bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantioselective [3+2] Cycloaddition of Donor‐Acceptor Aziridines and Imines to Construct 2,5‐trans‐Imidazolidines
Authors: Qiao Jianglin , Wang Shiyu , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: January 2023

An enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of donor‐acceptor aziridines with N‐aryl protected imines was developed with a Ni(ClO4)2 ⋅ 6H2O/N,N′‐dioxide catalyst system, providing a broad range of chiral trans‐substituted imidazolidine compounds with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % yield, up to 98 % ee). Control experiments indicated that the products could offer excellent diastereoselectivities with the control of chiral Ni(II)‐N,N′‐dioxide complex and the interaction of the substrates. The possible catalytic process was proposed to rationalize the stereocontrol.
An Aluminium Imide as a Transfer Agent for the [NR]2−Function via Metathesis Chemistry
Authors: Heilmann Andreas , Vasko Petra , Hicks Jamie , Goicoechea Jose M. , Aldridge Simon
Published: January 2023

The reactions of a terminal aluminium imide with a range of oxygen‐containing substrates have been probed with a view to developing its use as a novel main group transfer agent for the [NR]2−fragment. We demonstrate transfer of the imide moiety to [N2], [CO] and [Ph(H)C] units driven thermodynamically by Al−O bond formation. N2O reacts rapidly to generate the organoazide DippN3(Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3), while CO2(under dilute reaction conditions) yields the corresponding isocyanate, DippNCO. Mechanistic studies, using both experimental and quantum chemical techniques, identify a carbamate complex K2[(NON)Al‐{κ2−(N,O)−N(Dipp)CO2}]2(formed via [2+2] cycloaddition) as an intermediate in the formation of DippNCO, and also in an alternative reaction leading to the generation of the amino−dicarboxylate complex K2[(NON)Al{κ2−(O,O′)−(O2C)2N‐(Dipp)}] (via the take‐up of a second equivalent of CO2). In the case of benzaldehyde, a similar [2+2] cycloaddition process generates the metallacyclic hemi‐aminal complex, Kn[(NON)Al{κ2−(N,O)−(N(Dipp)C(Ph)(H)O}]n. Extrusion of the imine, PhC(H)NDipp, via cyclo‐reversion is disfavoured thermally, due to the high energy of the putative aluminium oxide co‐product, K2[(NON)Al(O)]2. However, addition of CO2allows the imine to be released, driven by the formation of the thermodynamically more stable aluminium carbonate co‐product, K2[(NON)Al(κ2−(O,O′)−CO3)]2.
Mechanism of NO removal in selective catalytic reduction based on γ‐Fe2O3 catalyst doped with Mg element
Authors: Hao Wencong , Ren Dongdong , Luo Siyi , Zuo Zongliang
Published: January 2023

The doping of different elements will make the Fe2O3 catalyst show different catalytic characteristics and improve the activity of the Fe2O3 catalyst in selective catalytic reduction (SCR), mainly by increasing the types of reactive oxygen species and the specific surface area of the catalyst. In this paper, density functional theory (DFT) was used to reveal the reaction path and adsorption behaviour of the Mg‐doped γ‐Fe2O3 catalyst. The results show that the doping of Mg ions can contribute electrons and lead to electron migration on the catalyst surface, which changes the acidity of some sites on the catalyst surface. The adsorption energy of NH3 is related to the binding sites of N atoms on the catalyst surface, and different adsorption sites will be enhanced or weakened due to Mg doping. NH2 reacts with NO to form N2 and H2O, so the dehydrogenation of NH3 to the NH2 radical is a key step in SCR. With doping, this process becomes more likely to occur. In addition, the activation energy barrier of NH2 formation in the aerobic environment is lower than that in the anaerobic condition, which contributes to NH3 dehydrogenation. Therefore, doping Mg on the surface of γ‐Fe2O3 catalyst can improve the catalytic activity of NO removal.
Pembrolizumab induced remission of recurrent and metastatic sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma after overcoming checkpoint‐inhibitor pneumonitis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Nair Deepak Rajendran , Trehan Ram
Published: January 2023

Background

For programmed death‐ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) positive recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M‐HNSCC), KEYNOTE‐048 and KEYNOTE‐040 clinical trials recently approved pembrolizumab monotherapy as first‐line treatment. However, recurrent and metastatic sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (R/M‐SNSCC) was excluded from these clinical trials and treatment reports of immune‐checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) in R/M‐SNSCC are sparse. Immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) are known to occur during ICI treatment and some of these such as checkpoint‐inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) can be fatal. ICI rechallenge after severe irAEs is debated.

Case

We describe a case of a 65‐year‐old male with R/M‐SNSCC who is currently in remission with pembrolizumab monotherapy. He developed high‐grade pneumonitis during the course of treatment warranting ICI discontinuation but has since tolerated full‐dose pembrolizumab for 10 months now which is holding his disease stable. Our approach toward restarting full‐dose pembrolizumab was by monitoring the patient's response to an initial low dose of pembrolizumab with concomitant oral steroid immunosuppression to control CIP.

