bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D printed human organoids: High throughput system for drug screening and testing in current COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Parihar Arpana , Pandita Vasundhara , Khan Raju
Published: June 2022

In the current pandemic, scenario the world is facing a huge shortage of effective drugs and other prophylactic medicine to treat patients which created havoc in several countries with poor resources. With limited demand and supply of effective drugs, researchers rushed to repurpose the existing approved drugs for the treatment of COVID‐19. The process of drug screening and testing is very costly and requires several steps for validation and treatment efficacy evaluation ranging from in‐vitro to in‐vivo setups. After these steps, a clinical trial is mandatory for the evaluation of treatment efficacy and side effects in humans. These processes enhance the overall cost and sometimes the lead molecule show adverse effects in humans and the trial ends up in the final stages. Recently with the advent of three‐dimensional (3D) organoid culture which mimics the human tissue exactly the process of drug screening and testing can be done in a faster and cost‐effective manner. Further 3D organoids prepared from stems cells taken from individuals can be beneficial for personalized drug therapy which could save millions of lives. This review discussed approaches and techniques for the synthesis of 3D‐printed human organoids for drug screening. The key findings of the usage of organoids for personalized medicine for the treatment of COVID‐19 have been discussed. In the end, the key challenges for the wide applicability of human organoids for drug screening with prospects of future orientation have been included.
Black students' experiences of “acceptable” racism at a UK university
Authors: Osbourne Lateesha , Barnett Julie , Blackwood Leda
Published: June 2022

Our research, conducted with 30 Black students at a predominantly White institution, used mixed qualitative methods to investigate Black students' sense‐making of experiences that signalled their non‐belonging. All participants experienced both overt and covert racism including the n‐word, racist humour, and negative stereotyping; and this occurred in public and intimate spaces. Our reflexive thematic analysis centred on interactional dynamics that can explain how racism on campus is rendered acceptable; and how and why this is consequential for how Black students can act. We found that White students' practices of “acceptable” racism entailed the denial of responsibility and the privileging of White experiences to deflect responsibility. Importantly, these devices signal that the use of racist discourses does not always arise from unconscious bias or naivety. The perceived power dynamics whereby White students decide who belongs and what is acceptable contributed to Black students' inability to act on their own terms.
Fragment Screening Yields a Small‐Molecule Stabilizer of 14‐3‐3 Dimers That Modulates Client Protein Interactions
Authors: Brink Hendrik J. , Riemens Rick , Thee Stephanie , Beishuizen Berend , da Costa Pereira Daniel , Wijtmans Maikel , de Esch Iwan , Smit Martine J. , de Boer Albertus H.
Published: June 2022

The development of protein‐protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors has been a successful strategy in drug development. However, the identification of PPI stabilizers has proven much more challenging. Here we report a fragment‐based drug screening approach using the regulatory hub‐protein 14‐3‐3 as a platform for identifying PPI stabilizers. A homogenous time‐resolved FRET assay was used to monitor stabilization of 14‐3‐3/peptide binding using the known interaction partner estrogen receptor alpha. Screening of an in‐house fragment library identified fragment 2 (VUF15640) as a putative PPI stabilizer capable of cooperatively stabilizing 14‐3‐3 PPIs in a cooperative fashion with Fusicoccin‐A. Mechanistically, fragment 2 appears to enhance 14‐3‐3 dimerization leading to increased client‐protein binding. Functionally, fragment 2 enhanced potency of 14‐3‐3 in a cell‐free system inhibiting the enzyme activity of the nitrate reductase. In conclusion, we identified a general PPI stabilizer targeting 14‐3‐3, which could be used as a tool compound for investigating 14‐3‐3 client protein interactions.
The legacy of kinesins in the pollen tube 30 years later
Authors: Cai Giampiero
Published: June 2022

The pollen tube is fundamental in the reproduction of seed plants. Particularly in angiosperms, we now have much information about how it grows, how it senses extracellular signals, and how it converts them into a directional growth mechanism. The expansion of the pollen tube is also related to dynamic cytoplasmic processes based on the cytoskeleton (such as polymerization/depolymerization of microtubules and actin filaments) or motor activity along with the two cytoskeletal systems and is dependent on motor proteins. While a considerable amount of information is available for the actomyosin system in the pollen tube, the role of microtubules in the transport of organelles or macromolecular structures is still quite uncertain despite that 30 years ago the first work on the presence of kinesins in the pollen tube was published. Since then, progress has been made in elucidating the role of kinesins in plant cells. However, their role within the pollen tube is still enigmatic. In this review, I will postulate some roles of kinesins in the pollen tube 30 years after their initial discovery based on information obtained in other plant cells in the meantime. The most concrete hypotheses predict that kinesins in the pollen tube enable the short movement of specific organelles or contribute to generative cell or sperm cell transport, as well as mediate specific steps in the process of endocytosis.
Tunable Multi‐Phase System for Highly Chemo‐Selective Oxidation of Hydroxymethyl‐Furfural
Authors: Polidoro Daniele , Perosa Alvise , Selva Maurizio
Published: June 2022

