bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homologous peptides derived from influenza A, B and C viruses induce variable CD8+ T cell responses with cross‐reactive potential
Authors: Nguyen Andrea T , Lau Hiu Ming Peter , Sloane Hannah , Jayasinghe Dhilshan , Mifsud Nicole A , Chatzileontiadou Demetra SM , Grant Emma J , Szeto Christopher , Gras Stephanie
Published: October 2022

Objective

Influenza A, B and C viruses (IAV, IBV and ICV, respectively) circulate globally, infecting humans and causing widespread morbidity and mortality. Here, we investigate the T cell response towards an immunodominant IAV epitope, NP265‐273, and its IBV and ICV homologues, presented by HLA‐A*03:01 molecule expressed in ~ 4% of the global population (~ 300 million people).

Methods

We assessed the magnitude (tetramer staining) and quality of the CD8+ T cell response (intracellular cytokine staining) towards NP265‐IAV and described the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire used to recognise this immunodominant epitope. We next assessed the immunogenicity of NP265‐IAV homologue peptides from IBV and ICV and the ability of CD8+ T cells to cross‐react towards these homologous peptides. Furthermore, we determined the structures of NP265‐IAV and NP323‐IBV peptides in complex with HLA‐A*03:01 by X‐ray crystallography.

Results

Our study provides a detailed characterisation of the CD8+ T cell response towards NP265‐IAV and its IBV and ICV homologues. The data revealed a diverse repertoire for NP265‐IAV that is associated with superior anti‐viral protection. Evidence of cross‐reactivity between the three different influenza virus strain‐derived epitopes was observed, indicating the discovery of a potential vaccination target that is broad enough to cover all three influenza strains.

Conclusion

We show that while there is a potential to cross‐protect against distinct influenza virus lineages, the T cell response was stronger against the IAV peptide than IBV or ICV, which is an important consideration when choosing targets for future vaccine design.
Regulatory T cell‐derived interleukin‐15 promotes the diversity of immunological memory
Authors: Madi Alaa , Wu Jingxia , Ma Sicong , Weisshaar Nina , Mieg Alessa , Hering Marvin , Ming Yanan , Zettl Ferdinand , Mohr Kerstin , ten Bosch Nora , Schlimbach Tilo , Hertel Franziska , Cui Guoliang
Published: October 2022

While the immunosuppressive function of regulatory T (Treg) cells has been extensively studied, their immune‐supportive roles have been less well investigated. Using a lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) Armstrong infection mouse model, we found that Treg cell‐derived interleukin (IL)‐15 is required for long‐term maintenance of the KLRG1+IL‐7Rα−CD62L− terminal effector memory CD8+ T (tTEM) cell subset, but dispensable for the suppressive function of Treg cells themselves. In contrast, deletion of Il15 from other sources, including myeloid cells and muscles, did not affect the composition of the memory CD8+ T cell pool. Our findings identify Treg cells as an essential IL‐15 source maintaining tTEM cells and suggest that Treg cells promote the diversity of immunological memory.
Microgrid to smart grid's evolution: Technical challenges, current solutions, and future scopes
Authors: Badal Faisal R. , Sarker Subrata K. , Nayem Zannatun , Moyeen Sumaya I. , Das Sajal K.
Published: October 2022

Renewable energy (RE) sources play an important role that not only reduces the pressure on fossil fuels but also produces safe and clean energy by developing the microgrid (MG) technology that fulfills the excess demand for power throughout the world. The technological development and the blessing of information and communication technology converts the MG technology to a smarter one, termed as smart grid (SG) and virtual power plant, by establishing a two‐way communication between the consumers and service provider with the aid of smart metering infrastructure, dynamic pricing scheme, energy management system, smart transmission and distribution system. The transformation of the traditional power system to SG enhances the efficiency, flexibility, resiliency, and robustness of the power system due to the increasing level of cyber security and automation. A directional pathway from conventional to smart power system has been carried out in this paper by addressing the present status of the power system, challenges during the operations, and possible solutions. Initially, the control operation of MG with RE and energy storage system has been investigated which is essential to understand the operation complexity and challenges due to the variable nature of the RE, load dynamics, and uncertainties. But the facilities of end‐user feedback, dynamic pricing scheme, cyber security, and smart metering system are not present in MG technology that hampers the proper regulation of controlling operation, generating and distributing energy as well as energy losses. The development of SG with smart technologies overcomes these problems by proper controlling of power usage. Finally, this paper provides a path to move the MG toward SG by analyzing the technical and critical challenges of smart devices, equipment integration, and their control issues and provides possible solutions to overcome the integration and control challenges for a reliable and sustainable operation.
Retracted: Effects of major ingredients (grape syrup, milk powder, and walnut paste) levels on physiochemical, rheological, and sensory attributes of walnut spread
Authors: Rahbari Siamak , Tavakolipour Hamid , Kalbasi‐Ashtari Ahmad
Published: October 2022

Effects of major ingredients (grape syrup, milk powder, and walnut paste) levels on physiochemical, rheological, and sensory attributes of walnut spread, Food Science & Nutrition, 2022 (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.3107). The above article, published online on October 20, 2022 in Wiley Online Library (https://wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief Y. Martin Lo, and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed due to an error in which the incorrect manuscript was sent to the production team and published instead of the manuscript that the journal had reviewed and accepted.
Impact of restrictive versus liberal transfusion and clinical outcomes in critically ill children: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Yuliarto Saptadi , Kadafi Kurniawan Taufiq , Azizah Luluk Nur , Susanto William Prayogo , Khalasha Takhta
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

Critically ill children with anemia often requires blood transfusion, which can cause several complications. It is important to decide when to start the red blood cell (RBC) transfusion; however, the guidelines is still lacking. The aim of this study was to compare restrictive and liberal transfusion strategy.

