bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutron capture cross section measurements for natLu with different thickness
Authors: Wang De-Xin , Zhang Su-Ya-La-Tu , Jiang Wei , Ren Jie , Wang Jin-Cheng , Tang Jing-Yu , Ruan Xi-Chao , Wang Hong-Wei , Chen Zhi-Qiang , Huang Mei-Rong , Tang Xin , Hu Xin-Rong , Li Xin-Xiang , Liu Long-Xiang , Liu Bing-Yan , Sun Hui , Zhang Yue , Hao Zi-Rui , Song Na , Li Xue , Niu Dan-Dan , Li Guo , Meng Gu-Fu ,   College of Mathematics and Physics, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China,   Institute of Nuclear Physics, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China,   Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Spallation Neutron Source Science Center, Dongguan 523803, China,   Key Laboratory of Nuclear Data, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China,   Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China,   Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
Published: January 2022

The C6D6 detection system coupling with the pulse height weighting technique is widely used for experimentally measuring the neutron capture cross section. The thickness of sample used in the experiment directly affects the neutron beam time and the reliability of the experimental data. In the present work, we compare the lutetium (Lu) neutron capture reaction cross sections among the samles with different thickness, obtained by the C6D6 detection system of the back-streaming white neutron beam line at China spallation Neutron Source (CSNS back-n). The light response of the detection system is simulated with the consideration of the sample thickness by GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation code. The 4th order polynomial pulse weight functions for different samples are determined by using the above light response function. In the experiment, the high precision capture yield distributions in the resonance energy region are obtained by measuring the longer flight distance and background. The experimental resonance parameters are deduced by analyzing the capture yield distribution with the R-matrix theory. The comparisons of the results of capture yield and the resonance parameters between the two groups show that the resonance curve of 1.06mm natLu sample changes due to its thickness effect, and there is a large difference between the experimental resonance parameters and ENDF/B-VIII.0 database. However, the experimental results of 0.207mm natLu sample can well accord with the ENDF/B-VIII. 0 data.
Review of fiber Bragg grating interrogation techniques based on array waveguide gratings
Authors: Li Ke , Dong Ming-Li , Yuan Pei , Lu Li-Dan , Sun Guang-Kai , Zhu Lian-Qing ,   Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Optoelectronic Measurement Technology and Instrument, Beijing Information Science & Technology University, Beijing 100192, China,   Beijing Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and System, Beijing Information Science & Technology University, Beijing 100016, China,   Beijing Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Measurement Technology, Beijing Information Science & Technology University, Beijing 100192, China
Published: January 2022

The photonic integrated interrogation technology based on array waveguide grating is a hot but difficult research area in the silicon optical field. Compared with traditional interrogation methods, the photonic integration interrogation technology based on an array waveguide grating has obvious advantages in high-speed and high-precision demodulation of fiber Bragg gratings due to its high demodulation accuracy, fast demodulation speed, and small package size. In recent years, with the development of photonic integration technology, various research institutions and relevant organizations have conducted extensive and in-depth research and optimization on the photonic integration interrogation method of array waveguide gratings. In this paper we introduce the working principle of array waveguide grating and the principle of fiber Bragg grating wavelength interrogation based on array waveguide grating, the important progress of fiber Bragg grating interrogator based on array waveguide grating in both material system and system performance, and summarize the typical applications in interrogator based on array waveguide grating. The future development of fiber Bragg grating demodulation system is proposed from three aspects: new materials, system integration, and scale-up, which provides a reference for the research and development of photonic integrated interrogation technology based on array waveguide grating.
Mechanism of internal magnetic energy of Cu-rich phase precipitation in Fe84Cu15Mn1 alloy by phase field method
Authors: Jiang Xin-An , Zhao Yu-Hong , Yang Wen-Kui , Tian Xiao-Lin , Hou Hua ,   School of Materials Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
Published: January 2022

Based on the continuous phase field model, the precipitation behavior of Cu rich phase in Fe-Cu-Mn alloy under the action of internal magnetic energy is studied. The effects of internal magnetic energy on the average particle radius, volume fraction and Gibbs free energy of Cu rich phase at different temperatures and different Mn content and Cu content are investigated. The simulation results show that the lower the Mn content and the higher the Curie temperature, the greater the contribution of internal magnetic energy to free energy is, and the contribution of internal magnetic energy decreases with temperature increasing. The internal magnetic energy reduces the phase structure transition barrier and promotes the phase structure transition. The volume fraction of precipitated phase increases with Cu content increasing. Compared with the effect of internal magnetic energy on the volume fraction of precipitated phase, the effect of internal magnetic energy leads to a large volume fraction of precipitated phase. Therefore, under the action of internal magnetic energy, the Cu rich phase has larger average particle size, volume fraction and smaller coercivity. Finally, the change trend of alloy hardness is predicted.
Network failure model based on time series
Authors: Yan Yu-Wei , Jiang Yuan , Yang Song-Qing , Yu Rong-Bin , Hong Cheng ,   Institute of Information Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, China
Published: January 2022

