bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration and Application of Self‐Healing Strategies in Lithium Batteries
Authors: Ma Weiting , Wan Shuang , Cui Xiurui , Hou Guolin , Xiao Ying , Rong Junfeng , Chen Shimou
Published: February 2023

Lithium batteries (LBs) are developed tremendously owing to their excellent energy density as well as cyclic persistence, exhibiting promising applications from portable devices to e‐transportation and grid fields. However, with the ever‐increasing demand for intelligent wearable electronics, more requests are focused on high safety, good durability, and satisfied reliability of LBs. The self‐healing route, which can simulate the ability of organic organisms to repair damage and recover initial function through its intrinsic vitality, is believed to be an efficient strategy to alleviate the unavoidable physical or chemical fatigue and damage issues of LBs, beneficial for the realization of the above mentioned high requests. In this review, the applicability and development of self‐healing materials are summarized in electrodes, electrolytes, and interfacial layers in recent years, focusing on exploring the feasibility of different self‐healing strategies in LBs, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of existing strategies in different parts of batteries, and indicating the possible research directions for beginners who are interested in this field. Finally, the critical challenges and the future research directions as well as opportunities are prospected.
Collective Motion of Quincke Rollers with Fully Resolved Hydrodynamics
Authors: Imamura Shun , Sawaki Kohei , Molina John J. , Turner Matthew S. , Yamamoto Ryoichi
Published: February 2023

Hydrodynamic effects are known to significantly affect the collective behavior of wet active matter systems. However, the non‐linear many‐body nature of these interactions makes them very challenging to analyze, particularly in dense suspensions. Quincke rollers are one of the canonical examples of artificial microswimmers. These are active particles that move freely above a plate due to the torque generated by a uniform DC electric field. A system involving many such particles exhibits a variety of collective dynamics, such as the disordered gas, polar liquid, and active crystal states. This work accomplishes numerical simulations of a 3D system containing many rollers in order to explicitly resolve the hydrodynamic interactions and understand the role these play in the resulting active dynamics. It reveals that the far‐field hydrodynamic effects tend to drive ordered collective motion, while the near‐field effects tend to drive disordered collective behavior, and reproduce diverse collective behavior while capturing the role of hydrodynamic effects between rollers without resorting to the approximations previously employed.
Single‐Cell Landscape Highlights Heterogenous Microenvironment, Novel Immune Reaction Patterns, Potential Biomarkers and Unique Therapeutic Strategies of Cervical Squamous Carcinoma, Human Papillomavirus‐Associated (HPVA) and Non‐HPVA Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qiu Junjun , Qu Xinyu , Wang Yumeng , Guo Chenyan , Lv Bin , Jiang Qian , Su Wentao , Wang Li , Hua Keqin
Published: February 2023

Cervical adenocarcinomas (ADCs), including human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated (HPVA) and non‐HPVA (NHPVA), though exhibiting a more malignant phenotype and poorer prognosis, are treated identically to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This clinical dilemma requires a deeper investigation into their differences. Herein a transcriptomic atlas of SCC, HPVA, and NHPVA‐ADC using single‐cell RNA (scRNA) and T‐cell receptor sequencing (TCR‐seq) is presented. Regarding structural cells, the malignancy origin of epithelial cells, angiogenic tip cells and two subtypes of fibroblasts is revealed. The promalignant properties of the structural cells using organoids are further confirmed. Regarding immune cells, myeloid cells with multiple functions other than antigen presentation and exhausted T lymphocytes contribute to immunosuppression. From the perspective of HPV infection, not only is HPV‐dependent and independent cervical cancer oncogenesis proposed but also three immune reaction patterns mediated by T cells (coordinated/inactive/imbalanced) are identified. Strikingly, diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish ADC from SCC are discovered and prognostic biomarkers with marker genes for malignant epithelial cells, tip cells, and SPP1/C1QC macrophages are generated. Importantly, the efficacy of anti‐CD96 and anti‐TIGIT, not inferior to anti‐PD1, in animal experiments is confirmed and targeted therapies specifically for HPV‐positive SCC, HPVA and NHPVA‐ADC, providing essential clues for further clinical trials, are proposed.
High Entropy Enabling the Reversible Redox Reaction of V4+/V5+ Couple in NASICON‐Type Sodium Ion Cathode
Authors: Li Meng , Sun Chen , Ni Qing , Sun Zheng , Liu Yang , Li Yang , Li Lei , Jin Haibo , Zhao Yongjie
Published: February 2023

