bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetraspanins distinguish separate extracellular vesicle subpopulations in human serum and plasma – Contributions of platelet extracellular vesicles in plasma samples
Authors: Karimi Nasibeh , Dalirfardouei Razieh , Dias Tomás , Lötvall Jan , Lässer Cecilia
Published: May 2022

Background: The ability to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) from blood is vital in the development of EVs as disease biomarkers. Both serum and plasma can be used, but few studies have compared these sources in terms of the type of EVs that are obtained. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of different subpopulations of EVs in plasma and serum.

Method: Blood was collected from healthy subjects, and plasma and serum were isolated in parallel. ACD or EDTA tubes were used for the collection of plasma, while serum was obtained in clot activator tubes. EVs were isolated utilising a combination of density cushion and SEC, a combination of density cushion and gradient or by a bead antibody capturing system (anti‐CD63, anti‐CD9 and anti‐CD81 beads). The subpopulations of EVs were analysed by NTA, Western blot, SP‐IRIS, conventional and nano flow cytometry, magnetic bead ELISA and mass spectrometry. Additionally, different isolation protocols for plasma were compared to determine the contribution of residual platelets in the analysis.

Results: This study shows that a higher number of CD9+ EVs were present in EDTA‐plasma compared to ACD‐plasma and to serum, and the presence of CD41a on these EVs suggests that they were released from platelets. Furthermore, only a very small number of EVs in blood were double‐positive for CD63 and CD81. The CD63+ EVs were enriched in serum, while CD81+ vesicles were the rarest subpopulation in both plasma and serum. Additionally, EDTA‐plasma contained more residual platelets than ACD‐plasma and serum, and two centrifugation steps were crucial to reduce the number of platelets in plasma prior to EV isolation.

Conclusion: These results show that human blood contains multiple subpopulations of EVs that carry different tetraspanins. Blood sampling methods, including the use of anti‐coagulants and choice of centrifugation protocols, can affect EV analyses and should always be reported in detail.
The development of extracellular vesicle markers for the fungal phytopathogen Colletotrichum higginsianum
Authors: Rutter Brian D. , Chu Thi‐Thu‐Huyen , Dallery Jean‐Félix , Zajt Kamil K. , O'Connell Richard J. , Innes Roger W.
Published: May 2022

Fungal phytopathogens secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) associated with enzymes and phytotoxic metabolites. While these vesicles are thought to promote infection, defining the true contents and functions of fungal EVs, as well as suitable protein markers, is an ongoing process. To expand our understanding of fungal EVs and their possible roles during infection, we purified EVs from the hemibiotrophic phytopathogen Colletotrichum higginsianum, the causative agent of anthracnose disease in multiple plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana. EVs were purified in large numbers from the supernatant of protoplasts but not the supernatant of intact mycelial cultures. We purified two separate populations of EVs, each associated with over 700 detected proteins, including proteins involved in vesicle transport, cell wall biogenesis and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. We selected two SNARE proteins (Snc1 and Sso2) and one 14‐3‐3 protein (Bmh1) as potential EV markers and generated transgenic strains expressing fluorescent fusions. Each marker was confirmed to be protected inside EVs. Fluorescence microscopy was used to examine the localization of each marker during infection on Arabidopsis leaves. These findings further our understanding of EVs in fungal phytopathogens and will help build an experimental system to study EV interkingdom communication between plants and fungi.
CD73 in small extracellular vesicles derived from HNSCC defines tumour‐associated immunosuppression mediated by macrophages in the microenvironment
Authors: Lu Tingwei , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jianjun , Pan Xinhua , Zhu Xueqin , Wang Xu , Li Zhihui , Ruan Min , Li Huasheng , Chen Wantao , Yan Ming
Published: May 2022