With the development of network science, the static network has been unable to clearly characterize the dynamic process of the network. In real networks, the interaction between individuals evolves rapidly over time. This network model closely links time to interaction process. Compared with static networks, dynamic networks can clearly describe the interaction time of nodes, which has more practical significance. Therefore, how to better describe the behavior changes of networks after being attacked based on time series is an important problem in the existing cascade failure research. In order to better answer this question, a failure model based on time series is proposed in this paper. The model is constructed according to time, activation ratio, number of edges and connection probability. By randomly attacking nodes at a certain time, the effects of four parameters on sequential networks are analyzed. In order to validate the validity and scientificity of this failure model, we use small social networks in the United States. The experimental results show that the model is feasible. The model takes into account the time as well as the spreading dynamics and provides a reference for explaining the dynamic networks in reality.
Multi-branch erbium fiber-based femtosecond optical frequency comb for measurement of cavity ring-down spectroscopy
Authors: Rao Bing-Jie , Zhang Pan , Li Ming-Kun , Yang Xi-Guang , Yan Lu-Lu , Chen Xin , Zhang Shou-Gang , Zhang Yan-Yan , Jiang Hai-Feng ,   Key Laboratory of Time and Frequency Primary Standards, National Time Service Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an 710600, China,   School of Astronomy and Space Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   Division of Quantum Physics and Quantum Information, University of Science and Technology of China, Shanghai 201315, China
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we demonstrate an optical frequency comb (OFC) based on an erbium-doped-fiber femtosecond laser, for the measurement of cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) with wavelengths of 1064, 1083, 1240, 1380, 1500, 1600, 1750 and 2100 nm. We adopt a multi-branch structure to produce high power at the specific wavelengths to meet the requirement for application in the spectral measurement. The OFC is developed by using a mode-locked fiber ring laser based on the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror mechanism. The laser is self-starting by introducing a nonreciprocal phase bias in the cavity and insensitive to the environmental perturbation. Using the chirped pulse amplification and highly nonlinear fibers, the broad spectra at the specific wavelengths are obtained. By optimizing the parameters of the pulses, the power of per mode at each target wavelength is greater than 300 nW.

The frep is obtained by detecting the output of the femtosecond laser directly, while the fceo is detected by f-2f interference. The signal-to-noise ratio of the fceo is about 35 dB with a 300-kHz resolution bandwidth. By controlling the intra-cavity electro-optic modulator and piezoactuator , the frep is stabilized with high bandwidth and large range (about megahertz bandwidth and 3 kHz range). The fceo is stabilized by using feedback to the pump current of the femtosecond laser dynamically. The in-loop frequency instability degree of the fceo, evaluated by the Allan deviation, is approximately 4.95 × 10–18/τ1/2 at 1 s and integrates down to 10–20 level after 2000 s, while that of the frep is well below 5.85 × 10–13/τ. The all polarization-maintaining erbium fiber-based femtosecond optical frequency comb with multi-application branches we demonstrate in this paper is efficient and reliable for many other applications including optical frequency metrology and optical atomic clocks.
Measurement of gas pressure by double-cavity comparison refractive index method
Authors: Liu Yang-Yang , Hu Chang-Le , Sun Yu , Wang Jin , Hu Shui-Ming ,   Department of Chemical Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China,   CAS Center for Excellence in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Published: January 2022

A gas pressure measurement device is built based on the gas refractive index method, and the measurement range is from 10 kPa to 100 kPa, and the device is tested by a dual-cavity comparison method. The temperature of the two vacuum chambers is separately controlled and the two cavities are connected to ensure that the gas pressures in the two cavities are the same. Using high-purity nitrogen (6N) as the gas medium, under the condition of different gas pressures, the dual-cavity comparative measurements are conducted. The results show that the optical pressure gauge has a repeatability better than 30 × 10–6, which is significantly better than the commercial capacitive pressure gauge, indicating that this method has great potential applications. Sources of error and uncertainty in the measurement are analyzed, and it is planned to design a new system to improve the measurement.
Experimental study on capillary discharge for laser plasma wake acceleration
Authors: Zhu Xin-Zhe , Li Bo-Yuan , Liu Feng , Li Jian-Long , Bi Ze-Wu , Lu Lin , Yuan Xiao-Hui , Yan Wen-Chao , Chen Min , Chen Li-Ming , Sheng Zheng-Ming , Zhang Jie ,   Key Laboratory for Laser Plasmas (MOE), School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center of IFSA (CICIFSA), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China,   Tsung-Dao Li Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Published: January 2022

