bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase flow cytometry with coherent modulation imaging
Authors: Sun Aihui , He Xiaoliang , Jiang Zhilong , Kong Yan , Wang Shouyu , Liu Cheng
Published: April 2023

Label‐free imaging and identification of fast‐moving cells is a very challenging task. A kind of phase flow cytometry using coherent modulation imaging was proposed to realize label‐free imaging and identification on fast‐moving cells with compact optical alignment and high accuracy. Phase image of cells under inspection could be computed qualitatively from their diffraction patterns at the accuracy of about 0.01 wavelength and the resolution of about 1.23 μm and the view field of 0.126 mm2. Since the imaging system was mainly composed by a piece of random phase plate a detector without using commonly adopted reference beam and corresponding complex optical alignment, this method has much compacter optical structure and much higher tolerance capability to environmental instability in comparison with other kinds of phase flow cytometry. Current experimental results prove it could be an efficient optical tool for label‐free tumor cell detection.
Mucoadhesive thermogel platform for treating anterior ocular conditions
Authors: Ross Mitchell , Sheardown Lindsay , Muirhead Benjamin , Mofford Jonathan , Tian Jennifer (JingYuan) , Sheardown Heather
Published: April 2023

A platform mucoadhesive and thermogelling eyedrop was developed for application to the inferior fornix for the treatment of various anterior segment ocular conditions. The poly(n‐isopropylacrylamide) polymers (pNIPAAm), containing a disulfide bridging monomer, were crosslinked with chitosan to yield a modifiable, mucoadhesive, and natively degradable thermogelling system. Three different conjugates were studied including a small molecule for treating dry eye, an adhesion peptide for modeling delivery of peptides/proteins to the anterior eye, and a material property modifier to create gels with different rheologic characteristics. Based on the conjugate used, different material properties such as solution viscosity and lower critical solution temperature (LCST) were produced. In addition to releasing the conjugates through disulfide bridging with ocular mucin, the thermogels were shown to deliver atropine, with 70%–90% being released over 24‐h, depending on the formulation studied. The results illustrate that these materials can deliver multiple therapeutic payloads at one time and release them through various mechanisms. Finally, the safety and tolerability of the thermogels was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The gels were instilled into the inferior fornix of rabbits and were shown to not produce any adverse effects over 4 days. These materials were demonstrated to be highly tunable, creating a platform that could be easily modified to deliver various therapeutic agents to treat a multitude of ocular diseases and have the potential to be an alternative to conventional eyedrops.
NIAS‐Server 2.0: A versatile complementary tool for structural biology studies
Authors: Feltes Bruno César , Pinto Éderson Sales Moreira , Mangini Arthur Tonietto , Dorn Márcio
Published: April 2023

Increasing the repertoire of available complementary tools to advance the knowledge of protein structures is fundamental for structural biology. The Neighbors Influence of Amino Acids and Secondary Structures (NIAS) is a server that analyzes a protein's conformational preferences of amino acids. NIAS is based on the Angle Probability List, representing the normalized frequency of empirical conformational preferences, such as torsion angles, of different amino acid pairs and their corresponding secondary structure information, as available in the Protein Data Bank. In this work, we announce the updated NIAS server with the data comprising all structures deposited until Sep 2022, 7 years after the initial release. Unlike the original publication, which accounted for only studies conducted with X‐ray crystallography, we added data from solid nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), solution NMR, CullPDB, Electron Microscopy, and Electron Crystallography using multiple filtering parameters. We also provide examples of how NIAS can be applied as a complementary analysis tool for different structural biology works and what are its limitations.
Chicken HOXC8 and HOXC10 genes may play a role in the altered skull morphology associated with the Crest phenotype
Authors: Tsai Dien‐Yu , Chen Jiun‐Jie , Su Pei‐Chi , Liu I‐Ming , Yeh Skye Hsin‐Hsien , Chen Chih‐Kuan , Cheng Hsu‐Chen , Chen Chih‐Feng , Li Wen‐Hsiung , Ng Chen Siang
Published: April 2023

One of the most intriguing traits found in domestic chickens is the Crest phenotype. This trait, characterized by a tuft of elongated feathers sprouted from the head, is found in breeds such as Polish chickens and Silkie chickens. Moreover, some crested chicken breeds also exhibit a protuberance in their anterodorsal skull region. Previous studies have strived to identify the causative factors of this trait. This study aimed to elucidate the role of chicken HOXC8 and HOXC10 in the formation of the Crest phenotype. We explored the effect of ectopic expression of HOXC8 or HOXC10 on the chicken craniofacial morphology using the RCAS retrovirus transformation system. Microcomputed tomography scanning was conducted to measure the 3D structure of the cranial bone of transgenic embryos for geometric morphometric analysis. We found that the ectopic expression of HOXC8 or HOXC10 in chicken heads caused mild morphological changes in the skull compared with the GFP‐transgenic control group. Geometric morphometric analysis showed that HOXC8 and HOXC10 transgenic groups expressed a mild upward shape change in the frontal region of the skull compared with the control group, which is similar to what is seen in the crested chicken breeds. In conclusion, this study supports findings in previous studies in which HOX genes play a role in the formation of the altered skull morphology related to the Crest phenotype. It also supports that mutations in HOX genes may contribute to intra‐ and inter‐specific variation in morphological traits in vertebrates.
The Impact of Fatty Infiltration on MRI Segmentation of Lower Limb Muscles in Neuromuscular Diseases: A Comparative Study of Deep Learning Approaches
Authors: Hostin Marc‐Adrien , Ogier Augustin C. , Michel Constance P. , Le Fur Yann , Guye Maxime , Attarian Shahram , Fortanier Etienne , Bellemare Marc‐Emmanuel , Bendahan David
Published: April 2023

Background

Deep learning methods have been shown to be useful for segmentation of lower limb muscle MRIs of healthy subjects but, have not been sufficiently evaluated on neuromuscular disease (NDM) patients.

