bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharide‐based electroconductive films for controlled release of ciprofloxacin
Authors: Aycan Didem , Dolapçı Nihal , Karaca Özge Gülüzar , Alemdar Neslihan
Published: June 2022

Hereby, fabrication of hyaluronic acid/gelatin/sodium alginate (HA/Gel/SA) polymeric films, which contain electroconductive poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) particles, is studied for drug release applications. The characterization of synthesized PEDOT:PSS and HA/Gel/SA‐(PEDOT:PSS) films is verified by using FT‐IR and RAMAN spectroscopy. Conductivity values of the films containing 0, 4, and 6% v/v PEDOT:PSS are found via a four‐point probe technique to determine the optimum composition of the films for the targeted field. Additionally, swelling, mechanical, and cytotoxicity tests are carried out according to the related methods. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), which is a commonly used antibiotic, is loaded into the polymeric matrix and its release behavior is investigated. All results indicate that the incorporation of PEDOT:PSS increases the mechanical performance and decreases the burst release of drug resulted in more sustained release profile. The HA/Gel/SA‐(PEDOT: PSS) formulation is clearly a promising drug carrier that also supports cell viability due to its high cytocompatibility.
Active involvement of nursing staff in reporting and grading complication‐intervention events—Protocol and results of the CAMUS Pilot Nurse Delphi Study
Authors: Soliman Christopher , Thomas Benjamin C. , Santaguida Pasqualina , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Mertens Evie , Giannarini Gianluca , Wuethrich Patrick Y. , Wu Michael , Khan Muhammad S. , Nair Rajesh , Thurairaja Ramesh , Challacombe Benjamin , Dasgupta Prokar , Malde Sachin , Corcoran Niall M. , Spiess Philippe E. , Dundee Philip , Furrer Marc A.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study is to gain experienced nursing perspective on current and future complication reporting and grading in Urology, establish the CAMUS CCI and quality control the use of the Clavien‐Dindo Classification (CDC) in nursing staff.

Subjects and Methods

The 12‐part REDCap‐based Delphi survey was developed in conjunction with expert nurse, urologist and methodologist input. Certified local and international inpatient and outpatient nurses specialised in urology, perioperative nurses and urology‐specific advanced practice nurses/nurse practitioners will be included. A minimum sample size of 250 participants is targeted. The survey assesses participant demographics, nursing experience and opinion on complication reporting and the proposed CAMUS reporting recommendations; grading of intervention events using the existing CDC and the proposed CAMUS Classification; and rating various clinical scenarios. Consensus will be defined as ≥75% agreement. If consensus is not reached, subsequent Delphi rounds will be performed under Steering Committee guidance.

Results

Twenty participants completed the pilot survey. Median survey completion time was 58 min (IQR 40–67). The survey revealed that 85% of nursing participants believe nurses should be involved in future complication reporting and grading but currently have poor confidence and inadequate relevant background education. Overall, 100% of participants recognise the universal demand for reporting consensus and 75% hold a preference towards the CAMUS System. Limitations include variability in nursing experience, complexity of supplemental grades and survey duration.

Conclusion

The integration of experienced nursing opinion and participation in complication reporting and grading systems in a modern and evolving hospital infrastructure may facilitate the assimilation of otherwise overlooked safety data. Incorporation of focused teaching into routine nursing education will be essential to ensure quality control and stimulate awareness of complication‐related burden. This, in turn, has the potential to improve patient counselling and quality of care.
Bladder augmentation in exstrophy vesicae: Long‐term results of a single experienced center
Authors: Demirkan Hasan , Kuzdan Mehmet Özgür
Published: June 2022

Background

In this study, we present our long‐term treatment outcomes of bladder augmentation (BA), bladder neck closure, and Mitrofanoff clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) in managing bladder exstrophy (BE).

Methods

This was a retrospective medical records' review of 33 children diagnosed as born with BE, followed up at a tertiary pediatric urology clinic from 1988 to 2020. Outcomes such as surgical interventions, presence of renal calculi, hydronephrosis, and continence status were extracted.

Results

The median follow‐up of the group was 18.2 (4–26) years. Urinary system stones developed in 10 (30.3%) cases about 8.9 years after BA. Stone development was two times more common in patients who underwent colocystoplasty (33.3%) than those who underwent ileocytoplasty (16.6%). The state of continence of the group was satisfactory in 26 (78.7%; excellent in 23; good in 3 cases) and unsatisfactory (wet) in 6 (18.1%) cases. At the last visit, ultrasonography revealed no hydronephrosis in 23 (69.6%) patients, and the voiding cystourethrogram demonstrated low‐grade vesicoureteral reflux in 10 (30.3%) and high‐grade vesicoureteral reflux in 2 (6%) patients.