Methods

This is an observational retrospective study of critically‐ill children who receive RBC transfusion. Subjects categorized into two groups by initial hemoglobin (Hb), that is, restrictive (Hb ≤ 7 g/dl) and liberal (Hb ≤ 9.5 g/dl) strategy. In each group, subjects categorized based on: (1) Hb increment: high (increased ≥2.5 g/dl) and low (increase <2.5 g/dl) and (2) final Hb level: low (<7.0 mg/dl), moderate (7.0–10.0 mg/dl), and high (>10.0 mg/dl). Patient with hematologic or congenital disorder, severe malnutrition, chronic infection‐related anemia, and transfusion in Hb level ≥9.5 g/dl were exclude. Each patients were evaluated for the clinical outcome, which is: intensive care length of stay (IC‐LOS), length of mechanical ventilation (LoMV), and mortality rate.

Results

Clinical outcome and mortality rates of both transfusion strategies are similar. The mortality rates were lower in higher Hb increment and final Hb level (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01, respectively). Multivariate analysis in all groups revealed mortality rate had moderate correlation with Hb increment (odds ratio [OR] = 0.694, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.549–0.878; p = 0.002) and moderate correlation (OR = 0.642, 95% CI 0.519–0.795; p = 0.000) with final Hb level. The similar results was found after categorization based on transfusion strategy.

Conclusion

We conclude the restrictive and liberal transfusion strategy have a similar effect to IC‐LOS, LoMV, and mortality rate. High Hb increment (≥2.5 g/dl) and moderate‐high final Hb (≥7.0 g/dl) after transfusion reduce the mortality rate.
Water cycling and partitioning through the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum in a subtropical, urban woodland inferred by water stable isotopes
Authors: Chen Ke , Liu Guodong , Xia Chengcheng , Meng Yuchuan , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Zhong Qiao , Chang Jianghao
Published: October 2022

For many urban woodlands, knowledge of how water is cycled and partitioned by plants is important for improving water management strategies, particularly during warm and wet periods with heavy, convective events in subtropical monsoon regions which are characterized by hot and humid summers. Still, most studies on these processes have been conducted in rural, none subtropical areas. Useful tools for tracing water movement during different precipitation events are stable water isotopes. So far, very few studies have been carried out in urbanized woodlands where the natural hydrological cycle is affected by strong anthropogenic influences. We conducted an intense spatio‐temporal sampling campaign of water isotopes, combined with relevant atmospheric parameters, climatic and hydrometric data across an evergreen broad‐leaved woodland near Chengdu, SW China, to assess event‐based changes in water cycling and partitioning during the warm and wet summer of 2020. Based on event‐scale precipitation samples, soil and plant water samples, we found similar temporal variations in the water isotopes of precipitation, soil, and plants, with a gradual enrichment in the order of precipitation – soil water – plant water. However, the responses of soil and plant water to precipitation were delayed. From the dynamics of soil water content and soil water isotopes, evaporative fractionation and precipitation signatures were determined as the critical factors in influencing water storage and compositions through the soil profile. Only precipitation events >5 mm recharged the soil profile, with a ~ 24 h time lag in the response time of soil water (0–50 cm) to effective events. The water isotopes in the branches and leaves of the plants reflected their water sources primarily from 0 to 50 cm soil layers and water losses through evapotranspiration, respectively. These isotopic signals described the transfer and exchange of water in the soil–plant‐atmosphere continuum and therefore improved our understanding of water cycling and partitioning in an urban woodland in a subtropical monsoon humid region, which may have important implications for urban green space and ecosystem services in other regions.
Brucein D imparts a growth inhibitory effect in multiple myeloma cells by abrogating the Akt‐driven signaling pathway
Authors: Jung Young Yun , Mohan Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya , Rangappa Shobith , Um Jae‐Young , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Ahn Kwang Seok
Published: October 2022