Conclusion

Clinicians should weigh the risk‐to‐reward ratio of ICI rechallenge after improvement of high‐grade CIP, particularly for selected patients with aggressive tumors such as R/M‐SNSCC and prior treatment response. Under close monitoring, ICI resumption at a low dose and assessing patient tolerance with concomitant immunosuppression may be a reasonable approach to reintroducing ICI after high‐grade CIP in these patients.
Optimized ensemble learning‐based student's performance prediction with weighted rough set theory enabled feature mining
Authors: Sateesh Nayani , Srinivasa Rao Pasupureddy , Rajya Lakshmi Davuluri
Published: January 2023

Currently, educational data mining act as a major part of student performance prediction approaches and their applications. However, more ensemble methods are needed to improve the student performance prediction, and also which helps increase the learning quality of the Student's performance. The usage of an ensemble classifier with rule mining to predict students' academic success is proposed. In response to this need, this research mainly concentrated on an ensemble classifier with rule mining to predict students' academic success. The feature mining is performed using the weighted Rough Set Theory method, in which the proposed meta‐heuristic algorithm optimizes the weight function. The variable optimization of the ensemble classifier is accomplished with the help of a combination of Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO), and Krill Herd Algorithm (KHA) known as Escape Energy Searched Krill Herd‐Harris Hawks Optimization (EES‐KHHO) for maximizing the prediction rate. Extensive tests are carried out on various datasets, and the findings show that our technique outperforms conventional approaches. Throughout the result analysis, the offered method attains a 92.77% accuracy rate, and also it attains a sensitivity rate of 94.87%. Therefore, the offered student performance prediction model achieves better effectiveness regarding various performance metrics.
Oral granulomatosis with polyangiitis a systematic review
Authors: Labrador Alberto J. Peraza , Valdez Luciano H. M. , Marin Nestor R. Gonzalez , Ibazetta Karem A. R. , Chacón Joan A. L. , Fernandez Alberto J. V. , Valencia Marcelo S. V. , Marchant Schillin W. , Sanchez Katman B. T. , Villacrez Cesar A.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is an unusual multisystemic inflammatory disease, with vasculitis of small‐ and medium‐sized vessels, with a predilection for upper lower airways and kidneys. The etiology remains unknown although it may originate from different stimuli, in genetically susceptible patients.

Materials and Methods

A detailed database search was performed. The variables were demographics, localization, histopathological findings, antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody, cytoplasmic (c‐ANCA) tests, treatment, and follow‐up.

Results

Fifty‐two cases were identified; the mean age was 49.6 years, with a range from 6 to 87 years. It was most frequently seen in females (57.7%). The most common race was white (59.6%). The most frequent location was in the maxillary gingiva (28.8%), followed by both the upper and lower gingiva (19.2%). The most common clinical presentation was “strawberry gingivitis” (61.5%). The main symptom was pain, in 50%. Regarding the c‐ANCA test, it was positive in 71.2% of cases. The most common therapy was prednisone and cyclophosphamide, utilized in 51.9%. The average follow‐up was 23.6 months, and 88.5% of patients were still alive at follow‐up.

Conclusion

The diagnosis initially was difficult to establish, an early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. If untreated the disease can be associated with morbidity and mortality. For the oral clinician, this disease needs to be addressed in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions.
Electrolyte Engineering Stabilizes Photoanodes Decorated with Molecular Catalysts
Authors: Jenewein Ken J. , Wang Yuanxing , Liu Tianying , McDonald Tara , Zlatar Matej , Kulyk Nadiia , Benavente Llorente Victoria , Kormányos Attila , Wang Dunwei , Cherevko Serhiy
Published: January 2023

Molecular catalysts are promising oxygen evolution promoters in conjunction with photoanodes for solar water splitting. Maintaining the stability of both photoabsorber and cocatalyst is still a prime challenge, with many efforts tackling this issue through sophisticated material designs. Such approaches often mask the importance of the electrode‐electrolyte interface and overlook easily tunable system parameters, such as the electrolyte environment, to improve efficiency. We provide a systematic study on the activity‐stability relationship of a prominent Fe2O3 photoanode modified with Ir molecular catalysts using in situ mass spectroscopy. After gaining detailed insights into the dissolution behavior of the Ir cocatalyst, a comprehensive pH study is conducted to probe the impact of the electrolyte on the performance. An inverse trend in Fe and Ir stability is found, with the best activity‐stability synergy obtained at pH 9.7. The results bring awareness to the overall photostability and electrolyte engineering when advancing catalysts for solar water splitting.
A 6‐to‐38Gb/s capture‐range bang‐bang clock and data recovery circuit with deliberate‐current‐mismatch frequency detection and interpolation‐based multiphase clock generation
Authors: Wang Lin , Chen Yong , Yang Chaowei , Zhou Xionghui , Han Mei , Stefano Crovetti Paolo , Mak Pui‐In , Martins Rui P.
Published: January 2023

