bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No phylogenomic support for a Cenozoic origin of the “living fossil” Isoetes
Authors: Wikström Niklas , Larsén Eva , Khodabandeh Anbar , Rydin Catarina
Published: November 2022

Premise

The isoetalean lineage has a rich fossil record that extends to the Devonian, but the age of the living clade is unclear. Recent results indicate that it is young, from the Cenozoic, whereas earlier work based on less data from a denser taxon sampling yielded Mesozoic median ages.

Methods

We analyzed node ages in Isoetes using two genomic data sets (plastome and nuclear ribosomal cistron), three clock models implemented in MrBayes (ILN, WN, and TK02 models), and a conservative approach to calibration.

Results

While topological results were consistently resolved in Isoetes estimated crown group ages range from the latest Paleozoic (mid‐Permian) to the Mesozoic depending on data type and clock model. The oldest estimates were retrieved using the autocorrelated TK02 clock model. An (early) Cenozoic age was only obtained under one specific condition (plastome data analyzed with the uncorrelated ILN clock model). That same plastome data set also yielded the oldest (mid‐Permian) age estimate when analyzed with the autocorrelated TK02 clock model. Adding the highly divergent, recently established sister species Isoetes wormaldii to the data set approximately doubled the average median node depth to the Isoetes crown group.

Conclusions

There is no consistent support for a Cenozoic origin of the living clade Isoetes. We obtained seemingly well‐founded, yet strongly deviating results depending on data type and clock model. The single most important future improvement is probably to add calibration points, which requires an improved understanding of the isoetalean fossil record or alternative bases for calibration.
Endocrinological manifestations in RASopathies
Authors: Tamburrino Federica , Scarano Emanuela , Schiavariello Concetta , Perri Annamaria , Pession Andrea , Mazzanti Laura
Published: November 2022

The evaluation of endocrine involvement in RASopathies is important for the care and follow‐up of patients affected by these conditions. Short stature is a cardinal feature of RASopathies and correlates with multiple factors. Growth hormone treatment is a therapeutic possibility to improve height and quality of life. Assessment of growth rate and growth laboratory parameters is routine, but age at start of therapy, dose and effects of growth hormone on final height need to be clarified. Puberty disorders and gonadal dysfunction, in particular in males, are other endocrinological areas to evaluate for their effects on growth and development. Thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease and bone involvement have also been reported in RASopathies. In this brief review, we describe the current knowledge on growth, growth hormone therapy, endocrinological involvement in patients affected by RASopathies.
Heterogenization of Salen Metal Molecular Catalysts in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhou Wei , Deng Qi‐Wen , He Hui‐Jie , Yang Li , Liu Tian‐Yi , Wang Xiao , Zheng Dao‐Yuan , Dai Zhang‐Ben , Sun Lei , Liu Chengcheng , Wu Hao , Li Zhen , Deng Wei‐Qiao
Published: November 2022

Integrating a molecular catalyst with a light harvester into a photocatalyst is an effective strategy for solar light conversion. However, it is challenging to establish a crystallized framework with well‐organized connections that favour charge separation and transfer. Herein, we report the heterogenization of a Salen metal complex molecular catalyst into a rigid covalent organic framework (COF) through covalent linkage with the light‐harvesting unit of pyrene for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The chemically conjugated bonds between the two units contribute to fast photogenerated electron transfer and thereby promote the proton reduction reaction. The Salen cobalt‐based COF showed the best hydrogen evolution activity (1378 μmol g−1 h−1), which is superior to the previously reported nonnoble metal based COF photocatalysts. This work provides a strategy to construct atom‐efficient photocatalysts by the heterogenization of molecular catalysts into covalent organic frameworks.
Di‐2,7‐pyrenidecaphyrin(1.1.0.0.0.1.1.0.0.0) and Its Bis‐Organopalladium Complexes: Synthesis and Chiroptical Properties
Authors: Liang Kejiang , Chen Hao , Wang Xue , Lu Tian , Duan Zhiming , Sessler Jonathan L. , Lei Chuanhu
Published: November 2022

A non‐aromatic expanded carbaporphyrinoid, incorporating two built‐in 2,7‐pyrenylene moieties was synthesized. The intrinsically labile structure was demonstrated by proton‐triggered conformational changes between the figure‐of‐eight and quasi‐Möbius conformers. Upon treatment with Pd(OAc)2, the reaction produces two bis‐PdII complexes with distinct coordination modes. Metal coordination serves to fix the macrocyclic frameworks with the net result that both bis‐PdII complexes could be resolved by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a chiral stationary phase. The isolated enantiomers showed persistent chiroptical properties as evidenced by the intense response in the circular dichroism (CD) spectra and the record high absorption dissymmetry factors (gabs of up to 0.038) seen in the near‐infrared spectral region. Moreover, the mutual interconversion of these two PdII complexes was found to be stereospecific and to favor the more stable isomers under weakly acidic conditions.
Decorating Single‐Atomic Mn Sites with FeMn Clusters to Boost Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Liu Heng , Jiang Luozhen , Khan Javid , Wang Xinxin , Xiao Jiamin , Zhang Handong , Xie Haijiao , Li Lina , Wang Shuangyin , Han Lei
Published: November 2022