Conclusions

An elaborated plan of surgical reconstruction for classic BE can lead to satisfactory long‐term urinary continence in most patients. Ultimate predictors of outcome in BE repair are difficult to ascertain. Consistently, BA, bladder neck closure, and Mitrofanoff CIC continue to stand out at a critical point in the management of those patients with classic BE. Our study demonstrated that augmentation is required to achieve acceptable dryness with high satisfactory dryness rates in BE.
‘The fruit of consultation’: Findings from an online survey on co‐production as a solution to the challenges of safeguarding children and young people in International Christian work
Authors: Oakley Lisa , Lafferty Moira , McFarlane Leigh
Published: June 2022

Incidents of child abuse such as the Oxfam case in 2010 of sexual abuse of children by volunteers' and cases of abuse in orphanages by high‐risk overseas volunteers have highlighted the need for the development of effective safeguarding in the international context. This is of equal importance for faith‐based organisations (FBOs) who, like non‐governmental organisations (NGOs), are obligated to create safe spaces for their beneficiaries. This paper reports the findings from an online survey conducted in 2019, which was completed by 72 participants, 39 were representatives from organisations based in the UK which support individuals to engage in International Christian Work (ICW), 33 were individuals who are or have been engaged in ICW in the last three years. The online survey collected qualitative data, which was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis whilst descriptive analytical techniques were employed on the quantitative data. The findings illustrate commitment to safeguarding children and young people in ICW but also the complexities, challenges and tensions around this. The necessity to work collaboratively in local contexts with co‐production was identified as key to developing effective safeguarding practice. These findings have implications beyond faith‐based organisations to others working in the international context.
Engineering homotype heterojunctions in hard carbon to induce stable solid electrolyte interfaces for sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Yu Chengxin , Li Yu , Ren Haixia , Qian Ji , Wang Shuo , Feng Xin , Liu Mingquan , Bai Ying , Wu Chuan
Published: June 2022

Developing effective strategies to improve the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and cycling stability of hard carbon (HC) anodes for sodium‐ion batteries is the key to promoting the commercial application of HC. In this paper, homotype heterojunctions are designed on HC to induce the generation of stable solid electrolyte interfaces, which can effectively increase the ICE of HC from 64.7% to 81.1%. The results show that using a simple surface engineering strategy to construct a homotypic amorphous Al2O3 layer on the HC could shield the active sites, and further inhibit electrolyte decomposition and side effects occurrence. Particularly, due to the suppression of continuous decomposition of NaPF6 in ester‐based electrolytes, the accumulation of NaF could be reduced, leading to the formation of thinner and denser solid electrolyte interface films and a decrease in the interface resistance. The HC anode can not only improve the ICE but elevate its sodium storage performance based on this homotype heterojunction composed of HC and Al2O3. The optimized HC anode exhibits an outstanding reversible capacity of 321.5 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1. The cycling stability is also improved effectively, and the capacity retention rate is 86.9% after 2000 cycles at 1 A g−1 while that of the untreated HC is only 52.6%. More importantly, the improved sodium storage behaviors are explained by electrochemical kinetic analysis.
Response of shear‐activated nanotherapeutic particles in a clot‐obstructed blood vessel by CFD‐DEM simulations
Authors: Vasquez Giuliano Lorenzo , Buffo Antonio , Vanni Marco , Lanotte Alessandra Sabina , Arima Valentina , Bianco Monica , Baldassarre Francesca , Frungieri Graziano
Published: June 2022

In recent years, targeted drug delivery systems have been regarded as a promising solution to enhance the efficiency of treatments against clots in blood vessels. In this context, shear‐activated nanotherapeutics (SANTs) have been recently proposed. These are micrometric clusters of polymeric nanoparticles coated with a clot lysing agent. These drug carriers are stable under normal blood flow conditions, but they can be designed to undergo breakup right on the clot in response to the local increase in the hydrodynamic stress caused by the lumen restriction, effectively concentrating the active agent at the point of need. The aim of this work is to investigate the mechanical response of three potential drug carrier morphologies to the pathological flow field stress, typically encountered in obstructed blood vessels. Computational fluid dynamics simulations have been used to compare the viscous stress in arterial obstructions with the one in a microfluidic device, suitable for in vitro experimental tests. Discrete element method simulations built upon Stokesian dynamics were conducted to estimate the tensile stress distribution acting inside isostatic, random close packing, and hollow drug carriers. The results herein presented constitute a platform for a future experimental campaign and aim at establishing SANTs as a robust and broadly applicable targeting strategy.
Image analysis for design and operation of gravity separators with coalescing aids
Authors: Schäfer Jan , Hlawitschka Mark W. , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: June 2022

In gravity separators, also known as settlers, two immiscible liquid phases separate due to differences in density. In extraction mixer‐settler units, a dispersion needs to be separated within the separator unit. In order to overcome the hitherto purely experimental design, a knitted mesh adapted model as well as an automated test facility were developed in this work, which easily enable a scale‐up to industrial units. An automation allows for a controlled investigation of knitted meshes as coalescing aids in settlers, and this was achieved via photo‐optical probes with an optimized image analysis technique. It overcomes the limitations of neuronal network training based on manually annotating images using computer‐generated image data. Therefore, the new methodology and setup are explained in detail, and the derivation and application of a new model to design separators with knitted meshes as coalescing aid is presented and compared to experimental results using meshes of different structures and materials. Finally, case studies and scale‐up are discussed.
Spectral Simulation of Heat Transfer Across Polytype Interfaces
Authors: Izitounene Nadjib , Le Ngoc Duc , Davier Brice , Dollfus Philippe , Paulatto Lorenzo , Saint‐Martin Jérome
Published: June 2022