Purpose

Evaluate the influence of fat infiltration on convolutional neural network (CNN) segmentation of MRIs from NMD patients.

Study Type

Retrospective study.

Subjects

Data were collected from a hospital database of 67 patients with NMDs and 14 controls (age: 53 ± 17 years, sex: 48 M, 33 F). Ten individual muscles were segmented from the thigh and six from the calf (20 slices, 200 cm section).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T. Sequences: 2D T1‐weighted fast spin echo. Fat fraction (FF): three‐point Dixon 3D GRE, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR): 3D MT‐prepared GRE, T2: 2D multispin‐echo sequence.

Assessment

U‐Net 2D, U‐Net 3D, TransUNet, and HRNet were trained to segment thigh and leg muscles (101/11 and 95/11 training/validation images, 10‐fold cross‐validation). Automatic and manual segmentations were compared based on geometric criteria (Dice coefficient [DSC], outlier rate, absence rate) and reliability of measured MRI quantities (FF, MTR, T2, volume).

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman plots were chosen to describe agreement between manual vs. automatic estimated FF, MTR, T2 and volume. Comparisons were made between muscle populations with an FF greater than 20% (G20+) and lower than 20% (G20−).

Results

The CNNs achieved equivalent results, yet only HRNet recognized every muscle in the database, with a DSC of 0.91 ± 0.08, and measurement biases reaching −0.32% ± 0.92% for FF, 0.19 ± 0.77 for MTR, −0.55 ± 1.95 msec for T2, and − 0.38 ± 3.67 cm3 for volume. The performances of HRNet, between G20− and G20+ decreased significantly.

Data Conclusion

HRNet was the most appropriate network, as it did not omit any muscle. The accuracy obtained shows that CNNs could provide fully automated methods for studying NMDs. However, the accuracy of the methods may be degraded on the most infiltrated muscles (>20%).

Evidence Level

4.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1.
New Approaches and Recommendations for Risk‐Adapted Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Tsarouchi Marialena I. , Hoxhaj Alma , Mann Ritse M.
Published: April 2023

Population‐based breast cancer screening using mammography as the gold standard imaging modality has been in clinical practice for over 40 years. However, the limitations of mammography in terms of sensitivity and high false‐positive rates, particularly in high‐risk women, challenge the indiscriminate nature of population‐based screening. Additionally, in light of expanding research on new breast cancer risk factors, there is a growing consensus that breast cancer screening should move toward a risk‐adapted approach. Recent advancements in breast imaging technology, including contrast material‐enhanced mammography (CEM), ultrasound (US) (automated‐breast US, Doppler, elastography US), and especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (abbreviated, ultrafast, and contrast‐agent free), may provide new opportunities for risk‐adapted personalized screening strategies. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence and radiomics techniques has the potential to enhance the performance of risk‐adapted screening. This review article summarizes the current evidence and challenges in breast cancer screening and highlights potential future perspectives for various imaging techniques in a risk‐adapted breast cancer screening approach.

Evidence Level

1.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5.
Wild‐type MECP2 expression coincides with age‐dependent sensory phenotypes in a female mouse model for Rett syndrome
Authors: Mykins Michael , Layo‐Carris Dana , Dunn Logan Reid , Skinner David Wilson , McBryar Alexandra Hart , Perez Sarah , Shultz Trinity Rose , Willems Andrew , Lau Billy You Bun , Hong Tian , Krishnan Keerthi
Published: April 2023

Rett syndrome is characterized by an early period of typical development and then, regression of learned motor and speech skills in girls. Loss of MECP2 protein is thought to cause Rett syndrome phenotypes. The specific underlying mechanisms from typical developmental trajectory to regression features throughout life are unclear. Lack of established timelines to study the molecular, cellular, and behavioral features of regression in female mouse models is a major contributing factor. Due to random X‐chromosome inactivation, female patients with Rett syndrome and female mouse models for Rett syndrome (Mecp2Heterozygous, Het) express a functional copy of wild‐type MECP2 protein in approximately half of all cells. As MECP2 expression is regulated during early postnatal development and experience, we characterized the expression of wild‐type MECP2 in the primary somatosensory cortex of female Het mice. Here, we report increased MECP2 levels in non‐parvalbumin‐positive neurons of 6‐week‐old adolescent Het relative to age‐matched wild‐type controls, while also displaying typical levels of perineuronal net expression in the barrel field subregion of the primary somatosensory cortex, mild tactile sensory perception deficits, and efficient pup retrieval behavior. In contrast, 12‐week‐old adult Het express MECP2 at levels similar to age‐matched wild‐type mice, show increased perineuronal net expression in the cortex, and display significant tactile sensory perception deficits. Thus, we have identified a set of behavioral metrics and the cellular substrates to study regression during a specific time in the female Het mouse model, which coincides with changes in wild‐type MECP2 expression. We speculate that the precocious increase in MECP2 expression within specific cell types of adolescent Het may provide compensatory benefits at the behavioral level, while the inability to further increase MECP2 levels leads to regressive behavioral phenotypes over time.
Inner Speaking and Uncertainty during Idea Generation
Authors: de Rooij Alwin
Published: April 2023