Three different multiphase systems (MP 1–3) comprised of two immiscible liquids, with or without an ionic liquid (IL: methyltrioctyl ammonium chloride), were investigated for the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethyl‐furfural (HMF) over 5 % Ru/C as a catalyst and air (8 bar) as an oxidant. These conditions proved versatile for an excellent control of the reaction selectivity to 4 distinct products derived from full or partial oxidation of the carbonyl and alcohol functions of HMF, and each one achieved in 87–96 % isolated yield at complete conversion. MP1 based on water and isooctane, yielded 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA, 91 % yield). In MP2, obtained by adding the IL to MP1, the oxidation proceeded towards the formation of 5‐formyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid (FFCA, 87–89 % yield). MP2 also proved successful in the design of a one pot–two step oxidation/reduction sequence to prepare 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA, 85 % yield). In MP3, the use of an acetonitrile/cyclooctane biphase yielded 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF, 96 % yield). All the multiphase systems MP 1–3 allowed a perfect segregation of the catalyst in a single phase (either the hydrocarbon or the IL) distinct from the one containing HMF and its oxidation products. This was crucial not only for the catalyst/product separation but also for the recycle of Ru/C that was possible under all the tested conditions. Accordingly, MP‐reaction were run in a semicontinuous mode without removing the catalyst from the reactor nor resorting to conventional separation and activation techniques. Negligible Ru leaching, less than 0.96 ppb, was measured in all cases.
An effective maximum power point tracking technique for partially shaded photovoltaic system under rapidly changing atmospheric conditions
Authors: KT Swetha , Reddy Barry Venugopal , Robinson Abin
Published: June 2022

Partial shading is an unavoidable severe problem experienced by a photovoltaic system. The P‐V characteristics are highly non‐linear and exhibit multiple peaks under partial shading conditions (PSC). The conventional MPPT techniques are unable to track global maximum power point (GMPP) under PSC. Various bio‐inspired optimization methods employed for MPPT were presented in the literature. The operation of each algorithm differs from one another when tracking the GMPP. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid of adaptive particle swarm optimization (APSO) and Nelder Mead (NM) in searching for the global maximum power point. In this hybrid method, the unnecessary movement of APSO particles is minimized, leading to rapid convergence without the local trapping of the NM process. Thus, the proposed algorithm can balance both explorations by APSO and exploitation by NM. Extensive simulations are performed using Matlab/Simulink, which shows that this method successfully tracks global power under various shading patterns. The proposed method is compared with existing advanced optimization algorithms. Further validation is done via experimental analysis, and it confirms that the proposed method performs better in tracking maximum global power, less steady‐state oscillations, and fast‐tracking speed. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method in tracking GMPP with an average efficiency of 99.32% and an average tracking time of 0.513 s.
Pre‐existing humoral immune comebacks control the development of the severe form of coronavirus disease 2019 in Gaucher patients
Authors: Pandey Manoj Kumar
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and the Gaucher disease (GD) exhibit lot of resemblances in induction of innate and adaptive immune inflammation that include the immune cells activation and the massive generation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, which are all critical for propagation of the disease process and the multiple organ damage. However, majority of the GD patients have not revealed the expansion of severe form of the COVID‐19. This study suggests that the pre‐existing humoral immunity influence the devlopment of strong network of antibodies to different structural proteins of SARS‐CoV2 in GD patients with COVID‐19. Such antibodies and virus proteins interaction cause the comprehensive neutralization of SARS‐CoV2 and provides protection from the development of severe form of COVID‐19 in GD patients. This information could be helpful for better understanding of the disease mechanism as well as the development of additional potential therapy that could stop the growth of the severe symptoms and/or death in GD patients with COVID‐19.
A novel foot‐shaped elliptically embedded patch‐ultra wide band antenna with quadruple band notch characteristics verified by characteristic mode analysis
Authors: Koteswara Rao Devana Venkata Naga , Kusuma Kumari Emandi , Chakradhar Karnam Serkadu , Kadali Sharma Purnima , Rama Devi Danthuluri , Manohar Kumar Chebrolu , Dhana Raj Valluri , Prasad Devathoti Rajendra
Published: June 2022

A novel foot‐shaped elliptically embedded patch (EEP) ultra wide band (UWB) antenna with four band elimination features is demonstrated. The designed antenna incorporates embedded ellipses as its structure, a 50 Ω microstrip line feed, and a defective rectangular ground structure (DRGS). The antenna has 22 × 32 mm2 in size, with a frequency spectrum of 2.8–13.3 GHz, and a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 130%. On the radiating element, four half‐wavelength inverted U‐shaped slots are used to create four band‐stop characteristics and are verified by using characteristic mode analysis (CMA). The antenna has four band rejection characteristics, exhibiting S11 > –10 dB at 3.37 GHz for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) (3.17–3.61 GHz), 3.95 GHz for C (3.70–4.34 GHz), 5.49 GHz for wireless local area network (WLAN) (5.16–5.82 GHz), and 8.31 GHz for ITU‐8 (8.10–8.64 GHz) bands. The proposed EEP radiator with four notch characteristics has voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) values of 10.5, 25.6, 8.9, and 3.8 for notch center frequencies of 3.37, 3.95, 5.49, and 8.31 GHz. The proposed antenna peak gain fluctuates from 1.6 to 4.4, peak efficiency is 98.92%, group delay variations are less than 0.65 ns, linear phase response, and transfer function is less than –35 dB all across the entire UWB operating bandwidth except for notched frequency bands, which makes it appropriate for UWB portable applications.
Governance challenges for urban logistics: Lessons from three Norwegian cities
Authors: Rosales Rafael , Haarstad Håvard
Published: June 2022