Polytype nanowires fabricated in both silicon and germanium are particularly attractive for thermoelectric engineering. In this work, the transport of phonons across polytype heterojunctions such as Si 3C/Si 2H and Ge 3C/Ge 2H is theoretically studied by using a particle Monte Carlo simulation for phonons. Full‐Band dispersions and phonon‐phonon scattering rates are calculated by using the density‐functional theory. Phonon transmission across interfaces is implemented by using a Full‐Band version of the Diffusive Mismatch Model. First, the different transport regimes (diffusive, ballistic, and intermediate) for homogenous 3C and 2H Si and Ge bars are investigated by using the Knudsen number as well as the spectral contributions of the thermal flux. Then, single and double polytype Si and Ge heterostructures are studied. The variation of the interface thermal conductance as a function of the geometric dimension as well as the effects of the spectral distribution of the flux are investigated. This local indicator of the phonon transport regime can be used as a local indicator of the occurrence of the out of equilibrium transport regime. Finally, it is shown that the polytype interfaces exhibit significant thermal resistances and generate an out of equilibrium phonon transport regime around the interface over several nanometers.
Comparison of mobility shift affinity capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis frontal analysis for binding constant determination between human serum albumin and small drugs
Authors: Mlčochová Hana , Ratih Ratih , Michalcová Lenka , Wätzig Hermann , Glatz Zdeněk , Stein Matthias
Published: June 2022

In this study, two capillary electrophoresis–based ligand binding assays, namely, mobility shift affinity capillary electrophoresis (ms‐ACE) and capillary electrophoresis‐frontal analysis (CE‐FA), were applied to determine binding parameters of human serum albumin toward small drugs under similar experimental conditions. The substances S‐amlodipine (S‐AML), lidocaine (LDC), l‐tryptophan (l‐TRP), carbamazepine (CBZ), ibuprofen (IBU), and R‐verapamil (R‐VPM) were used as the main binding partners. The scope of this comparative study was to estimate and compare both the assays in terms of their primary measure's precision and the reproducibility of the derived binding parameters. The effective mobility could be measured with pooled CV values between 0.55% and 7.6%. The precision of the r values was found in the range between 1.5% and 10%. Both assays were not universally applicable. The CE‐FA assay could successfully be applied to measure the drugs IBU, CBZ, and LDC, and the interaction toward CBZ, S‐AML, l‐TRP, and R‐VPM could be determined using ms‐ACE. The average variabilities of the estimated binding constants were 64% and 67% for CE‐FA and ms‐ACE, respectively.
Simultaneous voltage unbalance compensation and neutral‐to‐ground voltage minimization for an islanded mini‐grid using model predictive control
Authors: Ayoubi Effat , Miveh Mohammad Reza , Ghadimi Ali Asghar , Bagheri Sajad
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a model predictive control (MPC) and its application on a three‐phase four‐leg inverter in an islanded mini‐grid to compensate for unbalanced load conditions while minimizing the neutral‐to‐ground voltage (NGV). The proposed approach uses the novel discrete‐time model of the four‐leg inverter and LC filter to predict the control variables. These predictions are evaluated by using a multiobjective cost function. The proposed method is based on the minimization of the cost function to select the best vector state of the power converter to be applied in the next sampling instance. The cost function in this study has two objectives: the adequately tracked low voltage reference and minimization of the NGV, simultaneously. The stability analysis is also defined to investigate the stable dynamics of the proposed MPC. The effectiveness of the suggested method is verified through simulations considering the single/three‐phase and balanced/unbalanced loads. The distinguished results of the proposed work indicate that the proposed MPC algorithm provides high power quality under unbalanced and nonlinear load conditions with high stability. The robustness of the proposed controller is also studied with both inductive and capacitive filter parameter variations.
Performance analysis of subspace‐based spatio‐temporal spectral estimator
Authors: Amirsoleimani Shervin , Olfat Ali
Published: June 2022

In this article, the performance analysis of subspace‐based spatial‐temporal spectral estimation is investigated. Subspace methods adopt an eigenstructure approach to estimate the array observation power in the frequency‐direction () plane. This approach is used in many wideband array processing techniques using spatial‐temporal covariance matrix (STCM). In this article, the performance of subspace‐based algorithms is addressed in case of two plane waves, separated in direction of arrival (DOA) and frequency, impinging on a linear array. The analysis on one‐dimensional (or) subspace‐based methods are extended to the two‐dimensional case (). Then, an analytic formulation for the expected value of the null spectrum of the observations' spatial‐temporal spectral is presented. Accordingly, two resolution criteria for resolving two plane waves are discussed, and corresponding analytic relations are derived and verified through simulations. In this analysis, the effect of temporal lag order, number of snapshots, and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) in DOA and frequency resolution are well shown. Finally, two conceptual examples of practical design scenarios are presented.
Newly recognized retrograde eclogites overprinted by high‐temperature metamorphism in the Amdo microcontinent, Central Tibet: Implications for subduction erosion during continental subduction
Authors: Peng Yinbiao , Yu Shengyao , Lai Zhiqing , Li Sanzhong , Liu Yongjiang , Li Chuanzhi , Qi Lili , Jian Zhenzhu
Published: June 2022