The regulation of electron distribution of single‐atomic metal sites by atomic clusters is an effective strategy to boost their intrinsic activity of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein we report the construction of single‐atomic Mn sites decorated with atomic clusters by an innovative combination of post‐adsorption and secondary pyrolysis. The X‐ray absorption spectroscopy confirms the formation of Mn sites via Mn‐N4coordination bonding to FeMn atomic clusters (FeMnac/Mn‐N4C), which has been demonstrated theoretically to be conducive to the adsorption of molecular O2and the break of O−O bond during the ORR process. Benefiting from the structural features above, the FeMnac/Mn‐N4C catalyst exhibits excellent ORR activity with half‐wave potential of 0.79 V in 0.5 M H2SO4and 0.90 V in 0.1 M KOH as well as preeminent Zn‐air battery performance. Such synthetic strategy may open up a route to construct highly active catalysts with tunable atomic structures for diverse applications.
A reference methodology for microplastic particle size distribution analysis: Sampling, filtration, and detection by optical microscopy and image processing
Authors: Richter Susanne , Horstmann Julia , Altmann Korinna , Braun Ulrike , Hagendorf Christian
Published: November 2022

Microplastic (MP) contamination in natural water circulation is a concern for environmental issues and human health. Various types of polymer materials have been identified and were detected in MP analytic test procedures. Beyond MP polymer type, particle size and form play a major role in water analysis due to possible negative toxicologic effects on flora and fauna. However, the correct quantitative measurement of MP size distribution over several orders of magnitude is strongly influenced by sample preparation, filtration materials and processes, and microanalytical techniques, as well as data acquisition and analysis. In this paper, a reference methodology is presented aiming at an improved quantitative analysis of MP particles. An MP analysis workflow is demonstrated including all steps from reference materials to sample preparation, filtration handling, and MP particle size distribution analysis. Background‐corrected particle size distributions (1–1000 µm) have been determined for defined polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) reference samples. Microscopically measured particle numbers and errors have been cross‐checked with the total initial mass. In particular, defined reference MP samples (PE, PET) are initially characterized and applied to filtration experiments. Optical microscopy imaging on full‐area Si filters with subsequent image analysis algorithms is used for statistical particle size distribution analysis. To quantify the effects of handling and filtration, several blind tests with distilled water are carried out to determine the particle background for data evaluation. Particle size distributions of PE and PET reference samples are qualitatively and quantitatively reproduced with respect to symmetry, and maximum and cut‐off diameter of the distribution. It is shown that especially MP particles with a radius of >50 µm can be detected and retrieved with high reliability. For particle sizes <50 µm, a significant interference with background contamination is observed. Data from blank samples allows a correction of background contaminations. Furthermore, for enhanced sampling statistics, the recovery of the initial amount of MP will be qualitatively shown. The results are intended as an initial benchmark for MP analytics quality. This quality is based on statistical MP particle distributions and covers the complete analytic workflow starting from sample preparation to filtration and detection. Microscopic particle analysis provides an important supplement for the evaluation of established spectroscopic methods such as Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy.
Prevalence and mortality among children with anorectal malformation: A multi‐country analysis
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Sundar Manasvi , Tandaki Lucita , Lux Anke , Bakker Marian K , Bergman Jorieke EH , Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Canfield Mark A. , Dastgiri Saeed , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Gatt Miriam , Groisman Boris , Hurtado‐Villa Paula , Kallen Kärin , Landau Danielle , Lelong Nathalie , Lopez‐Camelo Jorge , Martinez Laura Elia , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Morgan Margery , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Nance Amy E. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Pierini Anna , Sipek Antonin , Stallings Erin B. , Szabova Elena , Tagliabue Giovanna , Wertelecki Wladimir , Zarante Ignacio , Rissmann Anke
Published: November 2022

Purpose

We examined the total prevalence, trends in prevalence, and age‐specific mortality among individuals with anorectal malformation (ARM)

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 24 population‐ and hospital‐based birth defects surveillance programs affiliated with the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research (ICBDSR) from 18 countries and for births from 1974 to 2014. We estimated pooled and program‐specific total prevalence per 10,000 total births. Poisson regression was used to assess time trends in prevalence from 2001 to 2012 when most programs contributed data. We calculated selected age‐specific proportions of deaths, stratified by case status

Results

The pooled total prevalence of ARM was 3.26 per 10,000 total births (95% Confidence Interval = 3.19, 3.32) for birth years 1974–2014. About 60% of cases were multiple or syndromic. Prevalence of multiple, syndromic, and stillborn cases decreased from 2001 to 2012. The first week mortality proportion was 12.5%, 3.2%, 28.3%, and 18.2% among all, isolated, multiple, and syndromic cases, respectively

Conclusions

ARM is relatively rare, with multiple and syndromic cases showing decreasing prevalence during the study period. Mortality is a concern during the first week of life, and especially among multiple and syndromic cases. Our descriptive epidemiological findings increase our understanding of geographic variation in the prevalence of ARM and can be used to plan needed clinical services. Exploring factors influencing prevalence and mortality among individuals with ARM could inform future studies.
Unique hepatic manifestations of COVID‐19‐induced immune dysregulation in children
Authors: Kleinhenz Julia , Wagner Ellen , Afzal Sarah Y. , Shaarbaf Homa , De Avila Jorge Luis , Azzam Ruba
Published: November 2022