This paper reports a bang‐bang clock and data recovery circuit (BBCDR) with an ultra‐wide capture range. The circuit exhibits automatic frequency capture and phase locking over a wide 6‐to‐38 Gb/s range without using a frequency detector, allowed by a recently proposed deliberate‐current‐mismatch technique. Moreover, we accurately obtain an eight‐phase clock through analog interpolation of quadrature signals over the whole wide frequency range by introducing a tunable capacitor array before an inverter‐based phase interpolator. A 65‐nm prototype of the developed BBCDR occupies an area of 0.07 mm2 and attains a bit error rate of less than 10−12 under a continuously variable input frequency, with a total power consumption of 24.6 mW for a 32‐Gb/s non‐return‐zero input, thus leading to 0.769‐pJ/bit energy efficiency.
Gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp: Report of three cases with a review of the endoscopic and clinicopathological features
Authors: Ohtsu Takuya , Takahashi Yu , Tokuhara Mitsuo , Tahara Tomomitsu , Ishida Mitsuaki , Miyasaka Chika , Tsuta Koji , Naganuma Makoto
Published: January 2023

Objectives

A gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp (GHIP) is a rare submucosal tumor characterized histopathologically by a submucosal inverted proliferation of cystically dilated hyperplastic gastric glands. Only 42 GHIPs have been reported in English literature. Few GHIPs have been reported to accompany adenocarcinomas. We reported on three patients with a GHIP and reviewed the clinicopathological and endoscopic features of GHIPs.

Methods

This study included two men and one woman with a GHIP. The endoscopic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features of the endoscopically resected specimens were analyzed. A gene mutation analysis was also performed.

Results

All the tumors were located in the body of the stomach, with a median size of 20 mm. Two tumors were sessile, and the remaining tumor had a pedunculated appearance. The overlying mucosa mainly appeared normal but was reddish in one tumor. The histopathological examination of the tumors revealed a well‐circumscribed and lobular submucosal proliferation of cystically dilated hyperplastic glands. The immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the MUC5AC‐positive foveolar epithelium was located in the center, and MUC6‐positive pseudo‐pyloric or pepsinogen‐I and H+/K+ ATPase‐positive fundic‐type glands were located at the periphery of two tumors. No carcinomatous components were noted in any of the tumors. Moreover, no significant mutations in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes were noted.

Conclusions

Our review revealed that approximately three fourths of GHIP cases showed an submucosal tumor‐like feature, whereas endoscopic features, including the endoscopic ultrasonography findings, were not characteristic. Because an endoscopic diagnosis of a GHIP may be difficult, complete endoscopic resection may be required for a pathological diagnosis.
Range reexpansion after long stasis: Italian otters (Lutra lutra) at their northern edge
Authors: Marcelli Manlio , Striglioni Federico , Fusillo Romina
Published: January 2023

Species range shifts and expansion are subjects of primary research interest in the context of climate warming and biological invasions. Few studies have focused on reexpansion of species that suffered severe declines. Here, we focused on population recovery of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Italy, first detected in 2003 after a southward range contraction. We modeled the rate of range expansion and occupancy at the northern expanding front (central Italy), to gain insights into the progress of recovery and mechanisms of reexpansion. We performed a field survey in 2021, which redefined the northern limit of distribution further north, in close proximity to the Gran Sasso National Park. Then we analyzed a time series (1985–2021) of distances of northernmost occurrences from the center of the 1985 range. Using segmented regression, we were able to identify a prolonged stasis of the northern range edge and a simultaneous increase in occupancy from 0.151 to 0.4. A breakpoint was estimated in 2006, after which the range expanded northwards at an average rate of 5.48 km/year. From 2006 to 2021, the overall northward shift was about 80 km. Occupancy continued to increase until 2019 and abruptly declined in 2021. These patterns suggest that the reexpansion of the range can be limited by low occupancy at the expanding front. As occupancy increases, long‐distance dispersal increases and then range expands. The low occupancy at the current distribution limit of otters may reflect a higher anthropogenic pressure on northern habitats, which could slow down the reexpansion process.
Nanostructured NiCu LDHs/polypyrrole nanotubes composite for nonenzymatic glucose sensing in human serum
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Sai , Wang Tianze , Hu Ningyan , Ma Xiao , Zhu Liande
Published: January 2023

Nanostructured NiCu layered double hydroxides (NiCu LDHs) are synthesized in situ on polypyrrole nanotubes through convenient co‐precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis. The nanostructured composite (NiCu LDHs/PPy) shows high electrocatalytic activities towards the glucose oxidation reaction in alkaline electrolyte so that a nonenzymatic glucose sensor is developed. It is demonstrated that the sensor offers a wide linear range from 1.5 μM to 1.0 mM with a high sensitivity of 525.8 μA mM−1 cm−2 and a low limit of detection of 66 nM (S/N = 3). The nonenzymatic sensor has been successfully applied to real blood samples for glucose monitoring with high accuracy.
Deletion induced splicing in RIC3 drives nicotinic acetylcholine receptor regulation with implications for endoplasmic reticulum stress in human astrocytes
Authors: Yadav Navneesh , Thelma B. K.
Published: January 2023