The Amdo microcontinent located within the Bangong–Nujiang Suture Zone (BNSZ) holds one of the important keys to understand the tectonic evolution of Central Tibet before the Qiangtang‐Lhasa terrane collision during the Mesozoic. Newly discovered eclogites were reported within the Amdo microcontinent in this study, and their metamorphic evolution is deciphered by petrographic observations, pseudosection modelling, geochemistry, and zircon U–Pb dating. The eclogites are characterized by peak metamorphic mineral assemblages of garnet, omphacite, rutile, and quartz, and underwent a four‐stage metamorphic evolution, including eclogite facies stage (M1) at ~20–24 kbar and 580–620°C, followed by HP granulite facies decompression stage (M2) at ~13–15 kbar and 750–780°C, subsequent MP–HT granulite facies heating stage (M3) at 8–10 kbar and >840°C, and final amphibolite facies retrogression (M4) at 5.3–6.0 kbar and 560–580°C. The eclogites exhibit rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns and trace element abundance similar to those of N‐MORB and arc‐related volcanics, which are inferred to have formed in a back‐arc Basin tectonic setting. Zircon U–Pb dating yields eclogite facies metamorphic age of 190 ± 1 Ma. The clockwise P–T–t paths and the oceanic protolith signature of retrograde eclogites suggest that part of the back‐arc Basin was subducted to the depths of ~80 km. The subsequent ultra‐high temperature metamorphic overprinting may be related to the upwelling of the asthenosphere. Tectonic erosion associated with the subduction of the Amdo microcontinent beneath the Tethys Ocean accounts for the deep subduction of the back‐arc Basin and the absence of arc magmatic rocks in the northern Amdo microcontinent.
The Human‐Automation Behavioral Interaction Task (HABIT) analysis framework
Authors: Baird Isabelle , Fendley Mary E. , Warren Rik
Published: June 2022

Human‐machine automation systems involve integration among automated agents and goal‐oriented human operators. Automation fundamentally changes the nature of the cognitive demands placed on the human operator, while simultaneously increasing the potential for out‐of‐the‐loop performance problems to impact system efficacy. As a novel human factors method for assessing these human‐automation interaction‐derived, out‐of‐the‐loop, performance challenges, we introduce the Human‐Automation Behavioral Interaction Task (HABIT) analysis. The HABIT framework considers the drivers of system performance in terms of both cognitive activity and human behavior. As an example, we apply HABIT to a tedious intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance task. HABIT demonstrates its effectiveness in guiding the modeling and annotation of cognitive activities and successfully predicting actions resulting in errors. System designers can apply HABIT to assess human‐automation interaction before a system is fielded to proactively address and mitigate out‐of‐the‐loop performance problems.
Low apolipoprotein A1 was associated with increased risk of cancer mortality in patients following percutaneous coronary intervention: A 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Nishiyama Hiroki , Funamizu Takehiro , Iwata Hiroshi , Endo Hirohisa , Chikata Yuichi , Doi Shinichiro , Wada Hideki , Naito Ryo , Ogita Manabu , Kato Yoshiteru , Okai Iwao , Dohi Tomotaka , Kasai Takatoshi , Isoda Kikuo , Okazaki Shinya , Miyauchi Katsumi , Minamino Tohru
Published: June 2022

Previous studies showed that elevated apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) predicted reduced risk of cardiovascular‐related (CV) mortality in patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Nevertheless, as the association between ApoA1 and cancer mortality in this population has been rarely addressed, our study aimed to evaluate prognostic impact of ApoA1 on multiple types of cancer mortality after PCI. This is a retrospective analysis of a single‐center prospective registry database of patients who underwent PCI between 2000 and 2018. The present study enrolled 3835 patients whose data of serum ApoA1 were available and they were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the preprocedural level of ApoA1. The outcome measures were total, gastrointestinal, and lung cancer mortalities. The median and range of the follow‐up period between the index PCI and latest follow‐up were 5.9 and 0‐17.8 years, respectively. Consequently, Kaplan‐Meier analyses showed significantly higher rates of the cumulative incidences of total, gastrointestinal, and lung cancer mortality in the lowest ApoA1 tertile group compared to those in the highest. In contrast, there were no significant differences in all types of cancer mortality rates in the groups divided by the tertiles of HDL‐C. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis adjusted by cancer‐related prognostic factors, such as smoking status, identified the elevated ApoA1 as an independent predictor of decreased risk of total and gastrointestinal cancer mortalities. Our study demonstrates the prognostic implication of preprocedural ApoA1 for predicting future risk of cancer mortality in patients undergoing PCI.
Morphological characteristics of zebrafish's yolk sac for malformation based on orthogonal‐polarization‐gating optical coherence tomography
Authors: Li Ke , Wang Yi , Liu Yujia , Li Wangbiao , Weng Zuquan , Li Hui , He Youwu , Li Zhifang
Published: June 2022

In this study, an automatic algorithm combining an ellipsoid approximation and U‐net has been presented for the characterization of a zebrafish's yolk sac. The polarization‐difference‐balanced‐detection image of zebrafish was obtained based on orthogonal‐polarization‐gating optical coherence tomography and used to segment the yolk sac region. And ellipsoid can approximate the shape of the three‐dimensional yolk sac, and the multiple parameters of volume and the three principal axes (k, l and m) can be used to quantify the yolk sac. In addition, the multiple parameters of two principal axes (l and m) and volume can distinguish the malformation from the normal controlled group. Finally, the volume malformation of the yolk sac calculated by the proposed algorithm ranges from 16.55% to 46.05%. Thus, the degree of malformation can be applied for toxicity analysis. And this method provides a potential application for an accurate judgment index for biotoxicological testing.
Biphenylvinylene quinolinol derivatives and their light‐emitting properties
Authors: Chang Ying‐Ju , Yang Jye‐Shane , Chang Yuan Jay , Chow Tahsin J.
Published: June 2022