The Akt signaling pathway is an oncogenic cascade activated in the bone marrow microenvironment of multiple myeloma (MM) cells and contributes to their uncontrolled proliferation. Abrogation of Akt signaling has been presented as one of the prime therapeutic targets in the treatment of MM. In the present report, we have investigated the effect of Brucein D (BD) on Akt‐driven signaling events in MM cells. BD (300 nM) substantially inhibited cell viability and imparted growth‐inhibitory effects in U266 cells as evidenced by cell viability assays and flow cytometric analysis. Effect of BD on cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Apoptotic cells and cell cycle arrest by BD were analyzed by flow cytometer. The results of the TUNEL assay and western blotting showed that BD induces apoptosis of MM cells by activating caspase‐8 and 9 with subsequent reduction in the expression of antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xl, survivin, cyclin D1, COX‐2, VEGF, MMP‐9). Analysis of activated kinases by Phospho‐Kinase Array Kit revealed that Akt, p70S6K, HSP60, p53, and WNK1 were strongly expressed in untreated cells and BD treatment reversed this effect. Using transfection experiments, AKT depletion led to a decrease in phosphorylation of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, and WNK. However, Akt overexpression led to increase in phosphorylation of these proteins. Depletion of Akt potentiated the apoptosis‐inducing effect of BD whereas overexpression displayed resistance to BD‐induced apoptosis suggesting the role of Akt in chemoresistance. Taken together, BD mitigates Akt‐dependent signaling pathways in MM cells to impart its anticancer activity.
Development of fibroblast/endothelial cell‐seeded collagen scaffolds for in vitro prevascularization
Authors: Masson‐Meyers Daniela S. , Tabatabaei Fahimeh , Steinhaus Lane , Toth Jeffrey M. , Tayebi Lobat
Published: October 2022

The development of vascularized scaffolds remains one of the major challenges in tissue engineering, and co‐culturing with endothelial cells is known as one of the possible approaches for this purpose. In this approach, optimization of cell culture conditions, scaffolds, and fabrication techniques is needed to develop tissue equivalents that will enable in vitro formation of a capillary network. Prevascularized equivalents will be more physiologically comparable to the native tissues and potentially prevent insufficient vascularization after implantation. This study aimed to culture human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), alone or in co‐culture with fibroblasts, on collagen scaffolds prepared by simple fabrication approaches for in vitro prevascularization. Different concentrations and ratios of HUVECs and fibroblasts seeded on collagen gel and sponge scaffolds under several culture conditions were examined. Cell viability, scaffolds morphology, and structure were analyzed. Collagen gel scaffolds showed good cell proliferation and viability, with higher proliferation rates for cells cultured in a 2:1 (fibroblasts: HUVECs) ratio and kept in endothelial cell growth medium. However, these matrices were unable to support endothelial cell sprouting. Collagen sponges were highly porous and showed good cell viability. However, they became fragile over time in culture, and they still lack signs of vascularization. Collagen scaffolds were a good platform for cell growth and viability. However, under the experimental conditions of this study, the HUVEC/fibroblast‐seeded scaffolds were not suitable platforms to generate in vitro prevascularized equivalents. Our findings will be a valuable starting point to optimize culture microenvironments and scaffolds during fabrication of prevascularized scaffolds.
More pain, more change? The mediating role of presenteeism and the moderating role of ostracism
Authors: Wang Yanxia , Ma Jie Yonas , Yuan Mengsha , Chen Chih‐Chieh
Published: October 2022

Presenteeism has mainly been discussed in terms of its negative effects on both individuals and organizations. By conducting two studies, we posit that presenteeism is an active, problem‐focused coping strategy that health‐impaired employees use to endure difficult times, and that the process is attenuated by workplace ostracism. In Study 1, we adopt a resource‐based view of stress, identify the effects of two kinds of pain (i.e., physical pain and social pain) on presenteeism, and explore the positive implications of presenteeism by sampling 60 full‐time employees over 10 consecutive workdays. We find that episodic physical pain is positively related to presenteeism and ultimately drives job crafting at the daily level. Furthermore, workplace ostracism significantly weakens the daily relationship among episodic physical pain, presenteeism, and job crafting. Grounded in these findings, Study 2 is designed to explore the mechanisms through which ostracism moderates the relationship between physical pain and presenteeism. A two‐wave dataset from 187 employees reveals that ostracism reduces self‐esteem and then weakens the positive link between physical pain and presenteeism. In summary, we provide preliminary evidence that presenteeism may play a positive role in dealing with physical pain, and that social pain (i.e., ostracism) tends to weaken this positive role by reducing employee's self‐esteem.
Evaluation of the efficacy of modal analysis in predicting the pullout strength of fixation bone screws
Authors: Einafshar Mohammadjavad , Hashemi Ata , Kiapour Ali
Published: October 2022

Background

Pilot hole preparation has been shown to have an impact on the short and long‐term stability of the screw fixation constructs.

Purpose

Investigation and comparison of two nondestructive modal analysis methods with conventional insertion torque (IT) and pullout tests in optimum pilot hole diameter detection.

Methods

Twenty conical core titanium screws were embedded in high‐density polyethylene blocks with different pilot hole diameters. The maximum IT was recorded for each screw during implantation. Then, two modal analysis methods including accelerometer (classical modal analysis [CMA]) and acoustic modal analysis (AMA) were carried out to measure the natural frequency (NF) of the bone‐screw structure. Finally, stiffness (S), pullout force (Fult), displacement at Fult (dult) and energy dissipation (ED) were obtained from the destructive pullout test.

Results

The IT increased, as the pilot hole diameter decreased. The maximum value of IT was observed in the smallest pilot hole diameter. The same trend was found for the Fult and the first NF derived from both modal methods except for 5.5 mm pilot hole diameter. The natural NFs derived from CMA and AMA showed high correlations in different groups (R2 = 0.94) and did not deviate from y = x hypothesis in linear regression analysis. The Fult, dult, and ED were measured 4800 ± 172 N, 3.10 ± 0.08 mm and 14.23 ± 1.10 N.mm, respectively.