Research on tumour cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that regulate tumour microenvironment (TME) has provided strategies for targeted therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Herein, we demonstrated that sEVs derived from HNSCC cancer cells carried CD73 (sEVsCD73), which promoted malignant progression and mediated immune evasion. The sEVsCD73 phagocytosed by tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in the TME induced immunosuppression. Higher CD73high TAMs infiltration levels in the HNSCC microenvironment were correlated with poorer prognosis, while sEVsCD73 activated the NF‐κB pathway in TAMs, thereby inhibiting immune function by increasing cytokines secretion such as IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β1. The absence of sEVsCD73 enhanced the sensitivity of anti‐PD‐1 therapy through reversed immunosuppression. Moreover, circulating sEVsCD73 increased the risk of lymph node metastasis and worse prognosis. Taken together, our study suggests that sEVsCD73 derived from tumour cells contributes to immunosuppression and is a potential predictor of anti‐PD‐1 responses for immune checkpoint therapy in HNSCC.
Extracellular vesicles rich in HAX1 promote angiogenesis by modulating ITGB6 translation
Authors: You Bo , Pan Si , Gu Miao , Zhang Kaiwen , Xia Tian , Zhang Siyu , Chen Wenhui , Xie Haijing , Fan Yue , Yao Hui , Cheng Tianyi , Zhang Panpan , Liu Dong , You Yiwen
Published: May 2022

Tumour‐associated angiogenesis plays a critical role in metastasis, the main cause of malignancy‐related death. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can regulate angiogenesis to participate in tumour metastasis. Our previous study showed that EVs rich in HAX1 are associated with in metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the mechanism by which HAX1 of EVs promotes metastasis and angiogenesis is unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that EVs rich in HAX1 promote angiogenesis phenotype by activating the FAK pathway in endothelial cells (ECs) by increasing expression level of ITGB6. The expression level of HAX1 is markedly correlated with microvessel density (MVDs) in NPC and head and neck cancers based on an analysis of IHC. In addition to a series of in vitro cellular analyses, in vivo models revealed that HAX1 was correlated with migration and blood vessel formation of ECs, and metastasis of NPC. Using ribosome profiling, we found that HAX1 regulates the FAK pathway to influence microvessel formation and promote NPC metastasis by enhancing the translation efficiency of ITGB6. Our findings demonstrate that HAX1 can be used as an important biomarker for NPC metastasis, providing a novel basis for antiangiogenesis therapy in clinical settings.
Performance evaluation of the Elecsys PIVKA‐II and Elecsys AFP assays for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis
Authors: Chan Henry L Y , Vogel Arndt , Berg Thomas , De Toni Enrico N , Kudo Masatoshi , Trojan Jörg , Eiblmaier Anja , Klein Hanns‐Georg , Hegel Johannes Kolja , Sharma Ashish , Madin Kairat , Rolny Vinzent , Lisy Marcus‐Rene , Piratvisuth Teerha
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

Prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence‐II (PIVKA‐II) is a serum biomarker linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), showing superiority to alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) for early disease detection. We aimed to assess the clinical and analytical performance of the Elecsys® PIVKA‐II immunoassay in diagnosing HCC and evaluate PIVKA‐II's technical performance.

Methods

Serum samples from adult cases (i.e. patients with a first‐time HCC diagnosis; n = 168) and disease controls (i.e. patients without HCC with an at‐risk condition; n = 208) were assessed. An AFP cut‐off of 20 ng/mL was used to differentiate between HCC cases and disease controls. Clinical performance of the Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay was compared with that of comparator assays (Lumipulse G PIVKA‐II, μTASWako DCP, ARCHITECT PIVKA‐II) using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the area under the curve (AUC) values.

Results

The Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay compared favorably with comparator assays. Using a 28.4 ng/mL cut‐off, the Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay detected HCC with 86.9% sensitivity and 83.7% specificity. Clinical performance of the Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay (AUC: 90.8%) was equivalent to that of comparator assays (AUC: 88.3–89.6%). Relatively high PIVKA‐II concentrations were observed for cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer with the Elecsys assay in specificity panel analyses, indicating that high PIVKA‐II concentrations should not be used alone in the absence of other clinical data.