Preformed plasma channels play important roles in many applications, such as laser wakefield acceleration, plasma lens, and so on. Laser pulses can be well guided when the radial density distribution of the plasma channel has a parabolic profile and it is matched with the laser focus. Discharging a gas-filled capillary is a possible way to form such plasma channels. In this work, we report the capillary discharging and laser guiding experiments performed in the Laboratory for Laser Plasmas at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The plasma density distributions in the Helium-filled discharged capillary are measured by using the spectral broadening method. In a capillary with a length of 3 cm and a diameter of 300 μm, the plasma density profile is observed to be uniformly distributed along the axial direction and have a parabolic profile along the radial direction. Parameters for plasma channel generation are scanned. The deepest channel depth obtained is 28 μm, which is close to the focal spot radius of the laser used in the experiment. Laser guidance in the plasma channel is also studied. The results show that the laser can maintain its focus and continuously propagate when the channel depth matches the focal spot, indicating that the well guiding of the laser pulse by the preformed plasma channel is obtained. These studies may serve as the ground work for the future studies, such as staged laser wakefield acceleration and phase-locked wakefield acceleration.
Gut microbial trimethylamine is elevated in alcohol-associated hepatitis and contributes to ethanol-induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Helsley Robert N , Miyata Tatsunori , Kadam Anagha , Varadharajan Venkateshwari , Sangwan Naseer , Huang Emily C , Banerjee Rakhee , Brown Amanda L , Fung Kevin K , Massey William J , Neumann Chase , Orabi Danny , Osborn Lucas J , Schugar Rebecca C , McMullen Megan R , Bellar Annette , Poulsen Kyle L , Kim Adam , Pathak Vai , Mrdjen Marko , Anderson James T , Willard Belinda , McClain Craig J , Mitchell Mack , McCullough Arthur J , Radaeva Svetlana , Barton Bruce , Szabo Gyongyi , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Garcia-Garcia Jose Carlos , Rotroff Daniel M , Allende Daniela S , Wang Zeneng , Hazen Stanley L , Nagy Laura E , Brown Jonathan Mark
Published: January 2022

There is mounting evidence that microbes residing in the human intestine contribute to diverse alcohol-associated liver diseases (ALD) including the most deadly form known as alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). However, mechanisms by which gut microbes synergize with excessive alcohol intake to promote liver injury are poorly understood. Furthermore, whether drugs that selectively target gut microbial metabolism can improve ALD has never been tested. We used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the levels of microbe and host choline co-metabolites in healthy controls and AH patients, finding elevated levels of the microbial metabolite trimethylamine (TMA) in AH. In subsequent studies, we treated mice with non-lethal bacterial choline TMA lyase (CutC/D) inhibitors to blunt gut microbe-dependent production of TMA in the context of chronic ethanol administration. Indices of liver injury were quantified by complementary RNA sequencing, biochemical, and histological approaches. In addition, we examined the impact of ethanol consumption and TMA lyase inhibition on gut microbiome structure via 16S rRNA sequencing. We show the gut microbial choline metabolite TMA is elevated in AH patients and correlates with reduced hepatic expression of the TMA oxygenase flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3). Provocatively, we find that small molecule inhibition of gut microbial CutC/D activity protects mice from ethanol-induced liver injury. CutC/D inhibitor-driven improvement in ethanol-induced liver injury is associated with distinct reorganization of the gut microbiome and host liver transcriptome. The microbial metabolite TMA is elevated in patients with AH, and inhibition of TMA production from gut microbes can protect mice from ethanol-induced liver injury.
Preorthodontic Management of Gingival Recession using Epithelial Embossed Connective Tissue Graft: A Case Report with Two years Follow-up
Authors: Resmi PG , Ambili R , Prasad M Neethu , Deepu Leander
Published: January 2022

Gingival recession is an aesthetic and functional problem requiring surgical management in most cases. Adequate gingival health is a prerequisite to maintain plaque control during orthodontic treatment. This case report described management of gingival recession before orthodontic treatment using a novel surgical method. Here, authors presented a case of 27-year-old female patient reported to the Department of Periodontics for management of gingival recession in the lower front tooth region. The patient was diagnosed with Miller’s Class II gingival recession on mandibular right central incisor. Vestibular depth and width of attached gingiva was found to be inadequate at the recession site. The case was managed with epithelial embossed connective graft. The recipient site was prepared using envelope technique and internal vestibular deepening was performed before placing the graft. Complete root coverage, adequate vestibular depth and width of attached gingiva were obtained postoperatively. Due to high aesthetic demand of the patient, orthodontic therapy was instituted six months following root coverage and patient could maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Results of surgical treatment were maintained till two years follow-up. Careful selection of surgical technique could enhance thickness and width of attached gingiva and retain vestibular depth at the recipient site. Successful case management enabled the patient to maintain gingival health during orthodontic treatment.
Development of paternally‐inherited Y chromosome simple sequence repeats of sika deer and their application in genetic structure, artificial introduction, and interspecific hybridization analyses
Authors: Takagi Toshihito , Tsuda Yoshiaki , Torii Harumi , Tamate Hidetoshi B. , Kaneko Shingo , Nagata Junco
Published: January 2022

The effect of sex‐biased dispersal in mammalian ecology and evolution can be elucidated by focusing on maternally or paternally inherited DNA polymorphisms. In sika deer, the genetic structure of the maternal lineage has been clarified by studies based on mitochondrial DNA variation. However, the genetic structure of the paternal lineage has not been well analyzed due to the limited number of point mutations in Y chromosome sequences. In this study, we focused on mutations of highly polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the Y chromosome and developed 16 Y chromosome SSR markers to evaluate male‐biased dispersal in sika deer. In total, 55 alleles and 31 multi‐locus haplotypes were detected from these 16 loci, revealing clear genetic differentiation among populations (F′ST = 0.783). In particular, there were unique alleles for the native individuals on Tanegashima and Yakushima Islands and introduced exotic individuals from Taiwan. These markers are highly useful for evaluating not only historical male‐mediated dispersal, genetic structure, and demography of the native populations in Japan, but also the impact of artificial introductions on hybridization, especially the introgression of alleles from escaped farmed individuals to native populations.
A New Entry to Purely Organic Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters Based on Pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazine‐Dihydrophenazasilines Donor‐Acceptor Dyad
Authors: Goya Tsuyoshi , Zimmermann Crocomo Paola , Hosono Takumi , Minakata Satoshi , de Sousa Leonardo Evaristo , de Silva Piotr , Data Przemyslaw , Takeda Youhei
Published: January 2022