Achieving more sustainable urban freight transport is a key challenge for cities, especially with the rise of diverse urban delivery services. However, the governance of urban freight transport and urban logistics has typically been seen as the domain of the private sector. In this paper we argue for a reframing of urban logistics as a matter of concern for public authorities, and subsequently, we examine logistics as an urban governance challenge: how is urban logistics addressed by urban level authorities? The empirical basis for the paper is a study of three Norwegian cities—Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger—currently working to integrate logistics into their governance processes. These cities are currently piloting solutions, sharing experiences, and attempting to establish effective regulations and measures. Nonetheless, various institutional barriers are preventing the implementation of public governance processes for urban logistics. We emphasise the need for clarified responsibilities in the public sector and for reconciliation between different users of public space, including urban logistics actors. In conclusion, we point to key issues to be addressed by an emerging research literature on the governance of urban logistics for sustainability.
Experimental and theoretical study on horizontal flame spread through arrays of wooden dowels
Authors: Li Mi , Jiang Lin , Xiao Hua‐Hua , Sun Jin‐Hua
Published: June 2022

Flame spread along discrete fuel element is of great interest for both fundamental science and fire prevention, whose combustion properties may be different from those of homogenous materials. It has been a long time for researchers in fire science to find a simple and effective method to construct a discrete flame spread model. This work was motivated by the research of 2‐D horizontal discrete flame spread behaviors with different spacings and rows, establishing the prediction model of ignition time and global mass loss rate (MLR). In this work, burning characteristics of the 2‐D discrete flame spread were experimentally studied with six different row numbers (1–11 with an interval of 2) of cylindrical dowels (birch wood, 3 mm diameter × 50 mm height) under three selected spacings (6, 7, and 8 mm). Based on the heat transfer model developed, the theoretical models of ignition time and MLR were obtained and validated. Moreover, combined with previous studies, the numerical correlation between dimensionless flame height and dimensionless heat release rate for the 2‐D horizontal discrete flame spread scenario was established. This study provided an insight into the horizontal discrete flame spread mechanism in the aspect of heat and mass transfer, which may be applied in the prediction and assessment of discrete fuel fires in reality.
Sparse group variable selection for gene–environment interactions in the longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Fei , Lu Xi , Ren Jie , Fan Kun , Ma Shuangge , Wu Cen
Published: June 2022

Penalized variable selection for high‐dimensional longitudinal data has received much attention as it can account for the correlation among repeated measurements while providing additional and essential information for improved identification and prediction performance. Despite the success, in longitudinal studies, the potential of penalization methods is far from fully understood for accommodating structured sparsity. In this article, we develop a sparse group penalization method to conduct the bi‐level gene–environment (G  E) interaction study under the repeatedly measured phenotype. Within the quadratic inference function framework, the proposed method can achieve simultaneous identification of main and interaction effects on both the group and individual levels. Simulation studies have shown that the proposed method outperforms major competitors. In the case study of asthma data from the Childhood Asthma Management Program, we conduct G  E study by using high‐dimensional single nucleotide polymorphism data as genetic factors and the longitudinal trait, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, as the phenotype. Our method leads to improved prediction and identification of main and interaction effects with important implications.
The Contingent Valuation Method contributes solutions for wildlife conservation: A case study at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo, Malaysia
Authors: Musa Fazilah , Darman Damri
Published: June 2022

Deforestation is an alarming issue that is prolific throughout world forests. Endemic fauna, flora, and wildlife habitat loss are serious concerns for world heritage. That is why Goal 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promotes the conserved use of these natural resources. Sabah, Malaysia is fortunate to have “Orang Hutan” literally “Jungle People” in the Sepilok Forest area. The government had designated the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre as their safeguard. Indeed, this is the world's first Rehabilitation Centre for Orangutans. However, the wildlife conservation of Orangutans needs to be translated into economic values. This study aims to determine the economic valuation of wildlife conservation through visitors' Willingness to Pay (WTP) via applying the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). A total of 143 questionnaires were distributed randomly to international and local visitors. The Logistic Regression was used to estimate the Mean WTP. Results showed that several significant sociodemographic variables influence the respondents' WTP. Nevertheless, most respondents were willing to pay a maximum of MYR16.73, while the mean was MYR7.27 only. In 2017, the estimated annual economic value of the Rehabilitation Centre was MYR9, 697 074.96 compared to the estimated conservation value of MYR96, 970 749.60. The findings of this study demonstrate the possible beneficial role of economic valuation in assisting not just Orangutan conservation but threatened species conservation elsewhere. The study has assisted the Centre's management in determining the appropriate entrance fees for the future, as they have not been revised in over a decade. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1174–1186. © 2022 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Several significant sociodemographic variables influence the respondents' Willingness to Pay. Most respondents' Willingness to Pay was a maximum of MYR16.73, while the mean was MYR7.27. There is a critical need for Orangutan conservation. This study seeks to assist the Centre's management in determining the appropriate entry fees.
Capital‐constrained loan creation, household stock market participation and monetary policy in a behavioural new Keynesian model
Authors: Kotb Naira , Proaño Christian R.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we incorporate a stock market and a banking sector in a behavioural macro‐finance model with heterogenous and boundedly rational expectations. Households' savings are diversified among bank deposits and stock purchases, and banks' lending to firms is subject to capital‐related deviation costs. We find that households' participation in the stock market, coupled to the existence of a capital‐constrained banking sector affects the transmission of monetary policy to the economy significantly, and that households' deposits act as a critical spill‐over channel between the real and the financial sectors. Further, we relate the deviation costs in the banking sector with the degree of pass‐through of monetary policy shocks. Last, we investigate the performance of a leaning‐against‐the‐wind monetary policy, which targets asset prices concerning macroeconomic and financial stability.
Multimodal therapy including robot‐assisted radical cystoprostatectomy for locally advanced prostate cancer with bladder and ureteral invasion: A case report
Authors: Okumi Masayoshi , Kujime Yuma , Matsumura Soichi , Kitakaze Hiroaki , Nakano Kosuke , Hongo Sachiko , Yoshioka Iwao , Takada Shingo
Published: June 2022