Conclusions

The Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay showed good analytical performance under routine laboratory conditions, comparing favorably with comparator assays. These findings support the suitability of the Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay as an aid in HCC diagnosis.
Combined isobutyryl‐CoA and multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in a boy with altered riboflavin homeostasis
Authors: Tummolo Albina , Leone Piero , Tolomeo Maria , Solito Rita , Mattiuzzo Matteo , Lepri Francesca Romana , Lorè Tania , Cardinali Roberta , De Giovanni Donatella , Simonetti Simonetta , Barile Maria
Published: May 2022

In this report, we describe the case of an 11‐year‐old boy, who came to our attention for myalgia and muscle weakness, associated with inappetence and vomiting. Hypertransaminasemia was also noted, with ultrasound evidence of hepatomegaly. Biochemical investigations revealed acylcarnitine and organic acid profiles resembling those seen in MADD, that is, multiple acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiencies (OMIM #231680) a rare inherited disorder of fatty acids, amino acids, and choline metabolism. The patient carried a single pathogenetic variant in the ETFDH gene (c.524G>A, p.Arg175His) and no pathogenetic variant in the riboflavin (Rf) homeostasis related genes (SLC52A1, SLC52A2, SLC52A3, SLC25A32, FLAD1). Instead, compound heterozygosity was found in the ACAD8 gene (c.512C>G, p.Ser171Cys; c.822C>A, p.Asn274Lys), coding for isobutyryl‐CoA dehydrogenase (IBD), whose pathogenic variants are associated to IBD deficiency (OMIM #611283), a rare autosomal recessive disorder of valine catabolism. The c.822C>A was never previously described in a patient. Subsequent further analyses of Rf homeostasis showed reduced levels of flavins in plasma and altered FAD‐dependent enzymatic activities in erythrocytes, as well as a significant reduction in the level of the plasma membrane Rf transporter 2 in erythrocytes. The observed Rf/flavin scarcity in this patient, possibly associated with a decreased ETF:QO efficiency might be responsible for the observed MADD‐like phenotype. The patient's clinical picture improved after supplementation of Rf, l‐carnitine, Coenzyme Q10, and also 3OH‐butyrate. This report demonstrates that, even in the absence of genetic defects in genes involved in Rf homeostasis, further targeted molecular analysis may reveal secondary and possibly treatable biochemical alterations in this pattern.
New Cluster Analysis Method for Quantitative Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI Assessing Tumor Heterogeneity Induced by a Tumor‐Microenvironmental Ameliorator (E7130) Treatment to a Breast Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Makihara Kazuyuki , Yamaguchi Masayuki , Ito Ken , Sakaguchi Kazuya , Hori Yusaku , Semba Taro , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Fujii Hirofumi , Terada Yasuhiko
Published: May 2022

Background

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) can provide insight into tumor perfusion. However, a method that can quantitatively measure the intra‐tumor distribution of tumor voxel clusters with a distinct range of Ktrans and ve values remains insufficiently explored.

Hypothesis

Two‐dimensional cluster analysis may quantify the distribution of a tumor voxel subregion with a distinct range of Ktrans and ve values in human breast cancer xenografts.

Study Type

Prospective longitudinal study.

Animal Model

Twenty‐two female athymic nude mice with MCF‐7 xenograft, treated with E7130, a tumor‐microenvironmental ameliorator, or saline.

Field Strength/Sequence

9.4 Tesla, turbo rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement, and spoiled gradient‐echo sequences.

Assessment

We performed two‐dimensional k‐means clustering to identify tumor voxel clusters with a distinct range of Ktrans and ve values on Days 0, 2, and 5 after treatment, calculated the ratio of the number of tumor voxels in each cluster to the total number of tumor voxels, and measured the normalized distances defined as the ratio of the distance between each tumor voxel and the nearest tumor margin to a tumor radius.