Discussion

No significant change was observed in “S” between the groups. The highest Fult and first NF were obtained for the 5.5 mm pilot hole diameter. Both CMA and AMA were found to be reliable methods and can promote the undesirable contradiction between Fult and IT.
Effects of onion peel extract on bioactive components, textural and sensory characteristics of chickpea‐based fried snack
Authors: Siddiqui Nabia , Ali Tahira Mohsin , Butt Natasha Abbas , Abbas Tanveer , Hasnain Abid
Published: October 2022

Onion peel waste is generated in huge amount during processing. This waste is a huge source of antioxidants specially quercetin. Therefore, it can be utilized to increase the phenolic and flavonoid content of food products. The present study proposed the use of different onion peel extracts (OPE) in a South Asian snack called “sew.” Sew is a cold‐extruded rod‐shaped snack made from chickpea flour and spices. After extrusion, it is deep fried till appearance of golden‐brown color. The polyphenols from onion peels were extracted in (a) EWE (ethanol and water‐based) medium, (b) EAAE (ethanol and acetic acid‐based) medium, and (c) WE (water extract). These three OPEs were separately sprayed over chickpea grits before making flours, which were then used for making sew. Antioxidant activity of EWE, EAAE, and WE extracts were found to be 59.06%, 36.85%, and 28.07%, respectively, and both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria were inhibited by these three extracts. Addition of OPE led to a significant increase in antioxidant activity of snack (sew), and panelists were unable to perceive any statistical difference in control and extract added snacks in terms of sensory attributes. Interestingly, marked improvement was observed in textural characteristics (measured objectively) of snacks containing extracts and the percent decline in hardness as observed in EAAE, EWE, and WE containing fried snacks were found to be 56.83%, 37.95%, and 34.55%, respectively, after 60 day's storage, whereas 71.28% decline was recorded for control snack. Thus, incorporation of OPE proved to be an innovative method to improve the nutraceutical profile of chickpea‐based fried snack.
The current status of nanotechnological approaches to therapy and drug delivery in otolaryngology: A contemporary review
Authors: Burruss Clayton Prakash , Kacker Ashutosh
Published: October 2022

Objectives/Hypothesis

To summarize the current standing of nanomedicine‐based technology, particularly nanoparticles (NPs), for drug delivery and diagnostic mechanisms in otolaryngology and the otolaryngology subspecialties.

Methods

Literature searches were performed using PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE from 2010 to 2022. The search focused on original articles describing developments and applications of nanotechnology and drug delivery in otology, neurotology, cranial base surgery, head and neck oncology, laryngology, bronchoesophagology, and rhinology. Keyword searches and cross‐referencing were also performed. No statistical analysis was performed.

Results

The PubMed search yielded 29 articles, and two Ovid MEDLINE searches both yielded 7 and 26 articles, respectively. Cross‐referencing and keyword searches in PubMed and Google Scholar yielded numerous articles. The results indicate that currently, NPs are the most thoroughly studied nanotechnology for drug delivery and therapy in otolaryngology. Organic NPs have been utilized for drug delivery in otology and head and neck oncology due to their high biocompatibility. Inorganic NPs have similarly been utilized for drug delivery. However, inorganic NPs seem to be studied less extensively in these fields, likely due to an increased risk for heavy metal toxicity. Due to their magnetic properties, inorganic NPs have been utilized for magnetic‐guided delivery in otology and thermoradiation and magnetic resonance imaging in head and neck oncology. Applications of nanotechnology to the fields of laryngology, bronchoesophagology, and rhinology have been studied less compared with otology and head and neck oncology. However, researchers have primarily employed NPs and other nanotechnologies such as nanofibers and nanoclusters for drug elution at mucosal surfaces to reduce airway and nasal inflammation.

Conclusions

Nanomedicine offers potential benefits in the treatment of patients in the field of otolaryngology due to enhanced control over drug release, cell‐specific targeting, and the potential to reduce drug toxicity. Future work is needed to ensure the safety of these therapies to integrate this field of research into human therapies.
Assessing the Usability of an Instagram Filter in Monitoring Essential Tremor: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study
Authors: Ismail Ismail Ibrahim , Kamel Walaa A. , Al‐Hashel Jasem Youssef
Published: October 2022

Background

Spiral drawing is an important test in monitoring essential tremor (ET). With the rise of telemedicine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a contactless tool for monitoring tremors was required. We aimed to assess the validity of a novel smartphone technology using a video‐based social media platform for rapid and objective monitoring of ET.

Methods

A prospective pilot study evaluated patients with ET in 2 clinic visits. Videos of tremors were recorded using a publicly available Instagram filter and were visually compared with spirals drawn by the patients. The level of agreement among the raters was evaluated.

Results

A total of 12 patients with ET were recruited. A consensus between both raters was achieved for 11 patients (91.6%) for both spirals and videos with good interrater agreement (κ value, 0.755 ± 0.332).