NASICON‐type Na3VM(PO4)3 (M: transition metals) cathodes usually suffer from poor cycling stability in the voltage region of above 4 V versus Na+/Na owing to irreversible phase transition and severe structural distortion. Herein, the high entropy concept is extended to NASICONs and Na3VAl0.2Cr0.2Fe0.2In0.2Ga0.2(PO4)3 (NVMP) with high purity is obtained. The NVMP achieves a highly reversible specific capacity of 102 mAh g−1 (2.5–4.4 V vs Na+/Na) via the successive redox reaction of V3+/V4+/V5+ together with a long‐term lifespan of 5000 cycles at 20 C (a capacity retention of 86.8%). Even at an extreme temperature of −20 °C, the NVMP cathode can still provide excellent cycling performance (a capacity retention of 94.2% at 5 C after 1000 cycles). Moreover, the increased configurational entropy in the electrode renders a quite small cell volume change of 1.1%. The sodium ion storage mechanism containing solid solution‐type in the voltage range of 2.5–3.8 V and bi‐phasic in 3.8–4.4 V is revealed by ex situ XRD analysis. Pairing with a hard carbon anode, NVMP//HC cell offers a specific capacity of 81 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C based on the cathode mass. This high‐entropy engineering is expected to be widely applicable for the development of polyanionic electrode materials.
Using simulated rainfall to evaluate cover crops and winter manure application to limit nutrient loss in runoff
Authors: Bhandari Ammar B. , Gelderman Ronald , German David R. , Kharel Tulsi P.
Published: February 2023

Cover crops can be effective in minimizing nutrient losses from agricultural fields. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of cover crop (rye,Secale cerealeL.) and winter manure application on nutrient loss in simulated rainfall runoff. A split block design study with manure (as vertical block) and cover crops (as horizontal block) was established in 2009. Two rain simulations (the first defined as “dry” and the second “wet”) using sixteen 4 m2steel frames were conducted in May 2010. The runoff volume collected from each plot was analyzed for nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N), total suspended solids, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total dissolved phosphorus. In the dry run, the concentration and load of NO3–N were significantly lower (p = 0.05) in runoff with the cover crop than in no‐cover crop treatment. Overall, cover crops reduced nutrient loss in concentration by 6%–48% in the dry and 8%–40% in the wet run than with no‐cover crops. The concentration and load of NO3–N were significantly higher under manure treatments in both “dry” and “wet” runoff runs compared to no‐manure application. Manure application increased nutrient loss in concentration by 6%–58% in the dry and 10%–69% in the wet run than with no‐manure application. This study helps us to understand the complexity of winter manure application with cover crops and potential risks of nutrient loss to surface runoff during spring in the Northern Great plains of the Dakotas.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of conventionally cultivated tobacco and tobacco grafted to eggplant
Authors: Zhang Mengyue , Zhao Yuanyuan , Shi Hongzhi
Published: February 2023

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) grafted to eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) has been shown to limit nicotine content, however, the molecular mechanism of this graft combination remains unclear. In this study, we performed a genome‐wide transcriptional analysis of Zhongyan‐100 leaves, that were conventionally planted and grafted onto eggplant rootstocks, using high‐throughput sequencing. The nicotine content in the leaves of the tobacco/eggplant grafting group was significantly decreased compared to the tobacco group. A total of 2389 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the tobacco/eggplant group and tobacco group. Functional annotation revealed that many DEGs were involved in glutathione and linoleic acid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid, sesquiterpenoid, and triterpenoid biosynthesis. To explore whether nicotine level in tobacco changes after grafting, the expression of PMT, QPT, A622, and BBLa in the roots and stems was elucidated using quantitative PCR. This study found that the expression of these genes in the roots of the tobacco/eggplant group was significantly lower than that in the tobacco group. In addition, the expression of PMT, A622, and BBLa in tobacco stems of the tobacco/eggplant group was significantly higher than those in tobacco stems of the tobacco group and leaves of the tobacco/eggplant group. Our comprehensive analysis provides basic information on the genes and metabolic signaling pathways involved in Zhongyan‐100/eggplant grafting. Additionally, this study found that the expression of nicotine‐related genes changed during the grafting process; however, the specific molecular mechanisms underpinning this effect requires further exploration.
The evolution of workplace risk for Covid‐19 in Canadian healthcare workers and its relation to vaccination: A nested case‐referent study
Authors: Cherry Nicola , Mhonde Trish , Adisesh Anil , Burstyn Igor , Durand‐Moreau Quentin , Labrèche France , Ruzycki Shannon
Published: February 2023

Background

During the early months of the Covid‐19 pandemic, studies demonstrated that healthcare workers (HCWs) were at increased risk of infection. Few modifiable risks were identified. It is largely unknown how these evolved over time.

Methods

A prospective case‐referent study was established and nested within a cohort study of Canadian HCWs. Cases of Covid‐19, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, were matched with up to four referents on job, province, gender, and date of first vaccination. Cases and referents completed a questionnaire reporting exposures and experiences in the 21 days before case date. Participants were recruited from October 2020 to March 2022. Workplace factors were examined by mixed‐effects logistic regression allowing for competing exposures. A sensitivity analysis was limited to those for whom family/community transmission seemed unlikely.

Results

533 cases were matched with 1697 referents. Among unvaccinated HCWs, the risk of infection was increased if they worked hands‐on with patients with Covid‐19, on a ward designated for care of infected patients, or handled objects used by infected patients. Sensitivity analysis identified work in residential institutions and geriatric wards as high risk for unvaccinated HCWs. Later, with almost universal HCW vaccination, risk from working with infected patients was much reduced but cases were more likely than referents to report being unable to access an N95 mask or that decontaminated N95 masks were reused.