Statistical Tests

Unpaired t‐tests, Dunnett's multiple comparison tests, and Chi‐squared test were used.

Results

The largest and second largest clusters constituted 44.4% and 27.5% of all tumor voxels with cluster centroid values of Ktrans at 0.040 min−1 and 0.116 min−1, and ve at 0.131 and 0.201, respectively. At baseline (Day 0), the average normalized distances for the largest and second largest clusters were 0.33 and 0.24, respectively. E7130‐treated group showed the normalized distance of the initial largest cluster decreasing to 0.25, while that of the second largest cluster increasing to 0.31. Saline‐treated group showed no change.

Data Conclusion

A two‐dimensional cluster analysis might quantify the spatial distribution of a tumor subregion with a distinct range of Ktrans and ve values.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Use of saliva and RT‐PCR screening for SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern: Surveillance and monitoring
Authors: Zerbinati Rodrigo Melim , Palmieri Michelle , Schwab Gabriela , Felix Alvina Clara , Martinho Herculano , Giannecchini Simone , To Kelvin Kai‐Wang , Lindoso Jose Angelo Lauletta , Romano Camila Malta , Braz‐Silva Paulo Henrique
Published: May 2022

Genomic surveillance has been applied since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic to track the spread of the virus, leading to the characterization of multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, including variants of concern (VOC). Although sequencing is the standard method, a rapid molecular test for screening and surveillance of VOC is considered for detection. Furthermore, using alternative saliva as specimen collection facilitates the implementation of a less invasive, self‐collected sample. In this study, we applied a combinatory strategy of saliva collection and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for SARS‐CoV‐2 VOC detection. Saliva samples from patients attending a tertiary hospital with suspected COVID‐19 were collected and SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected using SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐qPCR reagent kit (PerkinElmer). Positive saliva samples were screened for SARS‐CoV‐2 VOC with previously described RT‐PCR for Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants. Saliva samples were positive in 171 (53%) of 324 tested. A total of 108 (74%) from positive samples were also positive for VOC by RT‐PCR screening. Those samples were found between January and August 2021. This approach allowed us to successfully use an alternative and complementary tool to genomic surveillance to monitor the circulation of SARS‐CoV‐2 VOC in the studied population.
Estimation of the COVID‐19 mean incubation time: Systematic review, meta‐analysis, and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Weng Yijia , Yi Grace Y.
Published: May 2022

Providing sensible estimates of the mean incubation time for COVID‐19 is important yet complex. This study aims to provide synthetic estimates of the mean incubation time of COVID‐19 by capitalizing on available estimates reported in the literature and exploring different ways to accommodate heterogeneity involved in the reported studies. Online databases between January 1, 2020 and May 20, 2021 are first searched to obtain estimates of the mean incubation time of COVID‐19, and meta‐analyses are then conducted to generate synthetic estimates. Heterogeneity of the studies is examined via the use of Cochran's statistic and Higgin's & Thompson's statistic, and subgroup analyses are conducted using mixed effects models. The publication bias issue is assessed using the funnel plot and Egger's test. Using all those reported mean incubation estimates for COVID‐19, the synthetic mean incubation time is estimated to be 6.43 days with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [5.90, 6.96], and using all those reported mean incubation estimates together with those transformed median incubation estimates, the estimated mean incubation time is 6.07 days with a 95% CI [5.70, 6.45]. The reported estimates of the mean incubation time of COVID‐19 vary considerably due to multiple reasons, including heterogeneity and publication bias. To alleviate these issues, we take different angles to provide a sensible estimate of the mean incubation time of COVID‐19. Our analyses show that the mean incubation time of COVID‐19 between January 1, 2020 and May 20, 2021 ranges from 5.68 to 8.30 days.
The effect of influenza virus on the metabolism of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with a metabolomics approach
Authors: Karimi Zeinab , Oskouie Afsaneh A. , Rezaei Farhad , Ajaminejad Fatemeh , Marashi Sayed M. , Azad Talat‐Mokhtari
Published: May 2022