Introduction

It remains unclear whether robot‐assisted radical cystoprostatectomy for locally advanced prostate cancer represents excessive treatment.

Case presentation

A 58‐year‐old man presented with urinary retention and renal failure. Prostate‐specific antigen level was 38.07 ng/mL and computed tomography scans revealed bilateral hydronephrosis due to prostate enlargement. Prostate biopsy revealed a Gleason score of 5 + 5 adenocarcinoma, and bilateral hydronephrosis persisted even after urethral catheter placement. We diagnosed locally advanced prostate cancer with bladder and ureteral invasion. Percutaneous bilateral nephrostomy was performed, and neoadjuvant hormone therapy was initiated. Four months after the start of hormone therapy, robot‐assisted radical cystoprostatectomy and an intracorporeal ileal conduit were performed, followed by adjuvant radiation therapy for lymph node metastasis. Seven months after the surgery, the patient was free of disease with prostate‐specific antigen level <0.03 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted radical cystoprostatectomy can be an effective multimodal therapy for locally advanced prostate cancer with bladder and ureteral invasion by locally advanced prostate cancer.
Effect of physical exercise and noninvasive brain stimulation on cognition and dementia of elderly people with frailty: A randomized study
Authors: da Silva Vernon Furtado , Silva Diego Augusto Santos , Martins Priscila Custódio , Calomeni Mauricio Rocha , de Aquino Freire Ivete , Militão Angeliete Garcês , Borges Célio José , de Barros Vilela Junior Guanis , de Moraes Mario Antônio , Silva Antônio José Rocha Martins , de Almeida Marinho Daniel , Ribeiro Domingos Edno Castro , Ribeiro Edinilson Castro , Valentim‐Silva João Rafael
Published: June 2022

The objective was to verify the effects of intervention with physical and mental exercises (PMED) and noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on cognition and dementia of frail elderly people with mild cognitive deficits. Sixty elderly people (aged 65–80 years) were divided into three groups, an experimental group (GAE) that received intervention with PMED plus NIBS, a control group for physical exercises (GCA), which received only the PMED, and the third also control non‐invasive brain stimulation group (GCF) that practiced only the NIBS intervention. The three types of intervention lasted 10 weeks, with 60 min per session The GAE received 20 min of NIBS, 5 min for warm‐up, 30 min for physical and mental training and 5 min for a cooling down rest. The other two groups had the same period per section, being that the GCA, in place of the real NIBS, had 20 min of white noise and the GCF, instead of practicing the real plan of physical exercises as did the other groups, experienced 30 min of relaxing exercises for body relaxation. Inhibitory control, working memory, dementia symptoms, and the brainwaves alpha‐band rhythm and resting‐state sensorimotor rhythm [SMR]) were the variables evaluated before and after the interventions. Individuals in the GAE group showed improvement in working memory (p < 0.0001), but those in the GCF (p > 0.05) and the GCA (p > 0.05) groups did not. All groups experienced an improvement in inhibitory control, alpha‐band rhythm and in the SMR rhythms. All groups also obtained a reduction in the dementia symptoms, but no difference between groups was observed. So, the interventions improved cognition, reduced dementia symptoms, and had a modulating effect on alpha wave activity and SMR in elderly people with mild cognitive deficits and frailty, but only the combined intervention (PMED plus NIBS) improved working memory.
Hsa_circ_0005100 regulates tumorigenicity of colorectal carcinoma via miR‐145‐5p/MACC1 axis
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Yu Suyang , Zhao Shipeng
Published: June 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a kind of RNA molecules involved in the regulation of cancer progression, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC); nevertheless, their regulation mode is blurry. In the present work, we attempted to reveal the characteristics of hsa_hsa_circ_0005100 in CRC.

Methods

Differential expressions of hsa_circ_0005100, FMN2 mRNA, microRNA‐145‐5p (miR‐145‐5p), and MACC1 were indicated by qRT‐PCR and Western blot. The capacities of cell growth and motility were validated by the MTT assay, flow cytometry assay, EdU assay, colony formation assay, and transwell assay. Moreover, the targeted relationship of miR‐145‐5p and hsa_circ_0005100 or MACC1 was distinguished by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The animal experiment was implemented to confirm the influence of hsa_circ_0005100 on tumorigenesis in vivo.

