bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen‐doped Titanium Dioxide for Enhanced Photocatalytic Oxidation of Vanillyl Alcohol into Vanillin
Authors: Zhu Qian , Zhan Peng , Zhang Chenxi , Chen Ruhui , Ren Cong , Zhao Hongqing , Ren Wenqiang , Zhang Jiawen , Qin Peiyong , Cai Di
Published: May 2023

Photocatalysis transformation of renewable biomass‐derived building blocks into value‐added chemicals is an attractive strategy in response to the environmental issues caused by the use of unsustainable petrol‐chemical routes. On this basis, photocatalytic selective oxidation of reduced monolignols into aldehydes has emerged as a hotspot to be investigated. Herein, using ammonia solution as nitrogen source, N−TiO2 photocatalysts were prepared through a simple pyrolysis process. Under visible‐light irradiation, the N−TiO2 photocatalysts were applied for selective oxidation of vanillyl alcohol into vanillin in acetonitrile. Results suggested that after doping nitrogen into the basic TiO2, the N−TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited a narrow band‐gap that could broaden the light absorption range, inhibit the recombination of photogenerated carriers, and enhance the affinity to the substrate molecules. Consequently, the photocatalytic performances of the vanillyl alcohol can be extensively improved by the N−TiO2 (N‐400) photocatalyst. A selectivity of 60.37 % of vanillin and a conversion of 60.84 % of vanillyl alcohol can be realized under the optimized conditions. The mechanism for the improved photocatalysis performances of vanillyl alcohol by N−TiO2 was further proposed by combining the experimental and simulated results, which inferred that h+ was the decisive active species for the effective oxidation of vanillyl alcohol. The N−doped TiO2 photocatalysts are also adequate to selective oxidation of other renewable bio‐alcohols into aldehydes.
A prospective study of spray cryotherapy in patients with COPD
Authors: Liang Long , Zhang Jushan , Duan Hongxia , Li Xuan , Wang Changhui , Xie Shuanshuan
Published: May 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to estimate the safety and efficacy of spray cryotherapy (SCT) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We recruited patients aged 40–80 years with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD without serious complications (defined as two consecutive years of chronic cough and cough for at least 3 months with lung function forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]/forced vital capacity [FVC] < 70% after inhaled bronchodilators and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] grade II–IV). The safety of this study was assessed by incidence of adverse events, and the efficacy was evaluated by St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), COPD assessment test (CAT), Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and changes in exercise capacity, histomorphology and lung function.

Results

Eight patients eventually received three complete sessions of SCT, each lasting 41.10 ± 19.72 min. No adverse complications were recorded within 3 months after SCT. Clinically meaningful improvements in SGRQ, CAT, LCQ and exercise capacity were observed at 3 months after SCT: −15.75 ± 6.76 (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.10−21.40; p < .001), −6.88 ± 3.91 (95% CI 3.61−10.14; p = .002), −18.13 ± 13.81 (95% CI 6.58−29.67; p = .008) and 72.75 ± 33.11 (95% CI −100.43 to −45.07; p < .001), respectively. The density of airway epithelial goblet cells per unit area was significantly reduced (p < .05), and lung function parameters such as ∆FVC, ∆FEV1 and ∆ peak expiratory flow (∆PEF) were improved (p = .007, .021 and .012).

Conclusions

SCT is a safe and effective strategy to provide a better quality of life for COPD patients.
Diving boldly into COVID‐19 contaminated wastewater: Eyes at nanotechnology‐assisted solutions
Authors: Al‐Hazmi Hussein E. , Kot‐Wasik Agata , Shokrani Amirhossein , Majtacz Joanna , Vatanpour Vahid , Munir Muhammad Tajammal , Habibzadeh Sajjad , Hejna Aleksander , Hasanpour Mahnaz , Mohammadi Abbas , Ahmadi Sepideh , Lima Eder C. , Rabiee Navid , Saeb Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2023

Several studies have been directed to find scalable, swift, accurate, and cost‐effective strategies for detecting, monitoring, and treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Indeed, the lack of a fast and practical method for detecting the infected regions makes decision‐making challenging to combat the critical pandemic‐struck situations. The probable ‘wrong’, or rather inadequate, decisions not only have a boomerang effect on the economy but also can lead to an increase in the number of infected individuals, degree of hospitalization, and death counts. Although the current clinical methods are effective, they are costly, time‐consuming, and, more particularly, inadequate because of the virus's mutation patterns. In addition, contamination of biomedical wastes with the COVID‐19 virus is a matter of grave concern. Therefore, there is a perpetual need for novel methodologies to delineate the contaminated regions and determine whether those viruses contaminate the wastewater. Although several review papers have been recently published to discuss those concerns, there is a lack of a comprehensive survey of the detection and treatment of the COVID‐19 virus in aqueous media. Herein, we review techniques available as spreading signifiers for detecting the COVID‐19 virus in water resources and wastewater. We classify and integrate techniques into wastewater, sewage, and sludge detection and monitoring. Treatment of COVID‐19‐contaminated wastewater is discussed by classifying and ranking the methodologies nurtured from nanotechnology, including nanoparticle‐based biosensors used in the detection and nanotechnology‐based filtration systems for the removal of COVID‐19 from wastewater. We also highlight the compilation of the detection methodologies in contaminated aqueous media and provide insight into the challenges associated with treating COVID‐19‐contaminated wastewater. The article concludes that international and robust guidelines for virus/bacteria treatment in wastewater are urgently needed to protect the environment and public health, where nanotechnology plays a key role.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α regulates the interleukin‐6 production by B cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fan Chaofan , Li Jia , Li Yixuan , Jin Yuyang , Feng Jiaqi , Guo Ruru , Meng Xinyu , Gong Dongcheng , Chen Qian , Du Fang , Zhang Chunyan , Lu Liangjing , Deng Jun , Chen Xiao‐Xiang
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease characterised by bone destruction and systemic inflammation, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a therapeutic target for treating it. The study aimed at investigating the sources of IL‐6 and the influence of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) on IL‐6 production by B cells in RA patients.