Respiratory viruses have led to many deaths and hospitalizations per year in the world. The influenza virus is one of the most important respiratory viruses. Recently, metabolic studies in viral infections have been widely studied by scientists. Metabolomics states the metabolites present in a living organism under certain conditions. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were spinoculated using a virus produced by the Madin‐Darby canine kidney cell culture system, and cells were harvested following spinoculation by the influenza virus. Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed by Ficoll‐Paque density gradient centrifugation. Metabolites were extracted using organic and water approaches. Metabolic profiling was performed by a nontargeted  technique using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariate analysis methods were used to determine the main variables. the metabolic pathways involved were determined using databases. Results of the present study showed changes in biosynthesis pathways such as lipids, polyamines, catecholamines, and vitamins. Findings also showed that it is possible to explain the process of inflammation caused by the influenza virus by studying the metabolism of immune cells.
Evaluation of automated radiostereometric image registration in total knee arthroplasty utilizing a synthetic‐based and a CT‐based volumetric model
Authors: Petersen Emil Toft , Vind Tobias Dahl , Jürgens‐Lahnstein Jonathan Hugo , Christensen Rasmus , de Raedt Sepp , Brüel Annemarie , Rytter Søren , Andersen Michael Skipper , Stilling Maiken
Published: May 2022

Radiostereometic analysis (RSA) is an accurate method for rigid body pose (position and orientation) in three‐dimensional space. Traditionally, RSA is based on insertion of periprosthetic tantalum markers and manual implant contour selection which limit clinically application. We propose an automated image registration technique utilizing digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) of computed tomography (CT) volumetric bone models (autorsa‐bone) as a substitute for tantalum markers. Furthermore, an automated synthetic volumetric representation of total knee arthroplasty implant models (autorsa‐volume) to improve previous silhouette‐projection methods (autorsa‐surface). As reference, we investigated the accuracy of implanted tantalum markers (marker) or a conventional manually contour‐based method (mbrsa) for the femur and tibia. The data are presented as mean (standard deviation). The autorsa‐bone method displayed similar accuracy of −0.013 (0.075) mm compared to the gold standard method (marker) of −0.013 (0.085). The autorsa‐volume with 0.034 (0.106) mm did not markedly improve the autorsa‐surface with 0.002 (0.129) mm, and none of these reached the mbrsa method of −0.009 (0.094) mm. In conclusion, marker‐free RSA is feasible with similar accuracy as gold standard utilizing DRR and CT obtained volumetric bone models. Furthermore, utilizing synthetic generated volumetric implant models could not improve the silhouette‐based method. However, with a slight loss of accuracy the autorsa methods provide a feasible automated alternative to the semi‐automated method.
Recent advances of octenyl succinic anhydride modified polysaccharides as wall materials for nano‐encapsulation of hydrophobic bioactive compounds
Authors: Zhao Li , Tong Qunyi , Geng Ziwei , Liu Yutong , Yin Lichen , Xu Wentian , Rehman Abdur
Published: May 2022

