bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research for a comprehensive assessment of the elderly
Authors: Mansueto Giovanni , Romanazzo Sara , Cosci Fiammetta
Published: July 2022

Introduction

According to the revised version of the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR‐R), this study explored the prevalence and clinical correlates of DCPR‐R psychosomatic syndromes in the elderly and tested whether DCPR‐R provide an incremental contribution to the prediction of psychosocial functioning over and above DSM‐5.

Method

One hundred seven elderly subjects were recruited. Participants received a clinical assessment, which included the DCPR‐Revised Semi‐Structured Interview (DCPR‐R SSI), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5‐Clinician Version (SCID‐5‐CV), the Psychological Well‐Being (PWB) Scales, the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) and hierarchical regression analyses were run.

Results

Twenty‐two (20.6%) subjects had at least one DSM‐5 diagnosis, and 62 (57.9%) reported at least one DCPR‐R diagnosis. Subjects with at least one DCPR‐R diagnosis showed lower PWB Personal Growth and PWB Purpose in Life than those without DCPR‐R diagnoses. When the incremental validity of the DCPR‐R was tested using PWB Personal Growth, PWB Purpose in Life, PWB Self‐acceptance, GAS Cognitive symptoms and GAS affective symptoms subscales as criterion variable, the DCPR‐R increased up to 0.135–0.263 the explained variance.

Conclusion

The DCPR‐R might be implemented together with the DSM‐5 to have a comprehensive assessment of elderly subjects.
Change processes in psychotherapy for patients presenting with histrionic personality disorder
Authors: Babl Anna , Gómez Penedo Juan Martín , Berger Thomas , Schneider Noemi , Sachse Rainer , Kramer Ueli
Published: July 2022

Objective

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) with a lifetime prevalence rate of 1.8% is an under‐researched psychiatric diagnosis. The present study therefore aimed to investigate both the processes and outcomes of psychotherapy for HPD in a non‐controlled study.

Methods

A total of 159 patients diagnosed with HPD were recruited and received clarification‐oriented psychotherapy. Sessions 15, 20, and 25 were video‐recorded and analysed using the Process‐Content‐Relationship Scale. Therapy outcome was assessed with symptom measures at intake and discharge. Hierarchical linear modelling was applied to estimate the changes in the psychotherapeutic outcome and associations with patient and therapist process developments.

Results

Improvements in relationship processes of patients and therapists were systematically related to outcome while only partial relationships were found on the levels of process and content.

Conclusion

The present study represents the first systematic insight into core changes in patients with HPD undergoing psychotherapy.
Dinuclear Ruthenium(II)‐Pyrrolide Complexes Linked by Different Organic Units as PDT Photosensitizers: Computational Study of the Linker Influence on the Photophysical Properties*
Authors: Butera Valeria , Mazzone Gloria , Detz Hermann
Published: July 2022

A new family of bis[pyrrolyl Ru(II)] triad scaffolds, consisting of two [Ru(bpy)2]2+ centers separated by a variety of organic linkers, has been recently reported as efficient compounds for in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT). Among all the complexes, the one carrying the pyrenyl group in the organic linker, namely 4 h, has emerged as an extremely potent photosensitizer for in vitro PDT. Here, we present a computational study based on both DFT and TDA‐TDDFT methods, to investigate the photochemical properties of this promising complex. In order to evaluate the influence of the organic chromophore on the photochemical properties, our investigation was further extended to the complex 4 e, whose linker includes the benzothiadiazole group, which has yielded the longest‐wavelength absorption maxima overall (but with a reduced intensity compared to 4 h). Eventually, the role of the second [Ru(bpy)2]2+ moiety was evaluated by comparison with the mononuclear complex.
Peer mentors can boost success of neurodiverse students
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2022

Peer mentors can help neurodiverse students integrate into the campus community while providing them with support and connecting them to resources so the students can engage and succeed academically, emotionally, and socially, while also promoting their independence, said Chestnut Hill College's Lynn Ortale, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Life, and Stephen Stunder, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Human Services. They gave a virtual presentation as part of NASPA's Annual Conference.
Study shows most students with disabilities did not inform college
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2022

The High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, conducted by the United States Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, surveyed 23,000 students who were 9th graders in 2009, collecting data from them from 2009 to 2016. Among those who reported having a disability at some point in the study, many did not report having a disability on surveys they completed while in college. But among those who had a disability while in college, the majority did not disclose their disability to the college (see graph below).
A pilot clinical trial of cell therapy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Vrtovec Bojan , Frljak Sabina , Poglajen Gregor , Zemljic Gregor , Cerar Andraz , Sever Matjaz , Haddad Francois , Wu Joseph C.
Published: July 2022

Aims

We investigated the effects of CD34+ cell therapy in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and results