Methods

The phenotype of IL‐6‐producing cells in the peripheral blood of RA patients was analysed using flow cytometry. Bioinformatics, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the IL‐6 production and HIF‐1α levels in B cells. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the regulatory role of HIF‐1α on IL‐6 production in human and mouse B cells.

Results

Our findings revealed that B cells are major sources of IL‐6 in the peripheral blood of RA patients, with the proportion of IL‐6‐producing B cells significantly correlated with RA disease activity. The CD27−IgD+ naïve B cell subset was identified as the typical IL‐6‐producing subset in RA patients. Both HIF‐1α and IL‐6 were co‐expressed by B cells in the peripheral blood and synovium of RA patients, and HIF‐1α was found to directly bind to the IL6 promoter and enhance its transcription.

Conclusion

This study highlights the role of B cells in producing IL‐6 and the regulation of this production by HIF‐1α in patients with RA. Targeting HIF‐1α might provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating RA.
Endoscopic treatment of a patient with duodenal major papilla adenoma and ansa pancreatica
Authors: Wu Yan‐yan , Feng Yun‐lu , Yang Ai‐ming
Published: May 2023

A 35‐year‐old female who suffered from recurrent pancreatitis was admitted to our hospital. Her magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed ansa pancreatica. And during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, a major duodenal papilla adenoma was identified. Hybrid endoscopic mucosal resection of this lesion was performed with pancreatic stent placement through the minor papilla to prevent recurrent pancreatitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a major papilla adenoma associated with ansa pancreatica. These minimally invasive endoscopic treatments solved a difficult clinical problem and avoided traumatic surgery.
Large‐scale correlations between gamebird release and management and animal biodiversity metrics in lowland Great Britain
Authors: Madden Joah Robert , Buckley Rosie , Ratcliffe Sophia
Published: May 2023

The ecological effects on populations of non‐game species driven by the annual release and management of tens of millions of gamebirds for recreational shooting are complex and relatively poorly understood. We investigated these effects at a national scale, considering multiple taxa simultaneously. We used records from the UK National Biodiversity Network Atlas to compare animal species and diversity metrics previously suggested to be affected by behaviors of the released birds, or because resources or habitats are influenced by game management or both processes. We contrasted records from 1 km grid squares where gamebirds were reported released in Great Britain, and control squares with similar land cover but where no releases were reported. There were more records overall reported from release grid squares (RGS) compared with controls (CGS), perhaps due to greater reporting effort or greater biological richness. We found fewer foxes in RGS and fewest in grid squares with largest releases, but more carrion crows in RGS. We found no consistent effects for buzzards, ravens, jays, or magpies. There were more rodents and gray squirrels reported from RGS but no differences for reptiles. There were more butterflies but fewer beetles reported from RGS but no consistent patterns for Orthoptera or ground beetles considered common gamebird prey. Farmland and woodland birds exhibited higher abundance, richness, and diversity in RGS when considering absolute records, but woodland bird abundance and richness were lower when correcting for the relative number of records. These nationwide results, despite crude data resolution, reveal diverse effects of gamebird release and management at a national scale and across trophic levels, increasing some non‐game animal populations while decreasing others. This should alert practitioners, opponents, and legislators that a focus on single taxa effects, either positive or negative, may obscure the simultaneous changes in other taxa.
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of auricular branch of the vagus nerve effectively and rapidly modulates the EEG patterns in patients with possible electrographic status epilepticus
Authors: Sarma Gosala Raja Kukkuta , Sharma Ananya Rakesh , John Anil T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Invasive vagal nerve stimulation (iVNS) is a known treatment approach for patients with refractory epilepsy. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) was developed to overcome the side effects and surgical complications of iVNS. tVNS is proven beneficial in refractory epilepsy. The effectiveness of tVNS, however, has never been studied in patients with Status Epilepticus. In this study, we explored the effect of tVNS in three patients with possible electrographic status epilepticus.

Objectives

To compare the EEG pattern before, during and after tVNS in three patients with possible electrographic status epilepticus.