Polysaccharides can be esterified with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) to form derivatives with amphiphilic properties. The general preparation methods of OSA–polysaccharides are described, especially the aqueous method. The new hydrophobic groups introduced result in OSA–polysaccharides showing higher interfacial properties, better emulsifying stability, higher viscosity, and lower digestibility. There have been advances in the development of OSA–polysaccharides‐based nano‐encapsulation systems for hydrophobic bioactive compounds in recent years. Nano‐encapsulation systems are formed through nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, nanoparticles, micelles, vesicles, molecular inclusion complexes, and so on. This review aims to describe the preparation methods, the structure characterizations, and the physicochemical properties of OSA–polysaccharides as encapsulating agents. In addition, the focus is on the different nano‐encapsulation systems based on OSA–polysaccharides as wall materials. Future perspectives will concern OSA–polysaccharides‐based nano‐encapsulation systems with optimized functional properties for providing higher bioavailability and targeted delivery of various hydrophobic bioactive compounds. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of the sentinel node outcome analysed by one‐step nucleic acid amplification on the risk for postmastectomy radiation therapy and the scheduling of immediate breast reconstruction
Authors: van Haaren Elisabeth R. M. , Spiekerman van Weezelenburg Merel A. , Poodt Ingrid G. M. , Feijen Michelle M. W. , Janssen Alfred , van Bastelaar James , Vissers Yvonne L. J.
Published: May 2022

Background

In patients with cT1‐T3N0 breast cancer, postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is considered a contraindication for immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) due to a high risk of complications. The sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is an important determinant for PMRT. In this study, we evaluated the impact of SNB outcome on the planning of IBR after mastectomy.

Methods

Data of patients undergoing mastectomy and SNB in Zuyderland Medical Centre between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Perioperative factors influencing the planning of IBR and SNB results assessed by the intraoperative one‐step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) were registered.

Results

Of 397 patients, 169 opted for IBR. One hundred and seven IBRs were performed: 101 tissue expanders, 5 deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps and 1 latissimus dorsi flap. 

Eighteen patients (18/107) had macrometastases in the SNB, in six of them IBR was cancelled due to the indication for PMRT (33%). In the other 12 patients IBR was executed as planned. 

A delayed reconstruction was performed in 59 patients.

Conclusion

In breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy with macrometastases in the SNB, IBR was postponed in 33% due to risk on PMRT. To predict this risk, we advise to acknowledge the SNB outcome by using OSNA before proceeding to IBR.
Research method of rapid determination of chiral pesticide fenpropathrin enantiomers in fruit and vegetable puree by supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Zhang Wen‐hua , Xu Dun‐ming , Hou Jian‐bo , Zhang Ya‐qin , Zhu Ze‐long , Mao Ren‐yi , Qiu Hui , Xie Wen , Shen Wei‐jian , Yi Xiong‐hai
Published: May 2022

A method is first established for the separation and determination of fenpropathrin enantiomer residues in apple puree, strawberry puree, and tomato puree considered a supplementary food for infants by supercritical fluid chromatography. After the sample was extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned up by a solid‐phase extraction column, then it was separated by a CHIRALPAK AD‐3 chiral column with gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min using methanol and supercritical carbon dioxide as the mobile phase, detected by ultraviolet detector at 230 nm wavelength and quantified with the external standard method. The limits of quantification of the two fenpropathrin enantiomers were both 0.2 mg/kg, the linear ranges were 1.0–20.0 mg/L with linear correlation coefficients greater than 0.9992, the recoveries in the spiked samples at 0.2, 0.4 and 2.0 mg/kg were from 80.6 to 105%, and the relative standard deviation reached 2.6–7.7%. This method has the advantages of convenient operation, good resolution, and environmental protection, which can satisfy the requirement of determination for fenpropathrin enantiomer residues in fruit and vegetable puree as supplementary food for infants.
Curtailment and acoustic deterrents reduce bat mortality at wind farms
Authors: Good Rhett E. , Iskali Goniela , Lombardi John , McDonald Trent , Dubridge Karl , Azeka Michael , Tredennick Andrew
Published: May 2022