Conclusions

These results suggest that, after a rocky start, the risks of Covid‐19 infection from work in health care are now largely contained in Canada but with need for continued vigilance.
Natural history of MRAS‐related Noonan syndrome: Evidence of mild adult‐onset left ventricular hypertrophy and neuropsychiatric features
Authors: Priolo Manuela , Mancini Cecilia , Radio Francesca Clementina , Chiriatti Luigi , Ciolfi Andrea , Cappelletti Camilla , Cordeddu Viviana , Pintomalli Letizia , Brusco Alfredo , Mammi Corrado , Tartaglia Marco
Published: February 2023

Gain of function pathogenic variants in MRAS have been found in a small subset of pediatric subjects presenting with Noonan syndrome (NS) associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and moderate to severe intellectual disability. These variants are considered to confer a high‐risk for the development of severe HCM with poor prognosis and fatal outcome. We report on the natural history of the first adult subject with NS carrying the recurrent pathogenic p.Thr68Ile amino acid substitution. Different from what had previously been observed, he presented with a mild, late‐onset left ventricular hypertrophy, and a constellation of additional symptoms rarely seen in NS. The present case provides evidence that HCM does not represent an obligatory, early‐onset and severe complication in subjects with MRAS variants. It also adds new data about late‐onset features suggesting that other unexpected complications might be observed in adult subjects providing anticipatory guidance for individuals of all age.
Advancing precision medicine in medical education: Integrated, precise and data‐driven smart solutions
Authors: Papadopoulou Paraskevi , Lytras Miltiadis
Published: February 2023

Advances in “Precision Medicine” initiative, also known as “Personalized Medicine” is an emerging approach for disease treatment and prevention that has already led to innovative discoveries and has created “smart” applications and solutions tailored to a person's or a group of individuals' genetic profile, lifestyle, and environment interaction. Already many physicians as part of patient care routinely prescribe various molecular/genetic and other tests enabling them to select personalized treatments that improve the chances of survival and reduce exposure to adverse effects. This initiative should provide to medical and healthcare professionals with adequate resources and readily available solutions so that the target to specific treatments and care of the illnesses is achieved while at the same time protecting the privacy and safety of the individual is secured as well as the Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and whatever additional data is necessary within the context of Precision Medicine. This study, through a literature review mostly, and some case study analysis, examine whether personalized medicine is delivered to the patient in an “accurate” and “precise” way, as expected. This requires that Health and Human Services and other stakeholders and agencies collaborate to solicit the right input from patients while at the same time can identify and address any educational, practical, legal, and technical issues and providing smart solutions. The lack of proper medical education and advanced infrastructure are still major barriers to the adoption of Precision Medicine, therefore, the role of medical training in Precision Medicine is also examined and analyzed. Specific examples are discussed in an integrated, precise, and data‐driven manner to provide “smart” solutions.
Development of a push–π–pull phenothiazine‐vinyl‐isophorone fluorophore: a novel solvatochromic and pH indicator
Authors: Alahmdi Mohammed Issa
Published: February 2023

Knoevenagel condensation of phenothiazine‐3,7‐dicarbaldehyde with an isophorone yielded a new phenothiazine derivative (PTZ‐c) fluorophore. The solvatochromic and pH‐sensing abilities of PTZ‐c, an asymmetric fluorophore with a single isophorone molecule, were shown to be exceptional. PTZ‐c produced very delicate absorbance and emission spectra. When the polarity of the solvent was increased, the PTZ‐c emission spectra showed greater sensitivity than the absorption spectra. Multiple spectroscopic techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry, were used to characterize the manufactured PTZ‐c sensor. To demonstrate the beneficial solvatochromic behaviour associated with intramolecular charge transfer, the absorption spectra of the synthesized DA PTZ‐c dye were analyzed in different solvents of varying polarity. Band intensity and the wavelength of PTZ‐c emission were also found to be highly solvent dependent. It was observed that when solvent polarity was increased to a maximum of 4122 cm−1, Stokes’ shift also increased. To analyze the Stokes' shift that depended on the solvent, a linear correlation between solvation and energy was used. An investigation of PTZ‐c quantum yield (ф) was also conducted. Both the absorbance and fluorescence spectra of the sensor in dimethylformamide as a function of pH were studied. A fluorescence peak was seen at 562 nm, whereas the greatest absorption wavelengths were found at 403 and 317 nm. It was shown that the pH‐sensing mechanism depended on protons removed from the PTZ‐c chromophore, which caused a colour shift and variation in both emission and colorimetric properties.
A strategy combining chemical analysis and network pharmacology to investigate the mechanism of Xiao’er Qingre Zhike Oral solution in cough
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Yun , Zhu Yi‐Wen , Fan Li , Yi Shan‐Yong
Published: February 2023