Conclusion

This novel method was found to be valid and easy to use in measuring ET in real‐world settings. Further research in a larger cohort is needed to suggest its use as a home‐based or clinic‐based monitoring tool.
A single heterozygous nonsense mutation in the TTC21B gene causes adult‐onset nephronophthisis 12: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Dan , Chen Xionghui , Wen Qiong , Li Zhijian , Chen Wei , Chen Wenfang , Wang Xin
Published: October 2022

Background

Nephronophthisis type 12 (NPHP 12) is a rare cilia‐related cystic kidney disease, caused by TTC21B mutation, mainly involving the kidneys, which generally occurs in children. Our study aimed to illustrate its clinical, pathological and genetic characteristics by reporting an adult‐onset case of NPHP 12 caused by a single heterozygous nonsense mutation of TTC21B confirmed by renal histology and whole exome sequencing and reviewing related literature with a comparative analysis of the clinical features of each case. It will further increase the recognition of this rare kidney genetic disease, which sometimes can manifest as an adult disease.

Results

A 33‐years‐old man showed a chronic disease course, and he exhibited slight renal dysfunction (CKD stage 3, eGFR = 49 ml/[min* 1.73 m2]) with renal tubular proteinuria, without any extrarenal manifestations, congenital malformation history of kidney disease, or family hereditary disease. Renal histological findings showed substantial interstitial fibrosis with some irregular and tortuous tubules with complex branches and segmental thickening and splitting of the tubular basement membrane. The patient was diagnosed with chronic interstitial nephritis for an unknown reason clinically. Further genetic analysis revealed a single heterozygous nonsense mutation in the TTC21B gene and NPHP 12 was diagnosed finally.

Conclusion

A single heterozygous mutation in the TTC21B gene may cause atypical NPHP12, which had a relatively later onset and milder clinical symptoms without developmental abnormalities. Therefore, for unexplained adult‐onset chronic interstitial nephritis with unusual changes of renal tubules and interstitial fibrosis, even without a clear history of hereditary kidney disease, genetic testing is still recommended. The correct diagnosis of this rare adult‐onset hereditary nephropathy can avoid unnecessary treatment.
Pumpkin Polysaccharide Extracted by Subcritical Water: Physicochemical Characterization and Anti‐Diabetic Effects in T2DM Rats
Authors: Ti Yongrui , Wang Weizhen , Wang Xiaoxiao , Ban Yuqian , Wang Peng , Zhang Yanli , Song Zihan
Published: October 2022

Scope

This study aims to optimize the extraction of pumpkin polysaccharide by subcritical water, investigates the physicochemical properties and biological activities of pumpkin polysaccharide.

Methods and Results

Subcritical water is used to extract pumpkin polysaccharide. The structure and composition of pumpkin polysaccharide are analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, gel filtration chromatography, and high‐performance liquid chromatography. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential of pumpkin polysaccharide aere determined by the physicochemical indexes, pathological, and immunohistochemical analysis in T2DM rats induced by STZ + high‐fat diet. The optimal conditions for subcritical water are 1:15, 150°C, and 10 min. Pumpkin polysaccharide has α‐configurations and are mainly composed of seven different monosaccharides, and it exhibits good free‐radical scavenging ability and inhibition of α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase activities. Pumpkin polysaccharide treatment in T2DM rats significantly decreases the concentrations of blood glucose, insulin, TC, TG, LDL‐C, and MDA; increases the levels of HDL‐C; and enhances the antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD and CAT). Histopathology and immunohistochemical analyses reveal that pumpkin polysaccharide has protective effects on kidney and pancreatic organs in T2DM rats.

Conclusion

Pumpkin polysaccharide extracted by SWE shows great potential as functional food ingredients and candidates for T2DM treatment.
Trade‐off between preamplifier noise figure and decoupling in MRI detectors
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Zhurbenko Vitaliy , Sánchez‐Heredia Juan Diego , Ardenkjær‐Larsen Jan Henrik
Published: October 2022

Purpose

There is a limit to the maximum achievable preamplifier decoupling. In many cases, this level is not enough. To overcome this limit, the preamplifier noise figure can be compromised for further decoupling increase. This is useful in flexible MRI arrays where ensuring coil insensitivity to changes in other array elements is a challenge.

Methods

This work establishes the relation between the preamplifier noise figure and preamplifier decoupling using closed‐form equations. These equations allow the evaluation of preamplifier decoupling properties and benchmark different preamplifiers against each other. The method to design the corresponding decoupling networks is described. The derived generalized design equations, which are not limited to 50 Ω pre‐matched preamplifiers, greatly improve design flexibility and enable use of new amplifiers in MRI detectors.

Results

Using the method, the decoupling properties of three preamplifiers are studied. For demonstration, the coil decoupling is further increased by 10.8 dB using one of the preamplifiers. The noise figure is sacrificed by 0.5 dB, which is predicted by equations and verified experimentally. Although examples are shown for 3 T systems at 32.13 MHz and 127.7 MHz, the approach and equations apply to any field strength and nucleus.