A new family of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters based on a twisted donor‐acceptor (D−A) dyad scaffold comprising of dihydrophenazasiline (D) and pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazine (A) has been developed, and their properties have been investigated. Time‐resolved spectroscopic analysis in matrices revealed the detailed photophysical properties of the D−A compounds. These D−A compounds serve as the emitter for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), showing a moderate external quantum efficiency (EQE) up to 9% in CBP matrix. Furthermore, theoretical calculations uncovered the excited states nature of the developed TADF emitters.
Phosphonate/Phosphine Oxide Dyad Additive for Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Wu Wenping , Zhan Hongmei , Yuan Wei , Li Hongxiang , Zhang Dezhong , Wang Dapeng , Cheng Yanxiang , Shao Shiyang , Qin Chuanjiang , Wang Lixiang
Published: January 2022

Additives play a critical role for efficient perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Here, we report a novel phosphonate/phosphine oxide dyad molecular additive (PE‐TPPO), with unique dual roles of passivating defects and enhancing carrier radiative recombination, to boost the device efficiency of metal–halide perovskites. In addition to the defect passivation effect of the phosphine oxide group to enhance the photoluminescence intensity and homogeneity of perovskite film, the phosphonate group with strong electron affinity can capture the injected electrons to increase local carrier concentration and accelerate the carrier radiative recombination in the electroluminescence process. Owing to their synergistic enhancement on device efficiency, quasi‐two‐dimensional green PeLEDs modified by this dyad additive exhibit a maximum external quantum efficiency, current efficiency, and power efficiency of 25.1 %, 100.5 cd A−1, and 98.7 lm W−1, respectively, which are among the reported state‐of‐the‐art efficiencies.
Factors affecting seabird abundance and interaction with the nearshore ‘for hire’ recreational charter fishery in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Hughes Julian M. , Johnson Daniel D. , Collins Damian , Ochwada‐Doyle Faith A. , Murphy Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2022

Bycatch in fishing gear is a threat to the conservation of seabird populations globally. Factors affecting interactions with commercial fisheries are well documented; however, little comparable information exists for recreational fisheries. High participation rates in many recreational fisheries globally mean that interactions with seabirds may have population‐level impacts.

This study specifically assessed factors affecting seabird interactions with a recreational hook‐and‐line fishery in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Observers on ‘for hire’ nearshore charter vessels collected data on seabird abundance, interactions and various fishing and environmental variables which could affect the numbers of seabirds in attendance at vessels.

In 2017/18, observers were present on 135 fishing trips spanning ~33–36°S off coastal NSW recording 3,183 seabirds, including 10 species from seven families. The majority consisted of shearwaters (Procellariidae; 76%), albatrosses (Diomedeidae; 8%) and gulls/terns (Laridae; 10%), including several species of conservation concern.

Significant seasonal variation in the abundances of the three main seabird families were recorded; however, none of the fishing or environmental variables influenced abundances of seabirds (except for the positive effect of inclement weather on shearwaters).

Eleven direct interactions and a single incidence of (shearwater) bycatch were recorded in over 630 h of observed fishing (1.74 and 0.16 per 100 h fishing, respectively); these rates were likely due to the active fishing methods used which allows fisher behaviour to minimize interactions.

Despite this, these rates indicate that the nearshore charter fishery does have the potential to present a threat to the conservation of seabird populations in this region. Furthermore, globally, for regions with high recreational fishing participation rates, increased and ongoing monitoring of seabird interactions with recreational fisheries is required.

This study also highlights that such interactions are likely to be rare events and future monitoring may require utilization of existing broadscale recreational fisheries monitoring programmes, as well as the development of new or enhanced programmes.
Haploinsufficiency of PSMD12 Causes Proteasome Dysfunction and Subclinical Autoinflammation
Authors: Yan Kai , Zhang Jiahui , Lee Pui Y. , Tao Panfeng , Wang Jun , Wang Shihao , Zhou Qing , Dong Minyue
Published: January 2022

Objective

Proteasome‐associated autoinflammatory syndrome (PRAAS) is caused by mutations affecting components of the proteasome and activation of the type I interferon (IFN) pathway. This study was undertaken to investigate the pathogenic mechanisms of a newly recognized type of PRAAS caused by PSMD12 haploinsufficiency.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed in members of a family with skin rash, congenital uveitis, and developmental delay. We performed functional studies to assess proteasome dysfunction and inflammatory signatures in patients, and single‐cell RNA sequencing to further explore the spectrum of immune cell activation.