A series of poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) (PPV) type dyes: QoBp, QoBm, QpBp, and QpBm containing biphenyl (B) and 8‐alkoxyquinoline (Q) moieties connected at either ortho (o) or para (p) position are synthesized for the application of organic light‐emitting diodes. The structure design takes the advantages of the good luminescent property of biphenylvinylene and the electron transporting nature of quinolinol. Two polymeric materials: poly‐QoBp and poly‐QoAp were also prepared, whereas the biphenyl moiety of the latter was replaced by a para‐hydroquinone (Ap) moiety. All compounds exhibited high thermal stability with Td values exceeding 300°C. A typical blue light device made with QoBp showed a turn‐on voltage of 4 V, a maximal intensity of 2.30 × 103 cd/m2 at 20 V, and a highest external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 0.43%. Devices of the polymers were made by doping into PVK. The device made with poly‐QoBp exhibited a turn‐on voltage of 9.5 V, and a maximal intensity of 360 cd/m2 at 15 V. A white light device was made successfully by the combination of the blue emission of QoBp and the red emission of 2,3‐bisindolyl‐N‐methylmaleimide. It showed a maximal intensity of 940 cd/m2 at 15 V with a highest EQE of 0.14%.
Monomeric silica supported interaction of TOSMIC with highly functionalized imines: A green approach to azetidines via ABB‐type cycloaddition reaction
Authors: Shukla Pratibha , Deswal Deepa , Narula Anudeep Kumar
Published: June 2022

The reaction of TOSMIC with highly functionalized imines has been reported. The use of monomeric silica as a catalyst for the reaction has been reported for the first time. The main product of the reported green methodology, formed by the sequential attack of the two TOSMIC units upon the carbon–nitrogen double bond of highly functionalized imines, has been identified as bis(tosylmethyl)azetidine, a four member N‐heterocyclic system. The scope of the reaction concerning functionalized imines and TOSMIC reactivity has been studied and determined, keeping in view the advantage of using TOSMIC as component B for the ABB‐type cycloaddition reactions.
High‐impedance alerts with pulse generator—Lead mismatch
Authors: Christie Simon , El Tobgy Nada , Seifer Colette M. , Khoo Clarence
Published: June 2022

Background

Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) include pulse generators and leads. In some implanting centers, it is a common practice to combine devices with leads from different companies. Case series have reported episodic high‐impedance changes in Boston Scientific CIEDs with competitor leads. We investigated the incidence of high‐impedance abnormalities in matched versus mismatched Boston Scientific Accolade pacemakers.

Methods

A retrospective chart review identified all consecutive Boston Scientific Accolade pacemakers implanted between January 2017 and June 2019 at a Canadian tertiary care center. The primary outcome was the occurrence of transient, high‐impedance changes which resulted in a switch to unipolar pacing/sensing in the absence of any other identifiable lead issue. Fisher exact tests (two‐tailed, α = .05) were used to compare the incidence of outcomes in matched versus mismatched systems.

Results

514 Boston Scientific Accolade pacemakers were associated with 882 individual leads. The primary outcome occurred with 21 leads (20 Medtronic and 1 Abbott), associated with occasional pacing inhibition, presyncope, and/or early surgical revision. Mismatched lead‐device pairs were significantly associated with CIED malfunction compared to matched lead‐device pairs (3.3% vs. 0%, p = .0019). The median time from implant to unipolar safety switch was 12.4 months. The median follow‐up time was 21.6 months.

Conclusion

Use of mismatched leads with a Boston Scientific Accolade device was associated with an increased risk of undesirable changes in sensing polarity with occasional inappropriate pacing inhibition. Awareness of this interaction can allow for the institution of appropriate programming remedies and may increase scrutiny of the use of mismatched CIED systems.
Intermediate ocean circulation and cryosphere dynamics in the northeast Atlantic during Heinrich Stadials: benthic foraminiferal assemblage response
Authors: Depuydt Pauline , Mojtahid Meryem , Barras Christine , Bouhdayad Fatima Zohra , Toucanne Samuel
Published: June 2022

The interaction between ocean circulation and ice‐sheet dynamics plays a key role in the Quaternary climate. Compared with the surface and deep regions of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), the study of intermediate depths during key time periods, such as Heinrich Stadials (HSs), remains poorly documented, especially for the northeast Atlantic. Here we use benthic foraminiferal assemblage data to trace palaeoenvironmental changes from ~32 to 14 ka cal bp at ~1000 m depth in the Bay of Biscay. Our results highlight the high sensitivity of foraminifera, with species‐specific responses, to continental (European Ice Sheet dynamics) and marine (AMOC) forcing factors during the last three HSs. In general, HSs were characterised by the concomitant presence of meso‐oligotrophic and anoxia indicator species and the low abundance of high‐energy indicator species. This confirms an overall sluggish intermediate circulation during the three HSs in the northeast Atlantic. HS1 is distinctive for its abundance of high‐organic flux indicator species during its early phase. This is consistent with the fact that HS1 was by far the most important period of ice‐sheet retreat and meltwater release into the ocean over the studied time interval. Finally, foraminifera depict the mid‐HS2 reventilation event due to regional glacier instabilities.
Model phospholipid interaction with cholesterol and melatonin: Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory study
Authors: Zavatski Siarhei , Bandarenka Hanna , Hetmańczyk Łukasz , Hetmańczyk Joanna , Vorobyeva Maria , Arynbek Yersultan , Mamatkulov Kahramon , Arzumanyan Grigory
Published: June 2022