The impacts of wind energy on bat populations is a growing concern because wind turbine blades can strike and kill bats, and wind turbine development is increasing. We tested the effectiveness of 2 management actions at 2 wind‐energy facilities for reducing bat fatalities: curtailing turbine operation when wind speeds were <5.0 m/second and combining curtailment with an acoustic bat deterrent developed by NRG Systems. We measured the effectiveness of the management actions using differences in counts of bat carcasses quantified by daily and twice‐per‐week standardized carcass searches of cleared plots below turbines, and field trials that estimated searcher efficiency and carcass persistence. We studied turbines located at 2 adjacent wind‐energy facilities in northeast Illinois, USA, during fall migration (1 Aug–15 Oct) in 2018. We estimated the effectiveness of each management action using a generalized linear mixed‐effects model with several covariates. Curtailment alone reduced overall bat mortality by 42.5% but did not reduce silver‐haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) mortality. Overall bat fatality rates were 66.9% lower at curtailed turbines with acoustic deterrents compared to turbines that operated at manufacturer cut‐in speed. Curtailment and the deterrent reduced bat mortality to varying degrees between species, ranging from 58.1% for eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) to 94.4 for big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). Hoary (Lasiurus cinereus) and silver‐haired bat mortality was reduced by 71.4% and 71.6%, respectively. Our study lacked a deterrent‐only treatment group because of the expense of acoustic deterrents. We estimated the additional reduction in mortality with concurrent deployment of the acoustic deterrent and curtailment under the assumption that curtailment and the acoustic deterrent would have reduced mortality by the same percentage at adjacent wind‐energy facilities. Acoustic deterrents resulted in 31.6%, 17.4%, and 66.7% additional reductions of bat mortality compared to curtailment alone for eastern red bat, hoary bat, and silver‐haired bat, respectively. The effectiveness of acoustic deterrents for reducing bat mortality at turbines with rotor‐swept area diameters >110 m is unknown because high frequency sound attenuates quickly, which reduces coverage of rotor‐swept areas. Management actions should consider species differences in the ability of curtailment and deterrents to reduce bat mortality and increase energy production.
Rate constants for the reaction of SO with NO2 over the temperature range 220–960 K
Authors: Bedjanian Yuri
Published: May 2022

The kinetics of the reaction of SO radicals with NO2 have been studied in a discharge flow reactor combined with an electron impact ionization quadrupole mass spectrometer at nearly 2 Torr total pressure of helium and in the temperature range 220–960 K. The reaction rate constant was determined under pseudo‐first order conditions in excess of NO2 over SO using two different methods for generation of the SO radicals: k1 = (6.7 ± 0.2) × 10−12 exp(295 ± 10)/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 (the uncertainties represent precision at the 2σ level, the estimated total uncertainty on the rate constant being 15% at all temperatures). The present measurements indicate that the current recommendations for k1 underestimate the rate constant at low stratospheric temperatures and overestimate it at the high temperatures characteristic of combustion.
Characteristics of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in Young Children
Authors: Wang Alicia , Zhou Guangwei , Brodsky Jacob R.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in young children.

Study Design

Retrospective case review.

Methods

All children <10 years old that have been diagnosed with BPPV at our pediatric vestibular program between December 2012–July 2021 were selected. Clinical features were identified by medical record review, including demographics, comorbidities, canal involvement, response to treatment, and incidence of recurrence.

Results

A total of 34 children were diagnosed with BPPV with a mean age of 7.9 years old (SD ± 1/7; range 5–9) at the time of diagnosis and a male:female ratio of 1:1. Involved semicircular canals included posterior in 82% (n = 28), horizontal in 41% (n = 14), and superior in 24% (n = 8) of patients, respectively. Comorbid diagnoses included migraine (n = 14), concussion (n = 10), acute vestibular syndrome (n = 4), and persistent postural perceptual dizziness (n = 6). Recurrence with initially confirmed resolution occurred in 10 patients (29%) with a mean of 2.5 recurrences per patient (SD: 2.2; range 1–8). A family history of vertigo or migraine was identified in 11 and 17 patients, respectively.

Conclusions

BPPV is a cause of vertigo in children that may be overlooked. A relatively high proportion of patients demonstrated horizontal or superior canal involvement, recurrence, and additional comorbid causes of dizziness. Thus, providers evaluating young children with dizziness should perform diagnostic maneuvers to evaluate BPPV of all semicircular canals and continue to monitor children after successful treatment for recurrence.