Results

A novel truncated variant in PSMD12 (c.865C>T, p.Arg289*) was identified in 2 family members. The impairment of proteasome function was found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), as well as in PSMD12‐knockdown HEK 293T cell lines. Moreover, we defined the inflammatory signatures in patient PBMCs and found elevated IFN signals, especially in monocytes, by single‐cell RNA sequencing.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that PSMD12 haploinsufficiency causes a set of inflammation signatures in addition to neurodevelopmental disorders. Our work expands the genotype and phenotype spectrum of PRAAS and suggests a bridge between the almost exclusively inflammatory phenotypes in the majority of PRAAS patients and the almost exclusively neurodevelopmental phenotypes in the previously reported Stankiewicz‐Isidor syndrome.
The role of a urine dipstick in the diagnosis of the acute scrotum
Authors: Tissot Sophie , Perrott Christopher , Grills Richard
Published: January 2022

Objective

To evaluate the role of a urine dipstick in the assessment of acute scrotal pain emergency department presentations.

Methods

A single institution, prospective case series, from February 2020 to February 2021. All patients who received a bedside review by a urology doctor for acute scrotal pain were included. Urine dipstick results were pre‐defined as having had an impact on the emergency clinician's diagnosis if it showed pyuria and/or nitrituria and the final diagnosis was epididymitis‐orchitis or haematuria and the final diagnosis was ureterolithiasis.

Results

139 patients presented to the emergency department with a complaint of acute scrotal pain. 85 (61%) were referred for bedside urology review. Median age of 17 years (P25 12 yrs, P75 31 yrs). 2.3% (n = 2) had proven testicular torsion, 28.5% (n = 24) had epididymitis‐orchitis and 8.2% (n = 7) had ureterolithiasis. 68 (80%) of patients received a primary diagnosis of testicular torsion by the emergency department clinician. Following review by a urology unit doctor, 14 proceeded to scrotal exploration for concern of testicular torsion. 7 patients were diagnosed with ureterolithiasis, all of whom had haematuria on their urine dipsticks (100%, 95% CI: 59–100%), 100% of these urine dipsticks were initiated by the urology unit doctor following bedside review. 22 patients were diagnosed with epididymitis‐orchitis. 8 of these had pyuria, nitrituria and/or haematuria on their urine dipstick (36%, 95% CI: 17–59%) and only one urine dipstick was completed prior to referral. 20.6% of patients perceived to have testicular torsion by the emergency department had a positive urine dipstick that aligned with their final alternative diagnosis (95% CI: 12–32%).

Conclusion

A collection of clinical findings is required to diagnose the aetiology of acute scrotal pain. Information that can be easily, quickly, cheaply, and reliably collected, such as a urine dipstick, can assist in clinical decision making.
In vitro and in silico interactions of antiulcer, glucocorticoids and urological drugs on human carbonic anhydrase I and II isozymes
Authors: Güller Uğur , Beydemir Şükrü , Küfrevioğlu Ömer İrfan
Published: January 2022

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs, Enzyme Commission 4.2.1.1) convert carbon dioxide to bicarbonate in metabolism and use Zn2+ ions as a cofactor for their catalytic activity. The activators or inhibitors of CA‐I and CA‐II, which are the most abundant CA isozymes in erythrocytes, have pharmacological applications in medicine. So, investigation of drug‐protein interaction of these isozymes is significant. On this basis, the objective of this study was to clarify the primer effects of widely used drugs on the activity of human CA‐I and CA‐II enzymes and elucidate the inhibition mechanism through molecular docking studies. For this aim isozymes were purified from human erythrocytes by affinity chromatography technique. Then inhibition profiles of antiulcer, glucocorticoids, and urological drugs were investigated. As a result, while budesonide had the highest inhibitory potency on hydratase activity of hCA‐I with the IC50 of 0.08 mM, levofloxacin showed the highest inhibition effect on hCA‐II with the IC50 of 0.886 mM. The most effective inhibitor on the esterase activity of isozymes was found as fluticasone propionate with the Ki values of 0.0365 ± 0.016 mM and 0.054 ± 0.018 mM respectively. However, by molecular docking study, it was estimated that budesonide showed maximum inhibition potency for both isozymes with the free binding energy of −7.58 and −6.97 kcal/mol, respectively. Consequently, it was observed that some of the drugs studied did not show any inhibitory effect. Drug‐enzyme interactions were also estimated by molecular docking. This study could contribute to the discovery of new drug candidates and as well as target proteins.
Re‐thinking cheat‐proof and supervision‐free exams: A perspective in view of Covid‐19 situation in developing economies
Authors: Singh Sneha , Kumar Amit , Arya Aditya
Published: January 2022

The emergence of the global pandemic, SARS‐CoV‐2 has posed several challenges to education across the globe and led to the emergence and progression of newer methods of teaching and assessment. While online teaching has been quickly adopted and implemented across the globe, exams and assessment remain poorly managed both at an elementary and higher level. The practice of promoting students without an equivalent assessment or poor methods of online examinations systems poses a future difficulty in employability assessment and academic equivalence. Here we propose some suggestive measures especially for developing economies with a lack of adequate technology and insufficiently sensitized trainers for online assessment to avert the difficulties due to faulty examination schemes in pandemic situations with prolonged lockdowns.
Evaluation of the prevalence of metachronous second primary malignancies in hypopharyngeal carcinoma and their effect on outcomes
Authors: Luo Xi , Huang Xiaodong , Liu Shaoyan , Wang Xiaolei , Luo Jingwei , Xiao Jianping , Wang Kai , Qu Yuan , Chen Xuesong , Zhang Ye , Wang Jingbo , Zhang Jianghu , Xu Guozhen , Gao Li , Wu Runye , Yi Junlin
Published: January 2022

Background

To investigate the clinical characteristics of metachronous second primary malignancies (Met‐SPMs) and its impact on prognosis in hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC).