Xiao’er Qingre Zhike Oral Solution (XQZS) is a commonly used TCM formula to treat cough in children in China. Its complicated composition renders its chemical analysis and mechanism elucidation difficult. To evaluate the bioactive components and mechanism of XQZS against cough, we used a combination strategy of chemical analysis and network pharmacology. A UHPLC/Q‐Orbitrap–MS method was established for the identification and qualitative analysis of components of XQZS, and a total of 33 components were unambiguously identified. Aiming at identifying the components, network pharmacology revealed 107 potential targets related to cough. Using protein–protein interactions analysis, nine core targets were selected. Several cough‐related pathways were enriched using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, including neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse and dopaminergic synapse. The herb–compound–target–pathway network indicated that PTGS2 (COX‐2) was the core target of XQZS against cough. To demonstrate the inhibition effects of the major components against the key target, a COX‐2 inhibitor screening assay was used. Compounds P2, P4, P23 and P49 exhibited promising inhibition effects on COX‐2 at 20 μm, with inhibitory rates of 55.80–69.87%. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that XQZS may alleviate cough via the inhibition of PTGS2 (COX‐2) and the regulation of the serotonergic synapse pathway. The chemical analysis and network pharmacology integrated evaluation provided an efficient strategy for discovering the key pharmacological mechanism of XQZS.
Self‐powered high‐resolution smart insole system for plantar pressure mapping
Authors: Zheng Qiuqun , Dai Xingyi , Wu Yinghui , Liang Qihua , Wu Yongpeng , Yang Jingkun , Dong Biqin , Gao Guojun , Qin Qi , Huang Long‐Biao
Published: February 2023

Accurate plantar pressure mapping systems with low dependence on the external power supply are highly desired for preventative healthcare and medical diagnosis. Herein, we propose a self‐powered smart insole system that can perform both static and dynamic plantar pressure mapping with high accuracy. The smart insole system integrates an insole‐shaped sensing unit, a multi‐channel data acquisition board, and a data storage module. The smart insole consists of a 44‐pixel sensor array based on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) to transduce pressure to the electrical signal. By optimizing the sensor architecture and the system's robustness, the smart insole achieves high sensitivity, good error‐tolerance capability, excellent durability, and short response–recovery time. Various gait and mobility patterns, such as standing, introversion/extraversion, throwing, and surpassing obstacles, can be distinguished by analyzing the acquired electrical signals. This work paves the way for self‐powered wearable devices for gait monitoring, which might enable a new modality of medical diagnosis.
Validity of pathological diagnosis for early colorectal cancer in genetic background
Authors: Okimoto Kenichiro , Hirotsu Yosuke , Arai Makoto , Amemiya Kenji , Akizue Naoki , Ohta Yuki , Taida Takashi , Saito Keiko , Ohyama Hiroshi , Matsumura Tomoaki , Nishimura Motoi , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Matsusaka Keisuke , Oyama Toshio , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Kato Jun , Ikeda Jun‐ichiro , Yokosuka Osamu , Kato Naoya , Omata Masao
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the validity of pathological diagnosis of early CRC (E‐CRC) from the genetic background by comparing data of E‐CRC to colorectal adenoma (CRA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) on advanced CRC (AD‐CRC).

Methods

TCGA data on AD‐CRC were studied in silico, whereas by next‐generation sequencer, DNA target sequences were performed for endoscopically obtained CRA and E‐CRC samples. Immunohistochemical staining of mismatch repair genes and methylation ofMLH1was also performed. The presence of oncogenic mutation according to OncoKB for the genes of the Wnt, MAPK, and cell‐cycle–signaling pathways was compared among CRA, E‐CRC, and AD‐CRC.

Results

The study included 22 CRA and 30 E‐CRC lesions from the Chiba University Hospital and 212 AD‐CRC lesions from TCGA data. Regarding the number of lesions with driver mutations in the Wnt and cell‐cycle–signaling pathways, E‐CRC was comparable to AD‐CRC, but was significantly greater than CRA. CRA had significantly more lesions with a driver mutation for the Wnt signaling pathway only, versus E‐CRC.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the definition of E‐CRC according to the Japanese criteria had a different genetic profile from CRA and was more similar to AD‐CRC. Based on the main pathway, it seemed reasonable to classify E‐CRC as adenocarcinoma. The pathological diagnosis of E‐CRC according to Japanese definition seemed to be valid from a genetic point of view.
Antifungal Activity, Antibiofilm and Association Studies withO‐Alkylamidoximes againstCryptococcusspp.
Authors: de Castro Teixeira Anna Paula , Fernandes Queiroga Moraes Gustavo , de Oliveira Romário Jonas , Silva Santos Cosme , Alves Caiana Rodrigo Ribeiro , Rufino de Freitas Juliano Carlo , Vasconcelos Ulrich , de Oliveira Pereira Fillipe , Oliveira Lima Igara
Published: February 2023