Inner speaking, the production, and experience of verbal language without any audible vocalization is a critical component of inner experience and imagination. The role that (un)certainty plays in idea generation might explain the unique ways in which idea generation is characterized and affected by different types of inner speech. To explore this open problem, an experiment with a within‐subject design (n = 202) was conducted. The results suggested that certainty about the potential of selected information for generating original and useful ideas, elicited using creativity instructions, caused increased self‐reinforcement, self‐management, and simulation of social interactions with imagined others by inner speaking, but did influence self‐critical inner speaking. Self‐reinforcing inner speaking, and possibly the simulation of social interactions, subsequently affected the degree of originality and usefulness participants attributed to their ideas. Herewith, the present study contributes novel insight into how inner speaking characterizes and affects idea generation.
High performance red and green phosphorescent emitters suitable for the BT.2020 color gamut
Authors: Wang Jing , Xie Menglan , Pang Huiqing , Zhang Cuifang , Sang Ming , Zhang Qi , Cai Wei , Kwong Raymond , Xia Sean
Published: April 2023

In this work, we investigated the potential for phosphorescent emitters to achieve the BT.2020 color standard in displays, where the CIE coordinates for red and green are (0.709, 0.292) and (0.170, 0.797), respectively. Optical simulations were performed for both green and red top emission organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). For the green emitter, it is possible to reach (0.170, 0.785) using a spectrum with a peak wavelength (λmax) at 526 nm and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) less than 30 nm. For the red emitter, in order to achieve (0.708, 0.292) while maintaining a high current efficiency (CE), it is important to decrease the FWHM instead of red‐shifting the spectrum. Following the guidance of these simulation results, we designed and synthesized novel deep green (DGD) and deep red phosphorescent (DRD‐II) emitters. The photoluminescent (PL) spectrum of DGD shows an FWHM of 30 nm and a λmax of 523 nm. A top‐emission green OLED built using DGD reached a CE of 171 cd/A at an operating voltage of 3.3 V and a lifetime of 95% of initial brightness (LT95) > 1300 h at 10 mA/cm2 with a CIE (x, y) = (0.170, 0.777). This is, to our knowledge, the best device performance ever reported for a green phosphorescent OLED at this CIE y. The PL spectrum of DRD‐II has a λmax of 630 nm with an FWHM of 30 nm. A top‐emission red OLED built with DRD‐II achieved a CE of 59 cd/A, an operating voltage of 3.2 V and an LT95 over 20,000 h at a drive current of 10 mA/cm2 with a CIE (x, y) = (0.708, 0.292). We also studied the angular dependence of the above devices and found they were comparable to devices with commercial emitters for the Digital Cinema Initiative P3 (DCI‐P3) standard that had a wider FWHM. Combining these green and red emitters with a commercial blue OLED at (0.131, 0.046), we are able to cover 97% of the BT.2020 color gamut. The results using DGD and DRD‐II suggest that they have great potential to satisfy BT.2020 in an organic phosphorescent system.
Comparison of MRI and Endoanal Ultrasound in Assessing Intersphincteric, Transsphincteric, and Suprasphincteric Perianal Fistula
Authors: Akhoundi Neda , Bozchelouei Javad Komijani , Abrishami Alireza , Frootan Mojgan , Siami Alireza , Alimadadi Elahe , Saba Gholamreza Bagherzadeh , Rezazadeh Elmira , Amerifar Maryam , Eghdami Ebrahim
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Perianal fistula is a common disorder characterized by an anomalous perianal track connecting two epithelialized surfaces, most commonly the anal canal and the perianal skin. Although each has its limitations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoanal ultrasound are currently two acceptable modalities for assessing perianal fistula. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MRI and endoanal ultrasonography in diagosing perianal fistula, considering the surgical results as the references.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was performed on patients with symptomatic perianal fistulas. MRI results of patients reported by the radiologist were collected along with the findings of endoanal ultrasonography performed by a gastroenterologist. These results were compared with surgical findings as the reference standard.

Results

The study enrolled 126 patients. Exactly 222 definitive fistulas were identified during surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of ultrasound for perianal fistula were 87.38, 38.46, 92.38, 26.31, and 82.25% respectively; and for MRI were 76.12, 57.69, 93.88, 22.05, and 74.19% respectively. The accuracy of endoanal ultrasound for detecting transsphincteric and intersphincteric fistulas was higher than MRI. In contrast, the diagnostic value of MRI for detecting suprasphincteric fistulas was higher than endoanal ultrasound.