Methods

We reviewed 593 newly diagnosed HPC patients without invasive synchronous SPMs (Syn‐SPMs) who were treated in our cancer center between 2009 and 2019. According to the status during follow‐up, patients were classified into three groups: (a) without SPMs (No‐SPMs, n = 440), (b) with tumors in situ in the esophagus or stomach (Tis, n = 80), or (c) with Met‐SPMs (n = 73).

Results

The median follow‐up time for entire cohort (n = 593) was 66.7 months. Met‐SPMs were present in 12.3% of the cohort (73/593). The predominant site of SPMs was esophagus, followed by lung, oral cavity, thyroid, stomach, and oropharynx. In Met‐SPMs group, both index tumor and SPMs were the main causes of death. Tis group exhibited comparable 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) with that of No‐SPMs group. The Met‐SPMs group had similar 5‐year OS rate and better 5‐year DSS rate of 47.3% versus 43.6% (odds ratio [OR], 0.931; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.681–1.274, p = 0.657) and 66.3% vs. 46.2% (OR, 0.600; 95% CI, 0.402–0.896, p = 0.012), respectively, compared with the No‐SPMs group.

Conclusion

The overall incidence of Met‐SPMs in HPC was 12.3%. The occurrence of Met‐SPMs does not jeopardize the survival outcome of HPC. Routine surveillance of Met‐SPMs was requisite for patients with HPC.
Improving Biocatalytic Properties of an Azoreductase via the N‐Terminal Fusion of Formate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Ngo Anna Christina R. , Schultes Fabian Peter Josef , Maier Artur , Hadewig Simon Niklas Hermann , Tischler Dirk
Published: January 2022

Azoreductases require NAD(P)H to reduce azo dyes but the high cost of NAD(P)H limits its application. Formate dehydrogenase (FDH) allows NAD(P)+ recycling and therefore, the fusion of these two biocatalysts seems promising. This study investigated the changes to the fusion protein involving azoreductase (AzoRo) of Rhodococcus opacus 1CP and FDH (FDHC23S and FDHC23SD195QY196H) of Candida boidinii in different positions with His‐tag as the linker. The position affected enzyme activities as AzoRo activity decreased by 20‐fold when it is in the N‐terminus of the fusion protein. FDHC23S+AzoRo was the most active construct and was further characterized. Enzymatic activities of FDHC23S+AzoRo decreased compared to parental enzymes but showed improved substrate scope – accepting bulkier dyes. Moreover, pH has an influence on the stability and activity of the fusion protein because at pH 6 (pH that is suboptimal for FDH), the dye reduction decreased to more than 50 % and this could be attributed to the impaired NADH supply for the AzoRo part.
Elucidating the Germanium Distribution in ITQ‐13 Zeolites by Density Functional Theory**
Authors: Fischer Michael , Bornes Carlos , Mafra Luís , Rocha João
Published: January 2022

ITQ‐13 is a medium‐pore zeolite that can be prepared in all‐silica form and as silicogermanate with Si/Ge ratios as low as 3. Usually synthesised in the presence of fluoride, ITQ‐13 is among the very few systems containing fluoride anions in two distinct cage types, cube‐like d4r units and [4 ⋅ 56] cages. Here, dispersion‐corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the energetically most favourable Ge distributions for Si/Ge ratios between 55 and 6. The calculations show Ge atoms are incorporated at both the corners of d4r cages and at the basal plane of the [4 ⋅ 56] cages, in accordance with 19F NMR spectroscopy. Two Ge atoms at adjacent corners of [4 ⋅ 56] cages are stable at the highest Ge content considered (Si/Ge=6). Such a local environment has not yet been considered in the experimental literature. A calculation of the corresponding 19F NMR resonance points to overlap with other resonances, which might preclude its clear identification. Additional calculations investigate the variation of the dynamic behaviour of the fluoride anions as a function of the local environment as well as the selective defluorination of the [4 ⋅ 56] cages.
Alkali‐surfactant foam improves extraction of oil from porous media
Authors: Zitha Pacelli L. J. , Guo Hua
Published: January 2022

