bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversed sexual dimorphism in the leg muscle architecture of the Eurasian sparrowhawk
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Mingjie , Zhang Zihui
Published: August 2022

Reversed sexual dimorphism (RSD) in size is a deep issue in evolutionary biology. RSD in body mass and linear measures is pronounced in diurnal predatory bird species, especially in those that feed on other birds. Size differences between males and females in internal organs or systems, such as the appendicular musculature, are less well known. In this study, 14 muscles related to toe closure in the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), a bird‐eating species, were selected for dissection and architectural measurement. The muscle mass (MM), physiological cross‐sectional area (PCSA), and fiber length (FL) were compared between sexes to detect the possible presence and/or degree of RSD. The results revealed significant RSD in MM and PCSA and suggested a higher force‐generating capacity in females than in males. In females, greater strength in M. tibialis cranialis, M. iliofibularis, and six digital flexors enabled them to capture and carry larger prey, whereas more massive development in M. abductor digiti II and M. abductor digiti IV provided their feet with greater dexterity to improve the effectiveness of grasping larger mobile prey and preventing escape during capture. Fiber length did not show RSD. Generally, males had longer relative and absolute fiber length, indicative of enhanced working range and speed of contraction that was advantageous when hunting small prey. The differences between the sexes in architectural design and the high degree of RSD in MM and PCSA are correlated with the bird‐eating diet and prey size difference of this species.
Mononuclear luminous β‐diketonate Ln(III) complexes with heteroaromatic auxiliary ligands: synthesis and luminescence characteristics
Authors: Hooda Anjli , Dalal Anuj , Nehra Kapeesha , Kumar Pawan , Singh Devender , Kumar Sumit , Malik Rajender Singh , Kumar Ramesh , Kumar Parvin
Published: August 2022

A series of lanthanide (samarium and terbium) β‐diketonates with heteroaromatic auxiliary ligands was synthesized. The prepared complexes were characterized through electrochemical, thermal, and spectroscopic analyses. Infrared analysis revealed the binding of the respective metal ion to oxygen and nitrogen atoms of diketone and ancillary ligands. Thermogravimetry/differential thermogravimetry profiles provided thermal information and specified the high thermal stability of the prepared complexes. The complexes exhibited the sharp and structured Ln‐based emission in the visible region upon irradiation in the ultraviolet range. Photophysical analysis demonstrated the green and orange‐red emission due to the respective characteristic transitions of Tb3+ and Sm3+ ions. Photophysical properties affirmed the luminous behaviour of the synthesized complexes. These luminous lanthanide complexes could be used as emitting materials in the design of organic light‐emitting diodes.
Synergy of antioxidant and M2 polarization in polyphenol‐modified konjac glucomannan dressing for remodeling wound healing microenvironment
Authors: Li Huiyang , Liang Xiaoyu , Chen Youlu , Liu Kaijing , Fu Xue , Zhang Chuangnian , Wang Xiaoli , Yang Jing
Published: August 2022

Effective skin wound healing and tissue regeneration remain a challenge. Excessive/chronic inflammation inhibits wound healing, leading to scar formation. Herein, we report a wound dressing composed of KGM‐GA based on the natural substances konjac glucomannan (KGM) and gallic acid (GA) that accelerates wound healing without any additional drugs. An in vitro study showed that KGM‐GA could not only stimulate macrophage polarization to the anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype but also decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, indicating excellent anti‐inflammatory properties. Moreover, in vivo studies of skin wounds demonstrated that the KGM‐GA dressing significantly improved wound healing by accelerating wound closure, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis. In addition, it was observed that KGM‐GA regulated M2 polarization, reducing the production of intracellular ROS in the wound microenvironment, which was consistent with the in vitro experiments. Therefore, this study designed a multifunctional biomaterial with biological activity, providing a novel dressing for wound healing.
Co‐amplified with PDGFRA, IGFBP7 is a prognostic biomarker correlated with the immune infiltrations of glioma
Authors: Wang Haiwei , Wang Xinrui , Xu Liangpu , Zhang Ji
Published: August 2022

Background

A subgroup of glioma carry genetic 4q12 amplification including platelet derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) and insulin like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7). However, the prognosis of PDGFRA and IGFBP7 in glioma is unclear.

Methods

The prognosis of PDGFRA and IGFBP7 was determined using cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Pathways associated with IGFBP7 were analyzed through gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immune profiling of glioma was determined using “ESTIMATE” and “TIMER” database.