Conclusions

Using endoanal ultrasonography to diagnose perianal fistulas is a relatively accurate method. This method may be more sensitive than MRI in detecting patients with perianal fistulas and abscesses.
All‐Organic Hyper‐Crosslinked Polymer/Polyimide Composite Films with Ultralow High‐Frequency Dielectric Constant
Authors: Sun Weikai , Yang Minhao , Peng Kun , Fu Yaqin
Published: April 2023

The ever increasing demand for high‐speed communication at high frequency promotes the rapid development of low‐dielectric polymer films. Aromatic polyimide (PI) has been widely used as the main dielectrics in the flexible circuit board due to its excellent dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties. Nevertheless, the dielectric constant of PI films at a high frequency range (several GHz) is relatively high and cannot satisfy the requirement of high‐frequency communication. On this basis, a hyper‐crosslinked polymer (HCP) and fabricated all‐organic HCP/PI composite films through a physical blending method is synthesized. The porous structure of HCP is helpful to reduce the dielectric constant of PI matrix. The effects of HCP loadings on the dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties of HCP/PI composite films are systematically investigated. The dielectric constants of the composite films can be reduced to 1.6–1.8 in the frequency range of 8.2–9.6 GHz when the HCP content reached 10 wt.%. The proposed method in this work is simple and effective to reduce the dielectric constant of PI and can be easily extended to other organic component‐filled PI systems.
Dithienobenzothiadiazole (DTBT)‐Based Polymers Enable Organic Solar Cells with Ultrahigh VOC of ≈1.3 V
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Wang Zongtao , Tang Ailing , Guo Qiang , Liu Yingliang , Du Mengzhen , Zhou Erjun
Published: April 2023

Dithieno[3’,2’:3,4;2",3":5,6]benzo[1,2‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (DTBT) is a newly emerging building block to construct effective photovoltaic polymers. Organic solar cells (OSCs) based on DTBT‐based polymers have realized power conversion efficiency (PCEs) over 18%, despite their relatively low open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.8–0.95 V. To extend the application of DTBT‐based polymers in high‐voltage OSCs, herein, D18‐Cl and PE55 are used to combine with a wide‐bandgap non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA), BTA3, and achieve ultrahigh VOC of 1.30 and 1.28 V, respectively. Compared with D18‐Cl based on tricyclic benzodithiophene (BDT) segment, PE55 containing the pentacyclic dithienobenzodithiophene (DTBDT) unit possesses better hole mobility, higher charge‐transfer efficiency, and more desirable phase separation. Hence, PE55:BTA3 blend exhibits a higher efficiency of 9.36% than that of D18‐Cl: BTA3 combination (6.30%), which is one of the highest values for OSCs at ≈1.3 V VOC. This work attests that DTBT‐based p‐type polymers are ideal for the application in high‐voltage OSCs.
Association between the rs2241883 polymorphism of the fatty acid‐binding protein‐1 (FABP1) gene and obesity in a population of MASHAD study cohort
Authors: Valizadeh Mohsen , Aghasizadeh Malihe , Shaghi Fatemeh , Moradi Ali , Afshari Haleh S. T. , Zare‐Feyzabadi Reza , Saberi‐Karimian Maryam , Hashemi Mohammad , Doust Fatemeh N. S. , Nematy Mohsen , Bahre Ensieh A. , Aghaei‐Bakhtiari Seyed H. , Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Safarian‐Bana Hamideh , Shabani Niloofar , Esmaily Habibollah , Ferns Gordon A. , Pasdar Alireza , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

The fatty acid‐binding proteins (FABPs) gene polymorphisms are related to several metabolic properties. We investigated the association of SNPs rs2241883 of FABP 1 gene with obesity to evaluate the role of FABP1 gene in the pathogenesis of obesity in the population of MASHAD study cohort.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 2731 individuals (1883 Obese and 848 nonobese) aged 35 to 65 years old, were enrolled from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study cohort. DNA Quantitation was determined using the NanoDrop®‐1000 instrument (NanoDrop‐Technologies). The rs2241883 polymorphisms were genotyped by double ARMs PCR (double amplification refractory mutation system) reactions. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 22 and a p < 0.05 was set for statistical significance.

Results

The results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, subjects having the CC genotype for rs2241883 polymorphism were at a higher risk of BMI ≥ 30 mg/kg2 with OR of 1.79 (CI = 1.05–3.07; p = 0.03) and 1.76 (CI = 1.04–2.99; p = 0.04) comparing with reference group using codominant and dominant models, respectively.

Conclusion

The results showed that CC genotype for rs2241883 polymorphism is related to an increased risk of the obesity in dominant and codominant models in a population of MASHAD study cohort.
Small flaps in microsurgical breast reconstruction: Selection between the profunda artery perforator and small deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps and associated outcomes and complications
Authors: Chan Siew‐Yoek , Kuo Wen‐Ling , Cheong David Chon‐Fok , Chang Frank Chun‐Shin , Huang Jung‐Ju
Published: April 2023

Background

The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is widely used in breast reconstruction and the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap as alternative. However, the difference between the two flaps in smaller breast reconstruction remains lacking, in particular, the donor site complications. In this case series, the results of small breast reconstruction (≤300 g) using PAP or small DIEP flaps were explored.

Methods

Unilateral immediate breast reconstruction using a free PAP flap or small DIEP flap (≤300 g) from 2011 to 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Excluding patients with delayed reconstruction, 28 patients, including 17 PAP flaps and 11 small DIEP flaps were enrolled. Flap characteristics, breast and donor site complications, and revision surgeries were reviewed. BREAST‐Q™ was used for quality‐of‐life assessment.