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) dysregulation in astrocytes is reported in neurodegenerative disorders. Modulation of nAChRs through agonists confers protection to astrocytes from stress but regulation of chaperones involved in proteostasis with pathological implications is unclear. Resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase 3 (RIC3), a potential chaperone of nAChRs is poorly studied in humans. We characterized RIC3 in astrocytes derived from an isogenic wild‐type and Cas9 edited “del” human iPSC line harboring a 25 bp homozygous deletion in exon2. Altered RIC3 transcript ratio due to deletion induced splicing and an unexpected gain of α7nAChR expression were observed in “del” astrocytes. Transcriptome analysis showed higher expression of neurotransmitter/G‐protein coupled receptors mediated by cAMP and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase signaling with increased cytokines/glutamate secretion. Functional implications examined using tunicamycin induced ER stress in wild‐type astrocyte stress model showed cell cycle arrest, RIC3 upregulation, reduction in α7nAChR membrane levels but increased α4nAChR membrane expression. Conversely, tunicamycin‐treated “del” astrocytes showed a comparatively higher α4nAChR membrane expression and upsurged cAMP signaling. Furthermore, reduced expression of stress markers CHOP, phospho‐PERK and lowered XBP1 splicing in western blot and qPCR, validated by proteome‐based pathway analysis indicated lowered disease severity. Findings indicate (i) a complex RNA regulatory mechanism via exonic deletion induced splicing; (ii) RIC‐3 as a disordered protein having contrasting effects on co‐expressed nAChR subtypes under basal/stress conditions; and (iii) RIC3 as a potential drug target against ER stress in astrocytes for neurodegenerative/nicotine‐related brain disorders. Cellular rescue mechanism through deletion induced exon skipping may encourage ASO‐based therapies for tauopathies.
The role of fathers in children's emotion regulation development: A systematic review
Authors: Islamiah Nur , Breinholst Sonja , Walczak Monika A. , Esbjørn Barbara H.
Published: January 2023

This systematic review summarizes the results of 43 studies that explored the potential role of fathers in emotion regulation (ER) development in children. Following a tripartite model, this review investigates the paternal modelling of ER strategies, emotion‐related paternal parenting practices, father–child emotional climate, and fathers' characteristics, by identifying 16 specific themes of paternal factors that could play a role in the child's ER development. Results show that while a large number of studies investigated father–child emotional climate and fathers' characteristics and their association with children's ER, the effects of paternal modelling and the father's emotion‐related parenting practices on children's ER are still understudied. This review reveals that several factors—fathers' modelling of ER strategies; positive reactions and support in responding to their child's expression of emotions; better quality of the father–child relationship; higher father–child attachment security; and positive parenting in terms of sensitivity, engagement, and expressiveness—had significant associations with children's higher ER skills. Conversely, fathers' psychopathology and harsh parenting were associated with poorer ER skills in children.

Highlights

This study summarized existing literature that explored the association between paternal factors and ER in children.

The review showed some evidence supporting the paternal role in children's ER development.

Fathers' role in the development of child's ER is most prominent in infancy and toddlerhood.

Most paternal factors significantly associated with a child's ER reflected previous findings examining maternal factors.
Label‐free high‐resolution white light quantitative phase nanoscopy system
Authors: Tayal Shilpa , Tiwari Shubham , Mehta Dalip Singh
Published: January 2023

We present a high‐resolution white light quantitative phase nanoscopy (WLQPN) system that can be utilized to visualize nanoparticles and subcellular features of the biological specimens. The five‐phase shifting technique, along with deconvolution, is adopted to obtain super‐resolution in phase imaging. The phase shifting technique can provide full detector resolution, making it beneficial as compared to the well‐known Fourier analysis method. The Fourier transform method requires minimum angle of , where is maximum achievable spatial frequency. It limits the highest achievable resolution to much below the actual diffraction limit of the system. Thus, to obtain a high‐resolution phase map of the biological specimen, a two‐step process is adopted. First, the phase map is recovered using the five‐phase shifting algorithm, with full detector spatial resolution. Second, the complex field is obtained from the recovered phase map and further processed using the Richardson Lucy total variation deconvolution algorithm to obtain super‐resolution phase images. The present technique was tested on 1951 USAF resolution chart, 200 nm polystyrene beads and Escherichia coli bacteria using a 50×, 0.55NA objective lens. The 200 nm polystyrene beads are visually resolvable and subcellular features of the E. coli bacteria are also observed, suggesting a significant improvement in the resolution.
Acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography: A preliminary study on biomechanical properties of trabecular meshwork
Authors: Ai Sizhu , Zhang Yubao , Shi Gang , Wang Yidi , Liu Guo , Han Xiao , Zhao Yanzhi , Yang Hongwei , He Xingdao
Published: January 2023