Methods

Three consecutive patients with possible electrographic status epilepticus were included after due consenting process. In addition to the standard care, tVNS was applied on the left ear over the cymba concha in two sessions, 6 h apart, with each session for 45 min. Continuous EEG monitoring was performed as standard of care and the findings before, during and after tVNS were documented.

Results

The duration of status epilepticus at the time of inclusion of Patients 1, 2, and 3 was 6 weeks, 7 days, and 5 days respectively. All were in coma and on multiple antiseizure medications. Patient 1 and 3 were on anesthetic infusions. Before stimulation, one patient had burst suppression pattern and two had generalized periodic discharges at 1 Hz frequency. We observed a significant reduction/resolution of ongoing EEG patterns in all three patients during the stimulation. The abnormal patterns re‐emerged approximately 20 min post cessation of tVNS. No stimulation‐related side effects were detected. There was no change in clinical status, but all three patients had severe underlying conditions.

Significance

Transcutaneous auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) is a potential noninvasive adjuvant therapy that can modulate EEG patterns in patients with Status epilepticus. Larger studies in early SE are needed to assess its clinical benefits.
Thermodynamic investigation of variable‐speed compression unit in near‐isothermal compressed air energy storage
Authors: He Xin , Wang Huanran , Sun Hao , Huang Yizhou , Wang Zhuangjie , Ling Lanning
Published: May 2023

Isothermal compression is the state‐of‐the‐art in compressed air energy storage (CAES) technology. The study of cyclic pressurization unit in isothermal CAES is carried out in this paper. The unit can continuously compress air utilizing double vessels operating alternately. In each vessel, the large heat capacity of water and spray cooling is applied to establish a conducive environment for the air achieving the effect of efficient near‐isothermal compression. The operating mode of the cyclic pressurization unit is divided into sliding‐pressure operation and constant‐pressure operation according to the pressure of its outlet. By adopting the characteristic curves of pump, the dynamic model is built for the unit in this paper. Further, the differences between the cyclic pressurization unit in isentropic process and in variable‐speed process are quantified and compared in four different cases. In isentropic process, the energy‐saving ratio and exergy efficiency of the unit are expected to reach 20.4% and 95.0%, respectively. In variable‐speed process, the energy‐saving ratio and efficiency of the unit can achieve 7.3% and 73.4%, respectively. This gap is mainly determined by the off‐design performance of the pump. Moreover, the vessel volume should be no less than 3 m3 and 5 m3 when there is spraying and when there is no spraying. Furthermore, spraying favors the improvement of the worsened compression performance caused by the change of design parameters. The energy‐saving ratio can be improved via spraying by 1.3% to 11.0% and 1.8% to 25.6% in the isentropic and variable‐speed processes, respectively. Meanwhile, the exergy efficiency can be increased by 1.5% to 9.4% in the isentropic process and 1.4% to 8.4% in the variable‐speed by spraying.
Term spreads of implied volatility smirk and variance risk premium
Authors: Guo Wei , Ruan Xinfeng , Gehricke Sebastian A. , Zhang Jin E.
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we study the pattern of S&P 500 index options implied volatility (IV) curves and their predictive ability for the variance risk premium (VRP). We explore this predictability employing by the Zhang and Xiang IV factor estimation. We show that the level factor term spread significantly predicts the VRP, proxied by straddle returns and variance swap returns, in both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample tests. The predictability is more pronounced for straddle returns rather than variance swap returns.
Telehealth replication of the trial‐based ongoing visual‐inspection criteria
Authors: Standish Cassandra M. , Banerjee Ipshita , Lambert Joseph M. , Houchins‐Juarez Nealetta , Perry Eugenia C.
Published: May 2023

Trial‐based functional analyses are valid assessments for identifying functions of problem behavior; however, there is little guidance in the literature on interpreting the resultant data from such assessments. The current study sought to extend Standish, Bailey, et al. (2021) by incorporating their trial‐based ongoing visual‐inspection criteria into a formative assessment process during a telehealth‐based consultation for parents seeking treatment for their child's problem behavior. The results showed that parent‐implemented trial‐based functional analyses guided by the trial‐based ongoing visual‐inspection criteria resulted in an efficient assessment‐to‐intervention progression and that the treatments were both effective and socially valid.
YF3:Tb, LaF3:Ce/Tb, and GdF3:Tb nanoparticles: A comparison of the crystallographic and photoluminescent properties
Authors: Ansari Anees A. , Khan M. A. Majeed
Published: May 2023