Results

Compared with a small DIEP flap, a PAP flap was narrow (7.5 ± 1.1 vs. 10.6 ± 0.7 cm, p < .001), short (20.0 ± 2.6 vs. 25.5 ± 1.8 cm, p < .001) and had a shorter pedicle (5.9 ± 1.6 vs. 9.1 ± 1.0 cm, p < .001). There were no significant differences in acute and late complications of wound healing and fat necrosis, but the average number of revisions in the PAP group was significantly higher (1.9 ± 1.3 vs. 0.8 ± 1.4, p = .041). Patient‐reported outcomes using BREAST‐Q™ displayed no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

The outcomes of PAP and small DIEP flaps at the breasts and donor sites are satisfactory, despite that a higher tendency of donor site complications in PAP flap and more aesthetic refinement required in the PAP group. The overall outcomes are acceptable.
100 essential questions for the future of agriculture
Authors: Hu Yuming , Zhao Taolan , Guo Yafang , Wang Meng , Brachhold Kerstin , Chu Chengcai , Hanson Andrew , Kumar Sachin , Lin Rongcheng , Long Wenjin , Luo Ming , Ma Jian Feng , Miao Yansong , Nie Shaoping , Sheng Yu , Shi Weiming , Whelan James , Wu Qingyu , Wu Ziping , Xie Wei , Yang Yinong , Zhao Chao , Lei Lei , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Zhang Qifa
Published: April 2023

The world is at a crossroad when it comes to agriculture. The global population is growing, and the demand for food is increasing, putting a strain on our agricultural resources and practices. To address this challenge, innovative, sustainable, and inclusive approaches to agriculture are urgently required. In this paper, we launched a call for Essential Questions for the Future of Agriculture and identified a priority list of 100 questions. We focus on 10 primary themes: transforming agri‐food systems, enhancing resilience of agriculture to climate change, mitigating climate change through agriculture, exploring resources and technologies for breeding, advancing cultivation methods, sustaining healthy agroecosystems, enabling smart and controlled‐environment agriculture for food security, promoting health and nutrition‐driven agriculture, exploring economic opportunities and addressing social challenges, and integrating one health and modern agriculture. We emphasise the critical importance of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research that integrates both basic and applied sciences and bridges the gaps among various stakeholders for achieving sustainable agriculture.
28 GHz compact 4‐way Wilkinson power divider/combiner using RCIN and mutual inductors in 0.13 μm CMOS technology
Authors: Song Jae‐Hyeok , Oh Hyun‐Myung , Lim Jeong‐Taek , Kim Choul‐Young
Published: April 2023

In this study, we proposed a 4‐way Wilkinson power divider/combiner (WPDC) with a series RC(resistor‐capacitor) isolation network (RCIN) and mutual inductors for millimeter wave phased array applications. The proposed circuit offers small chip sizes and low insertion loss, measuring less than 0.85 dB, as well as an input/output return loss greater than 11.8 dB. Additionally, simulations showed isolation greater than 18.7 dB, amplitude imbalance less than 0.026 dB, and phase difference less than 0.26° in the 26–32 GHz. The 4‐way WPDC was implemented using bulk CMOS 1P8M 0.13 μm technology and had a circuit size of 0.087 mm².
Functional annotation of a hugely expanded nanos repertoire in Lytechinus variegatus, the green sea urchin
Authors: Pieplow Cosmo , Wessel Gary
Published: April 2023

Nanos genes encode essential RNA‐binding proteins involved in germline determination and germline stem cell maintenance. When examining diverse classes of echinoderms, typically three, sometimes four, nanos genes are present. In this analysis, we identify and annotate nine nanos orthologs in the green sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus (Lv). All nine genes are transcribed and grouped into three distinct classes. Class one includes the germline Nanos, with one member: Nanos2. Class two includes Nanos3‐like genes, with significant sequence similarity to Nanos3 in the purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (Sp), but with wildly variable expression patterns. The third class includes several previously undescribed nanos zinc‐finger genes that may be the result of duplications of Nanos2. All nine nanos transcripts occupy unique genomic loci and are expressed with unique temporal profiles during development. Importantly, here we describe and characterize the unique genomic location, conservation, and phylogeny of the Lv ortholog of the well‐studied Sp Nanos2. However, in addition to the conserved germline functioning Nanos2, the green sea urchin appears to be an outlier in the echinoderm phyla with eight additional nanos genes. We hypothesize that this expansion of nanos gene members may be the result of a previously uncharacterized L1‐class transposon encoded on the opposite strand of a nanos2 pseudogene present on chromosome 12 in this species. The expansion of nanos genes described here represents intriguing insights into germline specification and nanos evolution in this species of sea urchin.
Prevalence and associated factors of alexithymia in intensive care unit nurses
Authors: Nan Ruiling , Ma Li , Yan Hui , Zhang Yabin , Pei Juhong , Chen Haixia , Wang Xinglei , Dou Xinman
Published: April 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of alexithymia in intensive care unit nurses and determine the associated factors.

Design

A multi‐center, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

In total, 485 nurses in intensive care unit were recruited from 53 hospitals in China. Data collection tools used in the study included demographic characteristics, the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS), and the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS‐20). SPSS 25.0 software (Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used to preform data analysis.

Results

About 43.7% of intensive care unit nurses were classified as alexithymia in the whole sample (males: 50%, females: 43%). The median TAS‐20 score was 60 (interquartile range = 9). The study found that alexithymia was significantly associated with marital status, whether living alone, working years, and social support (Adjusted R Squared = 0.194, F = 6.466, p < 0.01), while emotional intelligence was not statistically significant with alexithymia.