Evaluating biomechanical properties of trabecular meshwork (TM) is of great significance for understanding the mechanism of aqueous humor circulation and its relationship to some eye diseases such as glaucoma; however, there is almost no relevant study due to the lack of clinical measurement tool. In this paper, an acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography (ARF‐OCE) system is developed with the advantages of noninvasive detection, high resolution, high sensitivity, and high‐speed imaging, by which elastic modulus of the porcine and human TMs is accurately quantified. As the first OCE imaging of TM, our study demonstrates that ARF‐OCE may be an effective approach to advance the research of diseases related to aqueous humor circulation.
Identification of faecal extracellular vesicles as novel biomarkers for the non‐invasive diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhaowei , Liu Xuehui , Yang Xiaoqing , Jiang Ying , Li Ang , Cong Jiying , Li Yuwei , Xie Qinjian , Xu Chen , Liu Dingbin
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies that is usually detected late in the clinic. The currently available diagnostic tools for CRC are either invasive or insensitive to early lesions due to the dearth of reliable biomarkers. In this study, we discovered that the extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the faeces of CRC patients can act as a potent biomarker for the non‐invasive diagnosis and prognosis of CRC. This finding is based on the identification of two transmembrane proteins—CD147 and A33—on faeces‐derived EVs (fEVs) that are intrinsically associated with CRC. The detection results show that the levels of CD147 and A33 on fEVs were upregulated in the CRC patients (n = 48), dramatically distinguishing them from the healthy donors (n = 16). The CD147/A33‐enriched EVs offer a clinical sensitivity of 89%, much higher than that (40%) of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a clinically‐established serum biomarker for CRC diagnosis. In addition, the analysis of longitudinal faeces samples (n = 29) demonstrated that the CD147/A33‐enriched fEVs can be utilized to track the prognosis of CRC. Due to the high compliance of faeces‐based detection, the CD147/A33‐enriched fEVs could serve as new‐generation CRC biomarkers for large‐scale, non‐invasive CRC screening as well as real‐time monitoring of patient outcomes during clinical interventions.
Visual discrimination and inhibitory control deficits in mouse models of Down syndrome: A pilot study using rodent touchscreen technology
Authors: Siegel Ashley Emily , Bianchi Diana W. , Guedj Faycal
Published: January 2023

Several non‐verbal cognitive and behavioral tests have been developed to assess learning deficits in humans with Down syndrome (DS). Here we used rodent touchscreen paradigms in adult male mice to investigate visual discrimination (VD) learning and inhibitory control in the Dp(16)1/Yey (C57BL/6J genetic background), Ts65Dn (mixed B6 X C3H genetic background) and Ts1Cje (C57BL/6J genetic background) mouse models of DS. Dp(16)1/Yey and Ts1Cje models did not exhibit motivation or learning deficits during early pre‐training, however, Ts1Cje mice showed a significant learning delay after the introduction of the incorrect stimulus (late pre‐training), suggesting prefrontal cortex defects in this model. Dp(16)1/Yey and Ts1Cje mice display learning deficits in VD but these deficits were more pronounced in the Dp(16)1/Yey model. Both models also exhibited compulsive behavior and abnormal cortical inhibitory control during Extinction compared to WT littermates. Finally, Ts65Dn mice outperformed WT littermates in pre‐training stages by initiating a significantly higher number of trials due to their hyperactive behavior. Both Ts65Dn and WT littermates showed poor performance during late pre‐training and were not tested in VD. These studies demonstrate significant learning deficits and compulsive behavior in the Ts1Cje and Dp(16)1/Yey mouse models of DS. They also demonstrate that the mouse genetic background (C57BL/6J vs. mixed B6 X C3H) and the absence of hyperactive behavior are key determinants of successful learning in touchscreen behavioral testing. These data will be used to select the mouse model that best mimics cognitive deficits in humans with DS and evaluate the effects of future therapeutic interventions.
Enhanced precipitation prediction using DEM‐based predictors and satellite imagery
Authors: Antal Alexandru , Dumitrescu Alexandru , Cheval Sorin , Guerreiro Pedro M. P.
Published: January 2023

Over the last decades, climatic changes have triggered considerable impacts across the globe with detrimental effects on all ecosystems. Given the complexity of topography and climate, Romania is one of the most exposed countries in the South‐Eastern Europe to extreme hydrological events. As a consequence, the spatial distribution of precipitation is of greater importance for future analysis. This study examines the performance of Empirical Bayesian Kriging Regression Prediction (EBKRP) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to predict the spatial distribution of annual and seasonal precipitation over Romania. Twelve co‐variables derived from topography, and remote sensing products data were used to improve the prediction. The co‐variable selection process was performed prior to the regression model to reduce the complexity and processing time, using the Boruta Algorithm (BA), which is an innovative approach. The performance of BA was compared with Gini Coefficient. Our findings confirmed that 10 co‐variables were relevant to predict annual precipitation and nine for seasonal. The overall prediction of precipitation is more influenced by topography (altitude, slope, surface roughness) and the distance to marine bodies (Black Sea and Adriatic Sea). Cross‐validation and five statistical metrics were applied to assess the performance of the regression models. The results show similar spatial distribution pattern of precipitation, whereas the highest annual precipitation is found in the Carpathian Mountains (EBKRP: 1,399.2 mm, GWR: 1,249.7 mm) and the lowest in the lowlands (EBKRP: 355.9 mm, GWR: 346.8 mm). For seasons, both methods predicted the highest precipitation in summer and lowest in autumn. In all seasons, the precipitation is underestimated by both methods, however, for annual, only GWR does so. Our study revealed GWR as the best method to predict annual and seasonal precipitation over Romania, as it yielded the highest correlation coefficient Spearman (S), Pearson (P), determination coefficient (R2) and lowest mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE).
The underestimation of spring precipitation over South China is caused by the weak simulations of the dynamic motion in CMIP6 models
Authors: Ai Yawen , Chen Huopo , Sun Jianqi
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the performance of the 23 CMIP6 models in simulating spring precipitation over China and preliminarily explores the reasons for the underestimation of spring precipitation over South China (SC). The results show that the CMIP6 models can generally capture spring precipitation over China but have distinct underestimations in SC. In addition to analysing the results of the multimodel ensemble mean (MME), based on the regional mean spring precipitation differences over SC, we also analyse five models with greater overestimated precipitation amounts composing the high‐value MME (H_MME) and five models with greater underestimated precipitation amounts composing the low‐value MME (L_MME) as comparisons. Moisture budget analysis reveals that the underestimated dynamic component of vertical moisture advection mainly causes the negative biases of spring precipitation over SC. Further analyses indicate that the underestimation of the intensity of the East Asian subtropical jet (EASJ) generally causes weakened secondary meridional circulation to the south of 30°N and moisture convergence over SC in CMIP6 models. Consequently, less moistened air would be lifted to high levels, providing an unfavourable background for the occurrence of spring precipitation and inducing underestimation compared with the observations. The modelling EASJ shows much stronger (weaker) H_MME (L_MME), which generally enhances (weakens) the dynamic component of the secondary circulation over SC, favourable for the increase (decrease) in spring precipitation.
The impact of free‐radical stabilization techniques on in vivo subsurface mechanical properties in highly cross‐linked polyethylene acetabular liners
Authors: Kump Jordan , Teeter Matthew G. , Matheson John , Klassen Robert , Lanting Brent A. , Decker Michael M.
Published: January 2023