YF3:Tb, LaF3:Ce/Tb, and GdF3:Tb nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the thermal co‐precipitation technique at a lower temperature. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), FT‐Raman, UV/visible, and photoluminescence techniques were utilized to determine the phase purity, crystal phase, thermal stability, exterior behavior, optical properties, colloidal stability, and luminescent properties. The XRD results showed the different crystal phases in each nanoproduct. The TGA studies exhibited slight degradation at a lower temperature, which suggests surface water adsorption and organic moieties. The FTIR spectra revealed the existence of the IR bands related to hydroxyl and (CO) groups, suggesting the presence of organic moieties. The absorption spectra and optical bandgap energies were measured in aqueous media for the determination of the colloidal dispersibility in an aqueous solution. The excitation and emission spectra were analyzed, and all observed excitation and emission transitions were labeled. The emission spectra of the LnF3:Tb NPs exhibited distinctive features of the most dominant emission transition located at 543 (5D4 → 7F5) under the excitation at 368 nm. Among the presented LnF3 host matrices, YF3:Tb NPs demonstrated high crystallinity along with superior photoluminescence properties. These findings are highly useful in the conjugation of biomolecules for sensitive detection of biomolecules and optical bioimaging.
Changes in convective and stratiform precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau projected by global and regional climate models
Authors: Zhang Hongwen , Gao Yanhong
Published: May 2023

Precipitation is a crucial influencing factor in the global hydrological cycle and terrestrial ecosystems. Previous studies have mostly focused on the historical precipitation variations over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). However, little attention has been given to the differences between convective and stratiform precipitation under future climate change scenarios. In order to acquire the high‐resolution precipitation information over the TP, the dynamical downscaling simulation was conducted utilizing a regional climate model (Weather Research and Forecasting [WRF] model) forced with a global climate model (Community Climate System Model [CCSM]). In this study, we focus on projections of future changes in convective and stratiform precipitation over the TP. The downscaling results during a 26‐year period 1980–2005 are compared for dry season, wet season and annual mean precipitation against the gridded observation dataset. Then, the changes in the wet season convective and stratiform precipitation with warming between CCSM and WRF‐CCSM were compared in the future period 2070–2099 under two scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Compared with the coarse‐resolution forcing, the historical precipitation of dry season, wet season and annual mean over the TP were found to better reproduce in WRF‐CCSM simulation. WRF‐CCSM projects an opposite spatial pattern of total precipitation change between the northern and southern TP in the future under different scenarios, which were attributed to the decreased stratiform precipitation in the southern TP and the increased convective precipitation in the northern TP, contrasting with the uniform increase of total precipitation in its forcing. The surface air temperature projected in WRF‐CCSM is larger increase than in the CCSM forcing. Compared to the CCSM forcing, WRF‐CCSM projects more pronounced increase in convective precipitation in response to rapid warming, and increasingly dominates changes of total precipitation with temperature exceeds the Clausius–Clapeyron rate over the northern TP.
Naturally Derived Maleic Chitosan/Thiolated Sodium Hyaluronate Hydrogels as Potential 3D Printing Tissue Engineering Materials
Authors: Zhang Mengfan , Peng Xiaotong , Huang Yansheng , Li Kai , Zhang Jing , Xiao Pu , Zhou Yingshan
Published: May 2023

3D printing is an attractive method to accurately construct artificial organs or alternative materials with complicated structures and functional performance. Naturally derived hydrogels have emerged as promising materials for the preparation of biomimetic 3D organization or scaffolds by 3D printing due to their good biocompatibility, high water content, and fascinating 3D network. However, the poor printing properties and weak structural stability of naturally derived hydrogels limit their applications. In this study, photopolymerizable hydrogels are designed based on maleic chitosan (MCS) and thiolated sodium hyaluronate (SHHA). The Michael addition between MCS and SHHA improves the viscosity of the mixed solution. Moreover, it benefits the 3D printing process, followed by photopolymerization (acrylate‐thiol step‐chain polymerization and acrylate–acrylate chain polymerization) to form a stable covalent network rapidly. The rheological property, swelling behaviors, microstructure, and in vitro degradation are tuned by adjusting the molar ratio of the thiol group and acrylate group. In addition, MCS/SHHA hydrogel scaffolds with good accuracy and enhanced structural stability are prepared using extrusion‐based 3D printing and photopolymerization technology. The hydrogels display excellent cytocompatibility and can support adherence of L929 cells, which can be used as prospective materials for tissue engineering applications.
Stigma and Social Avoidance in Adults with Essential Tremor
Authors: O'Suilleabhain Padraig , Berry Diane S. , Lundervold Duane A. , Turner Travis H. , Tovar Madeline , Louis Elan D.
Published: May 2023

Background

People with essential tremor (ET) can be subject to stigma, and some adopt avoidance behaviors. Characteristics associated with ET stigma and the relationship between perceived stigma and social dysfunction have not been studied.

Objectives

To discern predictors of perceived stigma and social dysfunction in ET, and to identify potentially treatable psychological factors associated with social dysfunction.

Methods

We surveyed ET patients (n = 158) on recalled stigma incidents and social dysfunction related to tremor, as well as clinical and demographic characteristics including tremor severity, and psychological constructs including anxiety, depression, mindfulness, resilience, and narcissism.

Results

Worse tremor severity (Standardized beta [SB] 1.4, P < 0.001) especially among younger participants (interaction of age and tremor severity SB −0.9, P < 0.001) and presence of vocal tremor (SB 0.7, P = 0.002) predict perceived stigma. 53/157 (33.8%) participants met criteria for social dysfunction, employing maladaptive avoidance strategies. Scores for perceived stigma (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.2, P = 0.002), depression (OR 1.5, P = 0.004) and stigma psychological distress (OR 1.2, P = 0.001) as well as sex (OR 4.3 for females, P = 0.045) predicted social dysfunction.