The two cases we present are the first to demonstrate novel manifestations of COVID‐19 related interaction between the liver and the immune system in pediatric patients. Written informed consent was obtained from the parent/guardian to publish this report in accordance with the journal's patient consent policy.
Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by peripheral T‐cell lymphoma: An unusual case report
Authors: Che Yuxuan , Xu Liye , Zhang Xian , Qiu Xun , Song Jincheng , Ding Xiaolei , Sun Xiuhua
Published: November 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe syndrome of pathological immune activation caused by activated macrophages and cytotoxic T cells. We report a 65‐year‐old male Chinese patient with typical HLH features caused by peripheral T‐cell lymphoma and then received chemotherapy. However, though the patient's symptoms and signs improved much, his liver function, especially bilirubin, worsened which could be caused by overwhelming cytokines production. Therefore, plasmapheresis was conducted two times and then his liver function significantly recovered. The patient got temporary remission and good quality of life for nearly 2 months but died because of disease progression. In conclusion, as HLH is associated with multiorgan failure, high rates of morbidity and mortality, there are three points to be mentioned. First, it is critical that HLH should be screened as early as possible and initiate effective therapies. Second, plasmapheresis could be a useful method to eliminate excess cytokines production and improve liver function. Third, organs support and nutrient supply are also necessary and important.
Hyphema and secondary glaucoma as a presenting complaint in a dog with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Dehghanpir Shannon D. , Sheridan Colleen , Evans Dawn , Lewin Andrew C. , Boudreaux Bonnie , Carter Renee T.
Published: November 2022

A 5‐year‐old Pomeranian was diagnosed with anterior uveitis, hyphema, and secondary glaucoma OD. Concurrent retinal hemorrhage, perivascular sheathing, and papilledema were identified OS. Work‐up identified small cell lymphocytosis (>900 × 109/L), anemia, and thrombocytopenia. The patient was diagnosed with B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia as a cause of the ocular findings.
Osilodrostat‐induced adrenal insufficiency in a patient with Cushing's disease
Authors: Ekladios Catherine , Khoury Jessica , Mehr Shahzad , Feghali Krystel
Published: November 2022

Cushing's disease is a rare condition caused by a benign pituitary tumor underlying adrenocorticotropic hormone excess. Medical treatment is implemented when surgical resection is not curative. We present a case of Cushing's disease with recurrence of macroadenoma who developed iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency in the setting of Osilodrostat treatment.
Comprehensive Combustion Performances of Water Hyacinth and Pistia stratiotes Pellet Fuels
Authors: Hu Yuwei , Meng Junquan , Liu Zhenrong , Yue Hanhong , Zhang Xia , Zhang Yancheng , Chen Rong
Published: November 2022

For efficient combustion of aquatic biomass, the effects of heating rate on the combustion and dynamic characteristics of two typical aquatic species (water hyacinth, Pistia stratiotes), and the effects of temperature and additives on ash K and Cl concentrations are studied. The two types of pellets have ignition temperatures of 252.7 and 250.3 °C, respectively. At a heating rate of 10 °C min−1, where combustion is most stable, the comprehensive combustion efficiencies reach their maximum at 4.7 × 10−6 and 2.2 × 10−6 mg2min−1°C−2, respectively. The K and Cl concentrations in the ash decrease steadily with increasing temperature, falling to 10.3% and 0.41% for water hyacinth and 11.1% and 1.85% for P. stratiotes, respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD)shows that abundant Ca minerals form in the ash after the addition of CaO, which inhibit KCl formation, and K and Al silicates form in the ash after the addition of kaoline, which reserve K in the ash. These findings provide a starting point for the development of efficient aquatic biomass combustion.
Fatigue of Donor‐Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts in Polymer Matrices and Solution
Authors: McDonough Rowan , Rudgley Nick , Majewski Oskar , Perkins Michael V. , Evans Richard A. , Lewis David A.
Published: November 2022

The fatigue performance of a range of donor‐acceptor‐Stenhouse‐adducts (DASAs) has been investigated to identify degradation mechanisms. The dyes were found to fatigue with and without exposure to light in both solution and in films. Excluding light below about 430 nm resulted in almost complete thermal recovery after exposure, however, a range of common film additives including hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) and other additives (especially bases) were shown to react with the DASAs resulting in irreversible fatigue. The rate of fatigue was also found to increase with the relative strength of the donor and acceptor moieties in the molecule.
A novel adaptive invasive weed optimization technique and least square regression for harmonics minimization in standalone PV applications
Authors: Ahmad Ganie Zahoor , Hamid Bhat Abdul , Ahmad Salman
Published: November 2022