This is the first study that describes the antifungal and anti‐biofilm potential ofO‐alkylamidoximes against strains ofCryptococcus neoformansandCryptococcus gattii. In vitrotests have shown thatO‐alkylamidoximes are capable of inhibiting fungal growth and biofilm formation of theC. neoformansandC. gattiistrains, suggesting, from molecular docking, the potential for interaction with the Hsp90. The associations betweenO‐alkylamidoximes and amphotericin B were beneficial. Therefore,O‐alkylamidoximes can be a useful alternative to contribute to the limited arsenal of drugs, since they showed a powerful action against the primary agents of Cryptococcosis.
Metastatic yolk sac tumor masquerading as multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma in a young adult: A case report
Authors: Mushtaq Kamran , Khan Muhammad Umair , Al Soub Deema , Koshy Sheija Mary , Petkar Maher , Al Ejji Khalid Mohsin
Published: February 2023

Primary yolk sac tumor of the liver is very rare and can present as multifocal liver lesions. Multifocal nature may mimic other diagnoses such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Early recognition and therapeutic intervention are important as the prognosis of metastatic yolk sac tumors is poor. We present a case of a young adolescent who presented with bleeding per rectum abdominal pain and multiple liver lesions.
Secure Internet of Things based hybrid optimization techniques for optimal centroid routing protocol in wireless sensor network
Authors: Wasay Mudasser Abdul , Ahmed Abdul Gafoor Shah Aqueel
Published: February 2023

The recent survey depicts internet growth has been reached to billion of people and Internet of Things (IoT) as another milestone. IoT is wired or wireless communication technologies to establish a communication channel between devices and services available over the Internet. The wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is one of the most essential technologies assisted in IoT for real‐time applications. The energy efficiency is a major issue in IoT and it becomes more complex due to large scalability and the WSNs cannot be applied directly to the IoT. Moreover, routing is a very challenging aspect that takes place in such platform because of it is intrinsic properties. In this article, we propose an optimal centroid‐based routing protocol (OCRP) for WSN assisted IoT based on hybrid optimization techniques, which aim is to enhance the energy efficiency and network lifetime. IoT network is composed by serving nodes and end users. In OCRP, a multi‐objective swarm optimization (MSO) algorithm is used to perform the clustering, which reduce the chaotic in nature of energy consumption. Then, multiservice queue based ant optimization algorithm is proposed for next neighborhood selection for inter‐cluster routing. Finally, our OCRP protocol is experimented with different simulation in network simulator (NS‐2) tool with wireless body sensor network (WBSN) application. The simulation results show the effectiveness of OCRP protocol in terms of energy consumption, average data transmission rate and network lifetime.
Black‐hole attack and counter measure in ad hoc networks using traditional routing optimization
Authors: Pullagura Joshua Reginald , Dhulipalla Venkata Rao
Published: February 2023

Ad hoc networks have constraints like energy, memory, computation power, and communication range which makes the nodes vulnerable for attacks. In this article, black hole attack detection mechanism is carried out on traditional ad hoc on demand distance vector routing (AODV) protocol. Initially the proposed work proceeded with black‐hole attack configured on conventional AODV protocol. Black‐hole node will give route reply with highest sequence number to entice the sender to create a route through it. By using intruder detection system threshold mechanism, the black‐hole nodes are identified and isolated. In this article, maximal destination sequence number is estimated by using linear regression technique. Performance comparison is carried out with normal, black hole based and black hole detected routing mechanisms. The simulation findings show that that incorporated method enhances network performance by improving QoS under black hole attack.
Facile One‐Step Access to Pyrrole‐Based 1,4‐Diphosphabarrelenes
Authors: Werra Janina A. , Wurst Klaus , Löwe Pawel , Dielmann Fabian
Published: February 2023

1,4‐Diphosphabarrelenes are bicyclic diphosphines relevant, for example, for the generation of polymetallic coordination compounds. However, current synthetic protocols either suffer from low yields or require multiple reaction steps. Herein, we report the one‐step synthesis of pyrrole‐based 1,4‐diphosphabarrelenes that are obtained in very good yields from the reaction of 1,2,5‐trimethylpyrrole with 1,2‐bis(dichlorophosphino)ethane or 1,2‐bis(dichlorophosphino)benzene. The new caged diphosphines are strong donor ligands and act as bridging ligand in nickel(0), rhodium(I), iridium(I) and copper(I) coordination compounds.
Study, analysis, and development of a small‐scale AC‐AC modular multilevel converter for solid‐state transformer applications
Authors: Gustavo Castellain Daniel , Guilherme Brandt Eduardo , do Nascimento Claudio Varella , Vidal Garcia Oliveira Sergio
Published: February 2023