Conclusions

Depression and stigma psychological distress contribute to social dysfunction related to ET stigma. Treating these psychological factors may mitigate social avoidance behaviors prevalent among susceptible individuals: those who most perceive ET stigma, i.e. relatively younger patients with worse tremor or with vocal tremor, and in particular females who are more prone to social dysfunction than males with the same degree of perceived stigma.
Boundary spanning strategy and tacit knowledge recombination: Analysis of joint‐patent networks of patent‐intensive firms
Authors: Jiang Jie , Zhang Qihang
Published: May 2023

This paper collects 103 sample firms' 2015 to 2019 data through data envelopment analysis to measure their technical innovation performance and social network analysis to build joint‐patent networks and explore knowledge‐creating alliance relationships. The article highlights how tacit knowledge recombination works as a mechanism of boundary spanning. It emphasizes the significance of strategic balancing networks' position to improve technical innovation performance and competitiveness of patent‐intensive (PI) firms. This research contributes to shedding additional light on the nature of the boundary‐spanning mechanism and PI firms' knowledge exchanges. Specifically, it examines how balancing boundaries spanning through joint‐patent networks can influence the processes of tacit knowledge transmission and recombination between knowledge‐based actors.
Examining neurodevelopmental problems in 15q11.2 (BP1‐BP2) copy number variation carriers at ages 9/12 and 18 in a Swedish twin sample
Authors: Jonsson Lina , Martin Joanna , Lichtenstein Paul , Magnusson Patrik K. E. , Lundström Sebastian , Westberg Lars , Tammimies Kristiina
Published: May 2023

Background

Several copy number variations (CNVs) are associated with increased risk for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The CNV 15q11.2 (BP1‐BP2) deletion has been associated with learning difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, and brain morphology; however, many carriers present mild or no symptoms. Carrying the reciprocal duplication does not seem to confer risk for these disorders or traits. Our aim was to examine the impact of carrying either 15q11.2 deletion and reciprocal duplication on neurodevelopmental problems in a population‐based sample of children.

Methods

Twins with genotype and phenotype information in the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS) were included (N = 12,040). We included measures of neurodevelopmental problems (NDPs), including learning problems, from the questionnaire Autism–Tics, ADHD, and other Comorbidities inventory (A‐TAC) at age 9/12, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) questionnaires at age 18, as well as information about lifetime psychiatric diagnoses and epileptic seizures. We tested the association between these phenotypic measurements and carrying the 15q11.2 deletion, the reciprocal duplication, and other CNVs with previously reported strong associations with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders (i.e., psychiatric CNVs).

Results

We identified 57 carriers of the 15q11.2 deletion, 75 carriers of the reciprocal duplication, and 67 carriers of other psychiatric CNVs. We did not find an increased risk for NDPs or psychiatric diagnoses in the 15q11.2 deletion carriers. For 15q11.2 duplication carriers, we found an increased risk for math learning problems and fewer self‐reported ADHD symptoms at age 18 but not for other NDPs. In line with previous studies, we found an increased risk of NDPs and other evaluated phenotypes in carriers of psychiatric CNVs.

Conclusions

Our results support previous findings that carrying 15q11.2 deletion does not have a large effect on NDPs in children.
Div‐curl‐gradient inequalities and div‐curl system with oblique boundary condition
Authors: Pan Xing‐Bin
Published: May 2023

This paper concerns the generalized div‐curl‐gradient inequalities which control certain norms of the gradient of a vector field
by using its divergence and curl in the domain and either the oblique trace
or the oblique component
on the domain boundary, where
is a nontangential vector field. These inequalities provide a priori estimates of the solutions of the div‐curl system with the boundary condition of prescribing either the oblique trace or the oblique component. We shall prove the inequalities and derive existence of the solutions under some geometric condition on the domain and on the vector field
.
Neural correlates of inhibitory control in severe class III compared with class I/II obesity using a sample of endometrial cancer survivors seeking weight loss
Authors: Nock Nora L. , Jiang Huangqi , Rao Stephen M. , Dimitropoulos Anastasia
Published: May 2023

Objective

No prior studies have evaluated inhibitory control in people with severe class III compared with class I/II obesity. Thus, the study aim was to evaluate inhibitory control and neural correlates of response inhibition by obesity class using a sample of endometrial cancer (EC) survivors with obesity, who have a higher risk of overall but not cancer‐specific mortality.