Results

PDGFRA amplification or expression was not correlated with the outcomes of glioblastoma (GBM). IGFBP7 but not PDGFRA was over‐expressed in GBM. IGFBP7 over‐expression was correlated with the unfavorable outcomes of GBM. In lower grade glioma (LGG), PDGFRA over‐expression was not correlated with the unfavorable prognosis of LGG, while, IGFBP7 was a prognostic biomarker of LGG. LGG patients with IGFBP7 lower expressions had prolonged clinical overall survival. Combination of IDH mutation, LGG grade and IGFBP7 achieved even better prognostic effects in LGG. Moreover, IGFBP7 was over‐expressed in glioma patients with wild type IDH or with high grades. IGFBP7 over‐expression was correlated with the unfavorable outcomes of glioma. Furthermore, IGFBP7 was hypo‐methylated in GBM or LGG patients without IDH mutations. IGFBP7 hyper‐methylation was correlated with the lower overall survival of GBM or LGG. LGG patients with wild type IDH and with IGFBP7 hypo‐methylation demonstrated even worse prognosis. IGFBP7 was associated with multiple immune‐related signaling pathways in GBM or LGG. The stromal score, immune score and the infiltrations of immune cells were also correlated with IGFBP7 and the prognosis of LGG.

Conclusions

IGFBP7 but not PDGFRA served an ideal prognostic marker and therapeutic target of glioma.
Dynamic alteration and prognostic significance of tumor‐associated CD68+ and CD68+PD‐L1− macrophages in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Wu Jie , Xie Rui‐Yang , Wei Li‐Hui , Cao Chuan‐Zhen , Shang Bing‐Qing , Guan You‐Yan , Shi Hong‐Zhe , Qu Wang , Li Yun , Liang Jing , Zheng Shan , Zhou Ai‐Ping , Zhou Xiao‐Feng , Shou Jian‐Zhong , Bi Xin‐Gang
Published: August 2022

Background

The current study aimed to investigate the dynamic alteration and prognostic significance of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), and PD‐L1 status of immune cells in muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods

Multiplex immunofluorescence staining was performed to examine CD68+ TAM, CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, FOXP3+ Treg cell, and PD‐L1 expression in paired MIBC tissues (n = 54) before and after NAC. Patients were then divided into definite responders (DR), (≤pT1) and incomplete responders (IR).

Results

There was no significant difference between DR and IR cohorts for the immune cell infiltration levels at the baseline status. Tobacco history was identified to be associated with worse NAC efficacy. CD68+ (stroma area: p = 0.025; tumor area: p = 0.028; total area: p = 0.013) and CD68+PD‐L1− (stroma area: p = 0.035; tumor area: p = 0.013 total area: p = 0.014) TAMs infiltration levels decreased significantly after NAC, while there was no significant difference of CD68+PD‐L1+ and TILs. The infiltration of CD68+ (p = 0.033), CD68+PD‐L1− (p = 0.033), and CD68+PD‐L1+ (p < 0.001) TAMs in stroma area were significantly associated with poorer disease‐free survival rate (DFS) of MIBC patients.

Conclusion

CD68+ and CD68+PD‐L1− TAMs infiltration levels decreased significantly after NAC and pre‐treatment TAM infiltration levels were independent prognostic factors for MIBC patients. While there was no sufficient evidence demonstrating that pre‐treatment TILs or TAMs could predict response to NAC in MIBC patients.
Bis‐Boronic Acid Liposomes for Carbohydrate Recognition and Cellular Delivery
Authors: Qualls Megan L. , Hagewood Hannah , Lou Jinchao , Mattern‐Schain Samuel I. , Zhang Xiaoyu , Mountain Deidra J. , Best Michael D.
Published: August 2022

Liposomes are effective therapeutic nanocarriers due to their ability to encapsulate and enhance the pharmacokinetic properties of a wide range of drugs and diagnostic agents. A primary area in which improvement is needed for liposomal drug delivery is to maximize the delivery of these nanocarriers to cells. Cell membrane glycans provide exciting targets for liposomal delivery since they are often densely clustered on cell membranes and glycan overabundance and aberrant glycosylation patterns are a common feature of diseased cells. Herein, we report a liposome platform incorporating bis‐boronic acid lipids (BBALs) to increase valency in order to achieve selective saccharide sensing and enhance cell surface recognition based on carbohydrate binding interactions. In order to vary properties, multiple BBALs (1 a–d) with variable linkers in between the binding units were designed and synthesized. Fluorescence‐based microplate screening of carbohydrate binding showed that these compounds exhibit varying binding properties depending on their structures. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy experiments indicated enhancements in cellular association when BBALs were incorporated within liposomes. These results demonstrate that multivalent BBALs serve as an exciting glycan binding liposome system for targeted delivery.
Optimization of Ionogel Polymer Electrolytes Composition for Their Best Performance in Electric Double Layer Capacitor
Authors: Gajewski Piotr , Lewandowska Aneta , Szcześniak Katarzyna , Voelkel Adam , Marcinkowska Agnieszka
Published: August 2022

The application of a gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) in electrochemical devices such as batteries, electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs), and others is a known topic in the literature. However, GPE with improved ionic conductivity and better mechanical properties are highly desired. In this work, ionogel polymer electrolytes (IGPEs) were synthesized by photopolymerization of a mixture of monomers: aliphatic urethane diacrylate, 1,3,5‐triallyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)‐trione, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate) in 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMImNTf2). The influence of the monomer ratio on the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of IGPEs was studied. A mathematical model was used to optimize the composition to obtain ionogel with the best compromise between investigated properties. The optimal composition was synthesized and used in EDLC, characterized by higher volumetric capacity, power, and energy density. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first publication that demonstrates the application of optimization methods for the preparation of IGPEs.
Fire Resistance of Cold‐Formed Stainless Steel Beam‐Columns
Authors: Arrais Flávio , Lopes Nuno , Real Paulo Vila
Published: August 2022