Results

Hsa_circ_0005100 and MACC1 expression levels were increased, but miR‐145‐5p expression level was diminished in CRC. Hsa_circ_0005100 knockdown repressed cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion, while expedited cell apoptosis in CRC cells. Furthermore, miR‐145‐5p was disclosed to block CRC via overturning MACC1. Hsa_circ_0005100 targeted miR‐145‐5p to modulate MACC1. Additionally, hsa_circ_0005100 knockdown also attenuated tumorigenesis in vivo.

Conclusion

Hsa_circ_0005100 was a vital regulator in the development of CRC by miR‐145‐5p/MACC1 axis, which deepened the understanding of CRC pathogenesis from circRNA insights.
A review on advances in synthetic methodology and biological profile of spirothiazolidin‐4‐ones
Authors: Yadav Jyoti , Chaudhary Ram Pal
Published: June 2022

Heterocycles are important structural components in pharmacophores that are currently being used to treat several diseases. Among the various heterocyclic scaffolds, nitrogen and sulfur containing spiroheterocycles are essential structural motifs that constitute diverse biodynamic agents. In the last two decades, a paradigm shift has occurred in the synthesis of spirothiazolidin‐4‐ones by replacing conventional and multi‐step synthesis with green protocols, that use novel organo and nanocatalysts. In this review, literature on spirothiazolidin‐4‐ones from years 2000–2021 has been summarized into groups of different synthetic strategies and their potential biological activities.
Catalyst‐free one‐pot synthesis of quinoline tethered α‐amino ketones by multicomponent reactions
Authors: Yadav Rahul , Darakshan  , Parvin Tasneem
Published: June 2022

Herein we have reported a one‐pot green methodology for the synthesis of quinoline tethered α‐amino ketones. The reaction of arylglyoxal, 2‐aminoquinoline, and 4‐hydroxy‐1‐methylquinolin‐2(1H)‐one/barbituric acid in ethanol under reflux conditions provided the quinoline tethered α‐amino ketones. The environmentally benign process, one‐pot synthesis, readily available starting materials, short reaction time, easy purification process, good yields of the products, and the presence of several bioactive moieties such as quinolines and α‐amino carbonyl in the product are the main advantages of this methodology. All the products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), 13C NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) of one compound was also reported.
A 25‐year climatology of low‐tropospheric temperature and humidity inversions for contrasting synoptic regimes at Neumayer Station, Antarctica
Authors: Silva Tiago , Schlosser Elisabeth , Lehner Manuela
Published: June 2022

A 25‐year set of daily radiosonde data was used to investigate temperature and humidity inversions at Neumayer Station, coastal Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica. For the first time, inversions were studied differentiating between different synoptic conditions and different height levels. It was shown that, generally, inversions occurred on the majority (78%) of the days, with simultaneous occurrence of humidity and temperature inversions being observed on approximately two thirds of all days. Multiple inversions are common in all seasons for cyclonic and noncyclonic conditions, however, typically occur more frequently under cyclonic conditions. The seasonality of inversion occurrence and features, that is, inversion strength, depth and vertical gradients, was analysed statistically. Different formation mechanisms depending on inversion levels and prevailing weather situations are related to typical annual courses of certain inversion features. Winter maxima were found for the features that are mostly connected to the temperature close to the surface, which is mainly a result of the negative energy balance, thus influencing surface‐based inversions. At the second level, both temperature and humidity inversions are often caused by advection of comparably warm and moist air masses related to the passage of cyclones and their frontal systems. Hence, maxima in several inversion features are found in spring and fall, when cyclonic activity is strongest. Monthly mean profiles of humidity and temperature inversions reveal that elevated inversions are often obscured in average profiles due to large variations in inversion height and depth.
Tailor‐Made 3D Printed Meshes of Alginate‐Waterborne Polyurethane as Suitable Implants for Hernia Repair
Authors: Olmos‐Juste Raquel , Olza Sheila , Gabilondo Nagore , Eceiza Arantxa
Published: June 2022

Hernia injuries are the main condition where mesh implants are needed to provide a suitable reinforcement of the damaged tissue. Mesh implants made of polypropylene (PP) are widely used for this application, however complications related to lack of flexibility, elasticity, and mesh infection have been reported. The development of mesh implants from safer materials adaptable to patient necessities can suppose an alternative for conventional PP meshes. In this work, personalized mesh implants made of alginate and waterborne‐polyurethane (A‐WBPU) are developed using 3D printing technology. For that purpose, five waterborne polyurethane ink formulations with different amounts of alginate are developed and rheologically characterized. All ink formulations are 3D printed showing good printability, manufacturing surgical mesh implants with suitable morphological characteristics customizable to patient injury through computer‐aided design (CAD) mesh model adaptation. A calcium chloride (CaCl2) coating is applied after 3D printing as mesh reinforcement. Mechanical analysis revealed that CaCl2 coated meshes containing 6 wt % of alginate in their formulation are the most suitable to be used as implants for small and groin hernias under physiological tensile strength value of 16 N cm−1, and presenting proper elasticity to cover physiological corporal movements (42.57 %). Moreover, an antibiotic‐loaded A‐WBPU formulation suitable for 3D printing of meshes are developed as strategy to avoid possible mesh infection.
Inhibitory effect of cysteine and lanthanides on AA7075‐T6 in neutral NaCl solution
Authors: Pejić Jovanka , Radojković Bojana , Marunkić Dunja , Jegdić Bore , Stevanović Sanja , Milošević Milena , Bajat Jelena
Published: June 2022