We present a Raman spectroscopy and quantum chemical computational study for model phospholipid membrane molecule dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) mixed with cholesterol or melatonin at various concentrations. Utilizing a confocal Raman microspectroscopy setup, we capture a DPPC conformation state by evaluating the number of trans/gauche bonds using I1064/I1090 and I1128/I1090 vibrational mode intensity ratios. We show that the cholesterol increases the number of trans bonds in DPPC hydrocarbon chains, that is, causing membrane ordering, while melatonin addition introduces gauche conformers, generating disorder. It is noticed that the I1128/I1090 intensity ratio is a more suitable parameter for the characterization of DPPC hydrocarbon chain structural properties compared with I1064/I1090. We thus clarify our experimental observations by performing careful density functional theory (DFT) calculations of Raman spectra for DPPC tails, containing up to three gauche bonds at different chain positions. The obtained results demonstrate the strong interconnection between 1064 and 1090 cm−1 vibrational modes originating from their complex splitting and shifting along with continuous Raman activity redistribution upon various gauche bonds introduction, while it is not the case for 1128 and 1090 cm−1 modes pair.
Cortical and Subthalamic Nucleus Spectral Changes During Limb Movements in Parkinson's Disease Patients with and Without Dystonia
Authors: Olson Joseph W. , Nakhmani Arie , Irwin Zachary T. , Edwards Lloyd J. , Gonzalez Christopher L. , Wade Melissa H. , Black Sarah D. , Awad Mohammad Z. , Kuhman Daniel J. , Hurt Christopher P. , Guthrie Bart L. , Walker Harrison C.
Published: June 2022

Background

Dystonia is an understudied motor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although considerable efforts have focused on brain oscillations related to the cardinal symptoms of PD, whether dystonia is associated with specific electrophysiological features is unclear.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate subcortical and cortical field potentials at rest and during contralateral hand and foot movements in patients with PD with and without dystonia.

Methods

We examined the prevalence and distribution of dystonia in patients with PD undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery.  During surgery, we recorded intracranial electrophysiology from the motor cortex and directional electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) both at rest and during self‐paced repetitive contralateral hand and foot movements. Wavelet transforms and mixed models characterized changes in spectral content in patients with and without dystonia.

Results

Dystonia was highly prevalent at enrollment (61%) and occurred most commonly in the foot. Regardless of dystonia status, cortical recordings display beta (13–30 Hz) desynchronization during movements versus rest, while STN signals show increased power in low frequencies (6.0 ± 3.3 and 4.2 ± 2.9 Hz peak frequencies for hand and foot movements, respectively). Patients with PD with dystonia during deep brain stimulation surgery displayed greater M1 beta power at rest and STN low‐frequency power during movements versus those without dystonia.

Conclusions

Spectral power in motor cortex and STN field potentials differs markedly during repetitive limb movements, with cortical beta desynchronization and subcortical low‐frequency synchronization, especially in patients with PD with dystonia. Greater knowledge on field potential dynamics in human motor circuits can inform dystonia pathophysiology in PD and guide novel approaches to therapy. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Distinct gut microbiota and health outcomes in asymptomatic infection, viral nucleic acid test re‐positive, and convalescent COVID‐19 cases
Authors: Lin Ruqin , Xiao Mingzhong , Cao Shanshan , Sun Yu , Zhao Linhua , Mao Xiaoxiao , Chen Peng , Tong Xiaolin , Ou Zheyuan , Zhu Hui , Men Dong , Li Xiaodong , Deng Yiqun , Zhang Xian‐En , Wen Jikai
Published: June 2022

Gut microbiota composition is suggested to associate with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) severity, but the impact of gut microbiota on health outcomes is largely unclear. We recruited 81 individuals from Wuhan, China, including 13 asymptomatic infection cases (Group A), 24 COVID‐19 convalescents with adverse outcomes (Group C), 31 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) re‐positive cases (Group D), and 13 non‐COVID‐19 healthy controls (Group H). The microbial features of Groups A and D were similar and exhibited higher gut microbial diversity and more abundant short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐producing species than Group C. Group C was enriched with opportunistic pathogens and virulence factors related to adhesion and toxin production. The abundance of SCFA‐producing species was negatively correlated, while Escherichia coli was positively correlated with adverse outcomes. All three groups (A, C, and D) were enriched with the mucus‐degrading species Akkermansia muciniphila, but decreased with Bacteroides‐encoded carbohydrate‐active enzymes. The pathways of vitamin B6 metabolic and folate biosynthesis were decreased, while selenocompound metabolism was increased in the three groups. Specifically, the secondary bile acid (BA) metabolic pathway was enriched in Group A. Antibiotic resistance genes were common among the three groups. Conclusively, the gut microbiota was related to the health outcomes of COVID‐19. Dietary supplementations (SCFAs, BA, selenium, folate, vitamin B6) may be beneficial to COVID‐19 patients.
Effect of silanized stackedKevlar fiber/brass 270 wire mesh on mechanical and impact toughness of cubic boron nitride–epoxy composite
Authors: Vinayaka N. , Nagabhooshanam N. , Balaji D. , Verma Rajesh , Patil Pravin P.
Published: June 2022