Conclusions

Alexithymia is a psychological problem with high incidence in intensive care unit nurses. In this study, being unmarried or divorced, living alone, and having fewer years of work (≤5 years) were associated with a higher risk of alexithymia. Interventions that strengthen social support may also help improve the mental health of ICU nurses.
Comparison of the different imaging modalities used to image pediatric oncology patients: A COG diagnostic imaging committee/SPR oncology committee white paper
Authors: Frush Donald P. , Callahan Michael J. , Coley Brian D. , Nadel Helen R. , Paul Guillerman R.
Published: April 2023

Diagnostic imaging is essential in the diagnosis and management, including surveillance, of known or suspected cancer in children. The independent and combined roles of the various modalities, consisting of radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine (NM), are both prescribed through protocols but also function in caring for complications that may occur during or subsequent to treatment such as infection, bleeding, or organ compromise. Use of a specific imaging modality may be based on situational circumstances such as a brain CT or MR for a new onset seizure, chest CT for respiratory signs or symptoms, or US for gross hematuria. However, in many situations, there are competing choices that do not easily lend themselves to a formulaic approach as options; these situations depend on the contributions of a variety of factors based on a combination of the clinical scenario and the strengths and limitations of the imaging modalities. Therefore, an improved understanding of the potential influence of the imaging decision pathways in pediatric cancer care can come from comparison among the individual diagnostic imaging modalities. The purpose of the following material to is to provide such a comparison. To do this, pediatric imaging content experts for the individual modalities of radiography and fluoroscopy, US, CT, MRI, and NM will discuss the individual modality strengths and limitations.
Validation of an indirect nonthermal plasma sterilization process for disposable medical devices packed in blisters and cartons
Authors: Seri Paolo , Nici Silvia , Cappelletti Martina , Scaltriti Silvia G. , Popoli Arturo , Cristofolini Andrea , Neretti Gabriele
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, the majority of the processes used to sterilize disposable medical devices have several drawbacks in terms of safety, energy consumption, and costs. In this work, a sterilization method based on an indirect nonthermal plasma treatment is presented. The main advantages of this method are low environmental impact, absence of harmful chemical compounds' storage, and backward compatibility relative to production, sterilization, and shipping chain. The sterilization of disposable devices, enclosed inside their protective packaging, is achieved by exploiting reactive species produced by a Dielectric Barrier Discharge plasma reactor. Various devices have been subjected to a 2‐h treatment, achieving complete sterilization based on USP and EU‐PHARMA protocols. Pretreatment of carton packaging has been necessary to guarantee a complete sterilization process.
Functional comparison of full‐length palladin to isolated actin binding domain
Authors: Albraiki Sharifah , Ajiboye Oluwatosin , Sargent Rachel , Beck Moriah R.
Published: April 2023

Palladin is an actin binding protein that is specifically upregulated in metastatic cancer cells but also colocalizes with actin stress fibers in normal cells and is critical for embryonic development as well as wound healing. Of nine isoforms present in humans, only the 90 kDa isoform of palladin, comprising three immunoglobulin (Ig) domains and one proline‐rich region, is ubiquitously expressed. Previous work has established that the Ig3 domain of palladin is the minimal binding site for F‐actin. In this work, we compare functions of the 90 kDa isoform of palladin to the isolated actin binding domain. To understand the mechanism of action for how palladin can influence actin assembly, we monitored F‐actin binding and bundling as well as actin polymerization, depolymerization, and copolymerization. Together, these results demonstrate that there are key differences between the Ig3 domain and full‐length palladin in actin binding stoichiometry, polymerization, and interactions with G‐actin. Understanding the role of palladin in regulating the actin cytoskeleton may help us develop means to prevent cancer cells from reaching the metastatic stage of cancer progression.
Symmetry‐Controlled Sign Reversal and Anisotropy in Magnetoresistance of SrRuO3 Epitaxial Films
Authors: Wang Qing , Liang Zhengguo , Wang Lingfei , Lu Jingdi
Published: April 2023

Understanding the magnetotransport properties of SrRuO3 thin films and heterostructures is essential for both fundamental research and practical applications. While the anomalous Hall effect has been studied extensively, the longitudinal magnetotransport (i.e. magnetoresistance) is not well understood and requires further investigation. Herein, SrRuO3/SrTiO3(001) epitaxial film is used as a model system to systematically investigate the correlation between magnetoresistance and structure symmetry. As the thickness of the SrRuO3 film increases, a structural symmetry transition from tetragonal to orthorhombic occurs. At the same time, a clear sign reversal of magnetoresistance from negative to positive, accompanied by the appearance of strong anisotropy in magnetoresistance measured along the two perpendicular in‐plane axes, is observed. These findings further suggest that the correlation between structural symmetry and magnetoresistance is mediated by the modulations in magnetic anisotropy. These results clarified the relationships between structure symmetry, magnetoresistance, and magnetic anisotropy, which can pave a feasible way for harnessing the magnetotransport properties of SrRuO3 films and using this material in oxide‐based spintronic devices.
Pterostilbene could alleviate diabetic cognitive impairment by suppressing TLR4/NF‐кB pathway through microbiota‐gut‐brain axis
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Tong , Deng Si‐Min , Chen Chong , He Qing‐Hui , Peng Xian‐Wu , Liang Qing‐Feng , Zhuang Guo‐Dong , Wang Shu‐Mei , Tang Dan
Published: April 2023

Diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) is a serious neurodegenerative disorder caused by diabetes, with chronic inflammation being a crucial factor in its pathogenesis. Pterostilbene is a well‐known natural stilbene derivative that has excellent anti‐inflammatory activity, suggesting its potential medicinal advantages for treating DCI. Therefore, this study is to explore the beneficial effects of pterostilbene for improving cognitive dysfunction in DCI mice. A diabetic model was induced by a high‐fat diet plus streptozotocin (40 mg·kg−1) for consecutive 5 days. After the animals were confirmed to be in a diabetic state, they were treated with pterostilbene (20 or 60 mg·kg−1, i.g.) for 10 weeks. Pharmacological evaluation showed pterostilbene could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction, regulate glycolipid metabolism disorders, improve neuronal damage, and reduce the accumulation of β‐amyloid in DCI mice. Pterostilbene alleviated neuroinflammation by suppressing oxidative stress and carbonyl stress damage, astrocyte and microglia activation, and dopaminergic neuronal loss. Further investigations showed that pterostilbene reduced the level of lipopolysaccharide, modulated colon and brain TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathways, and decreased the release of inflammatory factors, which in turn inhibited intestinal inflammation and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, pterostilbene could also improve the homeostasis of intestinal microbiota, increase the levels of short‐chain fatty acids and their receptors, and suppress the loss of intestinal tight junction proteins. In addition, the results of plasma non‐targeted metabolomics revealed that pterostilbene could modulate differential metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with inflammation, thereby suppressing systemic inflammation in DCI mice. Collectively, our study found for the first time that pterostilbene could alleviate diabetic cognitive dysfunction by inhibiting the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway through the microbiota‐gut‐brain axis, which may be one of the potential mechanisms for its neuroprotective effects.
Development, validation, and use of a monitoring method for fipronil and its metabolites in chicken eggs by QuEChERS with online‐SPE‐LC‐Q/Orbitrap analysis
Authors: Qu Lihua , Qi Xiaoyu , Zhao Li , Zhang Yu , Zhuge Ronghua , Hao Zhihui , Liu Congmin
Published: April 2023

Rationale

The residues of fipronil and its metabolites in chicken eggs pose a threat to human health, so regular monitoring is necessary. However, the pretreatments of the existing detection methods are complex and time‐consuming. A simple and streamlined pretreatment method is needed to improve the detection efficiency.

Method

A rapid, efficient, and facile approach employing the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method with online solid‐phase extraction liquid chromatography tandem Q Exactive Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry (online‐SPE‐LC‐HRMS) was established and evaluated for the determination of fipronil, fipronil‐desulfinyl, fipronil‐sulfone, and fipronil‐sulfide in chicken eggs. An improved sample preparation technique combining QuEChERS and online‐SPE was developed. Negative targeted ion fragmentation scanning and targeted‐selected ion monitoring of HRMS were adopted to identify and quantify the target analytes.

Results

The proposed pretreatment method took a few steps in <13 min to achieve excellent recoveries and negligible interference. High selectivity was acquired with the adoption of Q/Orbitrap HRMS. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the analytes was 2.5 μg kg−1, meeting the detection requirements of the maximum residue level enacted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Japan, and the United States for the sum of fipronil and its metabolites. Extraction recoveries at three spiked concentration levels were within 84.56% to 93.84%, with relative standard deviation ≤5.87%.

Conclusion

The established method is efficient and easy to operate and displays satisfactory LOQs, recoveries, accuracy, and precision. This approach serves as a reference method for monitoring eggs while providing potential solutions for fipronil determination in more complicated matrices.
Laser ablation synthesis of tellurium carbides using tellurium with nanodiamond nanocomposite
Authors: Chygorin Eduard , Pečinka Lukáš , Vaňhara Petr , Novotný Karel , Krempl Ivo , Havel Josef
Published: April 2023

Rationale

Carbides, including tellurium carbides (TeC), play crucial roles in diverse applications, but TeC synthesis has not been described in the literature. Laser ablation synthesis (LAS) coupled with mass spectrometry was used here for in situ TeC clusters synthesis and identification of the reaction products to better understand TeC formation.

Methods

Laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LDI‐TOFMS) was used to generate the TeC clusters and determine their stoichiometry via computer modeling of isotopic patterns.

Results

A simple one‐pot procedure was developed for Te‐nanodiamond nanocomposite preparation. A suspension of fine‐powdered Te was mixed with a suspension of nanodiamonds (both in acetonitrile), and the resulting precipitated nanocomposite was suitable for the synthesis of TemCn clusters using LDI. Various unary and binary clusters were formed. The stoichiometry of the novel TemCn clusters, determined via computer modeling of isotopic patterns, is reported here for the first time.