The inhibitory effect of cysteine in the presence of selected lanthanide chlorides (LaCl3, NdCl3, and CeCl3) in a neutral 0.1 M NaCl solution was analyzed. The cysteine concentration of 0.3 mM was determined as an optimal one. The resistance to general and pitting corrosion of AA7075‐T6 alloy in inhibitive solutions was determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The surface appearance of the aluminum alloy was determined before and after corrosion tests using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, while the presence of an inhibitory layer on the alloy surface was confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and atomic force microscopy. The inhibitory effect of cysteine was significantly higher in the presence of all tested lanthanide chlorides, especially to pitting corrosion. The protective ability of cysteine was increased by lanthanides in the following sequence: Ln < Nd < Ce ions. The inhibitory effect of cysteine in the presence of cerium ions was examined in more detail as cerium ions provided the highest inhibitory effect, both to general and pitting corrosion.
Thermosensitive P(AAc‐co‐NIPAm) Hydrogels Display Enhanced Toughness and Self‐Healing via Ion–Ligand Interactions
Authors: Xu Lin , Fu Yu , Wagner Robert J. , Zou Xiang , He Qingrui , Li Tao , Pan Wenlong , Ding Jianning , Vernerey Franck J.
Published: June 2022

Hydrogels containing thermosensitive polymers such as poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (P(NIPAm)) may contract during heating and show great promise in fields ranging from soft robotics to thermosensitive biosensors. However, these gels often exhibit low stiffness, tensile strength, and mechanical toughness, limiting their applicability. Through copolymerization of P(NIPAm) with poly(Acrylic acid) (P(AAc)) and introduction of ferric ions (Fe3+) that coordinate with functional groups along the P(AAc) chains, here a thermoresponsive hydrogel with enhanced mechanical extensibility, strength, and toughness is introduced. Using both experimentation and constitutive modeling, it is found that increasing the ratio of m(AAc):m(NIPAm) in the prepolymer decreases strength and toughness but improves extensibility. In contrast, increasing Fe3+ concentration generally improves strength and toughness with little decrease in extensibility. Due to reversible coordination of the Fe3+ bonds, these gels display excellent recovery of mechanical strength during cyclic loading and self‐healing ability. While thermosensitive contraction imbued by the underlying P(NIPAm) decreases slightly with increased Fe3+ concentration, the temperature transition range is widened and shifted upward toward that of human body temperature (between 30 and 40 °C), perhaps rendering these gels suitable as in vivo biosensors. Finally, these gels display excellent adsorptive properties with a variety of materials, rendering them possible candidates in adhesive applications.
Single‐shot T2 mapping via multi‐echo‐train multiple overlapping‐echo detachment planar imaging and multitask deep learning
Authors: Ouyang Binyu , Yang Qizhi , Wang Xiaoyin , He Hongjian , Ma Lingceng , Yang Qinqin , Zhou Zihan , Cai Shuhui , Chen Zhong , Wu Zhigang , Zhong Jianhui , Cai Congbo
Published: June 2022

Background

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging provides robust biomarkers in clinics. Nevertheless, the lengthy scan time reduces imaging throughput and increases the susceptibility of imaging results to motion. In this context, a single‐shot T2 mapping method based on multiple overlapping‐echo detachment (MOLED) planar imaging was presented, but the relatively small echo time range limits its accuracy, especially in tissues with large T2.

Purpose

In this work we proposed a novel single‐shot method, Multi‐Echo‐Train Multiple OverLapping‐Echo Detachment (METMOLED) planar imaging, to accommodate a large range of T2 quantification without additional measurements to rectify signal degeneration arisen from refocusing pulse imperfection.

Methods

Multiple echo‐train techniques were integrated into the MOLED sequence to capture larger TE information. Maps of T2, B1, and spin density were reconstructed synchronously from acquired METMOLED data via multitask deep learning. A typical U‐Net was trained with 3000/600 synthetic data with geometric/brain patterns to learn the mapping relationship between METMOLED signals and quantitative maps. The refocusing pulse imperfection was settled through the inherent information of METMOLED data and auxiliary tasks.

Results

Experimental results on the digital brain (structural similarity (SSIM) index = 0.975/0.991/0.988 for MOLED/METMOLED‐2/METMOLED‐3, hyphenated number denotes the number of echo‐trains), physical phantom (the slope of linear fitting with reference T2 map = 1.047/1.017/1.006 for MOLED/METMOLED‐2/METMOLED‐3), and human brain (Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) = 0.9581/0.9760/0.9900 for MOLED/METMOLED‐2/METMOLED‐3) demonstrated that the METMOLED improved the quantitative accuracy and the tissue details in contrast to the MOLED. These improvements were more pronounced in tissues with large T2 and in application scenarios with high temporal resolution (PCC = 0.8692/0.9465/0.9743 for MOLED/METMOLED‐2/METMOLED‐3). Moreover, the METMOLED could rectify the signal deviations induced by the non‐ideal slice profiles of refocusing pulses without additional measurements. A preliminary measurement also demonstrated that the METMOLED is highly repeatable (mean coefficient of variation (CV) = 1.65%).