Methods

Forty‐eight stage I EC survivors with obesity (class I/II: n = 21; class III: n = 27) seeking weight loss in a lifestyle intervention at baseline completed a stop signal task during functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

It was found that participants with class III obesity had a longer stop signal reaction time (mean [SD], 278.8 [51.3] vs. 251.5 [34.0] milliseconds, p < 0.01) compared with those with class I/II obesity, indicating that patients with EC with severe obesity had greater impulsivity and poorer inhibitory control. Results also showed increased activation in the thalamus and superior frontal gyrus for the incorrect versus correct inhibition contrast in class III but not class I/II obesity (whole brain cluster corrected, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results provide novel insights into inhibitory control and corresponding neural correlates in severe versus less severe classes of obesity and highlight the importance of targeting inhibitory control processes in weight‐loss interventions, particularly for people with severe obesity and greater impulsivity.
Weight gain prevention interventions in the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) trial promote ideal cardiovascular health in young adults
Authors: Hayes Jacqueline F. , LaRose Jessica Gokee , Gorin Amy A. , Lewis Cora E. , Bahnson Judy , Phelan Suzanne , Wing Rena R. ,   for the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) Research Group
Published: May 2023

Objective

Cardiovascular health (CVH) declines in young adulthood. This study assessed whether weight gain prevention interventions promoted ideal CVH.

Methods

Young adults (n = 599; age 18–35 years; BMI: 21.0–30.9 kg/m2) from a randomized controlled trial comparing two weight gain prevention interventions (self‐regulation with large or small changes) and a self‐guided control group completed anthropometric and clinical assessments at baseline and 2 years. CVH was quantified via the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7 (LS7) number of ideal components met.

Results

Both interventions showed significant improvements in the average number of ideal LS7 components met at 2 years compared with control (pre‐ to post‐treatment means; large change: 0.24, small change: 0.34, control: −0.2, p < 0.05). Moreover, a greater percentage of participants in both interventions improved by ≥1 ideal component (large change: 35%, small change: 37%, control: 29%) and a smaller percentage declined by ≥1 ideal component (large change: 16%, small change: 20%, control: 30%) compared with control. For individual LS7 components, the odds of having an ideal BMI and glucose varied by treatment condition at 2 years.

Conclusions

Two weight gain prevention interventions led to improvements in ideal CVH at 2 years. Interventions explicitly focused on a broader constellation of LS7 domains might lead to even greater changes in CVH.
Time‐Driven Activity‐Based Cost Comparison of Thyroid Lobectomy and Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Ayoub Noel F. , Balakrishnan Karthik , Orloff Lisa A. , Noel Julia E.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of benign thyroid nodules has gained traction for its therapeutic effectiveness, thyroid function preservation, and minimally invasive nature. While a growing body of evidence reports positive outcomes from thyroid RFA, financial comparisons between both procedures remain limited. This analysis aims to more accurately measure the direct cost of thyroid RFA in comparison to thyroid lobectomy.

Study Design

Bottom‐up financial cost analysis.

Setting

Tertiary endocrine head and neck surgery center.

Methods

Time‐driven activity‐based costing was utilized to obtain unit‐based cost estimates. The care cycles for thyroid lobectomy and RFA were defined, and process maps were developed comprising all personnel and work in the care cycle. Time estimates were calculated for all personnel involved, and public government data were used to obtain capacity cost rates for each component of the care cycle. Consumable supply and overhead costs were obtained for both procedures, and overall costs were compared.

Results

For thyroid lobectomy, total personnel costs were $1087.97, consumable supplies were $942.68, and overhead costs $17,199.10. For thyroid nodule RFA performed in an office setting, the total personnel cost calculated was $379.90, consumable supplies $1315.28, and overhead $7031.20. Overall, the total cost for thyroid lobectomy was $19,229.75 compared to $8726.38 for RFA.

Conclusion

In‐office thyroid nodule RFA is associated with lower direct costs than thyroid lobectomy, and overhead is the greatest cost driver for both procedures. If clinical and patient‐centered outcomes are comparable, then RFA may provide higher value for appropriately selected patients.
Efficient removal technique of foreign body in the mandible with optimization of 3D simulation
Authors: Hiraga (Kondo) Chiho , Saito Daiki , Yoshida Shigeo , Kawano Takamasa , Yamamoto Masae , Nomura Takeshi
Published: May 2023

Background

Foreign bodies may be deposited in the oral cavity either by traumatic injury or iatrogenic damage.

Case Presentation

We describe a case of foreign body removal using a three‐dimensional reconstruction (3D) simulation application (ProPlan CMF™) involving a case of a 26‐year‐old male. The broken bur had been accidentally inserted when a lower wisdom tooth was extracted at a general dental office. The removal surgery was performed under preoperative simulation without complications (e.g., excessive bleeding and nerve paralysis).