This work presents a numerical parametric study on the resistance of cold‐formed stainless steel beam‐columns with lipped channel and sigma cross‐sections at elevated temperatures, considering different stainless steel grades, cross‐sections and members slenderness and bending moment diagrams. The beam‐columns fire resistance is obtained by geometrically and materially nonlinear analyses including imperfections, using the Finite Element software SAFIR, and compared with the ultimate load bearing capacity obtained through EN 1993‐1‐2:2005. It is concluded that the current calculation rules are not well adjusted, existing thus the need to develop more precise prescriptions.
Enabling Aromatic Hydroxylation in a Cytochrome P450 Monooxygenase Enzyme through Protein Engineering
Authors: Coleman Tom , Lee Joel Z. H. , Kirk Alicia M. , Doherty Daniel Z. , Podgorski Matthew N. , Pinidiya Dilshi K. , Bruning John B. , De Voss James J. , Krenske Elizabeth H. , Bell Stephen G.
Published: August 2022

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) family of heme monooxygenases catalyse the selective oxidation of C−H bonds under ambient conditions. The CYP199A4 enzyme from Rhodopseudomonas palustris catalyses aliphatic oxidation of 4‐cyclohexylbenzoic acid but not the aromatic oxidation of 4‐phenylbenzoic acid, due to the distinct mechanisms of aliphatic and aromatic oxidation. The aromatic substrates 4‐benzyl‐, 4‐phenoxy‐ and 4‐benzoyl‐benzoic acid and methoxy‐substituted phenylbenzoic acids were assessed to see if they could achieve an orientation more amenable to aromatic oxidation. CYP199A4 could catalyse the efficient benzylic oxidation of 4‐benzylbenzoic acid. The methoxy‐substituted phenylbenzoic acids were oxidatively demethylated with low activity. However, no aromatic oxidation was observed with any of these substrates. Crystal structures of CYP199A4 with 4‐(3′‐methoxyphenyl)benzoic acid demonstrated that the substrate binding mode was like that of 4‐phenylbenzoic acid. 4‐Phenoxy‐ and 4‐benzoyl‐benzoic acid bound with the ether or ketone oxygen atom hydrogen‐bonded to the heme aqua ligand. We also investigated whether the substitution of phenylalanine residues in the active site could permit aromatic hydroxylation. Mutagenesis of the F298 residue to a valine did not significantly alter the substrate binding position or enable the aromatic oxidation of 4‐phenylbenzoic acid; however the F182L mutant was able to catalyse 4‐phenylbenzoic acid oxidation generating 2′‐hydroxy‐, 3′‐hydroxy‐ and 4′‐hydroxy metabolites in a 83 : 9 : 8 ratio, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations, in which the distance and angle of attack were considered, demonstrated that in the F182L variant, in contrast to the wild‐type enzyme, the phenyl ring of 4‐phenylbenzoic acid attained a productive geometry for aromatic oxidation to occur.
Hydrostannylation of Red Phosphorus: A Convenient Route to Monophosphines
Authors: Cammarata Jose , Scott Daniel J. , Wolf Robert
Published: August 2022

The preparation of valuable and industrially relevant organophosphorus compounds currently depends on indirect multistep procedures involving difficult‐to‐handle white phosphorus as a common P atom source. Herein, we report a practical and versatile method for the synthesis of a variety of monophosphorus compounds directly from the bench‐stable allotrope red phosphorus (Pred). The relatively inert Pred was productively functionalised by using the cheap and readily available radical reagent tri‐n‐butyltin hydride, and subsequent treatment with electrophiles yields useful P1 compounds. Remarkably, these transformations require only modest inert‐atmosphere techniques and use only reagents that are inexpensive and commercially available, making this a convenient and practical methodology accessible in most laboratory settings.
Nanofibrous Membranes in Multilayer Fabrics to Avoid PCM Leakages
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Xiuling , Wiener Jakub , Venkataraman Mohanapriya , Wang Yuanfeng , Zhu Guocheng , Yao Juming , Militky Jiri
Published: August 2022

Incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into textiles is one facial method to realize personal thermal management (PTM). Despite the significant progress of PCM‐incorporated textiles, the incorporation of PCMs into textiles remains an outstanding challenge. In this work, we described a sandwich‐like multi‐layer PCM fabric, which consisted of nanofibrous membranes as barrier layers and PCM‐loaded viscose fabric as a PCM‐loaded layer. Three common organic PCMs including polyethylene glycol (PEG), paraffin wax (PW) and myristic acid (MA), and the polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous membranes was used. As a result, we achieved that weak interfacial adhesion between melting PCMs and PU nanofibrous membranes accounted for leakage phenomena. Only the sample (UPWV) with PU nanofibrous membranes as barrier layers and paraffin wax (PW) as PCMs had no leakage. Little confinement of PW crystallization in the UPWV was found. Besides, thermal energy storage, phase transition, and thermal buffering effect of UPWV supported various applications.
A high‐speed unsupervised hardware architecture for rapid diagnosis of COVID‐19
Authors: Ratnakumar Rahul , Nanda Satyasai Jagannath
Published: August 2022