Conclusion

Preamplifier decoupling can be improved beyond what is possible by traditional approaches. The derived design equations cover a wide range of cases, including inductive coils and self‐resonant low‐impedance and high‐impedance coils.
Aptamer‐Based Cancer Cell Analysis and Treatment
Authors: Wu Limei , Zhang Yutong , Wang Zhimin , Zhang Yue , Zou Jianmei , Qiu Liping
Published: October 2022

Aptamers are a class of single‐stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that can exclusively bind to various targets with high affinity and selectivity. Regarded as “chemical antibodies”, aptamers possess several intrinsic advantages, including easy synthesis, convenient modification, high programmability, and good biocompatibility. In recent decades, many studies have demonstrated the superiority of aptamers as molecular tools for various biological applications, particularly in the area of cancer theranostics. In this review, we focus on recent progress in developing aptamer‐based strategies for the precise analysis and treatment of cancer cells.
Spray binder for automated preforming: Spray process and preform properties
Authors: Möllers Hendrik , Schmidt Carsten , Meiners Dieter
Published: October 2022

A closer look was taken at a spray binder and the properties of the preforms made with said binder and non‐crimp carbon fiber textiles. First the spray process was analyzed, then T‐peel and three point flexural tests were carried out to compare the spray binder to other binder systems. While the spray binder showed higher peel strength than most binders found in literature, the measured flexural strength was lower than the values found for powder.
A new approach to dynamic forecasting of cavity pressure and temperature throughout the injection molding process
Authors: Pabst Rodolfo Gabriel , de Souza Adriano Fagali , Brito Alexandro Garro , Ahrens Carlos Henrique
Published: October 2022

The injection molding process is very sensitive to ordinary environmental alterations, as the numerical simulation is limited to within one injection cycle, and it cannot predict transient regimes. The present study presents a new approach based on SARIMAX models developed to predict the temperature and pressure inside the mold cavity. The proposed approach was developed in Python language, and it can identify the behavior of the process, allowing preventive actions. Experimental data of temperature and pressure obtained in real‐time inside an injection mold were accessed to use and to validate the proposed model. The results showed its efficiency and its high accuracy for predicting variations in temperature and pressure inside the mold, even when using a small number of samples to be trained. The proposed model can be very useful for monitoring the production of mechanical parts, under an Industry 4.0 environment. For future works, the model enables a contribution toward digital twins of a molded part, considering all the alteration on the parts' properties due to the disturbance on the injection molding process. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for a new injection machine control system architecture.
Potential of variegated lady beetle Hippodamia variegata in management of invasive tomato potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli
Authors: Sarkar Shovon Chandra , Milroy Stephen Paul , Xu Wei
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

The tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) is a new invasive pest in Western Australia, which may disperse across the whole of Australia within a few years and cause significant economic losses. Chemical control is the most widely used approach to manage B. cockerelli, but insect resistance, chemical residue and effects on non‐target species have become an increasing concerned. Therefore, in this study, the biocontrol potential of variegated lady beetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) was investigated. The impact of utilizing B. cockerelli as a food source on the predator's development and reproduction was assessed by formulating age‐stage, two sex life tables. The predatory potential of H. variegata on B. cockerelli nymphs was assessed in a closed arena and the effects of releasing H. variegata for the control of B. cockerelli were then evaluated.

RESULTS

H. variegata could successfully develop and oviposit when feeding on B. cockerelli. However, both survival and the rate of development were higher for H. variegata feeding on Myzus persicae (Sulzer) than B. cockerelli or a mixed population of B. cockerelli and M. persicae. A type II functional response was observed for H. variegata. In the greenhouse, the releases of H. variegata larvae reduced the number of B. cockerelli nymphs by up to 66% and adults by up to 59%, which positively influenced the plant chlorophyll content and biomass.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated the potential of the resident generalist predator, H. variegata as a biocontrol agent for the invasive pest, B. cockerelli, which may help improving current management strategies. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Fitness cost of spinosad resistance related to vitellogenin in Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)
Authors: Hua Dengke , Li Xiaoyu , Yuan Jiangjiang , Tao Min , Zhang Kun , Zheng Xiaobin , Wan Yanran , Gui Lianyou , Zhang Youjun , Wu Qingjun
Published: October 2022

Background

The western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis, a worldwide agricultural pest, has developed resistance to an array of insecticides. Spinosad resistance confers an apparent fitness cost in F. occidentalis. In the present study, we compared the reproductive capacities, ovary development, and the expression of the vitellogenin (Vg) gene in spinosad‐susceptible (Ivf03) and ‐resistant (NIL‐R) near isogenetic lines of F. occidentalis in order to clarify the reason for the fitness cost in spinosad resistance.