Highly cross‐linked polyethylene (HXLPE) for total hip arthroplasty was developed to improve wear resistance in vivo and associated complications in comparison to ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. This material typically goes through various free‐radical stabilization techniques by remelting, single‐annealing, or sequentially annealing the polyethylene to improve in vivo oxidation and wear properties. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is evidence of subsurface microhardness changes in retrieved HXLPE liner at the rim and articular subsurface after extended in vivo time that could be associated with oxidation and its effects on mechanical properties and implant integrity. Retrieved HXLPE liners were chosen based on peak subsurface Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy oxidation values. Each was mechanically tested for subsurface microhardness at both the rim and articular surface using a validated microindentation technique. Rim testing demonstrated a decrease in mechanical integrity that corresponded to higher subsurface oxidation values regardless of the free‐radical stabilization technique. At the articular surface, a decrease in mechanical integrity was observed near the surface corresponding to peak oxidation and Vicker's hardness, which decreased with increasing depths. This was found in all groups, with the exception of the single‐annealed liners, which demonstrated decreased mechanical integrity trends at greater depths between 1.0 and 2.0 mm. Our results suggest that subsurface mechanical properties do change in vivo for certain implants. Though it is likely that the mechanical failures are multifactorial, we have shown that mechanical property degradation of HXLPE liners does occur with long‐term in vivo exposure and should be considered a possible risk factor.
Thermal, structural, and spectroscopic characterization of an ionic [Cu(H2O)4](ReO4)2 compound in a wide temperature range
Authors: Hetmańczyk Joanna , Hetmańczyk Łukasz , Nitek Wojciech , Pawlukojć Andrzej
Published: January 2023

We present complementary investigations of water and anion dynamics in an ionic [Cu(H2O)4](ReO4)2. This compound has one reversible phase transition in the solid state upon heating and cooling at 247 and 224 K, respectively. The value of entropy change indicates a moderate degree of molecular dynamical disorder. At room temperature, tetraaquacopper(II) rhenate(VII) crystallizes in a triclinic crystal system, within the space group No. 2 = P‐1, with one molecule in the unit cell. X‐ray single crystal diffraction measurements indicate that the crystal structure does not change significantly at the phase transition. However, neutron diffraction experiments performed on the powdered sample revealed some subtle changes in the registered patterns. Vibrational–reorientational dynamics of H2O ligands in the high (I) and low‐temperature (II) phases of [Cu(H2O)4](ReO4)2 was probed by a set of complementary spectroscopy techniques in a wide temperature range. The dynamics of the H2O molecules in both phases was investigated by means of band shape analysis performed for infrared bands. The H2O ligands perform fast (τR ≈ 10−11 to 10−12 s) stochastic reorientational motions in the phases I and II with a mean value of activation energy: 6.13 kJ⋅mol−1. However, a continuous change of bands connected with hydrogen bonds is observed. The Raman measurements revealed that in the phase transition region the intensity of bands connected with perrhenate anion significantly increases. Using vibrational spectroscopy methods all characteristic wavenumbers of the H2O and ReO4− vibrations were detected.
Exploration of microbial profile of traditional starters and its influence on aroma profile and quality of Chinese steamed bread
Authors: Wei Guanmian , Chitrakar Bimal , Wu Jiangna , Sang Yaxin
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Chinese steamed bread (CSB) is a popular staple food in China with traditional ethnic characteristics. CSB with traditional starters has good flavor and texture but is unstable and requires a long preparation time. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the traditional starters (ST) and their influence on the flavor and quality of steamed bread to meet people's requirements as a staple food.