The modular multilevel converter presents itself as a promising topology in medium voltage and high power applications due to its modular characteristic and flexibility in applications where DC‐AC and AC‐DC power conversion are required. Despite this, applications with electric traction present this topology in the AC‐AC conversion due to the converter at the input of a solid‐state transformer and the power system's single‐phase characteristic at the converter's input. One of the main problems characteristic of this topology is the harmonic content present in the medium frequency converter output voltage due to its square waveform. Thus, the harmonic content in this voltage is high, increasing the losses and volume in the core of the medium frequency transformer. This paper presents a multilevel modulation scheme using two frequency components in the modulating wave to reduce the harmonic content in the medium frequency converter output voltage. With the converter branch inductors, it is possible to verify the filtering of the output voltage and thus reduce the harmonic content of this voltage. A low power and voltage (1 kW/500 V) of the AC‐AC modular multilevel converter is implemented, and simulation results show some operating characteristics of the modulation scheme. Experimental results at low power and voltage (0.6 kW/208 V–125 V/1.2 kHz) present the operation of the converter and the characteristics proposed by the modulation scheme, where it is possible to verify the waveform of the sinusoidal output voltage with lower harmonic content.
OMIP‐089: Cattle T‐cell phenotyping by an 8‐color panel
Authors: Roos Eduard O. , Mwangi William N. , Gerner Wilhelm , Waters Ryan , Hammond John A.
Published: February 2023

This multiplex staining panel was developed to differentiate cattle T cells into conventional (CD4 and CD8) and unconventional (γδ‐TCR) subsets as well as their stage of differentiation and activation. The combination of CD45RO and CD62L allows the identification of naïve (TNaïve), central memory (TCM), effector memory (TEM) and terminal effector (TTE) T cells. Activated cattle T cells (TAV) can be identified by the cell surface expression of CD25. This panel was developed using cryopreserved cattle peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tested on fresh as well as stimulated PBMCs. Therefore, this 8‐color, 10‐parameter flow cytometry panel simultaneously identifies cattle TNaïve, TAV, TCM, TEM, TTE and γδ‐TCR cells. This panel will improve our ability to examine T‐cell response to pathogens and vaccines in cattle including the potential to identify previously undescribed subpopulations. Furthermore, this panel can be readily optimized for other bovid species as many of these reagents are likely to cross react.
Profiling flavourings in strawberry‐flavoured e‐liquid using headspace‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Haworth‐Duff Adam , Parkes Gareth M. B. , Reed Natasha J.
Published: February 2023

E‐liquids typically contain nicotine and flavourings in a matrix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG). Some nicotine‐free e‐liquids are flavouring only in the aerosol carrier with the option for users to add their own nicotine. It is only the nicotine that is monitored in terms of level, as specified by the manufacturers. Little is known of the toxicological effect for some of the flavourings in the context of vaping as these are only regulated for ingestion and not inhalation. A method was developed to analyse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) evolved when e‐liquids are vaporised based on headspace‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐GC‐MS) for e‐liquids. An in‐house standard was prepared with sample matrix and purchased strawberry flavouring to simulate a simple e‐liquid but with known levels. This standard was then used to optimise the analysis for use with e‐liquid samples but not for full quantification purposes. These were purchased from a range of retailers and with different batches but mainly focussed on strawberry flavour. The results identified three key components indicative of strawberry flavour (ethyl‐3‐methyl butanoate, ethyl 2‐methyl butanoate and ethyl butanoate) and showed considerable variation between both manufacturers and batches. Flavouring VOCs are regulated for ingestion but are not regulated for e‐liquid inhalation, so these could have toxicological implications. In addition, the inconsistency between samples suggests further issues when users add their own nicotine to the e‐liquids as the viscous sample matrix makes homogeneous mixing difficult.
Tangentially migrating cells differentiate into stratum griseum central neurons to form tectofugal visual pathway in the developing chick optic tectum
Authors: Watanabe Yuji , Sakuma Chie , Yaginuma Hiroyuki
Published: February 2023

Background

The optic tectum is the main visual processor of nonmammalian vertebrates and relays visual information from the eye to the telencephalon via the tectofugal pathway. In the development of the avian optic tectum, while the multipolar neurons are arranged by tangential migration, the behavior of individual cells in tangential migration, neural differentiation, and cell fate remain unclear. Here, we pursued the transition of tangentially migrating cells and their involvement in visual circuit formation during chick development.

Results

After tangential movement along the axons, the migrating cells relocated to the upper layers and turned back upon differentiation toward the multipolar neurons. The multipolar neurons are destined to differentiate into the stratum griseum central (SGC) neurons with the large dendritic field, which form the tectorotundal projection. Trans‐synaptic virus labeling demonstrated that the tangentially migrating cells eventually participate in the tectofugal visual pathway.