In the diagnosis of COVID‐19, investigation, analysis, and automatic counting of blood cell clusters are the most essential steps. Currently employed methods for cell segmentation, identification, and counting are time‐consuming and sometimes performed manually from sampled blood smears, which is hard and needs the support of an expert laboratory technician. The conventional method for the blood‐count‐test is by automatic hematology analyzer which is quite expensive and slow. Moreover, most of the unsupervised learning techniques currently available presume the medical practitioner to have a prior knowledge regarding the number and action of possible segments within the image before applying recognition. This assumption fails most often as the severity of the disease gets increased like the advanced stages of COVID‐19, lung cancer etc. In this manuscript, a simplified automatic histopathological image analysis technique and its hardware architecture suited for blind segmentation, cell counting, and retrieving the cell parameters like radii, area, and perimeter has been identified not only to speed up but also to ease the process of diagnosis as well as prognosis of COVID‐19. This is achieved by combining three algorithms: the K‐means algorithm, a novel statistical analysis technique‐HIST (histogram separation technique), and an islanding method an improved version of CCA algorithm/blob detection technique. The proposed method is applied to 15 chronic respiratory disease cases of COVID‐19 taken from high profile hospital databases. The output in terms of quantitative parameters like PSNR, SSIM, and qualitative analysis clearly reveals the usefulness of this technique in quick cytological evaluation. The proposed high‐speed and low‐cost architecture gives promising results in terms of performance of 190 MHz clock frequency, which is two times faster than its software implementation.
Steric Push towards the [n+3] Hydrated Imidazoline Ring Expansion (HIRE) of Dibenzo[1.4]oxazepines and Thiazepines
Authors: Lavit Ksenia , Sapegin Alexander , Linnik Stanislav , Ryazantsev Mikhail , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: August 2022

The influence of introducing substituents of increasing bulk in α position of tetracyclic imidazoline‐fused heteroazepinones on the course of hydrated imidazoline ring expansion (HIRE) reaction was established. Under certain conditions, substituted β‐aminoethanols can be used to obtain solely the ring expanded products from dibenzo[b,f][1,4]ox(thi)azepin‐11(10H)‐ones while with their unsubstituted counterparts, side chain expulsion was the only observable outcome.
A facile frequency tuning strategy to realize vibration‐based hybridized piezoelectric‐triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Liu Long , Shi Qiongfeng , Guo Xinge , Zhang Zixuan , Lee Chengkuo
Published: August 2022

With increasing requirements of the Internet of things (IoT) functioning with wireless sensor networks (WSN), a self‐sustainable power supply has become an important pursuit in long‐term working. The cantilever‐based energy harvester is one of the most widely used devices for converting vibrations into electrical energy, while still challenged by restricted frequency bands toward practical applications. Here, a novel, feasible and cost‐effective strategy for tuning the cantilever's resonant frequency is proposed. By applying 3D printed thin sheets as extensions, the original single vibration mode is promoted into two relatively independent vibration modes tuned with extensions' type, length, thickness, and proof masses. Hybridized piezoelectric‐triboelectric nanogenerators are introduced to improve capacitor charging ability and potential vibration detection. Furthermore, a four‐cantilever coupling design with different tuning parameters is investigated and enables wireless demonstrations of monitoring environmental temperature/humidity and carbon dioxide concentration, which is prospective as self‐sustainable protection for workers in tunnels or underground constructions.

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A novel framework for seismic risk assessment of structures
Authors: Giannini Renato , Paolacci Fabrizio , Phan Hoang Nam , Corritore Daniele , Quinci Gianluca
Published: August 2022

Seismic risk assessment of new and existing structures has a long history, which is based on the development of specific methods for seismic hazard and vulnerability analyses. Performance‐based earthquake engineering is the natural evolution and integration of all these aspects that is nowadays implemented in several precodes. However, some critical aspects are not yet completely clarified. As a matter of fact, the vulnerability analysis suffers the so‐called record‐to‐record variability, which is usually controlled through different parameters used as seismic intensity measures (IMs), whose significance is still under discussion. Moreover, this variability represents an additional source of uncertainty, which is added to the dispersion derived from the ground motion prediction equation (GMPE), leading to an overconservatism. For these reasons, the present paper aims to propose a novel framework for the seismic risk assessment of structures, which is found on the idea to control the response variability in evaluating seismic hazard curves without taking into account the randomness (ε) of the GMPE, which instead is transferred to fragility curves. These latter are built by using groups of accelerograms, whose median and 84% fractile spectra fit well, for different return periods, the uniform hazard spectra for ε= 0 and 1, respectively. For this purpose, a new search algorithm for selecting natural records is formulated. The proposed method offers considerable advantages as it is no longer necessary to refer to a specific IM, and allows to select pairs of spectrum‐compatible natural records, which is enable to solve the problem of the seismic assessment of three‐dimensional structures. The procedure is then applied to assess seismic risk of a typical reinforced concrete frame, whose results demonstrate the robustness of the method and the practical independence from the record set used.
Rethinking intrapreneurship in the established MNE
Authors: Verbeke Alain , Yuan Wenlong
Published: August 2022