In a prospective pilot study, we enrolled 30 patients with HFpEF. In Phase 1, patients were treated with medical therapy for 6 months. Thereafter, all patients underwent CD34+ cell transplantation. Using electroanatomical mapping, we measured local mechanical diastolic delay and myocardial viability to guide the targeting of cell injections. Patients were followed for 6 months after cell transplantation (Phase 2), and the primary endpoint was the difference in change in E/e′ between Phase 1 and Phase 2. In Phase 1, the decrease in E/e′ was significantly less pronounced than in Phase 2 (−0.33 ± 1.72 vs. −3.77 ± 2.66, p = 0.001). During Phase 1, there was no significant change in global systolic strain (GLS; from −12.5 ± 2.4% to −12.8 ± 2.6%, p = 0.77), N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP; from 1463 ± 1247 pg/ml to 1298 ± 931 pg/ml, p = 0.31), or 6‐min walk test (6MWT; from 391 ± 75 m to 402 ± 93 m, p = 0.42). In Phase 2, an improvement was noted in NT‐proBNP (from 1298 ± 931 pg/ml to 887 ± 809 pg/ml, p = 0.02) and 6MWT (from 402 ± 93 m to 438 ± 72 m, p = 0.02). Although GLS did not change significantly in Phase 2 (from −12.8 ± 2.6% to −13.8 ± 2.7%, p = 0.36), we found improved local systolic strain at cell injection sites (−3.4 ± 6.8%, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

In this non‐randomized trial, transendocardial CD34+ cell therapy in HFpEF was associated with an improvement in E/e′, NT‐proBNP, exercise capacity, and local myocardial strain at the cell injection sites.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02923609.
Phosphorescent Cyclometalated Platinum(ii) Hexahydroimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridinylidene Complexes
Authors: Stipurin Sergej , Strassner Thomas
Published: July 2022

The synthesis of N‐heterocyclic carbene precursors based on the hexahydroimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine and their corresponding cyclometalated platinum(II) carbene complexes is reported. All compounds are fully characterized by standard techniques and additionally X‐ray structures could be obtained for three complexes. The photophysical properties of these platinum complexes were investigated by absorption and photoluminescence measurements. All complexes showed strong phosphorescence at room temperature in the sky‐blue area with quantum yields of up to 71 %. Additionally, their electrochemical properties were examined by voltammetry experiments. All results were rationalized by quantum chemical DFT calculations (PBE0/6‐311G*).
Turbulence and thermo‐flow behavior of air in a rectangular channel with partially inclined baffles
Authors: Salhi Jamal‐Eddine , Mousavi Ajarostaghi Seyed Soheil , Zarrouk Tarik , Saffari Pour Mohsen , Salhi Najim , Salhi Merzouki
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the thermal performance improvements of a heat removal system like an electronic system have been analyzed. The studied case is a horizontal channel in which two partially inclined baffles are attached with variable height and number. The channel is crossed by a forced convective flow of a cooling fluid (air). This numerical work evaluates the influences of the height and number of the baffles on the enhancement of the heat transfer rate. The mathematical model of this system is composed of nonlinear partial equations that the analytical solution for them is very complex, hence the need for numerical analysis is mandatory with the aid of a finite volume method. Accordingly, The numerical results are presented in axial and transverse velocity, temperature, local and average Nusselt number, local friction coefficient, pressure drop, heat transfer rate, and turbulence kinetic energy. The results revealed that it is possible to improve the thermal performance of the considered system by adopting designs that allow the maximum heat transfer rate with the minimum energy loss. In addition, results show that at the lowest Reynolds number (Re = 10,000), as the height of baffles rises from 0.01 to 0.03 m (growth by 200%), the heat transfer rate augments about 59.09%. Moreover, at the highest evaluated Reynolds number (Re = 87,300), by increasing the height of baffles up to 200%, the heat transfer rate increases by approximately 50.53%. Furthermore, employing a higher number of baffles leads to more heat transfer rates and a significant pressure drop.
Optimal sustainable fuel cell stack with cellulosic alkaline membranes
Authors: Raimundo Rodrigo C. , Vargas José V. C. , Ordonez Juan C. , Martins Lauber S. , Balmant Wellington , Mariano André B.
Published: July 2022

Hydrogen was generated in situ in a reactor with aluminum scrap and water together with NaOH as catalyst. CO2‐free air was obtained by filtering atmospheric air with a KOH solution. A fuel cell stack prototype with four cells, H2‐generator, and a CO2 cleaning device demonstrated the concept. Direct voltage and power evaluated the stack operation. The results showed that the stack with generated H2 had a performance 18% smaller than with pure H2, that is, 3.77 V (I = 0 A), and 2.70 W were obtained. Experimental data were used to validate a sustainable (sustainable alkaline membrane fuel cell) stack transient mathematical model. A sensitivity analysis showed the effect of membrane KOH content (y = 20% w/w, y = 40% w/w, and y = 50% w/w) on performance and found that yopt = 40% w/w leads to a stack net power maximum, which was utilized to produce experimental data. The peak was steep, due to a net power drop of ∼42% with y = 50% w/w, and ∼ 50% with y = 20% w/w in comparison to y = 40% w/w. In sum, H2 production embedded in the stack demonstrated that there is potential for system practical implementation.
Diverse perennial circular forage systems are needed to foster resilience, ecosystem services, and socioeconomic benefits in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Picasso Valentin D. , Berti Marisol , Cassida Kim , Collier Sarah , Fang Di , Finan Ann , Krome Margaret , Hannaway David , Lamp William , Stevens Andrew W. , Williams Carol
Published: July 2022