Kevlar fiber and brass wire mesh reinforced with cubic boron nitride (CBN) particle‐toughened epoxy composites are investigated in this study. This study aims to determine the hybrid composite's mechanical and drop load impact behavior, as well as the effect of surface treatment on the lamina delamination resistance and load bearing phenomenon. The composite laminates were fabricated by hand layup process and characterized according to ASTM standards. The tensile, flexural, Izod impact, ILSS, and hardness testing results shows that adding 35 vol% reinforcements and 3.0 vol% CBN particles indicates the greatest research findings. However, when the stacking sequences B/K/K/B and K/B/B/K were modified from B/K/B/K, these values reduced. The EO2 composite shows improved results in mechanical and drop load impact behavior together with Kevlar fiber and brass wire mesh of alternating staking sequences with 3.0 vol% CBN particles. It is clear that B/K/B/K stacking sequence shows the highest mechanical properties and drop load impact behavior while, B/K/K/B shows lowest values. This hybrid composite with higher mechanical qualities and impact energy absorption might be used in defense armors, aerospace, structural, automobile, and household equipment manufacturing applications.
Metabolomics study of the desiccation and recovery process in the resurrection plants Ramonda serbica and R. nathaliae
Authors: Gođevac Dejan , Ivanović Stefan , Simić Katarina , Anđelković Boban , Jovanović Živko , Rakić Tamara
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Ramonda serbica and R. nathaliae are resurrection plants that have the remarkable ability to survive the complete desiccation of their vegetative organs (i.e. leaves, stem, roots) during periods of drought and rapidly revive when rewatered and rehydrated.

Objective

To investigate metabolic changes in R. serbica and R. nathaliae during their desiccation and recovery process

Methods

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS)‐based metabolomics approach coupled with multivariate data analysis was utilised to identify the metabolomes of the plants from 90 biological replicates.

Results

Sucrose and the polyphenolic glycoside myconoside were predominant in almost equal amounts in all samples studied, regardless of their water content at sampling. During the dehydration process, a decrease in the relative content of fructose, galactose, and galactinol was observed while the contents of those metabolites were preserved in the partially rehydrated plants. Raffinose and myo‐inositol were accumulated in dry samples.

Conclusion

Using 1H‐NMR and GC–MS as two complementary analytical platforms provided a more complete picture of the metabolite composition for investigation of the desiccation and recovery process in resurrection plants.
Autism and intersectionality: Considerations for school‐based practitioners
Authors: Sassu Kari A. , Volkmar Fred R.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this article is to explore the intersectionality of autism and sociocultural factors as well as discuss the complexities associated with appropriate assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Based on a review of the literature, the authors present a brief history of the emergence of the term autism and highlight factors that have contributed to current concerns about failures to appropriately recognize autism within diverse populations. Referencing extant research as well as professional practice standards, this article examines aspects of autism and intersectionality, and explores some of the associated challenges related to assessment, diagnosis, and intervention. Further, the authors reflect on the critical importance of carefully considering all aspects of a child's identity when engaging in autism assessment and intervention within the school setting. School‐based practitioners are provided with guidance for addressing the needs of diverse populations of students with autism.
Ultra‐Broadband Wide‐Angle Polarization‐Independent Enhanced Absorber with Ultraviolet to Far‐Infrared Absorption Performance
Authors: Wu Lejia , Li Zhiwei , Wang Wenjie , Zhao Li , Ruan Hao
Published: June 2022

Ultra‐thin broadband metamaterial absorbers exhibit high absorptivity and broad bandwidths. Herein, an ultra‐broadband wide‐angle polarization‐independent enhanced absorber with a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) structure is proposed and simulated. The enhanced absorber exhibits ultra‐wideband characteristics from ultraviolet to far‐infrared range (0.35–10 μm), where it achieves an average absorption > 96%. It is insensitive to variations in the polarization state, exhibits a wide‐angle absorption because of a high degree of geometric symmetry, and shows a satisfactory absorption performance for a combination of different materials. Thus, the distinct structural characteristics of the device play a pivotal role in absorption. These advantages improve the flexibility of material selection in the design and manufacturing process of ultra‐broadband enhanced absorbers, thereby broadening their application potential in solar energy harvesting, infrared detectors, and thermal imaging.
The Kinks, the Solitons and the Shocks in Series‐Connected Discrete Josephson Transmission Lines
Authors: Kogan Eugene
Published: June 2022

The localized running waves in the discrete Josephson transmission lines (JTL), constructed from Josephson junctions (JJ) and capacitors, are analytically studied. The quasicontinuum approximation reduces calculation of the running wave properties to the problem of equilibrium of an elastic rod in the potential field. Making additional approximation, the problem is reduced to the motion of the fictitious Newtonian particle in the potential well. It is shown that there exist running waves in the form of supersonic kinks and solitons and their velocities and profiles are calculated. It is shown that the nonstationary smooth waves which are small perturbations on the homogeneous nonzero background are described by Korteweg–de Vries equation and those on zero background by modified Korteweg–de Vries equation. The effect of dissipation on the running waves in JTL is also studied and it is found that in the presence of the resistors, shunting the JJ and/or in series with the ground capacitors, the only possible stationary running waves are the shock waves, whose profiles are also found. Finally, in the framework of Stocks expansion, the nonlinear dispersion and modulation stability in the discrete JTL are studied.
0D Organic Manganese(II) Bromide Hybrids as Stable and Efficient X‐Ray Scintillator
Authors: Xu Tingting , Li Wen , Zhou Zhengyang , Li Yunyun , Nikl Martin , Buryi Maksym , Zhu Jinsong , Niu Guangda , Tang Jiang , Ren Guohao , Wu Yuntao
Published: June 2022