Research Summary

We show significant variation in the ways mainstream international business strategy (IBS) theories have addressed the discovery and pursuit of entrepreneurial opportunities in the established multinational enterprise (MNE). We adopt an extended “individual—opportunity nexus” perspective and suggest a fourfold repositioning of IBS research on MNE intrapreneurship. First, by acknowledging opportunities in activity types not historically considered as the subject of intrapreneurship, such as imposed resource reconfigurations as well as acquisitions and divestitures. Second, by paying more attention to how bundles of opportunities emerge over time, and to their sequence. Third, by recognizing more systematically different opportunity types, ranging from incremental to radical. Fourth, by analyzing more thoroughly the origins of opportunities, including those that arise from MNE weaknesses.

Managerial Summary

International business strategy (IBS) theories can help managers in multinational enterprises (MNEs) to better understand the unfolding of intrapreneurship. First, business decisions typically considered as merely cost‐driven, including resource reconfigurations, acquisitions, and divestitures, can involve major intrapreneurial opportunities. Second, opportunities do not just appear randomly and in isolation: it is typically bundles of opportunities that emerge over time and in a particular sequence, and these bundles are closely intertwined with the MNE's own strategy that may unearth these opportunities. Third, MNE executives need to recognize more systematically different opportunity types, ranging from incremental to radical because each will require different managerial practices. Fourth, it is not only an MNE's strengths but also its weaknesses that can drive intrapreneurial action.
Exploring pre‐hospital healthcare workers' readiness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats in the State of Qatar: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Farhat Hassan , Alinier Guillaume , Gangaram Padarath , El Aifa Kawther , Khenissi Mohamed Chaker , Bounouh Sonia , Khadhraoui Moncef , Gargouri Imed , Laughton James
Published: August 2022

Background

Hazardous Material—Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (HazMat‐CBRN) incidents, though infrequent, are environmentally precarious and perilous to living beings. They can be deliberate or accidental or follow the re‐emergence of highly contagious diseases. Successful management of such incidents in pre‐hospital settings requires having well‐trained and prepared healthcare workers.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the reliability and validity of a satisfaction survey, answered by Specialized Emergency Management (SEM) personnel from a national Middle Eastern ambulance service, with a “Hazardous Material Incident Management” course offered to them as a continuing professional development activity and seek their opinion regarding Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service personnel needs for other HazMat‐CBRN related training topics.

Method

In the cross‐sectional study, we conducted an online satisfaction survey for this group of course participants to obtain their feedback as subject matter experts. Aiken's content validity coefficient (CVC) was calculated to assess the content validity. Cronbach'sαcoefficient was determined to explore the survey's reliability. IBM®‐SPSS® version 26 was utilized to explore the data.

Results

The SEM satisfaction survey demonstrated important satisfaction with the implemented training with its robust reliability and content validity (Cronbach's α = 0.922 and CVC = 0.952). The participants also recommended additional related topics.

Conclusion

Sustaining and reinforcing the HazMat‐CBRN Incident Management course was strongly recommended, considering the increase of HazMat‐CBRN threats worldwide.
Complete remission of brain metastases in renal cell carcinoma treated with axitinib after failure with nivolumab and ipilimumab treatment
Authors: Takayama Koichiro , Numakura Kazuyuki , Igarashi Ryoma , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Complete remission of cerebral metastasis is a rare consequence of tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Case presentation

A 68‐year‐old woman, who presented with dyspnea, was diagnosed with left renal cell carcinoma with multiple brain and pleural metastases. Although nivolumab and ipilimumab combination treatment was initiated, it was discontinued because of an immune‐related adverse event. Two months after treatment cessation, brain metastases progressed regardless of shrinkage of primary renal tumor and pleural metastases. Therefore, axitinib was started as a second‐line treatment, which resulted in the complete disappearance of the brain metastases along with the stable disease of the other tumor lesions.