Prevailing agricultural systems dominated by annual crop monocultures, and the landscapes that contain them, lack resilience and multifunctionality. They are vulnerable to extreme weather events, contribute to degradation of soil, water, and air quality, reduce biodiversity, and negatively impact human health, social engagement, and equity. To achieve greater resilience, stability, and multiple ecosystem services therein, and to improve socioeconomic outcomes, we propose a practical framework to gain multifunctionality at multiple scales. This framework includes forages within agroecosystems that have the essential structural features of diversity, perenniality, and circularity. These three structural features are associated with increased resilience, stability, and provision of several ecosystem services, which in turn improve human health and socioeconomic outcomes. This framework improves understanding of, and access to, tools and materials for promoting the adoption of diverse circular agroecosystems with perennial forages. Application of this framework can result in land transformations that solve sustainability challenges in agriculture if policy, economic, and social barriers can be overcome by a transdisciplinary process of equitable knowledge production.
Bone Matrix Mineralization and Response to Burosumab in Adult Patients With X-Linked Hypophosphatemia: Results From the Phase 3, Single-Arm International Trial
Authors: Fratzl-Zelman Nadja , Hartmann Markus A. , Gamsjaeger Sonja , Rokidi Stamatia , Paschalis Eleftherios P. , Blouin Stéphane , Zwerina Jochen
Published: July 2022

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized by excess fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) secretion, renal phosphate wasting, and low 1,25(OH)2D3. Adult patients present with osteomalacia, hypomineralized periosteocytic lesions, bone fragility, and pain. Burosumab is a fully human monoclonal FGF23 antibody approved for XLH treatment. UX023-CL304 was an open-label, phase 3 study investigating the effects of burosumab on osteomalacia in adults with XLH, who remained untreated at least 2 years prior enrollment. Here, we present the effect of burosumab on bone material properties. We analyzed transiliac bone biopsy samples from 11 individuals before and after 48 weeks of subcutaneous burosumab treatment (1.0 mg/kg administered every 4 weeks). We used quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) and Fourier transform infrared imaging (FTIRI) to assess bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD), mineralized bone volume, properties of the organic matrix, and size of periosteocytic lesions. The outcomes were compared with reference values from healthy adults and with four XLH patients either untreated or treated by conventional therapy. Prior to burosumab, the average mineralization in cancellous bone was lower than in healthy reference. CaLow, the fraction of lowly mineralized matrix, and CaHigh, the fraction of highly mineralized matrix, were both elevated resulting in a broad heterogeneity in mineralization (CaWidth). Burosumab resulted in a decrease of CaHigh toward normal range, whereas CaLow and CaWidth remained elevated. The mineralized bone volume was notably increased (+35.9%). The size of the periosteocytic lesions was variable but lower than in untreated XLH patients. FTIRI indicated decreased enzymatic collagen crosslink ratio heterogeneity. In summary, matrix mineralization in XLH is very heterogeneous. Highly mineralized regions represent old bone packets, probably protected from osteoclastic resorption by osteoid seams. The concomitant decrease of highly mineralized matrix, persistence of lowly mineralized matrix, and increase in mineralized bone volume after burosumab suggest a boost in mineralization of preexisting unmineralized or very lowly mineralized matrix, providing a potential explanation for previously observed improved osteomalacia. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates gyral abnormalities in Tourette syndrome
Authors: McCann Bernadette , Lam Melanie Y. , Shiohama Tadashi , Ijner Prahar , Takahashi Emi , Levman Jacob
Published: July 2022

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements known as tics. A retrospective analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 39 children and adolescents with TS was performed and subsequently compared with MRI scans from 834 neurotypical controls. The purpose of this study was to identify any differences in the regions of motor circuitry in TS to further our understanding of their disturbances in motor control (i.e., motor tics). Measures of volume, cortical thickness, surface area, and surface curvature for specific motor regions were derived from each MRI scan. The results revealed increased surface curvature in the opercular part of the inferior frontal gyrus and the triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus in the TS group compared with the neurotypical control group. These novel findings offer some of the first evidence for surface curvature differences in motor circuitry regions in TS, which may be associated with known motor and vocal tics.
Screening of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for their effect on Daucus carota pathogen and molecular docking
Authors: Khan Azhar U. , Khan Masudulla , Malik Nazia , Parveen Aiman , Sharma Poonam , Min Kim , Gupta Mona , Alam Mahboob
Published: July 2022

Herein, we investigate the phytogenic synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) by using aqueous extract of seed coat of almond as a novel resource which can acts as a stabilizing and reducing agents. Successful biosynthesis of ZnO‐NPs was observed by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) showing peak at ~272 nm. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques confirm the circular shape with an average size of ~20 nm. Applications of ZnO‐NPs were observed on carrot (Daucus carota) plant infected with pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani. Spray with 50 ppm and 100 ppm ZnO‐NPs caused significant increase in plant growth attributes and photosynthetic pigments of carrot plants. It has been reported that the synthesized ZnO‐NPs demonstrated an inhibitory activity against plant pathogenic fungus R. solani and reduces disease in carrot plants. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy indicated adverse effect of ZnO‐NPs on pathogens. Antifungal efficiency of ZnO‐NPs was further explained with help of molecular docking analysis. Conformation with highest negative binding energy was used to predict binding site of receptor with NPs to know mechanistic approach. ZnO‐NPs are likely to interact with the pathogens by mechanical enfolding which may be one of the major toxicity actions against R. solani by ZnO‐NPs.