A novel adaptive invasive weed optimization technique is presented in this paper for harmonics minimization in standalone system based on three‐phase two‐level voltage source inverter. The low switching frequency techniques are preferred to produce good quality waveform and at the same time to reduce the switching losses and device stresses. Nonetheless, the challenging task is to compute the firing angles from the set of highly nonlinear transcendental system of equations. The proposed technique shows faster convergence and capability to compute in wide rage of modulation index. Moreover, multiple solutions also have been obtained in most of the range of modulation index. Various cases have been evaluated and simulation results have been given to validate conceptual results. The closed loop operation and the real‐time implementation of the proposed technique under dynamic operating conditions have been verified for a three‐phase induction motor load using PI controller. The least square regression is used for real‐time implementation of the proposed technique. The TMS320F2812 digital signal processor (DSP) has been employed to generate the pulse width modulated pulses generated from the computational results. The experimental results obtained are in very close concurrence to the computational and simulation results.
Current estimation of switched reluctance motor based on piecewise model and iteration calculation
Authors: Fang Chenghui , Chen Hao , Wang Xing , Zhang Jingxin , Li Ye , Torkaman Hossein , Saqib Muhammed Asghar
Published: November 2022

To reduce the number of current sensors in the switched reluctance motor (SRM) system, a current estimation method of the SRM is proposed. There is only one current sensor needed to measure the sum of phase currents. Current estimation model consists of two equations, one is equation of the sum of phase currents and another is mechanical equation of the SRM. Torque, a variable in the mechanical equation, has complex nonlinear relation with phase currents. This makes it difficult to solve the current estimation model online. To deal with the problem, a piecewise modeling method is used to establish a simple analytical torque model. Accuracy of the established torque model is better than that of traditional torque models after comparisons. A parameter of speed and acceleration is defined to compensate errors of the torque model and avoid identifications of moment of inertia and friction coefficient. On the basis of features of the current estimation model and phase currents of the SRM, Newton's method is chosen to solve the current estimation model and a practical stop condition of iteration is given. Realization process of online computation is illustrated. Finally, the proposed current estimation method is validated by experiments.
Biochemical predictors of diabetic foot osteomyelitis: A potential diagnostic role for parathormone
Authors: Caruso Paola , Maiorino Maria Ida , Scappaticcio Lorenzo , Porcellini Chiara , Matrone Rita , Cirillo Paolo , Macera Margherita , Gicchino Maurizio , Vietri Maria Teresa , Bellastella Giuseppe , Coppola Nicola , Esposito Katherine
Published: November 2022

Aims

The aims of this study were to evaluate parathormone (PTH) levels in people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and investigate the relationship between PTH levels and osteomyelitis (OM) in this population.

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐eight patients were admitted for DFU in a tertiary‐care centre from October 2021 to May 2022. OM was diagnosed by clinical, laboratory, and radiological evaluations. Laboratory measurements and clinical parameters were collected from medical records. Participants in the study were divided into two groups according to the diagnosis of OM (patients with OM, group 1 [n = 54] and patients without OM, group 2 [n = 34]).

Results

Compared with group 2, patients in group 1 were younger and had a longer duration of diabetes. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and fibrinogen were significantly higher in group 1 compared with group 2. PTH levels were significantly lower (group 1 vs. group 2, median [interquartile range] 16.2 (11.6, 31.0) vs. 23.7 (17.0, 38.1), p = 0.008) and alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher (97.0 (79.0, 112.0) vs. 88.0 (63.0, 107.0), p = 0.031) in group 1. In multiple linear regression analysis, the only independent predictors of PTH concentrations were alkaline phosphatase levels (β‐coefficient 0.441, p < 0.001) and the presence of OM (β‐coefficient −0.290, p = 0.038).

Conclusions

In a population of patients with diabetes and OM admitted to a tertiary university centre, PTH levels were lower as compared with diabetic individuals without OM. The OM and alkaline phosphatase levels were independent predictors of PTH levels in this selected population.
Effectiveness of accelerated reader on children's reading outcomes: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Tischner Clair M. , Ebner Sara E. , Aspiranti Kathleen B. , Klingbeil David A. , Fedewa Alicia L.
Published: November 2022

Accelerated reader (AR) is a computerized reading program commonly used in schools. The program aims to enhance students' reading achievement and encourage students to read more through goal setting and frequent reading practice. A meta‐analytic review of the AR was conducted to analyse its effectiveness as an evidence‐based intervention for improving student reading achievement, attitude, and motivation. This study investigated potential moderating variables, including publication type, participant, and study characteristics that impact student reading outcomes. A total of 44 studies from peer‐reviewed journal articles and dissertations met the inclusion criteria. Participants included 16,653 students enrolled in elementary, middle, and high school. Hedges' g effect sizes measures suggest pretest–posttest one‐group AR studies have moderate effects (g = 0.541) while comparison group AR studies have marginal effects (g = 0.278). A meta‐regression model of six potential categorical moderators of comparison group studies indicted no significant moderators. Implications and the need for further research regarding evidence‐based and culturally appropriate reading interventions are discussed.
A comparison of central‐tendency and interconnectivity approaches to clustering multivariate data with irregular structure
Authors: Tozer Mark , Keith David
Published: November 2022

Questions

Most clustering methods assume data are structured as discrete hyperspheroidal clusters to be evaluated by measures of central tendency. If vegetation data do not conform to this model, then vegetation data may be clustered incorrectly. What are the implications for cluster stability and evaluation if clusters are of irregular shape or density?