Conclusions

METMOLED breaks the restriction of echo‐train length to TE and implements unbiased T2 estimates in an extensive range. Furthermore, it corrects the effect of refocusing pulse inaccuracy without additional measurements or signal post‐processing, thus retaining its single‐shot characteristic. This technique would be beneficial for accurate T2 quantification.
Visual versus quantitative analysis of muscle ultrasound in neuromuscular disease
Authors: Wijntjes Juerd , van der Hoeven Joris , Saris Christiaan G. J. , Doorduin Jonne , van Alfen Nens
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Aims

Visual and quantitative muscle ultrasound are both valid diagnostic tools in neuromuscular diseases. To optimize muscle ultrasound evaluation and facilitate its use in neuromuscular disease, we examined the correlation between visual and quantitative muscle ultrasound analysis and their pitfalls.

Methods

Retrospective data from 994 patients with 13,562 muscle ultrasound images were analyzed. Differences in echogenicity z‐score distribution per Heckmatt grade and corresponding correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results

Overall, there was a correlation of 0.60 between the two scoring systems, with a gradual increase in z‐score with increasing Heckmatt grades and vice versa. Patients with a neuromuscular disorder had higher Heckmatt grades (p < 0.001) and z‐scores (median z‐score = 0.30, p < 0.001) than patients without. The highest Heckmatt grades and z‐scores were found in patients with either a dystrophy or inflammatory myopathy (both median Heckmatt grade of 2 and median z score of 0.74 and 1.20, respectively). Discrepant scores were infrequent (<2%), but revealed important pitfalls in both grading systems.

Discussion

Visual and quantitative muscle ultrasound are complementary techniques to evaluate neuromuscular disease and have a moderate positive correlation. Importantly, we identified specific pitfalls for visual and quantitative muscle ultrasound and how to overcome them in clinical practice.
Impact of deep learning architectures on accelerated cardiac T1 mapping using MyoMapNet
Authors: Amyar Amine , Guo Rui , Cai Xiaoying , Assana Salah , Chow Kelvin , Rodriguez Jennifer , Yankama Tuyen , Cirillo Julia , Pierce Patrick , Goddu Beth , Ngo Long , Nezafat Reza
Published: June 2022

The objective of the current study was to investigate the performance of various deep learning (DL) architectures for MyoMapNet, a DL model for T1 estimation using accelerated cardiac T1 mapping from four T1‐weighted images collected after a single inversion pulse (Look‐Locker 4 [LL4]). We implemented and tested three DL architectures for MyoMapNet: (a) a fully connected neural network (FC), (b) convolutional neural networks (VGG19, ResNet50), and (c) encoder‐decoder networks with skip connections (ResUNet, U‐Net). Modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) images from 749 patients at 3 T were used for training, validation, and testing. The first four T1‐weighted images from MOLLI5(3)3 and/or MOLLI4(1)3(1)2 protocols were extracted to create accelerated cardiac T1 mapping data. We also prospectively collected data from 28 subjects using MOLLI and LL4 to further evaluate model performance. Despite rigorous training, conventional VGG19 and ResNet50 models failed to produce anatomically correct T1 maps, and T1 values had significant errors. While ResUNet yielded good quality maps, it significantly underestimated T1. Both FC and U‐Net, however, yielded excellent image quality with good T1 accuracy for both native (FC/U‐Net/MOLLI = 1217 ± 64/1208 ± 61/1199 ± 61 ms, all p < 0.05) and postcontrast myocardial T1 (FC/U‐Net/MOLLI = 578 ± 57/567 ± 54/574 ± 55 ms, all p < 0.05). In terms of precision, the U‐Net model yielded better T1 precision compared with the FC architecture (standard deviation of 61 vs. 67 ms for the myocardium for native [p < 0.05], and 31 vs. 38 ms [p < 0.05], for postcontrast). Similar findings were observed in prospectively collected LL4 data. It was concluded that U‐Net and FC DL models in MyoMapNet enable fast myocardial T1 mapping using only four T1‐weighted images collected from a single LL sequence with comparable accuracy. U‐Net also provides a slight improvement in precision.
Free energy calculation and ghost force correction for hot‐QC
Authors: Kim Woo Kyun , Kavalur Aditya , Whalen Stephen M. , Tadmor Ellad B.
Published: June 2022