Conclusions

These results indicate that tangential migration is a crucial process in the formation of the tectofugal visual pathway during the development of the optic tectum.
Rapid in‐situ aerobic biodegradation of high salt and oily food waste employing constructed synthetic microbiome
Authors: Xu Song , Tao Lidan , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Xiaoxia , Huang Zhiyong
Published: February 2023

The high salt content of food waste (FW) severely limits microbial physiological activity and reduces its biodegradability. In this study, a salt‐tolerant thermophilic bacterial agent that consists of four different substrate degradation functional strains was evaluated for efficient high salt and oily FW in solid‐state aerobic biodegradation disposers. The phy‐chemical properties, enzyme activities, microbial community structure, and function during the biodegradation process were evaluated under high salt (5%) stress. The results showed that the agent promoted the degradation rate, increased the matrix temperature, decreased the moisture content (MC), and enhanced enzyme activities without putrid smell. High‐throughput sequencing indicated community structure succession between different groups and the positive contribution of the inoculated functional strains. During the FW biodegradation process, the Bacillus sp. inoculated was the dominant genus in the agent group. Furthermore, CCA further confirmed the positive effects of the four inoculated strains on high salt and oily FW aerobic biodegradation. Functional prediction and metabolite results both confirmed that the agent was more efficient in carbon, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, which demonstrated that the synthetic microbial consortium holds a potential advantage for efficiency and subsequent resource utilization for organic fertilizer.
Seismic response of slender MDOF structures with self‐centering base shear and moment mechanisms
Authors: Zhong Chiyun , Christopoulos Constantin
Published: February 2023

As the amplification of seismic force demands due to higher‐mode effects on tall buildings is increasingly recognized as a design challenge, a number of high‐performance systems have been proposed to limit such effects through combined base shear‐limiting and moment‐limiting dual mechanisms. To better understand the influence of these dual base systems on the overall seismic behavior of tall buildings, this paper presents a study on the seismic response of Multi‐Degree‐of‐Freedom (MDOF) systems incorporating combined base shear‐limiting and moment‐limiting mechanisms. For an MDOF system with a given initial period and base strength level, the base shear‐limiting mechanism is defined by a shear strength factor, an inelastic stiffness parameter, and an energy‐dissipation parameter, while the base moment‐limiting mechanism is defined by a moment strength factor. To determine the influence of these parameters on the overall seismic responses of MDOF structures, a comprehensive parametric study was conducted, and the results were presented and discussed in terms of base displacement and rotation demands, seismic force demand amplification at the base and along the height, peak floor acceleration, peak roof drift, and absorbed energy. The numerical modeling methodology used in the parametric study was validated against 200 small‐scale shaking table tests of a scaled MDOF specimen with a base shear and moment dual‐mechanism system and was used to model MDOF structures that are representative of tall buildings with initial periods ranging from 1.0 to 10 s and having various base‐mechanism properties. The parametric study was then conducted using an ensemble of 20 Ground Motions (GM) scaled to three code‐specified seismic hazard levels for Los Angeles, California. The results of this study can be used to facilitate the design of base shear and moment dual‐mechanism systems for mitigating higher‐mode effects and enhancing the seismic resilience of tall buildings.
The association of physical activity and behavioral and psychological symptoms among a sample of hospitalized older adults living with dementia
Authors: Drazich Brittany F. , Boltz Marie , Kuzmik Ashley , Galik Elizabeth , Kim Nayeon , McPherson Rachel , Holmes Sarah , Resnick Barbara
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The aims of this study were to: (1) describe the prevalence of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in hospitalized older adults living with dementia and (2) examine the association of physical activity and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia among hospitalized older adults living with dementia, after controlling for covariates.

Methods

Physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Survey and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia were measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regressions were run using baseline data on 294 older adults with dementia hospitalized on general medical units from an ongoing study entitled Function Focused Care for Acute Care Using the Evidence Integration Triangle.

Results

Participants performed an average of 7.92 (SD = 4.49) of 34 possible activities “in the last 24 h” prior to the Physical Activity Survey administration. A total of 132 participants (45.5%) had at least one behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia. We found that physical activity was not associated with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (b = 0.01; p = 0.56), after controlling for covariates.

Conclusions

Although this study found no evidence of an association between physical activity and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, evidence of physical activity did not exacerbate these behaviors. Thus, given the benefits of physical activity, it is important to continue to encourage patients living with dementia to engage in activity.
Allocentric information represented by self‐referenced spatial coding in the primate medial temporal lobe
Authors: Yang Cen , Chen He , Naya Yuji
Published: February 2023

For living organisms, the ability to acquire information regarding the external space around them is critical for future actions. While the information must be stored in an allocentric frame to facilitate its use in various spatial contexts, each case of use requires the information to be represented in a particular self‐referenced frame. Previous studies have explored neural substrates responsible for the linkage between self‐referenced and allocentric spatial representations based on findings in rodents. However, the behaviors of rodents are different from those of primates in several aspects; for example, rodents mainly explore their environments through locomotion, while primates use eye movements. In this review, we discuss the brain mechanisms responsible for the linkage in nonhuman primates. Based on recent physiological studies, we propose that two types of neural substrates link the first‐person perspective with allocentric coding. The first is the view‐center background signal, which represents an image of the background surrounding the current position of fixation on the retina. This perceptual signal is transmitted from the ventral visual pathway to the hippocampus (HPC) via the perirhinal cortex and parahippocampal cortex. Because images that share the same objective‐position in the environment tend to appear similar when seen from different self‐positions, the view‐center background signals are easily associated with one another in the formation of allocentric position coding and storage. The second type of neural substrate is the HPC neurons' dynamic activity that translates the stored location memory to the first‐person perspective depending on the current spatial context.
Research translation to improve carer smoking cessation support in a paediatric ward of a regional hospital in the Northern Territory
Authors: Moyo Sukoluhle , Hefler Marita , Carson‐Chahhoud Kristin V. , Thomas David
Published: February 2023

Issue addressed

Health professionals have described barriers to providing carer smoking cessation support in children's wards. This article reports the findings of a research translation process that explored opportunities and developed pathways for change.