Conclusion

This is the first report of complete remission of brain metastases in renal cell carcinoma treated by axitinib.
Detection of DLBCL by pixel purity index and iterative linearly constrained minimum variance into hyperspectral imaging analysis
Authors: Chen Hsian‐Min , Shih Yu‐Hsuan , Wang Hsin‐Che , Sun Yi‐Hsuan , Wang Ren Ching , Teng Chieh‐Lin Jerry
Published: August 2022

It is unclear whether a hyperspectral imaging‐based approach can facilitate the diagnosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and further investigation is required. In this study, the pixel purity index (PPI) coupled with iterative linearly constrained minimum variance (ILCMV) was used to bridge this gap. We retrospectively reviewed 22 pathological DLBCL specimens. Ten normal lymph node specimens were used as controls. PPI endmember extraction was performed to identify seed‐training samples. ILCMV was then used to classify cell regions. The 3D receiver operating characteristic (ROC) showed that the spectral information divergence possessed superior ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal lymphoid cells owing to its stronger background suppression compared with the spectral angle mapper and mean square error methods. An automated cell hyperspectral image classification approach that combined the PPI and ILCMV was used to improve DLBCL diagnosis. This strategy intelligently resolved critical problems arising in unsupervised classification.
Obtaining human teeth for dental education: A cross‐sectional study to create ethical and transparent processes
Authors: Meza María S. , Michel Ingrid M. , Rivas Ronald A. , Benítez Gloria B. , Solaeche Sandra M. , Salas‐de la Cruz David , Moran Kimberlee S.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

This study explores the practices of obtaining human teeth for teaching and research in Paraguay. The goal of this research is to understand whether the data supports the need to improve ethical training within dental education, including the creation of a human tooth bank (HTB)

Methods

An observational cross‐sectional study was conducted. Three semi‐structured questionnaires were developed, one for each target population: dental students, dentists in practice, and the general population. The questionnaires were distributed between February and April 2021, using Google Forms

Results

The main places where human teeth were obtained by a student are dental clinics, followed by cemeteries. 94% of students and 91% of dentists paid for teeth on at least one occasion. There is a willingness on the part of students and dentists to donate collections of teeth, and among the general population to donate their teeth if they are extracted, for both teaching and research use. Note that, 31% of students and 6% of the population are aware of what an HTB is, at the same time only 16% of dentists know how it functions

Conclusion

The number of respondents who obtain teeth from cemeteries and who pay for their acquisition is high. Both of these practices raise ethical concerns. The implementation of informed consent for the donation of extracted teeth is practically nil; although there is a positive attitude towards its implementation. Also, there is a lack of knowledge about the role of an HTB; although the population expressed a willingness to donate extracted teeth.
Postmortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging of In Utero Fetuses and Its Relationship With Postmortem Interval: A Multi‐Organ Observational Study on Reduced Fetuses of Complicated Multiple Pregnancies
Authors: Moradi Behnaz , Habibi Zahra , Badraqe Narges , Rahmani Maryam , Shirazi Mahboobeh , Sharbaf Fatemeh R. , Azadbakht Javid , Farnoosh Amirreza , Parooie Fateme , Miratashi Yazdi Seyedeh N.
Published: August 2022

Background

Despite technological advancements in perinatal imaging, autopsy examination is still regarded as the reference standard to determine the time and reason of the fetal death.

Purpose

This study was conducted to identify the intrauterine postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) findings of fetuses, who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Fifty‐three twin/triplet complicated pregnancies scheduled for selective reduction of one of the fetuses by RFA were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

The imaging methods used are T1‐weighted gradient‐echo imaging (T1 GRE), T2 half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo (SSTSE), and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) sequences.

Assessment

The MRIs were interpreted by three radiologists.

Statistical Tests

Data were analyzed using the software package SPSS Statistics Version 22.0. The used tests included one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan tests (significance level: P value <0.05). This analysis was performed with scikit‐learn library (version 1.1.1) in Python version 3.9.

Results

Average PMMR scores of orbit, brain, and abdomen showed significant differences among different PM interval subgroups. The brain apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) numbers of reduced and living fetuses were significantly different at any PM interval. To determine which findings are closely associated with the timing of fetal death, five different methods of feature selection were employed. The top eight selected features achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 78.19%.

Data Conclusion

In utero, PMMR findings may be associated with the time of fetal death. Among different fetal organs evaluated, particularly PMMR top eight features specifically scores of orbits were associated with PM intrauterine time after death.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
A novel method to study the fragmentation behavior of marine snow aggregates in controlled shear flow
Authors: Song Yixuan , Rau Matthew J.
Published: August 2022

The sinking of marine aggregates impacts the global carbon cycle as it is one of the primary sources of carbon export from the surface ocean. Aggregation and fragmentation alter the size of aggregates, which governs their sinking speed. Although aggregation theory is well established, aggregate fragmentation strength and breakup characteristics are less well understood. This study developed a cylindrical tank that formed and then exposed diatom aggregates to calibrated laminar shear through a combined rotating and oscillating motion. The shear rate was predictable using a developed analytical solution for the fluid motion within the tank. Under proper operating conditions, this facility provided fluid shear with a similar magnitude to that in multiple ocean environments. We also developed a unique image processing method that enabled continuous tracking of particles' position, size, and morphology as well as determination of the individual aggregate breakup events. The method has great potential to capture breakup events of large marine snow particles, quantify the aggregate morphological changes leading up to and at breakup, and provide data sufficient for statistical analysis of laboratory aggregate populations. We tested the method using laboratory‐cultured Odontella aurita and captured 79 breakup events of the resulting aggregates. These fragmented aggregates ranged from 1 to 5 mm in major axis length and underwent substantial morphological evolutions prior to the fragmentation.
Stacked deep inferior epigastric perforator with sequential lumbar artery perforator flaps for bilateral breast reconstruction: A case report
Authors: Murota Yumiko , Satake Toshihiko , Tsunoda Yui , Muto Mayu , Koike Tomoyuki , Onoda Satoshi , Maegawa Jiro
Published: August 2022