Research highlights

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using waste material from the coat of almond seeds.

Images from SEM, TEM, and related techniques like EDS and SAED revealed the irregularity of the ZnO NPs as well as their atom composition.

FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the formation and the presence of crystalline ZnO NPs in nature.

Biogenic ZnONPs were found to be effective against the plant pathogenic fungus R. solani.

A spray of 50 ppm and 100 ppm ZnO‐NPs significantly increased carrot plant growth characteristics and photosynthetic pigments.
The malignant potential of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is reflected in expression levels of fucosylated glycans in α1‐acid glycoprotein
Authors: Kubo Norio , Yazawa Shin , Yokobori Takehiko , Sano Rie , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Kobayashi Shogo , Akita Hirofumi , Mitsufuji Suguru , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Nakao Yosuke , Fujii Tsutomu , Okumura Tomoyuki , Shibuya Kazuto , Hoshino Yui , Yamada Suguru , Hayashi Masamichi , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Shirabe Ken
Published: July 2022

Background

Pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) involves multiple histopathological stages from benign to malignant lesions. Further, a biomarker to diagnose the malignant IPMN (IPMC) is clinically relevant. Recently, we found that serum fucosylated α1‐acid glycoprotein (fAGP) level markedly elevated along with disease progression in large cohorts of patients with various cancers.

Methods

The fAGP level was retrospectively analyzed in preoperative sera from 109 patients with IPMN, and the clinical relevance of fAGP was compared with currently available predictors as standard.

Results

The fAGP level in IPMC was found to be significantly higher than in benign IPMN (P = .0012). At a cutoff value of 27.04 U/μg, its sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for IPMC were determined to be 83.61%, 65.96%, and 75.93%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that the fAGP level was the only independent risk factor for predicting IPMC. Additionally, a combination of the fAGP level and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on the PET/CT imaging in the lesions seemed to offer the best diagnosis of IPMN. Accordingly, 27 of the 28 patients who were positive in both tests had IPMC, while patients who are negative had benign IPMN.

Conclusions

The fAGP level appeared to be a relevant biomarker for malignant potential of IPMN.
Unique non‐resonance hyper‐Raman bands of glucose in phosphate‐buffered saline
Authors: Maity Surajit , Hiramatsu Hirotsugu
Published: July 2022

We report the 532 nm‐excited hyper‐Raman (HR) spectrum of D‐glucose in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4. Large and unique HR bands were observed from 1500 to 1650 cm−1. The HR spectral pattern was completely different from those of infrared absorption and Raman spectra. The HR bands were affected by isotope labeling on glucose but not phosphate. The HR bands were attributed to the combination or overtone modes of glucose. These bands were also observed in buffers containing phosphate, carbonate, and Tris but not in H2O. We tentatively attributed the origin of the HR bands to the charges of the buffer molecule(s) and the resultant electric field effect on the electronic and/or vibrational wavefunctions.
Chicago's investment in coordination of MH response continues to grow
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2022

A recent investment of $3.1 million in local grants is designed to ensure that by September, residents of each of Chicago's 77 distinct neighborhoods will have convenient access to adult and child mental health care in the city's trauma‐informed centers of care (TICC) network. City officials say this latest development adds important momentum to a multi‐year effort to establish a “no wrong door” approach to care regardless of whether an individual enters the system via a city‐operated mental health center, a state‐funded community mental health center (CMHC), or a federally qualified health center (FQHC).
Molina settles case over improper supervision, licensure
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: July 2022

A California‐based managed care company has agreed to settle allegations that it fraudulently billed Massachusetts' government health plan for mental health services delivered by unlicensed and improperly supervised staff. Under the terms of last month's settlement, Molina Healthcare Inc. will pay the federal government and state of Massachusetts a total of $4.625 million.
Coordinate‐free exponentials of general multivector in Clp,q algebras for p+q=3
Authors: Acus Arturas , Dargys Adolfas
Published: July 2022

Closed form expressions in real Clifford geometric algebras
, and
are presented in a coordinate‐free form for exponential function when the exponent is a general multivector. The main difficulty in solving the problem is connected with an entanglement (or mixing) of vector and bivector components
and
in a form
. After disentanglement, the obtained formulas simplify to the well‐known de Moivre‐type trigonometric/hyperbolic function for vector or bivector exponentials. The presented formulas may find wide application in solving GA differential equations, in signal processing, automatic control and robotics.
Development of a novel MR‐conditional microwave needle for MR‐guided interventional microwave ablation at 1.5T
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Zhou Yufu , Wang Changliang , Qi Fulang , Luo Penghui , Du Huiyu , Zhang Qing , Liu Zhengrong , Yuan Kecheng , Qiu Bensheng
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To develop an MR‐conditional microwave needle that generates a spherical ablation zone and clear MRI visibility for MR‐guided microwave ablation.