Conclusions

The Te‐nanodiamond composite was found to be the most suitable precursor for the generation of TemCn clusters. In total, 35 binary TemCn clusters were identified, when several of them were not obtained using commercial TeC material.
Partially linear Bayesian modeling of longitudinal rank and time‐to‐event data using accelerated failure time model with application to brain tumor data
Authors: Aghayerashti Maryam , Samani Ehsan Bahrami , Pour‐Rashidi Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Joint modeling of longitudinal rank and time‐to‐event data with random effects model using a Bayesian approach is presented. Accelerated failure time (AFT) models can be used for the analysis of time‐to‐event data to estimate the effects of covariates on acceleration/deceleration of the survival time. The parametric AFT models require determining the event time distribution. So, we suppose that the time variable is modeled with Weibull AFT distribution. In many real‐life applications, it is difficult to determine the appropriate distribution. To avoid this restriction, several semiparametric AFT models were proposed, containing spline‐based model. So, we propose a flexible extension of the accelerated failure time model. Furthermore, the usual joint linear model, a joint partially linear model, is also considered containing the nonlinear effect of time on the longitudinal rank responses and nonlinear and time‐dependent effects of covariates on the hazard. Also, a Bayesian approach that yields Bayesian estimates of the model's parameters is used. Some simulation studies are conducted to estimate parameters of the considered models. The model is applied to a real brain tumor patient's data set that underwent surgery. The results of analyzing data are presented to represent the method.
A non‐parametric Bayesian approach for adjusting partial compliance in sequential decision making
Authors: Bhattacharya Indrabati , Johnson Brent A. , Artman William J. , Wilson Andrew , Lynch Kevin G. , McKay James R. , Ertefaie Ashkan
Published: April 2023

Existing methods for estimating the mean outcome under a given sequential treatment rule often rely on intention‐to‐treat analyses, which estimate the effect of following a certain treatment rule regardless of compliance behavior of patients. There are two major concerns with intention‐to‐treat analyses: (1) the estimated effects are often biased toward the null effect; (2) the results are not generalizable and reproducible due to the potentially differential compliance behavior. These are particularly problematic in settings with a high level of non‐compliance, such as substance use disorder studies. Our work is motivated by the Adaptive Treatment for Alcohol and Cocaine Dependence study (ENGAGE), which is a multi‐stage trial that aimed to construct optimal treatment strategies to engage patients in therapy. Due to the relatively low level of compliance in this trial, intention‐to‐treat analyses essentially estimate the effect of being randomized to a certain treatment, instead of the actual effect of the treatment. We obviate this challenge by defining the target parameter as the mean outcome under a dynamic treatment regime conditional on a potential compliance stratum. We propose a flexible non‐parametric Bayesian approach based on principal stratification, which consists of a Gaussian copula model for the joint distribution of the potential compliances, and a Dirichlet process mixture model for the treatment sequence specific outcomes. We conduct extensive simulation studies which highlight the utility of our approach in the context of multi‐stage randomized trials. We show robustness of our estimator to non‐linear and non‐Gaussian settings as well.
Wetting of Cell Aggregates on Microdisk Topography Structures Achieved by Maskless Optical Projection Lithography
Authors: Guo Min , Li Teng , Zhang Wei‐Cai , Duan Qi , Dong Xian‐Zi , Liu Jie , Jin Feng , Zheng Mei‐Ling
Published: April 2023

Cell aggregates as a 3D culture model can effectively mimic the physiological processes such as embryonic development, immune response, and tissue renewal in vivo. Researches show that the topography of biomaterials plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. It is of great significance to understand how cell aggregates respond to surface topography. Herein, microdisk array structures with the optimized size are used to investigate the wetting of cell aggregates. Cell aggregates exhibit complete wetting with distinct wetting velocities on the microdisk array structures of different diameters. The wetting velocity of cell aggregates reaches a maximum of 293 µm h−1 on microdisk structures with a diameter of 2 µm and is a minimum of 247 µm h−1 on microdisk structures of 20 µm diameter, which suggests that the cell‐substrates adhesion energy on the latter is smaller. Actin stress fibers, focal adhesions (FAs), and cell morphology are analyzed to reveal the mechanisms of variation of wetting velocity. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that cell aggregates adopt climb and detour wetting modes on small and large‐sized microdisk structures, respectively. This work reveals the response of cell aggregates to micro‐scale topography, providing guidance for better understanding of tissue infiltration.
Engineering Structural Janus MXene‐nanofibrils Aerogels for Season‐Adaptive Radiative Thermal Regulation
Authors: Yang Weiqing , Xiao Peng , Li Shan , Deng Feng , Ni Feng , Zhang Chang , Gu Jincui , Yang Jinlin , Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Geng Fengxia , Chen Tao
Published: April 2023

Aerogels have provided a significant platform for passive radiation‐enabled thermal regulation, arousing extensive interest due to their capabilities of radiative cooling or heating. However, there still remains challenge of developing functionally integrated aerogels for sustainable thermal regulation in both hot and cold environment. Here, Janus structured MXene‐nanofibrils aerogel (JMNA) is rationally designed via a facile and efficient way. The achieved aerogel presents the characteristic of high porosity (≈98.2%), good mechanical strength (tensile stress of ≈2 MPa, compressive stress of ≈115 kPa), and macroscopic shaping property. Based on the asymmetric structure, the JMNA with switchable functional layers can alternatively enable passive radiative heating and cooling in winter and summer, respectively. As a proof of concept, JMNA can function as a switchable thermal‐regulated roof to effectively enable the inner house model to maintain >25 °C in winter and <30 °C in hot summer. This design of Janus structured aerogels with compatible and expandable capabilities is promising to widely benefit the low‐energy thermal regulation in changeable climate.