Low‐dimensional organic–inorganic hybrids have emerged as promising X‐ray scintillators due to efficient radioluminescence properties. Herein, stable and efficient X‐ray scintillator based on 0D (C40H38P2)MnBr4 hybrid single crystals grown by a facile solution‐processing method is reported. Its crystal structure is determined to be triclinic with P space group. It has good stability against moisture and irradiation. (C40H38P2)MnBr4 with tetrahedrally coordinated Mn2+ exhibits green emission peaking at 518 nm originating from d–d 4T1→6A1 transition of Mn2+ ion with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 74.2%. Under X‐ray excitation, it shows high scintillation yield of 32 000 photons MeV−1, a decent detection limit of 288 nGyair s−1, and a low afterglow comparable to that of Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO).
Mechanistic insights on cytotoxicity of KOLR, Cinnamomum pauciflorum Nees leaf derived active ingredient, by targeting signaling complexes of phosphodiesterase 3B and rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3
Authors: Li Mingqian , Li Fei , Chen Jiabin , Su He , Chen Guanping , Cao Jili , Li Jiacheng , Dong Liyao , Yu Zhihong , Wang Yifan , Zhou Chun , Zhu Yongqiang , Wei Qin , Li Qun , Chai Kequn
Published: June 2022

Protein signaling complexes play important roles in prevention of several cancer types and can be used for development of targeted therapy. The roles of signaling complexes of phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) and Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 (RAPGEF3), which are two important enzymes of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) metabolism, in cancer have not been fully explored. In the current study, a natural product Kaempferol‐3‐O‐(3′′,4′′‐di‐E‐p‐coumaroyl)‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside designated as KOLR was extracted from Cinnamomum pauciflorum Nees leaves. KOLR exhibited higher cytotoxic effects against BxCP‐3 pancreatic cancer cell line. In BxPC‐3 cells, the KOLR could enhance the formation of RAPGEF 3/ PDE3B protein complex to inhibit the activation of Rap‐1 and PI3K‐AKT pathway, thereby promoting cell apoptosis and inhibiting cell metastasis. Mutation of RAPGEF3 G557A or low expression of PDE3B inactivated the binding action of KOLR resulting in KOLR resistance. The findings of this study show that PDE3B/RAPGEF3 complex is a potential therapeutic cancer target.
Assessing the importance of mesoscale sea‐surface temperature variations for surface turbulent cooling of the Kuroshio Extension in wintertime
Authors: Sroka Sydney , Czaja Arnaud , Chakravorty Soumi
Published: June 2022

Western boundary currents are well known to exhibit a strong eddy field and meandering on subseasonal timescales and wavelengths of a few hundreds of kilometers. However, the extent to which the ocean mesoscale activity associated with these motions can enhance the turbulent air–sea heat flux averaged over a large spatial domain has not been fully characterized. This study aims to do so during the cold season using reanalysis data and simplified air–sea interaction models. The correlation between sea‐surface height anomaly and the wintertime mean heat fluxes does not indicate any significant relations between eddy activity and large‐scale surface heat flux in the Kuroshio Extension during winter over the 2003–2018 period. The results from simple models designed to isolate the contributions from the eddies suggest that the eddy enhancement of the heat flux via a rectified effect (a bit more anomalous cooling over a warm mesoscale feature than anomalous heating over a cold one) is small compared with the long‐time, large‐spatial scale mean in the reanalysis data, especially along the Kuroshio Extension. It is found larger north of it, where it can reach 5 Wm. Although different datasets might disagree about the level of energy of the sea‐surface temperature field at the mesoscale, a simple scaling analysis gives confidence in the relatively small values of the rectified effect found here.
Cashew Nut Shell Derived Porous Activated Carbon Electrodes for “Water‐in‐Salt” Electrolyte Based Symmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Pulikkottil Merin , Antony Henock , Muralidharan Malamal Neelanchery , Gopalan Elavumkal Veena , Ansari Seema
Published: June 2022

Biomass derived activated carbon has attracted well‐deserved attention in the realm of energy storage applications due to its high porosity and excellent electrochemical properties. In this study, cashew nutshell derived activated carbon (CNSAC) exhibits a highly interconnected and honeycomb like microporous structure with a large specific surface area of 835 m2 g−1 and a high pore volume of 0.4 m3 g−1. These superior structural features of CNSAC facilitate rapid diffusion of electrolyte and improve its electrochemical efficiency, which is desirable for electrode material. Fabrication of symmetrical supercapacitors (SSC) employing water in salt (WIS) electrolyte validates the outstanding electrochemical performance of CNSAC electrode material. WIS based SSC had a remarkable specific capacitance of 110 Fg−1 at a current density of 1 Ag−1 over a wider electrochemical stability window of 0–2 V, suggesting that WIS electrolytes can address the limitations of conventional aqueous electrolytes and have significant potential for diverse supercapacitor applications.