Conclusion

This case illustrates surgical techniques to safely remove foreign bodies in the mandible.
A comparative study on alternative industrial manufacturing routes for bifacial n‐PERT silicon solar cells
Authors: Bektaş Gence , Seyrek Selin , Keçeci Ahmet Emin , Aslan Sercan , Özyahni Vahdet , Canar Hasan Hüseyin , Asav Hasan , Kaplan Yiğit Mert , Turan Raşit
Published: May 2023

Bifacial n‐PERT solar cells, taking advantage of the superior material quality of n‐type Si wafers and the high bifaciality potential of the design, can be fabricated by the existing industrial manufacturing methods. Here, we compare five alternative process flows to manufacture the bifacial n‐PERT solar cells. The complexities of their fabrication routes vary mainly according to the applied doping methods (either diffusion or ion implantation) and the rear side morphology (either alkaline textured or hardly etched pyramidal surface). We also analyze the performance of the devices fabricated by each process flow. Our results indicate that the solar cells with a B‐diffused emitter and P‐implanted BSF yield higher efficiencies than the others. In addition, the n‐PERT solar cells with hardly etched pyramidal rear surfaces have slightly higher efficiency than those with textured rear surfaces. Moreover, we studied the responses of the n‐PERT solar cells against the degradation and regeneration processes applied to boron‐doped p‐type Si solar cells under dark annealing, light soaking, and illuminated annealing. They are not significantly influenced by light‐induced degradation (LID); however, the fill factor (FF) value of the cell with hardly etched pyramidal rear surfaces is sensitive to the illuminated annealing process.
Fixed‐time velocity‐free coordination control for human‐robot systems without any approximation function
Authors: Zeng Xiangduan , Yang Yana , Li Junpeng
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the fixed‐time coordination control problem is addressed for a class of uncertain human‐robot systems without velocity information. Specifically, due to the absence of approximation function, the developed control scheme is more practical. Firstly, a new fixed‐time velocity observer is introduced to estimate unmeasured velocities with the homogeneity theory. Then, the performance of the velocity observer in the presence of parametric uncertainties and non‐parametric uncertainties is analyzed seriously. Furthermore, a novel distributed continuous fixed‐time control (DCFTC) scheme is proposed. Compared with the existing velocity‐free controllers, fixed‐time convergence is achieved both for velocity estimation and trajectory tracking. More than that, distributed control is realized by using graph theoretic notions. Finally, numerical simulation results and experiment results demonstrate the efficacy and superior performance of the proposed velocity estimation method and control algorithms.
Event‐triggered control of Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy systems under deception attacks
Authors: Peixoto Márcia L. C. , Coutinho Pedro H. S. , Bessa Iury , Pessim Paulo S. P. , Palhares Reinaldo M.
Published: May 2023

This article handles the problem of periodic event‐triggered control co‐design for the stabilization of Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy models subject to stochastic deception attacks whose occurrence follows a given Bernoulli distribution. A novel delay‐dependent condition is presented to simultaneously design the event‐triggering mechanism and the state‐feedback controller to ensure the local mean‐square asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system. The co‐design condition is derived as linear matrix inequalities by considering Lyapunov–Krasovskii stability arguments. In addition, an optimization procedure is provided to estimate an enlarged set of admissible initial conditions and the corresponding ultimate bound within the validity domain of the fuzzy model. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Mn Deposited Co3O4 Hollow Microcages Derived from ZIF‐67 for Efficient CO Low‐temperature Oxidation
Authors: Huang Yingzi , Ye Xue , Gao Xinhua , Guo Lisheng , Wang Yaqiong , Xu Wenlin , Li Jie
Published: May 2023

Cost‐effective and highly efficient catalyst is a promising way for the removal of CO in automotive exhaust purification. Herein, a series of novel self‐assembled CoMn bimetallic catalysts with hollow microcage structure have been prepared through zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF‐67) assisted method followed by direct pyrolysis in static air. Both the Mn loading and the unique hollow microcage structure play important roles in CO low‐temperature oxidation, and the highest catalytic activity is obtained for CoMn‐2 catalyst, which presents T100 (temperature of 100 % CO conversion) at 80 °C. Through a systematic series of experiments, we further demonstrate that our catalysts’ superior catalytic performance arises from small particle size, high surface active oxygen content and Co3+/(Co2++Co3+) ratio. Such configuration of catalysts will pave the way for new strategies to design noble‐free high‐performance catalysts for CO low‐temperature oxidation.
An Efficient Synthesis of New Pyrazole‐Linked Oxazoles via Sonogashira Coupling Reaction
Authors: Tamardash Leila Kamrani , Bakherad Mohammad , Keivanloo Ali , Notash Behrouz
Published: May 2023

An efficient method is developed for synthesizing new pyrazole‐linked oxazoles through a palladium‐catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reaction. In this method, from the reaction of 5‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐N‐(prop‐2‐phenyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide with aryl iodides having nitro group and aryl iodides with electron‐donating groups, pyrazole‐linked oxazole derivatives and 5‐chloro‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐N‐(3‐arylprop‐2‐yn‐1‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide derivatives were obtained respectively. The prepared products were characterized using FT‐IR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR spectroscopies.
Effective Synthesis and Anti‐Mycobacterial Activity of Isoxazole‐Substituted Piperazine Derivatives
Authors: Bi Yongchang , Chen Xiaodong , Xue Yafei , Liu Kejun , Zhang Yumin , Gu Qiang
Published: May 2023