Methods

An MR‐conditional microwave needle consisting of zirconia tip and TA18 titanium alloy tube was investigated. The numerical model was created to optimize the needle's geometry and analyze its performance. A geometrically optimized needle was produced using non‐magnetic materials based on the electromagnetics simulation results. The needle's mechanical properties were tested per the Chinese pharmaceutical industry standard YY0899‐2013. The MRI visibility performance and ablation characteristics of the needle was tested both in vitro (phantom) and in vivo (rabbit) at 1.5T. The RF‐induced heating was evaluated in ex vivo porcine liver.

Results

The needle's mechanical properties met the specified requirements. The needle susceptibility artifact was clearly visible both in vitro and in vivo. The needle artifact diameter (A) was small in in vivo (Ashaft: 4.96 ± 0.18 mm for T1W‐FLASH, 3.13 ± 0.05 mm for T2‐weighted fast spin‐echo (T2W‐FSE); Atip: 2.31 ± 0.09 mm for T1W‐FLASH, 2.29 ± 0.08 mm for T2W‐FSE; tip location error [TLE]: −0.94 ± 0.07 mm for T1W‐FLASH, −1.10 ± 0.09 mm for T2W‐FSE). Ablation zones generated by the needle were nearly spherical with an elliptical aspect ratio ranging from 0.79 to 0.90 at 30 W, 50 W for 3, 5, 10 min duration ex vivo ablations and 0.86 at 30 W for 10 min duration in vivo ablations.

Conclusion

The designed MR‐conditional microwave needle offers excellent mechanical properties, reliable MRI visibility, insignificant RF‐induced heating, and a sufficiently spherical ablation zone. Further clinical development of MR‐guided microwave ablation appears warranted.
Optimal deployment of indoor wireless local area networks
Authors: Oustry Antoine , Le Tilly Marion , Clausen Thomas , D'Ambrosio Claudia , Liberti Leo
Published: July 2022

We present a two‐phase methodology to address the problem of optimally deploying indoor wireless local area networks. In the first phase, we use Helmholtz's equation to simulate electromagnetic fields in a typical environment such as an office floor. The linear system which results from the discretization of this partial differential equation is solved with a state‐of‐the‐art library for sparse linear algebra. In the second phase, we formulate the network deployment problem in the setting of binary linear programming. This formulation employs the simulator output as input parameters, and jointly optimizes the number of access points, their locations, and their emission channels. We prove that this optimization problem is NP‐Hard, and use mathematical programming based techniques and heuristics to solve it. We present numerical experiments on medium‐sized buildings.
Selectable Set Randomized Kaczmarz
Authors: Yaniv Yotam , Moorman Jacob D. , Swartworth William , Tu Thomas , Landis Daji , Needell Deanna
Published: July 2022

The Randomized Kaczmarz method (RK) is a stochastic iterative method for solving linear systems that has recently grown in popularity due to its speed and low memory requirement. Selectable Set Randomized Kaczmarz is a variant of RK that leverages existing information about the Kaczmarz iterate to identify an adaptive “selectable set” and thus yields an improved convergence guarantee. In this article, we propose a general perspective for selectable set approaches and prove a convergence result for that framework. In addition, we define two specific selectable set sampling strategies that have competitive convergence guarantees to those of other variants of RK. One selectable set sampling strategy leverages information about the previous iterate, while the other leverages the orthogonality structure of the problem via the Gramian matrix. We complement our theoretical results with numerical experiments that compare our proposed rules with those existing in the literature.
On the stability of explicit finite difference methods for advection–diffusion equations
Authors: Zeng Xianyi , Hasan Md Mahmudul
Published: July 2022

In this article we study the stability of explicit finite difference discretization of advection–diffusion equations (ADE) with arbitrary order of accuracy in the context of method of lines. The analysis first focuses on the stability of the system of ordinary differential equations that is obtained by discretizing the ADE in space and then extends to fully discretized methods in combination with explicit Runge–Kutta methods. In particular, we prove that all stable semi‐discretization of the ADE leads to a conditionally stable fully discretized method as long as the time‐integrator is at least first‐order accurate, whereas high‐order spatial discretization of the advection equation cannot yield a stable method if the temporal order is too low. In the second half of the article, the analysis and the stability results are extended to a partially dissipative wave system, which serves as a model for common practice in many fluid mechanics applications that incorporate a viscous stress in the momentum equation but no heat dissipation in the energy equation. Finally, the major theoretical predictions are verified by numerical examples.
Valuing the cultural services from urban blue‐space ecosystems in Japanese megacities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Jo Toshiaki , Sato Masayuki , Minamoto Toshifumi , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: July 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic is an outstanding global threat for both human health and well‐being. Under the pandemic, green spaces are known to mitigate the physical/mental stress of urban people. However, it remains unclarified how blue spaces such as coastal and river areas play a role in healing urban people's health and well‐being during the pandemic.