RESULTS

The count of yeast, lactic acid bacteria and total microbial population significantly varied in different traditional starters; Saccharomyces and Lactobacillus were the predominant genera. Among the tested samples, fungi were found in ST from Shijiazhuang (SJ), Handan (HD) and Langfang (LF), while bacteria were found in ST from Tangshan (TS) and SJ at sub‐predominant levels. In terms of the bread quality, the highest specific volume and porosity were in XT‐CSB (Xingtai); the highest height/diameter ratio was in SJ‐CSB; and the highest sensory score was in TS‐CSB. A total of 26 aroma compounds (VIP > 1; variable importance for predictive components) were identified to discriminate CSB fermented with different starters, which were separated by stepwise canonical discriminant analysis using two functions. The correlation analysis among microbiota, aroma compounds and bread quality showed a higher contribution of bacteria than of fungi.

CONCLUSION

Differences in microbial profiles caused different aroma profiles and quality of CSB; and the CSB fermented with traditional starters were sufficiently separated by stepwise canonical discriminant analysis based on aroma compounds. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ternary eluent compositions in supercritical fluid chromatography improved fingerprinting of therapeutic peptides
Authors: Neumann Jonas , Schmidtsdorff Sebastian , Schmidt Alexander H. , Parr Maria K.
Published: January 2023

Currently, little information has been published on the application of ternary eluent compositions in supercritical fluid chromatography for separating peptides. This work investigates the benefits of adding acetonitrile to methanol as the modifier. Three cyclic antibiotic peptides (bacitracin, colistin, and daptomycin) ranging between 1000 and 2000 Da were chosen as model substances. The ternary mixture of carbon dioxide, methanol, and acetonitrile is optimized to increase the resolution of the peptide's fingerprint. In addition, varying compositions of methanol and acetonitrile were found to change the elution order of the analytes, which is a valuable tool during method development. An individual gradient method using two Torus 2‐PIC columns (each 100 × 3.0 mm, 1.7 μm), carbon dioxide, and a modifier consisting of acetonitrile/methanol/water/methanesulfonic acid (60:40:2:0.1, v:v:v:v) was optimized for each of the peptides. Subsequently, a generic method development protocol applicable to polypeptides is proposed.
Patient Satisfaction and Acoustic Changes in Trans Women after Gender Affirming Voice Training
Authors: Rapoport Sarah K. , Varelas Eleni A , Park Christopher , Brown Sarah K. , Goldberg Leanne , Courey Mark S.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Gains in pitch from gender affirming voice training (GVT) alone in trans women have historically been shown to decline after 1 year. Currently no standard exists for length and type of GVT that yields meaningful behavioral change and patient satisfaction with voice outcomes in trans women. This study aims to determine whether GVT alone leads to sustained pitch elevation and patient satisfaction in trans women.

Methods

Retrospective review from 2016 to 2020 of trans women patients who underwent GVT alone for voice change. Charts were reviewed for acoustic analysis of pitch including sustained vowel fundamental frequency, speaking fundamental frequency, and quality of life data from the Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire at pre‐therapy, immediate post‐therapy, and extended post‐therapy time intervals.

Results

A total of 157 patients presented to our Voice Center, of which 34 participated in the full course of GVT. Patients underwent an average of six sessions of GVT (range 5–7) over an average of 13.14 weeks (range 6–16). Average time between completing GVT and presenting for extended follow‐up was 11.37 months (range 6–31). Compared to initial presentation prior to therapy, at extended follow‐up after completing GVT average change in F0/a/, SF0, and TWVQ were 64.6 Hz, 31.3 Hz, and 32.45. No significant change was noted between immediate post‐therapy and extended post‐therapy acoustic measures. TWVQ demonstrated continued improvement between immediate post‐therapy and extended post‐therapy.

Conclusions

In self‐selected patients who present for extended follow‐up, GVT alone can result in sustained pitch elevation and voice‐related quality life in trans women.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2340–2345, 2023
The impact of product defect severity and product attachment on consumer negative emotions
Authors: Wei Jiuchang , Jiang Ming , Li Yi‐Na , Li Wenjing , Mead James A.
Published: January 2023

Consumers often experience negative emotions when confronted with a product defect. This is especially true when the product is integrated into many aspects of the consumer's life, such as the case with automotive vehicles. In this research, we draw on the consumer expectations and attachment literature to explore the impact of defect severity and product attachment, operationalized via both ownership length/usage (mileage) and the psychological construct of object attachment, on the negative emotions consumers experience. Using sentiment analysis of archived data of consumers' complaints from the Defective Product Administrative Center in China and a controlled experiment among US consumers, we find that defect severity and mileage/attachment interact in a novel curvilinear manner to influence the amount of negative emotion consumers experience. When defect severity is low, our results indicate a U‐shape relationship between mileage/attachment and negative emotions. However, when defect severity is high, an inverted U‐shaped relationship emerges. Furthermore, we link the specific emotion of anger to consumers' downstream perceptions (loyalty, quality, satisfaction, and more) of their vehicle, manufacturer, and retailer.
Clinical Diagnostic Accuracy of Parkinson's Disease: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Virameteekul Sasivimol , Revesz Tamas , Jaunmuktane Zane , Warner Thomas T. , De Pablo‐Fernández Eduardo
Published: January 2023

Background

Clinical diagnostic accuracy of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains suboptimal. Changes in disease concept may have improved clinical diagnostic accuracy in the past decade. However, current clinical diagnostic criteria have not been validated against neuropathological confirmation.