A series of piperazine derivatives containing bis‐isoxazole were successfully synthesized by the reaction between piperazine and substituted isoxazole derivatives under the optimal reaction condition. The structures of all products were confirmed by IR, HRMS, 1H and 13C NMR. The antibacterial activities of all products against Mycobacteria smegmatis in vitro were tested using rifampin as a positive control. Two compounds presented wonderful anti‐mycobacterium activity, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations were respectively 2.60±1.11 μmol/mL and 4.35±0.00 μmol/mL, which indicated that they can be regarded as candidates for development of anti‐TB drugs.
Physicochemical Properties and Potential Food Applications of Starches Isolated from Unconventional Seeds: A Review
Authors: Chacon Wilson Daniel Caicedo , Gaviria Yessica Alexandra Rodriguez , de Melo Ana Paula Zapelini , Verruck Silvani , Monteiro Alcilene Rodrigues , Valencia Germán Ayala
Published: May 2023

Starch is a natural carbohydrate that is commonly isolated from conventional sources such as corn, cassava, potato, wheat, and rice. However, in recent years new sources of starch have been studied, named as unconventional sources, usually from seeds and legumes, which have comparable properties to traditional starch sources. In recent years, new sources of starch from various seeds have been observed, including durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), loquat (Eriobothrya japonica), lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.), mango (Mangifera indica), tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.), pine, or pinhão (Araucaria angustifolia), etc. On a laboratory scale, the extraction of starch from unconventional sources has generally been carried out with water, however, despite being an old method, good efficiencies have been obtained. In this review, it is shown that starches from unconventional sources have promising physicochemical properties, good digestibility performance, and applicability in the food area.
The promise and limitations of formal privacy
Authors: Williams Aaron R. , Bowen Claire McKay
Published: May 2023

Differential privacy (DP) is in our smart phones, web browsers, social media, and the federal statistics used to allocate billions of dollars. Despite the mathematical concept being only 17 years old, differential privacy has amassed a rapidly growing list of real‐world applications, such as Meta and US Census Bureau data. Why is DP so pervasive? DP is currently the only mathematical framework that provides a finite and quantifiable bound on disclosure risk when releasing information from confidential data. Previous concepts of data privacy and confidentiality required various assumptions about how a bad actor might attack sensitive data. DP is often called formally private because statisticians can mathematically prove the worst‐case scenario privacy loss that could result from releasing information based on the confidential data. Although DP ushered in a new era of data privacy and confidentiality methodologies, many researchers and data practitioners criticize differentially private frameworks. In this paper, we provide readers a critical overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art research on formal privacy methodologies and various relevant perspectives, challenges, and opportunities.

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Defense and National Security
Targeting the central nervous system: From synthetic nanoparticles to extracellular vesicles—Focus on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hernando Sara , Santos‐Vizcaíno Edorta , Igartua Manoli , Hernandez Rosa Maria
Published: May 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are an accelerating global health problem as life expectancy rises worldwide. Despite their significant burden in public health systems to date, the existing treatments only manage the symptoms without slowing down disease progression. Thus, the ongoing neurodegenerative process remains untreated. Moreover, the stronghold of the brain—the blood–brain barrier (BBB)—prevents drug penetrance and dwindles effective treatments. In the last years, nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems (DDS) have become a promising approach to target and treat these disorders related to the central nervous system (CNS). PLGA based nanoparticles (NPs) were the first employed DDS for effective drug delivery. However, the poor drug loading capacity and localized immunogenicity prompted the scientific community to move to another DDS such as lipid‐based NPs. Despite the lipid NPs' safety and effectiveness, their off‐target accumulation together with the denominated CARPA (complement activation‐related pseudo allergy) reaction has limited their complete clinical translation. Recently, biological NPs naturally secreted by cells, termed as extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising more complex biocompatible DDS. In addition, EVs act as dual players in NDs treatment, as a “cell free” therapy themselves, as well as new biological NPs with numerous characteristics that qualify them as promising carriers over synthetic DDS. The present review aims to display advantages, drawbacks, current limitations and future prospective of the previously cited synthetic and biological DDS to enter the brain and treat one of 21st century most challenging diseases, NDs.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Neurological Disease
Supersymmetric indices factorize
Authors: Iliesiu Luca V. , Koloğlu Murat , Turiaci Gustavo J.
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The extent to which quantum mechanical features of black holes can be understood from the Euclidean gravity path integral has recently received significant attention. In this paper, we examine this question for the calculation of the supersymmetric index. For concreteness, we focus on the case of charged black holes in asymptotically flat four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 ungauged supergravity. We show that the gravity path integral with supersymmetric boundary conditions has an infinite family of Kerr-Newman classical saddles with different angular velocities. We argue that fermionic zero-mode fluctuations are present around each of these solutions making their contribution vanish, except for a single saddle that is BPS and gives the expected value of the index. We then turn to non-perturbative corrections involving spacetime wormholes and show that a fermionic zero mode is present in all these geometries, making their contribution vanish once again. This mechanism works for both single- and multi-boundary path integrals. In particular, only disconnected geometries without wormholes contribute to the gravitational path integral which computes the index, and the factorization puzzle that plagues the black hole partition function is resolved for the supersymmetric index. Finally, we classify all other single-centered geometries that yield non-perturbative contributions to the gravitational index of each boundary.