Methods

A facilitated discussion workshop and scheduled stakeholder meetings were used to evaluate research evidence and translate it to an evidence‐informed organisational change process, with actions for implementation. Workshop and meeting participants were senior health staff with either a pharmacist, personnel with expertise in alcohol and other drugs, medical or nursing backgrounds, and who held senior managerial roles who worked in a hospital in the Northern Territory. A qualitative approach was used. The data from the workshop were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The first author took notes for meetings that were not recorded and analysed these alongside the transcripts.

Results

The process was able to initiate change to overcome barriers to providing carer smoking cessation support. All participants agreed to prioritise and make carer smoking cessation everybody's responsibility and supported a systematic approach, including provision of nicotine replacement therapy, new record‐keeping systems, and training to address staff knowledge deficits and skills gaps. This movement to solution‐focused change continued after the workshop.

Conclusions

With some preparation, a research translation workshop and meetings with selected leaders can initiate organisational change in similar settings and is consistent with theories of planned change.

So what?

This article describes the use of a process to support health promotion through new policies and practices following research which identified barriers in a hospital ward.
Resilience and green spaces: Association with stress among contact centre workers in the Philippines
Authors: Villanueva Celine P. , Labao Richard Braulio J. , Tran Katherine Regine Anne G. , Gonzalez Nathaniel Reihann B. , Luna Joseph M. , Ochava Kristine Mallory R. , Capio Catherine M.
Published: February 2023

Issue Addressed

Philippine contact centres are rife with factors that contribute to work‐related stress; health promotion strategies are needed to mitigate the impacts. With a transactional framework with the environment, this study examined the relationship of stress with resilience and the presence of urban green spaces (UGS) in the environment, while accounting for individual characteristics (ie, age, household income, exercise frequency).

Methods

Participants include employees (Stage 1 N = 186; Stage 2 N = 89) from six contact centres in the capital region of the Philippines. A two‐stage online survey included standardised instruments to measure stress (10‐item Perceived Stress Scale) and resilience (Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale), customised questions to gather demographic information and probe on participants' insights. Google Earth Pro was used for satellite mapping of UGS, followed by on‐site ocular inspection.

Results

Participants' average stress level was categorised as high; primary stressors included client demands and workload. The objectively measured percentages of UGS in the study sites' vicinity were categorised as low. Participants found UGS visible after careful observation, and majority were aware of UGS in their workplace vicinity. Resilience, household income and awareness of UGS in the vicinity significantly predicted stress levels.

Conclusion

Contact centre workers experienced high stress levels and their workplaces had little accessible UGS. Resilience, household income and awareness of UGS are significant contributors to stress levels.

So What?

Health promotion in Philippine contact centres could consider strategies that include building resilience, enhancing income security and promoting the awareness of UGS within the workplace vicinity.
Gamma‐glutamyl transferase and disease course in pediatric‐onset primary sclerosing cholangitis: A single‐center cohort study
Authors: Berhane Besrat , van Rheenen Patrick F. , Verkade Henkjan J.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Patients with pediatric‐onset primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are at risk of developing hepatic complications with liver transplantation as only curative treatment. Complications usually occur over many years, underlining the need for reliable surrogate markers to predict the clinical course. Recently, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) has been suggested to allow prediction of the clinical course. In a single‐center cohort study, we tested the potency of GGT in this respect.

Methods

We used longitudinal data of patients from our academic center, diagnosed with pediatric‐onset PSC between 2000 and 2020. Patients with a GGT decrease from baseline >25% (n = 36) were compared with those who did not have this decrease (n = 7). We performed Kaplan–Meier analysis and log‐rank testing to assess the occurrence of portal hypertensive or biliary complications, hepatobiliary malignancies, liver transplantation, or death.

Results

The median age diagnosis was 15.2 years and 12.1 years in the group with ≤25% decrease of GGT and the group with >25% decrease, respectively (p = 0.078). The probability of developing ≥1 complications in the first 5 years after diagnosis was 50% in the group with ≤25% decrease of GGT and 20% in the group with >25% decrease of GGT (p = 0.031). The use of medication was not associated with the development of complications.

Conclusion

In a retrospective cohort study, we report that a GGT decrease of >25% within 1 year of diagnosis of pediatric‐onset PSC is associated with a lower occurrence of complications within 5 years. Our results provide further support for the recently hypothesized predictive value of first‐year GGT change in predicting the disease course in pediatric‐onset PSC.