Breast size that can be reconstructed with a single flap is limited in thin patients who need bilateral autologous large‐volume breast reconstruction. We present the case of a 39‐year‐old female with bilateral heterogeneous breast cancer. The patient underwent total mastectomy and radiation therapy on the left side and nipple sparing mastectomy on the right. We planned to use the stacked deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) with sequential lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flaps because the patient's thigh was too thin and she refused using gluteal tissue. The flap was 10 cm wide at the abdomen, 5 cm wide at the waist, and 72 cm long overall. The DIEP and LAP flaps were harvested as one continuous flap and were folded onto each other to create a breast mound. The lumbar artery and vein were anastomosed to the distal stump of the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein (DIEA/V) intraflaps, and then, the proximal stump of the DIEA/V was anastomosed to the internal mammary artery and vein. The LAP flaps were placed deeply, whereas the DIEP flaps were placed superficially. Whole skin was de‐epithelialized on the right side, and skin damaged by radiotherapy was released and replaced with abdominal skin on the left side. The flap survived fully, the shape of the reconstructed breasts was good, and the body line on the donor side was well maintained. We present the stacked DIEP with sequential LAP flaps as one of the options for bilateral breast reconstruction in thin patients with larger breast size.
Series representation for the Jost solution of the Sturm‐Liouville equation in impedance form
Authors: Kravchenko Vladislav V. , Vicente‐Benítez Víctor A.
Published: August 2022

The Sturm‐Liouville equation

is studied. The characterization of the spectral data for (SL) with the boundary condition

is given. A series representation for the Jost solution is obtained in the form of a power series with respect to the parameter
. The series converges in the unit disk
and leads to an explicit representation for spectral data and analytic method for their computation.
Approximation by modified q‐Gamma type operators in a polynomial weighted space
Authors: Singh Jitendra Kumar , Agrawal Purshottam Narain , Kajla Arun
Published: August 2022

In this research article, we construct a
‐analogue of the operators defined by Betus and Usta (2020) and study approximation properties of these operators in a polynomial weighted space. Further, we modify these operators to study the approximation properties for differentiable functions in the same space and show that the modified operators give a better rate of convergence.
Bioökonomie: Wie es in China und Japan läuft
Authors: Schmid Rolf , Xiong Xin
Published: August 2022

Der europäischen Idee einer biobasierten Wirtschaft aus dem Jahr 2005 folgten um 2020 chinesische und japanische Pläne. Sie betonen die Entwicklung einer eigenen Spitzenforschung über Biowissenschaften und Computing, um ihre alternden Gesellschaften mit Nahrung und Medizin zu versorgen.
Chemical biology of nucleic acids
Authors: Cahova Hana
Published: August 2022

The group of Hana Cahova in Prague has discovered a new group of 5‘‐RNA caps in bacteria. They are using this newly acquired knowledge to seek a better understanding of the molecular processes connected to RNA, the naturally ubiquitous dinucleoside polyphosphates, and stress in bacteria and higher organisms.
Langlebige Chemikalien: Die versteckten Kosten
Authors: Bruch Michael
Published: August 2022

Per‐ und polyfluorierte Alkylsubstanzen sind ein Risiko für Hersteller, Nutzer und Kläranlagenbetreiber. Haftpflichtversicherer erwarten in diesem Zusammenhang mehr Untersuchungen, Sanierungen und Behandlungen.
Kohlendioxid fangen und fliegen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: August 2022

Flugbenzin soll künftig aus anderen Rohstoffen als Erdöl bestehen, etwa aus CO2 aus Industrieabgasen oder Müllverbrennung.
Chemiedidaktik: Desinfektion oder Kontamination
Authors: Czubatinski Lars , Hemm Harald , Hornung Gabriele
Published: August 2022

Wird Wasser mit handelsüblichen Ozongeneratoren behandelt, reichert es sich mit Nitrat an. Die Konzentrationen können Schüler:innen mit einem selbstgebauten Photometer leicht nachweisen.
Insufficient sleep and obesity: cause or consequence
Authors: Broussard Josiane L. , Klein Samuel
Published: August 2022

Sleep is an ancient and evolutionarily conserved biological process that, when disturbed, increases the risk for a variety of diseases in people, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Although results from epidemiological studies support the link between insufficient sleep and an increased risk of obesity, the directionality of this link is unknown. Results from short‐term controlled clinical studies, conducted almost exclusively in people who are normal weight, demonstrate that sleep restriction increases hunger, appetite, energy intake, and body weight. However, the authors are not aware of any studies that have evaluated the effect of more than 3 weeks of experimental sleep restriction on obesity risk factors, and few studies have been conducted in people with preexisting obesity. This Perspective reviews the link between insufficient sleep and obesity risk and the potential therapeutic effects of sleep extension in people with chronic sleep insufficiency.
Aggregation‐induced emission‐active poly (β‐lactam) prepared by Staudinger polymerization as specific probe to Fe3+ ions and its antimicrobial properties
Authors: Meng Xue , Zhang Da , Wang Meng , Zhao Ronghui , Zhang Pengfei , Zhao Jingyuan , Deng Kuilin
Published: August 2022