Location

Southeast Australia.

Methods

We define misplacement as the placement of a sample in a cluster other than (distinct from) its nearest neighbor and hypothesize that optimizing homogeneity incurs the cost of higher rates of misplacement. Chameleon is a graph‐theoretic algorithm that emphasizes interconnectivity and thus is sensitive to the shape and distribution of clusters. We contrasted its solutions with those of traditional nonhierarchical and hierarchical (agglomerative and divisive) approaches.

Results

Chameleon‐derived solutions had lower rates of misplacement and only marginally higher heterogeneity than those of k‐means in the range of 15–60 clusters, but their metrics converged with larger numbers of clusters. Solutions derived by agglomerative clustering had the best metrics (and divisive clustering the worst) but both produced inferior high‐level solutions to those of Chameleon by merging distantly‐related clusters.

Conclusions

Graph‐theoretic algorithms, such as Chameleon, have an advantage over traditional algorithms when data exhibit discontinuities and variable structure, typically producing more stable solutions (due to lower rates of misplacement) but scoring lower on traditional metrics of central tendency. Advantages are less obvious in the partitioning of data from continuous gradients; however, graph‐based partitioning protocols facilitate the hierarchical integration of solutions.
Geographic factors and climatic fluctuation drive the genetic structure and demographic history of Cycas taiwaniana (Cycadaceae), an endemic endangered species to Hainan Island in China
Authors: Wu Li‐Xin , Xu Hai‐Yan , Jian Shu‐Guang , Gong Xun , Feng Xiu‐Yan
Published: November 2022

Hainan Island had experienced several cold–warm and dry–humid fluctuations since the Late Pleistocene period, resulting in separating and connecting from the mainland several times with the cyclic rise and fall of sea level. The fluctuations can change the biota and ecological environment in the island. Cycas taiwaniana Carruthers is endemic to Hainan Island and is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). To comprehensively understand the genetic dynamics of C. taiwaniana, we sampled 12 wild populations in Hainan Island and one cultivated population in Fujian province, and analyzed the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and demographic history based on the molecular data. Results revealed that C. taiwaniana had relatively low genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation. Haplotypes of C. taiwaniana diversified during the Pleistocene based on the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and the concatenated nuclear DNA (nDNA) data. Genetic cluster analyses based on the microsatellite (SSR) data showed that the 12 wild populations were separated into three clusters which could be three evolutionary significant units (ESUs), indicating three basic units of protection were identified. Moreover, we also confirmed the cultivated population FJ derived from the DLS1‐GSL clade. Demographic inference from different data was discordant, but overall, it uncovered that C. taiwaniana had experienced population contraction events twice during the Pleistocene and Holocene, and then expanded recently. Our study elucidated the population genetic characteristics of C. taiwaniana, and guided us to develop targeted conservation and management strategies for this endangered species.
Fulminant myocarditis with COVID‐19 infection having normal C‐reactive protein and serial magnetic resonance follow‐up
Authors: Usui Eisuke , Nagaoka Eiki , Ikeda Hiroshi , Ohmori Mari , Tao Susumu , Yonetsu Taishi , Maejima Yasuhiro , Arai Hirokuni , Amemiya Kisaki , Ikeda Yoshihiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: November 2022

A 44‐year‐old woman who was quarantined for 5 days after the diagnosis of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) was transferred to our hospital with the complaint of chest pain. The patient was unvaccinated. Electrocardiography revealed ST elevation in the lateral leads. Echocardiographic biventricular dysfunction with oedematous wall thickening was identified. Cardiac enzyme levels were elevated; however, C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, and the coronary angiogram were normal. The patient required mechanical circulatory support to stabilize haemodynamics and was treated with remdesivir, baricitinib, and intravenous methylprednisolone. She recovered after 13 days of mechanical support. Serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute myocardial oedema and subsequent fibrosis. An endomyocardial biopsy on admission showed mild interstitial inflammatory infiltrates with endomyocardial fibrous thickening and mild interstitial fibrosis of the myocardium. Normal CRP levels suggested minor involvement of interleukin (IL)‐6, supporting the efficacy of baricitinib.
Knockout of SLy1 decreases double‐negative thymocyte proliferation and protects mice from p53‐induced tumor formation
Authors: Gruber Lena‐Christin , Schneider Barbara , Nothnagel Christin , Beer‐Hammer Sandra
Published: November 2022