Capillary forces result in the trapping of the oleic phase in porous media even after extensive flushing with brine. Alkali‐surfactant‐polymer formulations drastically diminish capillary forces, whereas adding polymer to the water phase increases viscous forces, resulting in highly efficient extraction of the residual oil. However, by virtue of its scale, the above process requires a large quantity of chemicals, which poses a threat to the environment. Here, we demonstrate that replacing the polymer with a gas such as nitrogen, flue gas, or carbon dioxide achieves equally superior oil extraction efficiency when using a much smaller amount of chemicals. Mobilized oil is first displaced as a continuous phase (oil‐bank) and then as an oil‐in‐water dispersion. Microflow visualization experiments reveal that dispersed oil spreads at the gas–liquid interface (surfactant solutions) due to the presence of adsorbed surfactant molecules. Our dry‐cleaning extraction of hydrocarbons has a wide spectrum of applications and is particularly useful for the production of hydrocarbons from underground formations while mitigating the impact of chemicals on the environment.
Application of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology in pediatric patients: An international, multi‐institutional study
Authors: Maleki Zahra , Saoud Carla , Viswanathan Kartik , Kilic Irem , Tommola Erkka , Griffin Daniel T. , Heider Amer , Petrone Gianluigi , Jo Vickie Y. , Centeno Barbara A. , Saieg Mauro , Mikou Panagiota , Fadda Guido , Ali Syed Z. , Kholová Ivana , Wojcik Eva M. , Barkan Güliz A. , Eisele David W. , Bellevicine Claudio , Vigliar Elena , Wiles Austin B. , Al‐Ibraheemi Alyaa , Allison Derek B. , Dixon Glen R. , Chandra Ashish , Walsh Jonathan M. , Baloch Zubair W. , Faquin William C. , Krane Jeffrey F. , Rossi Esther Diana , Pantanowitz Liron , Troncone Giancarlo , Callegari Fabiano M. , Klijanienko Jerzy
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Pediatric salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is uncommon with a higher frequency of inflammatory lesions and a small proportion of malignancies. This international, multi‐institutional cohort evaluated the application of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) and the risk of malignancy (ROM) for each diagnostic category.

METHODS

Pediatric (0‐ to 21‐year‐old) salivary gland FNA specimens from 22 international institutions of 7 countries, including the United States, England, Italy, Greece, Finland, Brazil, and France, were retrospectively assigned to an MSRSGC diagnostic category as follows: nondiagnostic, nonneoplastic, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), benign neoplasm, salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP), suspicious for malignancy (SM), or malignant. Cytology‐histology correlation was performed where available, and the ROM was calculated for each MSRSGC diagnostic category.

RESULTS

The cohort of 477 aspirates was reclassified according to the MSRSGC as follows: nondiagnostic, 10.3%; nonneoplastic, 34.6%; AUS, 5.2%; benign neoplasm, 27.5%; SUMP, 7.5%; SM, 2.5%; and malignant, 12.4%. Histopathologic follow‐up was available for 237 cases (49.7%). The ROMs were as follows: nondiagnostic, 5.9%; nonneoplastic, 9.1%; AUS, 35.7%; benign neoplasm, 3.3%; SUMP, 31.8%; SM, 100%; and malignant, 100%. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignancy (18 of 237; 7.6%), and it was followed by acinic cell carcinoma (16 of 237; 6.8%). Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign neoplasm (95 of 237; 40.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The MSRSGC can be reliably applied to pediatric salivary gland FNA. The ROM of each MSRSGC category in pediatric salivary gland FNA is relatively similar to the ROM of each category in adult salivary gland FNA, although the reported rates for the different MSRSGC categories are variable across institutions.
Comparisons of outcomes between ProKnife injection endoscopic submucosal dissection and conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection for large gastric lesions in ex vivo porcine model study: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Esaki Mitsuru , Ihara Eikichi , Esaki Misato , Nishioka Kei , Kimura Yusuke , Hata Yoshitaka , Tsuru Hirotaka , Wada Masafumi , Minoda Yosuke , Bai Xiaopeng , Shoguchi Yoshihisa , Nasu Takayuki , Nagatomo Shuzaburo , Muta Kazumasa , Ogino Haruei , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: January 2022

Objective

To compare treatment outcomes between injection endoscopic submucosal dissection using ProKnife (P‐ESD) and conventional ESD (C‐ESD) for gastric lesions.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, we compared treatment outcomes of P‐ESD and C‐ESD for simulated gastric lesions ≥3 cm in resected porcine stomachs. Predictive factors associated with ESD difficulties were investigated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Seventy lesions were screened; however, two lesions were excluded. A total of 12 endoscopists performed 68 ESDs: 34 P‐ESDs and 34 C‐ESDs. The ESD procedure time of P‐ESD (36.3 [28.4–46.8] min) was significantly shorter than that of C‐ESD (46 [36.4–64.6] min; p = 0.0014). The technical success rates did not differ between the P‐ESD and C‐ESD groups (en bloc resection rate, 100% in both groups; complete resection rate, 94.1% and 85.3%, respectively; p = 0.23). The number of injections during P‐ESD (7.5 [6–10] times) was significantly higher than during C‐ESD (4 [3–5] times; p < 0.001), but the total volume of injected solution during P‐ESD (20 [16–26.3] ml) was significantly smaller than during C‐ESD (27.5 [20–31.5] ml; p = 0.0019). In multivariate analysis, less ESD experience (odds ratio [OR], 3.9) and selection of C‐ESD as the ESD method (OR, 3.8) were independent predictive factors associated with ESD difficulties.

