNA binding protein (RBP) genes and corresponding ASEs to explore the related pathways in the regulated network. Ten DEGs were identified in the four types of CLMs, including eight upregulated genes and two downregulated genes. Additionally, 16 differential ASEs were detected, including the genes MACF1, RFX2, and FBXL4. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment was mainly observed in embryonic visual malformation and apoptotic process, and the KEGG pathway mainly enriched in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. We also detected 13 differentially expressed RBPs among 1979 DEGs in CPAM‐I, in which ASEs in the MACF1 gene and RBP genes TLR8 and PTRH1 were closely associated. Moreover, we confirmed that the expression levels of PTRH1, NSUN7, and DZIP1L abundantly increased and the expression levels of TLR8, MEF2A, and NIPBL decreased in the CPAM‐I lung tissue compared with the controls. It is suggested that ASEs in different types of CLMs is prominently different from normal controls, and ASEs differences occurring in CPAM‐I malformation tissue are dramatically different from other types, which demonstrates the complex pathogenesis of CLMs and provides foundations for future studies to elucidate the mechanisms of developing CLMs.
Retroperitoneal extragonadal germ cell tumor with duodenal infiltration: A challenging endo‐luminal tissue diagnosis
Authors: Qua Choon‐Seng , Peh Kaik‐Boo , Kannan Saravannan , Goh Khean‐Lee
Published: January 2022

A 32‐year‐old Malay male was referred to our hospital for a second opinion. An abdominal and pelvic CT scan at the previous medical facility showed a large retroperitoneal tumor, which was subjected to ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with a provisional diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. However, after reviewing the existing results, a repeat biopsy was deemed necessary and this was performed endoluminally via gastroduodenoscopy in view of the close proximity of the tumor and the third part of the duodenum. The first biopsy failed to detect any abnormal cells, but a repeat biopsy with supporting evidence from other laboratory results led to a final diagnosis of extragonadal germ cell tumor (GCT) with duodenal infiltration.
An Unsupervised Deep Learning Approach for Dynamic‐Exponential Intravoxel Incoherent Motion MRI Modeling and Parameter Estimation in the Liver
Authors: Zhou Xin‐Xiang , Wang Xin‐Yu , Liu En‐Hui , Zhang Lan , Zhang Hong‐Xia , Zhang Xiu‐Shi , Zhu Yue‐Min , Kuai Zi‐Xiang
Published: January 2022

Background

Dynamic‐exponential intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging is a potential technique for prediction, monitoring, and differential diagnosis of hepatic diseases, especially liver tumors. However, the use of such technique at voxel level is still limited.

Purpose

To develop an unsupervised deep learning approach for voxel‐wise dynamic‐exponential IVIM modeling and parameter estimation in the liver.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Ten healthy subjects (4 males; age 28 ± 6 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

Single‐shot spin‐echo echo planar imaging (SE‐EPI) sequence with monopolar diffusion‐encoding gradients (12 b‐values, 0–800 seconds/mm2) at 3.0 T.

Assessment

The proposed deep neural network (DNN) was separately trained on simulated and in vivo hepatic IVIM datasets. The trained networks were compared to the approach combining least squares with Akaike information criterion (LSQ‐AIC) in terms of dynamic‐exponential modeling accuracy, inter‐subject coefficients of variation (CVs), and fitting residuals on the simulated subsets and regions of interest (ROIs) in the left and right liver lobes. The ROIs were delineated by a radiologist (H.‐X.Z.) with 7 years of experience in MRI reading.

Statistical Tests

Comparisons between approaches were performed with a paired t‐test (normality) or a Wilcoxon rank‐sum test (nonnormality). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In simulations, DNN gave significantly higher accuracy (91.6%–95.5%) for identification of bi‐exponential decays with respect to LSQ‐AIC (79.7%–86.8%). For tri‐exponential identification, DNN was also superior to LSQ‐AIC despite not reaching a significant level (P = 0.08). Additionally, DNN always yielded comparatively low root‐mean‐square error for estimated parameters. For the in vivo IVIM measurements, inter‐subject CVs (0.011–0.150) of DNN were significantly smaller than those (0.049–0.573) of LSQ‐AIC. Concerning fitting residuals, there was no significant difference between the two approaches (P = 0.56 and 0.76) in both the simulated and in vivo studies.

Data Conclusion

The proposed DNN is recommended for accurate and robust dynamic‐exponential modeling and parameter estimation in hepatic IVIM imaging.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
In Situ Diagnostics and Role of Light‐Induced Forces in Metal Laser Nanoprinting
Authors: Yang Liang , Rahimzadegan Aso , Hahn Vincent , Blasco Eva , Rockstuhl Carsten , Wegener Martin
Published: January 2022

Compared to 3D laser nanoprinting of polymers, the mechanisms in laser nanoprinting of metals are rather poorly understood. For the example of platinum investigated here, the printing process starts with the formation of metal nanoparticles by photo‐reduction of metal salts in aqueous solution in a diffraction‐limited laser focus. To investigate the printing process in situ, a weak continuous‐wave probe laser is co‐focused in addition to the focused femtosecond printing laser. The light of the probe laser is backscattered off the emerging metal structures, and recorded with a temporal resolution of 1 µs. It is found that the formed metal nanoparticles are quickly ejected from the focus on a timescale of some 10 µs. Once a nanoparticle randomly adheres to the substrate surface, it serves as a seed from which structures can be built‐up. The following nanoparticles are sintered onto that seed to form a metallic voxel on a timescale of some 10 ms. By polarization‐dependent experiments and full‐wave optical simulations, it is shown that light‐induced forces onto the nanoparticles play a significant role. The improved understanding of the microscopic processes in metal nanoprinting is a prerequisite for further process optimizations and applications, for example in terms of printed optoelectronics.
Strong Ambiguity
Authors: Rouvelas Panagiotis
Published: January 2022

We examine the conditions under which a model of Tangled Type Theory satisfies the same sentences as a model of (assuming we ignore type indices).
Wearable Photo‐Thermo‐Electrochemical Cells (PTECs) Harvesting Solar Energy
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Zhang Shuai , Beirne Stephen , Kim Kyuman , Qin Chunyan , Du Yumeng , Zhou Yuetong , Cheng Zhenxiang , Wallace Gordon , Chen Jun
Published: January 2022

Solar induced thermal energy is a vital heat source supplementing body heat to realize thermo‐to‐electric energy supply for wearable electronics. Thermo‐electrochemical cells, compared to the widely investigated thermoelectric generators, show greater potential in wearable applications due to the higher voltage output from low‐grade heat and the increased option range of cheap and flexible electrode/electrolyte materials. A wearable photo‐thermo‐electrochemical cell (PTEC) is first fabricated here through the introduction of a polymer‐based flexible photothermal film as a solar‐absorber and hot electrode, followed by a systematic investigation of wearable device design. The as‐prepared PTEC single device shows outstanding output voltage and current density of 15.0 mV and 10.8 A m–2 and 7.1 mV and 8.57 A m–2, for the device employing p‐type and n‐type gel electrolytes, respectively. Benefiting from the equivalent performance in current density, a series connection containing 18 pairs of p–n PTEC devices is effectively made, which can harvest solar energy and charge supercapacitors to above 250 mV (1 sun solar illumination). Meanwhile, a watch‐strap shaped flexible PTEC (eight p–n pairs) that can be worn on a wrist is fabricated and the realized voltage above 150 mV under light shows the potential for use in wearable applications.