Here, conducting an online‐based survey in Japanese megacities, with 5756 responses received from residents of Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kobe, we examined the effects of personal characteristics of city residents on their visitation frequencies to blue spaces during and after the emergency periods, and compared visitation purposes and motivation between the coastal and river areas. Cumulative linear modelling revealed that people with more nature experiences in childhood and higher satisfaction of neighbourhood coasts and rivers visited urban blue spaces more frequently. In addition, those who lived with pre‐school and primary school children also visited urban blue spaces more frequently than those without, likely for letting them play in blue spaces. These people primarily visited them to decrease their stress and to maintain their health by contacting with nature while keeping social distance to avoid being infected. Moreover, the visitation purpose and motivation partly differed between the coastal and river areas, which could be explained by the accessibility to and perception of blue spaces for urban people.

The present study implies that, as well as green spaces, blue spaces provided places that people in urban areas could use to mitigate their stress and disorder during the pandemic. Our findings underpin the necessity of preserving both of them in urban planning for further benefits relating to health and well‐being.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Der innovative Fehler im Kristall
Authors: Höfling Marion , Porz Lukas , Rödel Jürgen
Published: July 2022

Versetzungen sind nicht nur für die plastische Verformung in Metallen zuständig. Sie können auch für das Einstellen hervorragender, temperaturstabiler Eigenschaftsprofile in Keramiken eingesetzt werden. Dies gilt besonders für Elektrokeramiken, deren elektrische sowie piezo‐ und ferroelektrische Eigenschaften technisch bedeutend sind. Das Verständnis des Einflusses von Versetzungen auf den elektrischen Ladungstransport wie auch auf das ferroelektrische Verhalten entwickelt sich rasant. Im wissenschaftlichen Fokus steht die Suche nach einem Ersatzmaterial für den Klassenprimus Bleizirkonattitanat (PZT), das ohne Blei auskommt und nachhaltig ist. Andere mögliche Anwendungen des Einprägens von Versetzungen werden derzeit für die Zukunft diskutiert.
Was 14C über Sonne und Erde verrät
Authors: Köhler Peter , Muscheler Raimund
Published: July 2022

Das radioaktive Kohlenstoffisotop 14C, auch Radiokarbon genannt, ist ein wichtiger Informationsträger für die Geowissenschaften. Es hilft, unser Verständnis von Klimaprozessen, der Sonne, des Geodynamos und des Kohlenstoffkreislaufs der vergangenen 55 000 Jahre zu verbessern. Moderne Messmethoden erlauben auch 14C‐Messungen an Kleinstproben. Das verringert die Unsicherheiten in den aktuellen IntCal20‐Alterskalibrationskurven. Dadurch zeigen sich klarere Strukturen in den Veränderungen im 14C‐Gehalt der Atmosphäre und des oberflächennahen Meerwassers während der vergangenen 55 000 Jahre. Dieser Fortschritt ermöglicht eine verbesserte Datierung und Untersuchungen von Sonnenaktivität, Erdmagnetfeld und Kohlenstoffkreislauf. In allen diesen Gebieten der Erdsystemforschung kommen Radiokarbon‐Messungen erfolgreich zum Einsatz.
Ist das W‐Boson schwerer als erwartet?
Authors: Husemann Ulrich , Klute Markus , Müller Thomas
Published: July 2022

Das W‐Boson ist das Feldquant der geladenen schwachen Wechselwirkung. Seine Masse ist etwa 90‐mal höher als die des Protons. Eine neue Präzisionsmessung dieser Masse mit Daten des CDF‐Experiments am Tevatron Collider am Fermilab weist eine signifikante Abweichung vom Standardmodell der Teilchenphysik auf.
Laserlicht steuert Elektronen‐Wechselwirkung
Authors: Rupprecht Patrick , Ott Christian , Pfeifer Thomas , Haverkort Maurits W.
Published: July 2022

Lichtblitze verschiedener Intensität können die quantenmechanische Komponente der Elektron‐Elektron‐Wechselwirkung gezielt beeinflussen. Diese kontrollierte Austauschwechselwirkung zeigt sich durch spektroskopische Messungen an Schwefelhexafluorid‐Molekülen mit ultrakurzen Laserpulsen, durchgeführt am Max‐Planck‐Institut für Kernphysik in Heidelberg.
Oulipos Schreibweisen der Mathematik
Authors: Mecke Klaus
Published: July 2022

Physikalische Modelle sind wie literarische Stilübungen, um Beziehungen hinter einer Oberfläche erzählen zu können.
Water Dynamics in Competitive Solvation Assisted Loading of Colloidal Curcumin Nanoparticles onto Mesoporous Silica Nanostructures
Authors: Ananth A. Nitthin , Nagarajan V. , Kumar S. Suresh , Sasikumar P. , Chirico Giuseppe , D'Alfonso Laura , Jose Sujin P.
Published: July 2022