The lymphocyte‐specific adapter protein SLy1 has previously been identified as indispensable for thymocyte development and T‐cell proliferation and, recently, as a cause of X‐linked combined immunodeficiency in humans that recapitulates many of the abnormalities reported in SLy1KO and SLy1d/d mice. As SLy1KO NK cells show increased levels of p53, we focused our research on the interdependency of SLy1 and p53 for thymocyte development. Using RT‐PCR and immunoblot analysis, we observed increased levels of p53 as well as DNA damage response proteins in SLy1KO thymocytes. To test for rescue from SLy1‐induced deficiencies in thymocyte development like reduced thymocyte numbers and reduced DN to DP progression, we generated a mouse model with T cell‐specific p53‐deficiency on an SLy1KO background and analyzed lymphocyte populations in these mice and respective controls. Astonishingly, SLy1KO‐typical deficiencies were retained, showing that SLy1 is mechanistically independent of p53. Studies of apoptosis and proliferation in SLy1KO thymocytes revealed decreased proliferation in the DN3 subpopulation as a possible reason for the decreased thymocyte number. In mice with p53‐deficient T cells, we observed tumor formation leading to reduced survival, preferentially in SLy1WT mice. Thus, we suggest that a SLy1‐deficiency reduces proliferation, resulting in less hematologic tumors initiated by the p53‐deficiency.
Synthesis and Characterization of Neutral Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complexes and their Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Evaluations
Authors: Yu Wai‐Hong , Yiu Sze‐Chun , Lau Mei‐Tung , Ho Po‐Yu , Lam Pik‐Ling , Chui Chung‐Hin , Wong Wai‐Yeung
Published: November 2022

A series of neutral cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes bearing 2,6‐bis(2‐naphthyl)pyridine as a C^N^C tridentate chelating ligand with monodentate pyridyl ligands with different substituents 1–3 have been synthesized via double cyclometalation and ligand displacement reaction. The structural, photophysical, electrochemical and aggregation induced emission (AIE) properties of these neutral platinum(II) complexes were systematically studied. Complexes 1–3 exhibited AIE effects with different emission intensities and colors, in which 1 showed the highest quantum efficiency of 8.6 % under aggregated state, and the aggregates were assembled to ordered spheres. Among the Pt(II) complexes, 1 showed a bactericidal activity against both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (MIC and MBC=3.13 μg/mL) and methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (MIC and MBC=6.25 μg/mL). Complex 1 did not possess noticeable cytotoxicity to human skin HaCaT keratinocytes. The non‐cytotoxic complex 1 would have a good potential to be used for the antibacterial therapy to combat with S. aureus and MRSA‐infected skin diseases.
SENSIBLE: SEquestered aNd SynergIstic BLockchain Ecosystem
Authors: Kshirsagar Meghana , Vaidya Gauri , Yao Yao , Kasar Smita , Ryan Conor
Published: November 2022

Health care interoperability unfolds the way for personalized health care services at a reduced cost. Furthermore, a decentralized system holds the promise to prevent compromises such as cyber‐attacks due to data breaches. Hence, there is a need for a framework that seamlessly integrates and shares data across the system stakeholders. We propose SEquestered aNd SynergIstic BLockchain Ecosystem (SENSIBLE), a blockchain‐powered, knowledge‐driven data‐sharing framework that gives patients complete control of their medical history and can extract rich information hidden in it using knowledge graphs (KGs). By incorporating both blockchain and KGs, we can provide a platform for secure data sharing among stakeholders by maintaining data privacy and integrity through data authentication and robust data integration. We present a Proof‐of‐Concept of the SENSIBLE
network with Ethereum to share dynamic knowledge across stakeholders. Dynamic knowledge generation on the blockchain provides a two‐fold advantage of cooperation and communication amongst the stakeholders in the health care ecosystem. This leads to operational ease through sharing relevant portions of complex information while also ensuring the isolation of sensitive medical data.
Unsupervised physiological noise correction of functional magnetic resonance imaging data using phase and magnitude information (PREPAIR)
Authors: Bancelin David , Bachrata Beata , Bollmann Saskia , de Lima Cardoso Pedro , Szomolanyi Pavol , Trattnig Siegfried , Robinson Simon Daniel
Published: November 2022

Of the sources of noise affecting blood oxygen level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), respiration and cardiac fluctuations are responsible for the largest part of the variance, particularly at high and ultrahigh field. Existing approaches to removing physiological noise either use external recordings, which can be unwieldy and unreliable, or attempt to identify physiological noise from the magnitude fMRI data. Data‐driven approaches are limited by sensitivity, temporal aliasing, and the need for user interaction. In the light of the sensitivity of the phase of the MR signal to local changes in the field stemming from physiological processes, we have developed an unsupervised physiological noise correction method using the information carried in the phase and the magnitude of echo‐planar imaging data. Our technique, Physiological Regressor Estimation from Phase and mAgnItude, sub‐tR (PREPAIR) derives time series signals sampled at the slice TR from both phase and magnitude images. It allows physiological noise to be captured without aliasing, and efficiently removes other sources of signal fluctuations not related to physiology, prior to regressor estimation. We demonstrate that the physiological signal time courses identified with PREPAIR agree well with those from external devices and retrieve challenging cardiac dynamics. The removal of physiological noise was as effective as that achieved with the most used approach based on external recordings, RETROICOR. In comparison with widely used recording‐free physiological noise correction tools—PESTICA and FIX, both performed in unsupervised mode—PREPAIR removed significantly more respiratory and cardiac noise than PESTICA, and achieved a larger increase in temporal signal‐to‐noise‐ratio at both 3 and 7 T.
Resolving streamflow diel fluctuations in a small agricultural catchment with an integrated surface‐subsurface hydrological model
Authors: la Cecilia Daniele , Camporese Matteo
Published: November 2022