Conclusions

Compared with C‐ESD, P‐ESD had a shorter procedure time but also allowed for notable technical success and safety.
Covid‐19 lockdown showed a likely beneficial effect on diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Bonnet Jean‐Baptiste , Macioce Valérie , Jalek Abdulkader , Bouchdoug Karim , Elleau Cécile , Gras‐Vidal Marie‐Françoise , Pochic Julie , Avignon Antoine , Sultan Ariane
Published: January 2022

Aims

During the Covid‐19 epidemic, many countries imposed population lockdown. This study aimed to analyse diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) evolution of outpatients between the lockdown period and 1 month after its end.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective, observational, single‐centre study without modification of care. All patients who followed up for a DFU in the study centre between 15 April 2020 and 11 May 2020 were included. The baseline assessment occurred 4 weeks after the beginning of lockdown and the follow‐up visit 4–6 weeks after easing of lockdown. The primary analysis was based on the Site, Ischaemia, Neuropathy, Bacterial infection, Area, Depth (SINBAD) classification.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients were included, median 69.4 years, and 25 were followed‐up at easing of lockdown. The median SINBAD score was 2 (interquartile range 1; 3) at inclusion and 1 (1; 2) at easing of lockdown, with a mean change of −0.32 (95% confidence interval −0.93; 0.29). Seventy‐two percent of the population had a stable or improved score between the two visits. The proportion of patients using off‐loading footwear was higher among those whose SINBAD score improved compared to those whose score worsened or remained stable (72%, 44% and 28%, respectively). Diabetes type was linked to DFU prognosis. Five patients (20%) were hospitalized during the follow‐up period.

Conclusion

Lockdown appears to have had a positive effect on DFU if patients remain under the care of their expert wound centre. We believe this effect is related to better compliance with offloading. The wide use of tele‐medicine seems relevant for the follow‐up of DFU.
The association between serum selenium level and gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Wenhui , Tang Yiwei , Ji Ye , Yu Haitao , Li Yueting , Piao Chunji , Xie Lin
Published: January 2022

Background

The relationship between serum selenium level and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is controversial. The purpose is to update and summarize previous studies to understand the relationship in more detail.

Methods

PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of science, CNKI, WANFANG DATA and Cqvip were searched for studies published up to 3 September 2021. The random‐effects model was used to measure the combined estimation. The overall effect was reported in a standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). All data were analysed by Review Manager 5.4.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies involving 1588 patients with GDM and 2450 healthy pregnant women contributed to this meta‐analysis. Selenium level was significantly lower in women with GDM than those without GDM (SMD = −1.29; 95% CI: −1.60 to −0.97, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses showed that such trend was consistent within the non‐European population (Asia: SMD = −1.44; 95% CI: −1.79 to −1.08, p < 0.00001; Africa: SMD = −2.62; 95% CI: −4.50 to −0.74, p = 0.006) and in the second and third trimesters (the second trimester: SMD = −1.41; 95% CI: −1.82 to −0.99, p < 0.00001; the third trimester: SMD = −1.54; 95% CI: −2.09 to −0.98, p < 0.00001), but not within the European population (SMD = −0.47; 95% CI: −1.09 to 0.16, p = 0.14) or in the first trimester (SMD = −0.52; 95% CI: −1.13 to 0.10, p = 0.10).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis showed that the serum selenium level of patients with GDM was lower than that in healthy pregnant women, especially within the non‐European population and in the second and third trimesters.
Investigating population dynamics from parentage analysis in the highly endangered fan mussel Pinna nobilis
Authors: Peyran Claire , Boissin Emilie , Morage Titouan , Nebot‐Colomer Elisabet , Iwankow Guillaume , Planes Serge
Published: January 2022

Understanding dispersal patterns is a major focus for conservation biology as it influences local survival and resilience in case of local disturbance, particularly for sessile species. Dispersal can be assessed through parentage analyses by estimating family structure and self‐recruitment. This study documents the family structure of a pelagic spawner, Pinna nobilis, which is facing a major crisis that threatens its survival as most of its populations have been decimated by a parasite, Haplosporidium pinnae. In this context, we focused on a single population (Peyrefite, Banyuls‐sur‐mer, France) where 640 individuals were sampled in 2011, 2015, and 2018 and genotyped for 22 microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity was high and homogeneous among years, with mean allele numbers ranging between 13.6 and 14.8 and observed heterozygosities (Ho) between 0.7121 and 0.7331. Low, but significant, genetic differentiations were found between 2011–2015 and 2015–2018. A parentage analysis described 11 clusters, including one prevailing, and revealed that 46.9% of individuals were involved in half‐sib relationships, even between years, suggesting that source populations were recurrent year after year. There were few individuals resampled between years (30 in 2015 and 14 in 2018), indicating a rapid turnover. Considering the large number of half‐sib relationships but the low number of relations per individual, we conclude that P. nobilis exhibit homogeneous reproductive success. Self‐recruitment was not detected, making this population highly vulnerable as replenishment only relies on connectivity from neighboring populations. In the context of the pandemic caused by H. pinnae, these results will have to be considered when choosing a location to reintroduce individuals in potential future rescue plans.