The main goal of this study is to develop methods for the simultaneous synthesis and loading of curcumin nanoparticles onto mesoporous silica by a sequential solvent evaporation approach. It is known that the presence of cosolvents and surfactants facilitates the homogenous formation of colloidal curcumin nanoparticles and enhances loading into mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The stability of the curcumin nanoparticles and their substantial loading are characterized as a function of the mesoporous silica nanostructures (MSN) surface properties, allowing to put into evidence how the dielectric nanoenvironment, largely determined by the water dynamics in the presence of cosolvents and of surfactants, plays a crucial role in the micelle mediated loading of curcumin nanoparticles into the mesoporous silica nanostructure. The interfacial hydrogen bonded corrugated network with its occupational electronic distribution shields the curcumin nanoparticles loaded onto the MSNs. Highly monodispersed nanostructures that are obtained that exhibit redox behavior, Fickian diffusion following linear compensation effect, and increased ionic activity triggered in an acidic pH ambiance. The augmented bioactivity of the human acute monocyte leukemia cancer cell line U937 elects the synthesized curcumin nanoparticles @ MSNs as a suitable nanostructure against acidic tumor microenvironment.
Extended bounded real lemma based sum of squares for static output feedback H∞ heading control
Authors: Huang Yanwei , Lin Tao , Huang Wenchao
Published: July 2022

Aim at the fore and aft asymmetry of unmanned surface vehicle (USV) and the loss of linear velocity, a static output feedback (SOF) control method is proposed by the sum of squares (SOS) based on two types of extended bounded real lemmas (EBRL) for heading regulation to guarantee the robustness and improve the rapidity. First, an asymmetric nonlinear heading error model with hydrodynamic parameters is established by the consideration of lack of linear velocity. Second, SOF controller with performance is presented for the asymmetric nonlinear USV model, and it's SOS conditions to solve controller parameters is deduced from EBRL by homogeneous Lyapunov function (HERBL) to maintain the system robustness. Further, the solution of SOF controller relies on the state feedback gain matrix, EBRL is deduced by quadratic Lyapunov function (QEBRL) to obtain the SOS conditions without the addition of an extended matrix to cut computing cost for the solution of the state feedback gain matrix. Finally, the heading control simulations for USV indicate that, QEBRL method takes less time for SOS conditions to solve the state feedback gain matrix, and SOF system of HERBL has a superior performance on the transient response and the robustness.
Analysis of stepped wedge cluster randomized trials in the presence of a time‐varying treatment effect
Authors: Kenny Avi , Voldal Emily C. , Xia Fan , Heagerty Patrick J. , Hughes James P.
Published: July 2022

Stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trials are typically analyzed using models that assume the full effect of the treatment is achieved instantaneously. We provide an analytical framework for scenarios in which the treatment effect varies as a function of exposure time (time since the start of treatment) and define the “effect curve” as the magnitude of the treatment effect on the linear predictor scale as a function of exposure time. The “time‐averaged treatment effect” (TATE) and “long‐term treatment effect” (LTE) are summaries of this curve. We analytically derive the expectation of the estimator resulting from a model that assumes an immediate treatment effect and show that it can be expressed as a weighted sum of the time‐specific treatment effects corresponding to the observed exposure times. Surprisingly, although the weights sum to one, some of the weights can be negative. This implies that may be severely misleading and can even converge to a value of the opposite sign of the true TATE or LTE. We describe several models, some of which make assumptions about the shape of the effect curve, that can be used to simultaneously estimate the entire effect curve, the TATE, and the LTE. We evaluate these models in a simulation study to examine the operating characteristics of the resulting estimators and apply them to two real datasets.
Preparation, Characterization and Anticancer Activity of Inclusion Complexes between Genistein and Amino‐Appended β‐Cyclodextrins
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , Kong Lingguang , Zhu Panyong , Liu Qingmeng , Liao Xiali , Si Tian , Yang Bo
Published: July 2022

Genistein (Gen) has great potential in the field of anti‐tumor, however, its low solubility in water, serious biotoxicity on thyroid function and estrogenic effects limit its further clinical application. Host‐guest inclusion complex based on supramolecular chemistry could be a promising strategy to address these issues. During last decades, cyclodextrin as one of the most popular supramolecular hosts have been considered as a promising drug delivery carrier. Herein, the host‐guest encapsulation system of Gen with amino‐appended β‐cyclodextrins (ACDs) were reported, and inclusion complexes have been characterized by 1H and 2D‐ROESY nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Phase solubility curve, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that Gen was successfully encapsulated into the cavities of ACDs to form the complexes with 1 : 1 stoichiometry, and compared with free Gen, the aqueous solubility of the complexes was enhanced by 1000 folds. In addition, the cytotoxicity of their complexes to tumor cell line HEK293T was significantly improved. These results will be potentially useful for the development of further clinical application of genistein‐based anticancer agent.
Thin‐Film Oxynitride Photocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Generation: Separating Surface and Bulk Effects Using Synchrotron X‐Ray and Neutron‐Based Techniques
Authors: Pergolesi Daniele , Lawley Craig , Lippert Thomas
Published: July 2022