For the nontraditional aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) active polymers, the heterocyclic structure on the macromolecular backbone and side chains play a crucial role in its fluorescence generation. In this paper, we facilely prepared a series of poly(β‐lactam) derivatives (PLTM) by Staudinger polymerization. As expected, PLTMs with four‐membered heterocycles along the main‐chain shows a remarkable AIE performance with the fluorescence emission at 520 nm, while no fluorescence was observed for both β‐lactam (repeating unit) and a model polymer for PLTM. The fluorescence properties of PLTMs greatly depend on the intramolecular aggregation of β‐lactam structures, the size of the substituents, and appropriate length of CH2 spacer. In addition, PLTMs can specifically detect Fe3+ ions with a limit of detection (LOD) of 7.2 μM even in the presence of other 13 metal ions. Similar to the biological activity of β‐lactam, AIE‐active PLTMs shows a bactericidal effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with the minimum inhibitory concentration of about 8 and 4 mg/mL. In brief, the preparation and versatility of PLTMs with β‐lactam structure provide useful references for designing other nontraditional AIE‐active polymers as well as for ion detection and antibacterial processes.
The role of creative cognitive reappraisals in positively transforming negative emotions
Authors: Zhang Ze , Meng Jianning , Li Ziyi , Sun Yabing , Li Yue , Luo Jing
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have found the connections between cognitive reappraisals’ creativity and their regulatory efficacy. The present study proposed and tested a novel hypothesis on the function of cognitive reappraisals, especially creative ones. That is, whether they could positively alter negative emotional arousal toward unpleasant stimuli. To this end, two questions were investigated: (a) whether the creative reappraisals were more capable than ordinary ones of transforming the negative stimuli (pictures) to be perceived as positive, and (b) whether these two kinds of reappraisals made the “negative‐to‐positive transformation” through different mechanisms. To answer the first question, we examined the power of the creative and ordinary reappraisals in making the “negative‐to‐positive transformation” using an indirect and delayed “positive‐or‐negative” picture‐sorting task (Exp. 1, n = 41 with a statistical power of 0.877), or using a direct and immediate subjective rating (Exp. 2, n = 31 with a statistical power of 0.768). To answer the second question, we checked how the factor of creativeness (creative vs. ordinary reappraisal) interacted with the factor of “timing” (simultaneous vs. delayed reappraisal delivery, Exp. 1), or with that of “dose” (one vs. three reappraisal applications; Exp. 2), in making the “negative‐to‐positive transformation,” respectively, and examined if the variation of “timing” or “dose” factors would exert different effects on the creative and ordinary reappraisals’ regulatory function. Our results generally proved that creative reappraisal was more capable of making the “negative‐to‐positive transformation” than the ordinary reappraisal, regardless of the direct and indirect emotion evaluation ratings as well as the variations in the timing and dose of reappraisal delivery. Moreover, we found that these two kinds of reappraisals could show dissociable dose‐dependent effects (but not timing‐dependent ones), thus partially implying that creative and ordinary reappraisal might make the “negative‐to‐positive transformation” through fundamentally different processes or mechanisms.
Heading percentage estimation in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) using aerial imagery and deep learning
Authors: Zhao Biquan , Khound Rituraj , Ghimire Deepak , Zhou Yuzhen , Maharjan Bijesh , Santra Dipak K. , Shi Yeyin
Published: August 2022

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), one of the major cultivated millets, serves as a complement to major cereal crops due to its drought tolerance and low input demands. Timing of heading is one of the key agronomic traits associated with its adaptation to a target environment and a major focus in breeding. Conventionally, heading percentage of a plot (genotype) was rated visually by breeders in field. Despite many successful studies reported in automatic head detections in other small grain species, little progress had been made to estimate heading percentage especially when multiple tillers exist. This study aimed to develop a method for automatic proso millet panicle detection and, more importantly, heading percentage estimation using regular red‐green‐blue images collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle. Aerial images of two dates were collected at heading stage in 2020 in Scottsbluff, NE. Faster regions with convolutional neural network models were trained to detect and count proso millet panicles in each plot. Then, using a sigmoid model, the number of detected panicles was converted to heading percentage without having the information of stand count and the number of tillers. Overall, the system achieved the highest coefficient of determination of 0.728 for proso millet heading percentage estimation, and an accuracy of 92.4% in determining whether a plot reached a certain threshold of heading (50% in this study). The methods developed in this study on heading percentage estimation can directly aid in decision making in proso millet breeding and can be ultimately incorporated into an automated proso millet high‐throughput phenotyping pipeline.