Results

The NIL‐R strain exhibited a 17.9% decrease in fecundity (eggs laid per female) as compared to the Ivf03 strain, and the ovariole was significantly shortened by 2.8% in the NIL‐R strain relative to the Ivf03 strain. Compared to the Ivf03 strain, the expression levels of Vg mRNA and protein were downregulated by 33.7% and 32.9% in the NIL‐R strain, respectively. Moreover, interference with the Vg gene significantly reduced the expression levels of Vg mRNA and protein, and decreased ovariole length, survival rates and the fecundity of both strains.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the downregulated expression of Vg may contribute to the reduction of ovariole length and consequently to a fitness cost in spinosad‐resistant F. occidentalis. The results not only increase our understanding of the evolution of insecticide resistance, but also could contribute to the formulation of control strategy of F. occidentalis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Boroxine benzaldehyde complex for pharmaceutical applications probed by electron interactions
Authors: Pereira‐da‐Silva Joao , Nunes Ana , Mendes Monica , Rodrigues Rodrigo , Cornetta Lucas , Ferreira da Silva Filipe
Published: October 2022

Rationale

2,4,6‐Tris(4‐formylphenyl)boroxine (TFPB) is a substituted boroxine containing a benzaldehyde molecule bonded to each boron atom. Boroxine cages are an emerging class of functional nanostructures used in host–guest chemistry, and benzaldehyde is a potential radiosensitizer. Reactions initiated by low‐energy electrons with such complexes may dictate and bring new fundamental knowledge for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Methods

The electron ionization properties of TFPB are investigated using a gas‐phase electron–molecule crossed beam apparatus coupled with a reflectron time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer in an orthogonal geometry. Ionization and threshold energies are experimentally determined by mass spectra acquisition as a function of the electron energy.

Results

The abundance of the molecular precursor cation in the mass spectrum at 70 eV is significantly lower than that of the most abundant fragment C7H5O+. Twenty‐nine cationic fragments with relative intensities >2% are detected and identified. The appearance energies of six fragment cations are reported, and the experimental first ionization potential is found at
 eV. Moreover, eight double cations are identified. The present results are supported by quantum chemical calculations based on bound state techniques, electron ionization models and thermodynamic thresholds.

Conclusions

According to these results, the TPFB properties may combine the potential radiosensitizer effect of benzaldehyde with the stability of the boroxine ring.
Make online content accessible
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: October 2022

When you’re creating social media graphics, downloadable lead magnets, new academic program pages for your website, and email newsletters, are you keeping accessibility in mind? I certainly hope so. It’s not only required by federal law for many colleges and universities, but it’s simply the right thing to do — and will most likely lead to a better experience for all, not just for students with disabilities.
When stronger patent law reduces patenting: Empirical evidence
Authors: Hou Yun , Png I.P.L. , Xiong Xi
Published: October 2022

Research Summary

Theoretically, stronger legal protection affects strategic portfolios in two ways. As each patent becomes more effective, the gain from multiple patents would be less, reducing the demand for patents (negative inframarginal effect). With the effective price of patent protection being lower, the demand for protection and patents would increase (positive marginal effect). The net effect is more likely to be negative in complex technology industries, and magnified by patent ownership fragmentation, manufacturing assets, technological competition, and size. Exploiting variation in the shift in patent law due to the Federal Circuit Appeals Court (CAFC), we find that the average increase in patent protection due to the CAFC led businesses to reduce strategic patenting by 23.3%, and the contingent effects accorded with the hypotheses.

Managerial Summary

How should businesses adjust patent portfolios to changes in the legal protection of patents? As each patent becomes more effective, the gain from multiple patents would be less, reducing the demand for patents. With the effective price of patent protection being lower, the demand for protection and patents would increase. The net effect is more likely to be negative where the stakes (costs of holdup or gain from exclusivity) are larger. Empirical evidence from strategic patenting by U.S. manufacturing businesses between 1986 and 1992 before and after changes in patent law due to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit supports our propositions.
Invisible multilingual Black and Brown girls: Raciolinguistic narratives of identity in science education
Authors: Harper Akira , Kayumova Shakhnoza
Published: October 2022

Black and Brown girls are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Although studies have examined the reasons for this by exploring Black and Brown girls' experiences based on culture, gender, and race, there is a need for specifically understanding how language contributes to racialized experiences in science education. This study fills this critical gap by presenting narratives of three academically talented multilingual girls from Black and Brown communities. Utilizing semi‐structured interviews, self‐identifying questionnaires, and identity‐as‐narrative analysis, this study demonstrates how the racialized experiences of these multilingual Black and Brown girls influenced their relations to science, ideas about the attributes of a science person, and developing science identities. The findings suggest that although the girls had a strong affiliation with science and academic achievement in science, the girls' experiences were racialized through raciolinguistic ideologies and dominant cultural practices of science, which left them invisibilized and unsure about pursuing a future career in STEM. The implications of this study underline the importance of looking at the problem of underrepresentation as an issue of identification, belonging, and representation rather than an of academic skill or interest.
Migration of Bisphenol‐A into packaged food simulants: Development of a novel MAE‐LDS‐ME strategy for the investigation of storage time and temperature
Authors: Zamani Bahman , Ghanati Kiandokht , Kamankesh Marzieh , Farhoodi Mehdi , Mohammadi Abdorreza
Published: October 2022

In this research, migration of bisphenol A from epoxy resin into 64 food simulants including tuna fish cans, eggplant cans and cherries cans have been measured. The effective of storage time in the range 0–180 days and storage temperature at 25 and 45°C were investigated. Microwave‐assisted extraction and low‐density solvent based on microextraction followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography has been applied to analyze migrated‐BPA. The limit of detection 2.7 ng ml−1 and limit of quantification 9.33 ng ml−1 were obtained for the proposed method. The results confirmed that the migration of BPA has been increased with raising the storage time and temperature. Also, the migration of BPA in oily simulant was higher than acidic simulant. The migrated‐BPA concentration range has been measured in the range 3.42–4165 ng ml−1. The highest amount of migrated‐BPA has been found for simulant of tuna fish cans at 45°C and the lowest amount of migrated‐BPA has been detected for simulant of cherries cans at 25°C.
A stress-based criterion to identify and control intersections in 2D compliance minimization topology optimization
Authors: Mishra Vibhas , Ayas Can , Langelaar Matthijs , van Keulen Fred
Published: October 2022