During dry periods, stream discharge in vegetated catchments can naturally fluctuate up to 10% daily. Despite intensive efforts put in observing and interpreting diel fluctuations of stream discharge across a range of instrumented natural catchments worldwide, the capability of state‐of‐the‐art hydrological models to reproduce and explain such processes has rarely been tested. Here, we used CATHY, a physics‐based integrated surface‐subsurface hydrological model (ISSHM), to simulate the stream discharge in a small tile‐drained agricultural catchment in Switzerland, where streamflow diel fluctuations appeared in dry periods. The model was able to satisfactorily reproduce the measured stream discharge, including the observed diel fluctuations. Next, we designed and simulated a series of modelling scenarios aimed to disentangle the processes contributing to the diel fluctuations in stream discharge. These scenarios revealed the predominant role of evapotranspiration (ET) in the establishment of diel fluctuations in stream discharge. Irrigation sustained the baseflow in dry periods and caused short‐living streamflow peaks, which did not directly cause, but superposed to, diel patterns. Vegetation rooting depths and response to oxygen stress in the root zone slightly affected the amplitude of the streamflow diel fluctuations, while changes in the saturated hydraulic conductivity driven by diel soil temperature fluctuations caused an amplitude of the streamflow diel signal 10 times smaller compared to the one caused by ET. Our study demonstrates that ISSHMs such as CATHY can provide high‐fidelity spatially‐distributed dynamic simulations of evapotranspiration and irrigation fluxes, as well as soil moisture and groundwater flows, enhancing our understanding of the role of these hydrological processes during dry periods and thus making these models useful tools for a more sustainable management of agricultural catchments.
A novel low‐energy approach to leucoxene concentrate desiliconization by ammonium bifluoride solutions
Authors: Smorokov Andrey , Kantaev Alexandr , Bryankin Daniil , Miklashevich Anna , Kamarou Maksim , Romanovski Valentin
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Despite the large reserves of titanium ores, their treatment by basic approaches to obtain titanium products is not always economically feasible due to various factors. One of these problems is the high content of silicon in the ores.

RESULTS

The paper considers the desiliconization of a leucoxene concentrate with an aqueous solution of ammonium bifluoride. It was found that at 80 °C the main impurities, such as silicon and iron, pass into solution in the form of corresponding ammonium–fluorine complex compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of desiliconization was up to 99%. Aluminium reacts with ammonium bifluoride, but is almost not leached into solution due to its low solubility. Titanium does not react due to its relatively higher reaction Gibbs energy among other metals in reaction with ammonium bifluoride. The content of titanium oxide in the calcined leaching residue was 85.52 wt%. The resulting residue corresponds to the raw material used in industry for the production of titanium dioxide pigment or titanium metal by the chlorine method. Iron and silicon can be precipitated from the leaching solution. Furthermore, the resulting filtrate can be evaporated in order to regenerate and reuse ammonium bifluoride. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Inverted repeats in the monkeypox virus genome are hot spots for mutation
Authors: Dobrovolná Michaela , Brázda Václav , Warner Emily F. , Bidula Stefan
Published: November 2022

The current monkeypox virus (MPXV) strain differs from the strain arising in 2018 by 50+ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and is mutating much faster than expected. The cytidine deaminase apolipoprotein B messenger RNA editing enzyme, catalytic subunit B (APOBEC3) was hypothesized to be driving this increased mutation. APOBEC has recently been identified to preferentially mutate cruciform DNA secondary structures formed by inverted repeats (IRs). IRs were recently identified as hot spots for mutation in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and we aimed to identify whether IRs were also hot spots for mutation within MPXV genomes. We found that MPXV genomes were replete with IR sequences. Of the 50+ SNPs identified in the 2022 outbreak strain, 63.9% of these were found to have arisen within IR regions in the 2018 reference strain (MT903344.1). Notably, IR sequences found in the 2018 reference strain were significantly lost over time, with an average of 32.5% of these sequences being conserved in the 2022 MPXV genomes. This evidence was highly indicative that mutations were arising within IRs. This data provides further support to the hypothesis that APOBEC may be driving MPXV mutation and highlights the necessity for greater surveillance of IRs of MPXV genomes to detect new mutations.
About the Influence of (Non‐)Solvents on the Ring Expansion Polymerization of l‐Lactide and the Formation of Extended Ring Crystals
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Weidner Steffen M. , Meyer Andreas
Published: November 2022

Ring‐expansion polymerizations (REPs) catalyzed by two cyclic tin catalysts (2‐stanna‐1.3‐dioxa‐4,5,6,7‐dibenzazepine [SnBiph] and 2,2‐dibutyl‐2‐stanna‐1,3‐dithiolane [DSTL]) are performed at 140 °C in bulk. Small amounts (4 vol%) of chlorobenzene or other solvents are added to facilitate transesterification reactions (ring–ring equilibration) in the solid poly(l‐lactide)s. In the mass range up to m/z 13 000 crystalline PLAs displaying a so‐called saw‐tooth pattern in the MALDI‐TOF mass spectra are obtained indicating the formation of extended‐ring crystals. The characteristics of extended‐ring crystallites and folded‐ring crystallites are discussed. Furthermore, extremely high melting temperatures (Tm's up to 201.2 °C) and melting enthalpies (ΔHm's up to 106 J g−1)) are found confirming that ΔHmmax, the ΔHm of a perfect crystal, is around or above 115 J g−1 in contrast to literature data.
Properties of generalized magnetic polarizability tensors
Authors: Ledger Paul David , Lionheart William R. B.
Published: November 2022