The conversion of solar light into hydrogen by photoelectrochemical water splitting is one of the potential strategies that can allow the development of a carbon‐neutral energy cycle. Oxynitride semiconductors are promising materials for this application, although important limitations must still to be addressed. One of the most important issues is physicochemical degradation of the semiconductor, at the interface with water, where the electrochemical reactions occur. In this regard, thin films, with well‐defined and atomically flat surfaces, are invaluable tools for characterizing material properties and degradation mechanisms, while identifying strategies to mitigate detrimental effects. Thin oxynitride films may allow the use of complementary characterizations, not applicable to conventional powder samples. In particular, the study of the solid–liquid interface can benefit enormously from the use of thin films for synchrotron‐based surface‐sensitive X‐Ray scattering methods and neutron reflectometry. These investigation approaches promise to speed up the design and discovery of new materials for the production of solar fuels, while paving the way for similar applications in other research fields. This work aims at reviewing the literature contributions on oxynitride thin films for solar water splitting summarizing what is learnt so far and suggesting experimental strategies to unveil what is still not clear.
Nanomaterials: An Efficient Support to Immobilize Microbial α–Amylases for Improved Starch Hydrolysis
Authors: Kikani Bhavtosh A. , Suthar Sadikhusain , Joshi Disha
Published: July 2022

Microbial enzymes have contributed significantly to the development of biotech based industries over the recent past. Importantly, the microbial α‐amylases share a major market along with proteases. Starch gets hydrolyzed to dextrin, maltotetroses, maltotrioses, maltose, and glucose in trace amount using amylases. To be suitable commercially, the amylase should be stable at higher temperatures and a wide range of pH values. Moreover, it should also exhibit resistance against a range of chelators, surfactants, and denaturants. It is quite strenuous to isolate an amylase harboring all the required qualities. Therefore, various strategies have been employed to achieve the required attributes. In the present mini‐review, amylase immobilization on conventional matrices as well as on different types of nanomaterials has been discussed with a special emphasis on improvement in the stability and reusability. The stability of the nanomaterials against various physical, chemical, and biological stress is a key factor to be explored commercially. The mini‐review includes mainly magnetite, non‐magnetite, and hybrid (organic–inorganic) nanomaterials. Conclusively, it is anticipated that the advanced strategies would help to overcome the technical barriers in the industrial sectors for better continuous applications of microbial amylases.
Integrated proteomic analysis to explore the molecular regulation mechanism of IL‐33 mRNA increased by black carbon in the human endothelial cell line EA.hy926
Authors: Jiang Wanyu , Chu Hongqian , Li Zekang , Ge Jianhong , Wang Xiaoyun , Jiang Jianjun , Xiao Qianqian , Meng Qinghe , Lou Yaxin , Hao Weidong , Wei Xuetao
Published: July 2022

Black carbon (BC) correlates with the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that BC could impair vascular endothelial cells, but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. It is known that IL‐33 exerts a significant biological role in cardiovascular disease, but little is known about the molecular regulation of IL‐33 expression at present. We first found that BC significantly increased IL‐33 mRNA in EA.hy926 cells in a concentration and time‐dependent manner, and we conducted this study to explore its underlying mechanism. We identified that BC induced mitochondrial damage and suppressed autophagy function in EA.hy926 cells, as evidenced by elevation of the aspartate aminotransferase (GOT2), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p62, and the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). However, ROS cannot induce IL‐33 mRNA‐production in BC‐exposed EA.hy926 cells. Further, experiments revealed that BC could promote IL‐33 mRNA production through the PI3K/Akt/AP‐1 and p38/AP‐1 signaling pathways. It is concluded that BC could induce oxidative stress and suppress autophagy function in endothelial cells. This study also provided evidence that the pro‐cardiovascular‐diseases properties of BC may be due to its ability to stimulate the PI3K/AKT/AP‐1 and p38/AP‐1 pathway, further activate IL‐33 and ultimately result in a local vascular inflammation.
Low concentration triphenyl phosphate fuels proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Ye Liang , Zhang Xu , Wang Peng , Zhang Ying , He Shujiao , Li Yang , Li Shao , Liang Kangyan , Liao Shuguang , Gao Yi , Zhou Shuqing , Peng Qing
Published: July 2022

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) have been widely used due to their unique properties. The OPFRs are mainly metabolized in the liver. However, whether the plasma level of OPFRs was involved in the progression of liver cancer remains unclear. Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) is one of the OPFRs that are mostly detected in environment. In this study, we performed CCK8, ATP, and EdU analyses to evaluate the effect of TPP at the concentrations at 0.025–12.8 μM on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of Hep3B, a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line. Tumor‐bearing mouse model was used for in vivo validation. The results showed that low concentrations of TPP at (0.025–0.1 μM), which are obtained in the plasma of patients with cancers, remarkably promoted cell invasion and migration of Hep3B cells. Animal experiments confirmed that TPP treatment significantly enhanced tumor growth in the xenograft HCC model. To explore the possible molecular mechanisms that might mediate the actions of TPP on Hep3B cells, we profiled gene expression in groups treated with or without TPP at the concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 μM using transcriptional sequencing. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, and Protein–protein interaction (PPI) analyses demonstrated that pathways affected by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly in nuclear‐transcribed mRNA catabolic processes, cytosolic ribosome, and ATPase activity. A 0.05 and 0.1 μM TPP led to up‐regulation of a series of genes including EREG, DNPH1, SAMD9, DUSP5, PFN1, CKB, MICAL2, SCUBE3, and CXCL8, but suppressed the expression of MCC. These genes have been shown to be associated with proliferation and movement of cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that low concentration of TPP could fuel the proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC cells. Thus, TPP is a risk factor in the progression of HCC in human beings.