Topology optimization typically generates designs that exhibit significant geometrical complexity, which can pose difficulties for manufacturing and assembly. The number of occurrences of an important design feature, in particular intersections, increases with geometrical complexity. Intersections are essential for load transfer in many engineering structures. For certain upcoming manufacturing processes, such as direct metal deposition, the size of an intersection plays a role. During metal deposition, slim intersections are more prone to manufacturing defects than bulkier ones. In this study, a computationally tractable methodology is proposed to both control occurrence and size of intersections in topology optimization. To identify intersections, a stress-based quantity is proposed, denoted as Intersection Indicator. This quantity is based on the local degree of multi-axiality of the stress state, and identifies material points at intersections. The proposed intersection indicator can identify intersections in both single as well as multi-load case problems. To detect the relative size of intersections, the average density in the vicinity of an intersection is used to penalize or promote intersection sizes of interest. The corresponding sensitivity analysis involves solving a set of adjoint equations for each load case. Numerical 2D experiments demonstrate a controllable reduction of penalized slim intersections compared to the designs obtained from conventional compliance minimization. The overall geometrical complexity of the design is reduced due to the promotion of bulkier intersections which leads to an increase in compliance. The designs obtained are more suitable for manufacturing processes such as direct metal deposition.
Amazon und der deutsche Paketmarkt: Wettbewerb oder Marktmachthebelung?
Authors: Bulowski Stefan , Kühling Jürgen , Zierke Oliver
Published: October 2022

Amazon ist der größte Onlinemarktplatzbetreiber in Deutschland. Zudem bietet es für Onlinehändler Logistikdienstleistungen an und gehört zu den größten Paketdienstleistern. Die Position als Onlinemarktplatzbetreiber bietet Amazon die Möglichkeit, seine Paket- und Logistikdienstleistungen mit Vorteilen auf seinem Marktplatz zu verknüpfen. Es könnte in der Lage sein, eine möglicherweise im Bereich der Onlinemarktplätze bestehende Marktmacht in die Paket- und Logistikmärkte zu übertragen. Die EU-Kommission hat jüngst ein Verpflichtungsangebot von Amazon erwirkt, mit dem eine unangemessene Begünstigung unter anderem der Marktplatzverkäufer, die seine Logistik- und Lieferdienste nutzen, verhindert werden soll. Es bleibt abzuwarten, inwieweit zukünftig weitere Eingriffe notwendig sind.
Gefühlte Inflation als Bestimmungsgrund der Spar- und Konsumstruktur von Verbrauchern
Authors: Krämer Andreas , Heuermann Daniel F. , Burgartz Thomas
Published: October 2022

Die Inflationsrate hat im Euroraum zuletzt einen Höchstwert erreicht. Neben der amtlich gemessenen Inflationsrate wurde die subjektive Inflationswahrnehmung hingegen wenig beachtet. Dieser Beitrag füllt diese Lücke, indem auf Grundlage einer repräsentativen Befragung die subjektive Inflationswahrnehmung gemessen und diskutiert wird, welche Gründe zu einer Divergenz von gemessener und wahrgenommener Inflation führen. Weiterhin wird untersucht, welche Personengruppen sich besonders von steigenden Preisen betroffen fühlen und wie Haushalte ihr Konsum- und Sparverhalten an die subjektive Inflationswahrnehmung anpassen.
Die Entwicklung der Mittelschicht in Österreich und Deutschland
Authors: Kucsera Dénes , Lorenz Hanno , Nagl Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

Wir untersuchen die Mittelschicht in Österreich und Deutschland, wobei ein besonderer Fokus auf den Veränderungen der vergangenen 20 Jahre liegt. Es wird gezeigt, dass sich die Mittelschicht in Deutschland und Österreich in ihrer Zusammensetzung hinsichtlich Bildung, Familienkonstellationen und Alter verändert hat, aber immer noch in beiden Ländern, in Österreich etwas mehr als in Deutschland, den Großteil der Bevölkerung umfasst. Anschließend analysieren wir die Bedeutung der Mittelschicht für den Sozialstaat beider Länder.
Entlastungspaket: Stabilisierung der Erwartungen
Authors: Hüther Michael
Published: October 2022

The sharp rise in energy prices represents a considerable structural risk to the German economy. Deindustrialisation has become a veritable threat. The government’s economic policy needs to establish positive expectations for energy costs in the medium term through interventions in the gas and electricity markets. As in the COVID-19 pandemic, politicians should give companies generous deferral options for income and sales taxes and partially reimburse advance payments. The elimination of the cold progression does not constitute a tax relief and does not contradict the support of liquidity-weak households with targeted transfers, as both measurements are necessary for different reasons.