We present new alternative complete asymptotic expansions for the time harmonic low‐frequency magnetic field perturbation caused by the presence of a conducting permeable object as its size tends to zero for the eddy current approximation of the Maxwell system. Our new alternative formulations enable a natural extension of the well‐known rank 2 magnetic polarizability tensor (MPT) object characterization to higher order tensor descriptions by introducing generalized MPTs (GMPTs) using multi‐indices. In particular, we identify the magnetostatic contribution, provide new results on the symmetries of GMPTs, derive explicit formulae for the real and imaginary parts of GMPT coefficients and also describe the spectral behavior of GMPT coefficients. We also introduce the concept of harmonic GMPTs (HGMPTs) that have fewer coefficients than other GMPT descriptions of the same order. We describe the scaling, translation and rotational properties of HGMPTs and describe an approach for obtaining those HGMPT coefficients that are invariant under the action of a symmetry group. Such an approach is one candidate for selecting features in object classification for hidden object identification using HGMPTs.
Design of a hybrid frequency selective rasorber with wide band absorption performance for C, X, and K bands
Authors: Yin Jiao , Jia Yuxin , Guo Chaozong , Zhai Huiqing , Liu Changyuan
Published: November 2022

Hybrid frequency selective rasorber (FSRs) composed of hybrid lossy layers and bandpass frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) are proposed in this study, which works as an absorber with absorption bands of 3.34–11.95 GHz and 17.44–24.29 GHz providing the fractional bandwidths of 112% and 33% while reserving a transparent window from 13.75 to 15.32 GHz. The proposed FSR is designed by stacking a hybrid lossy layer and band‐pass FSS. One of the lossy layers is composed of a λ/4 transmission line resonator in the middle of the lumped resistors' loaded bent dipole, which realizes an absorption‐transmission (A–T) frequency response, and the other is constructed by four stripe‐type parallel inductor and capacitor resonators connected to a lumped resistors' loaded circular ring, which realizes T–A frequency response. The bandpass FSS is a three‐tier structure in which the top and the bottom layers are composed of periodical circle patches and the middle layer is composed of circle slots. To explicate the working mechanism of the hybrid FSR, an equivalent circuit model is established, meanwhile, the surface current loss is analyzed. A fabricated prototype of the proposed FSR is assembled and measured to test the simulated frequency response.
Effects of exercise interventions on physical and psychological outcomes in frail older adults: Protocol for an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Lyu Qiong , Kong Ling‐Na , Hu Ping , Liu Dun‐Xiu , Zeng Lin , Wang Wen‐Xin
Published: November 2022

Aims

To systematically summarize the existing evidence regarding the effects of exercise interventions on physical and psychological outcomes in frail older adults and appraise the quality and strength of the evidence.

Design

An overview protocol.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews will be conducted to identify relevant systematic reviews with or without meta‐analysis on exercise interventions for frail older adults. Two independent reviewers will select articles, extract data and appraise the quality of included reviews. Physical and psychological outcomes will be synthesized using narrative summaries. The methodological quality of included reviews and the quality of evidence will also be assessed.

Results

This overview will present the evidence on the effects of exercise interventions on physical and psychological outcomes for frail older adults, contributing to the implementation of exercise interventions to improve health outcomes for this population.
Load frequency predictive control for power systems concerning wind turbine and communication delay
Authors: Tang Xiaoming , Wu Yun , Li Yu , Wen Yiyu
Published: November 2022

This article addresses a model predictive control (MPC) technique for load frequency control (LFC) system in the presence of wind power, communication delay, and denial‐of‐service (DoS) attack. In this article, communication delay is incorporated into a single area control error transmission for simplicity, wind power and load disturbance are regarded as Lipschitz nonlinear terms, as for the randomly occurring DoS attack, it is modeled as Bernoulli processes with known conditional probability. Thinking all these adverse factors to stability and the limitation of input constraint synthetically, the stability of LFC system can be guaranteed by delay‐dependent Lyapunov function lemma and a state feedback MPC controller is designed to solve the LFC problems by minimizing the infinite‐horizon objective function. Although some scholars have studied the performance degradation and instability of LFC system caused by cyber attack and/or communication delay and some very nice results have been addressed, limited works have considered the MPC approach to deal with both the problems of cyber attack and communication delay which explicitly considers the physical constraints. In addition, the delay‐dependent Lyapunov function is adopted to deal with the problem of communication delay, which results in less conservatism of the presented method. Finally, the optimization problem with input constraint is solved and proven to be recursive feasibility, and the closed‐loop system turns out to be stable. The reasonability and validity of the provided strategy is verified through several groups of simulation experiments. It illustrates that the proposed control method can keep the system frequency steady in the standard range in spite of various attack conditions.