A new efficient variant of hot‐QC, the finite temperature version of the quasicontinuum (QC) method, is presented. In the original formulation of hot‐QC, a dynamically evolving atomistic region is coupled with either a dynamic (hot‐QC‐dynamic) or a static (hot‐QC‐static) continuum region. In the current work, a free energy minimization method is employed in which atom positions in both the atomistic and continuum regions always occupy equilibrium positions. The effect of ghost forces at the interface of the atomistic and continuum regions is discussed for all three variants of hot‐QC using two examples: a perfect cubic crystal and a Lomer dislocation dipole. Errors due to ghost forces and due to mesh entropy are considered and the efficacy of their correction terms are evaluated. It is shown that the proposed free energy minimization method has comparable accuracy to the other methods with significantly higher efficiency.
Compatibility of mycorrhiza‐induced resistance with viral and bacterial entomopathogens in the control of Spodoptera exigua in tomato
Authors: Frattini Ada , Martínez‐Solís María , Llopis‐Giménez Ángel , Pozo María J. , Rivero Javier , Crava Cristina M. , Herrero Salvador
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil‐borne microorganisms that establish mutualistic associations with roots of most terrestrial plants. This symbiosis results in nutritional and defensive benefits to the host plant, usually conferring protection against biotic stresses, but its indirect impact on third trophic levels is still unknown. In the present work, we explore whether the symbiosis of tomato plants with Funneliformis mosseae (and/or exposition to herbivory) influences the interaction of the generalist pest Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with bacterial (Bacillus thuringiensis) and viral (baculovirus, SeMNPV) natural entomopathogens.

RESULTS

Symbiosis with AMF and previous herbivory reduces the relative growth of S. exigua, increases its susceptibility to a sublethal dose of B. thuringiensis and has positive or neutral impact on the lethality of SeMNPV. Reduction of the phenoloxidase activity, a marker of the insect immune response, was associated with the larval feeding on plant material previously exposed to herbivory but not to the AMF. In addition, no changes in the insect gut microbiota could be associated with the observed changes in larval growth and susceptibility to the entomopathogens.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide the first evidence of compatibility of AMF symbiosis in tomato with the use of bacterial and viral entomopathogens, contributing to the development of novel approaches to combine the beneficial effect of AMF and entomopathogens in biological pest control. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Structure and Electronic Properties of 2D GaN/AlxGa1−xN 2D/3D Heterostructure Controlled by Al Components and Interlayer Distance
Authors: Tian Jian , Liu Lei , Lu Feifei , Cheng Hongchang , Guo Xin
Published: June 2022

Herein, the structure and electronic properties of 2D GaN/AlxGa1−xN 2D/3D heterostructure with different Al components and interlayer distance using first‐principle calculations are studied. The results show that the ordered arrangement of Al components in AlxGa1−xN materials is more conducive to form heterostructures. By comparing binding energy under different Al components, it can be found that graphene‐like GaN(g‐GaN)/Al0.5Ga0.5N is the most stable. Expect g‐GaN/AlN heterostructure, there is effect of chemical bonds in other g‐GaN/AlxGa1−xN models from charge density distribution. The bandgap of the heterostructure enlarges with the increase in Al components. The g‐GaN/AlN has an indirect bandgap, while the other heterostructure models have characteristics with direct bandgap. There are impurity levels appearing near the Fermi level in band structure of heterostructure, which are mainly induced by the surface dangling bonds between g‐GaN layer and AlxGa1−xN layer. Through the analysis of binding energy, average electrostatic potential, and band structure of different interlayer distance, the optimal interlayer distance range of g‐GaN/AlxGa1−xN heterostructure is 2.5–3 Å.
Polydatin alleviates DSS‐ and TNBS‐induced colitis by suppressing Th17 cell differentiation via directly inhibiting STAT3
Authors: Liu Yao‐Jun , Xu Wei‐Heng , Fan Li‐Ming , Zhang Yu‐Qin , Xu Wen , Chen Ya‐Ping , Chen Lin‐Lin , Chen Li , Xu Wei , Wang Yan , Chu Ke‐Dan , Zhang Jun‐Ping
Published: June 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non‐specific chronic intestinal inflammatory disease, often presenting with abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, anorexia, and body loss. It is difficult to cure completely and a promising treatment is urgently needed. Natural compounds can offer promising chemical agents for treatment of diseases. Polydatin is a natural ingredient extracted from the dried rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum, which has anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor, and dementia protection activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of polydatin on IBD and explore its possible mechanism. We found that polydatin could effectively suppress the differentiation of Th17 cells in vitro, but had no effect on the differentiation of Treg cells. Polydatin significantly alleviated colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and 2, 4, 6‐trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in mice, and dramatically decreased the proportion of Th17 cells in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. Mechanism investigations revealed that polydatin specifically inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation by directly binding to STAT3, leading to Th17 cell reduction and thereby alleviating colitis. These findings provide novel insights into the anti‐colitis effect of polydatin, which may be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of IBD.
Molecular Vibrational Polaritons Towards Quantum Technologies
Authors: Yang Zimo , Xiong Wei
Published: June 2022

Molecular vibrational polaritons (MVPs)—a hybrid molecular‐photon quasiparticle—and the development of a proof‐of‐principle quantum technology platform are discussed to simulate coherence transfer, for use at room temperature. It is shown that MVPs can form qubits, coherence, and have nonlinear interactions, all at room temperature. Some new insights, such as polaritonic nonlinearity dependence on macroscopic properties including cavity thickness and molecular concentrations are also uncovered. It is hoped that these advances can stimulate more research in developing this system into a quantum technology platform free from the constraints imposed by the requirement of cryogenic conditions.