Objectives

This study aims to provide up‐to‐date clinical diagnostic accuracy data and validate current clinical diagnostic criteria for PD against neuropathology.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records of consecutive patients with parkinsonism from the Queen Square Brain Bank was performed between 2009 and 2019. Clinical diagnosis was documented at early (within 5 years of motor symptom onset) and final stages and categorized by movement disorder experts or regular clinicians. Movement Disorder Society Parkinson's disease (MDS‐PD) diagnostic criteria were retrospectively applied. Diagnostic accuracy parameters (sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value, and accuracy) were calculated using neuropathological diagnosis as the gold standard.

Results

A total of 267 patients (141 PD and 126 non‐PD parkinsonism) were included. Clinical diagnostic accuracy was 97.2% for experts, 92.5% for the MDS clinically probable PD criteria, and 90.3% for clinicians. Similar figures were obtained when applied at an early stage (91.5%, 89.5%, and 84.2% diagnostic accuracy, respectively). MDS clinically established early PD criteria demonstrated very high specificity (98.4%) at early stages.

Conclusions

Our results showed an important improvement in PD clinical diagnostic accuracy in clinical practice over the past decade, more marked at early stages of the disease. MDS‐PD diagnostic criteria is a valid tool in clinical practice and research for the identification of PD patients showing excellent sensitivity and specificity, although movement disorder experts' diagnosis remains the gold standard PD diagnosis during life. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Uniqueness and stability analysis to a system of nonlocal partial differential equations related to an epidemic model
Authors: Wu Wenbing
Published: January 2023

Infectious illnesses have an exceptional affect on the economic system and society. Dynamic models of infectious illnesses are high quality devices for revealing the legal guidelines of illnesses transmission. Quarantine and nonlinear innate immunity are the crucial elements in the manage of infectious illnesses. However, there are no mathematical models that comprehensively find out about the impact of each innate immunity and quarantine. In this paper, we investigate a system of nonlocal partial differential equations related to an epidemic model. Under appropriate hypothesis on the relaxation function and the kernel of the equation, we prove that the traveling wave solutions are globally exponentially stable by applying the variable exponent theory combining with adequate variational methods and a variant of the mountain pass lemma. We also obtain the uniqueness of traveling wave solutions.
Quasi‐periodic solutions to a hierarchy of integrable nonlinear differential–difference equations
Authors: Liu Wei , Geng Xianguo
Published: January 2023

Using the discrete zero‐curvature equation, we derive a hierarchy of new nonlinear differential–difference equations associated with a discrete
matrix spectral problem. Resorting to the characteristic polynomial of Lax matrix, we introduce a trigonal curve and the associated three‐sheeted Riemann surface, from which we derive the Baker–Akhiezer function and meromorphic function. By comparing the asymptotic expansions of the meromorphic function and its Riemann theta function representations, we obtain quasi‐periodic solutions for a hierarchy of nonlinear differential–difference equations.
Microstructural parameters from DW‐MRI for tumour characterization and local recurrence prediction in particle therapy of skull‐base chordoma
Authors: Morelli Letizia , Palombo Marco , Buizza Giulia , Riva Giulia , Pella Andrea , Fontana Giulia , Imparato Sara , Iannalfi Alberto , Orlandi Ester , Paganelli Chiara , Baroni Guido
Published: January 2023

Background

Quantitative imaging such as Diffusion‐Weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) can be exploited to non‐invasively derive patient‐specific tumor microstructure information for tumor characterization and local recurrence risk prediction in radiotherapy.

Purpose

To characterize tumor microstructure according to proliferative capacity and predict local recurrence through microstructural markers derived from pre‐treatment conventional DW‐MRI, in skull‐base chordoma (SBC) patients treated with proton (PT) and carbon ion (CIRT) radiotherapy.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients affected by SBC, who underwent conventional DW‐MRI before treatment and were enrolled for CIRT (n = 25) or PT (n = 23), were retrospectively selected. Clinically verified local recurrence information (LR) and histological information (Ki‐67, proliferation index) were collected. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were calculated from pre‐treatment DW‐MRI and, from these, a set of microstructural parameters (cellular radius R, volume fraction vf, diffusion D) were derived by applying a fine‐tuning procedure to a framework employing Monte Carlo simulations on synthetic cell substrates. In addition, apparent cellularity (ρapp) was estimated from vf and R for an easier clinical interpretation. Histogram‐based metrics (mean, median, variance, entropy) from estimated parameters were considered to investigate differences (Mann‐Whitney U‐test, α = 0.05) in estimated tumor microstructure in SBCs characterized by low or high cell proliferation (Ki‐67). Recurrence‐free survival analyses were also performed to assess the ability of the microstructural parameters to stratify patients according to the risk of local recurrence (Kaplan‐Meier curves, log‐rank test α = 0.05).

Results

Refined microstructural markers revealed optimal capabilities in discriminating patients according to cell proliferation, achieving best results with mean values (p‐values were 0.0383, 0.0284, 0.0284, 0.0468, and 0.0088 for ADC, R, vf, D, and ρapp, respectively). Recurrence‐free survival analyses showed significant differences between populations at high and low risk of local recurrence as stratified by entropy values of estimated microstructural parameters (p = 0.0110).

Conclusion

Patient‐specific microstructural information was non‐invasively derived providing potentially useful tools for SBC treatment personalization and optimization in particle therapy.