Level of Evidence

4, Case Series Laryngoscope, 133:694–699, 2023
Augmented Reality Enabled by On‐Chip Meta‐Holography Multiplexing
Authors: Shi Yangyang , Wan Chengwei , Dai Chenjie , Wang Zejing , Wan Shuai , Zheng Guoxing , Zhang Shuang , Li Zhongyang
Published: May 2022

The exploit of on‐chip metasurfaces with full optical controllability and multiplexing capability holds great promise for photonic integration circuits (PIC). Despite previous endeavors in metasurfaces controlling guided waves, it still faces critical challenges to realize practical display applications, for instance, augmented reality (AR). Here, a new type of AR based on multiplexed on‐chip meta‐holography is proposed and experimentally demonstrated by integrating judiciously engineered meta‐atoms above waveguide. Through hybridizing detour and Pancharatnam–Berry phases, on‐chip metasurfaces can independently manipulate both guided waves and free‐space light to enable a triple‐channel holography‐multiplexing with independent‐encoding freedom. Eventually, an RGB‐coloring AR hologram free from zero‐order diffraction that can project virtual images into a real‐world environment is realized, showcasing its significant potential for wearable devices (glasses or contact lens) integration. This study finds a feasible route toward multifunctional PIC devices and applications in wearable AR displays, imaging multiplexing, information storage, etc.
Product market competition and controlling shareholders' tunneling: Evidence from China
Authors: Guo Xiaoli , Chen Sicen , Yu Wei , Liu Chengyi
Published: May 2022

This paper provides evidence supporting the disciplinary role of product market competition in controlling shareholders' tunneling. We use the regulation‐induced IPO suspensions in China as shocks to product market competition. With a generalized DID design, we find that reduced product market competition threat, induced by rivals' IPO suspension, increases incumbents' inter‐corporate loans by 0.4 percentage points (pp) and the probability of committing a capital occupation violation by 3.1 pp. The effect of IPO suspension on tunneling is weakened when the product market is highly competitive and more pronounced for companies with problematic agency problems and loose governance mechanisms. Furthermore, we document a reverse effect when IPO suspensions end. This study contributes to the literature on product market competition's disciplinary role by presenting evidence supporting a plausibly causal effect of competition and controlling shareholders' tunneling.
A new stability result for a flexible satellite system with viscoelastic damping
Authors: Hamdi Soumia , Berkani Amirouche
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study a viscoelastic flexible satellite under unknown distributed disturbances during attitude maneuvering. The system composed of a rigid central hub that represents the spacecraft with two symmetrical viscoelastic Euler–Bernoulli beams and subject to undesirable vibrations. The problem can be modeled by a set of partial differential equations (PDEs) taking into account therefore the dynamic boundary condition. The well‐posedness of the closed‐loop system is discussed. By applying a control force at the center body of the spacecraft, we shall suppress these vibrations; namely, we establish stability results of the system under appropriate assumptions imposed on the relaxation function. These new results generalize and improve many results in the literature. Our results are obtained by using the multiplier technique. Numerical simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Improvement of IMRT QA prediction using imaging‐based neural architecture search
Authors: Hao Yao , Zhang Xizhe , Wang Jie , Zhao Tianyu , Sun Baozhou
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Machine learning (ML) has been used to predict the gamma passing rate (GPR) of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) QA results. In this work, we applied a novel neural architecture search to automatically tune and search for the best deep neural networks instead of using hand‐designed deep learning architectures.

Method and materials

One hundred and eighty‐two IMRT plans were created and delivered with portal dosimetry. A total of 1497 fields for multiple treatment sites were delivered and measured by portal imagers. Gamma criteria of 2%/2 mm with a 5% threshold were used. Fluence maps calculated for each plan were used as inputs to a convolution neural network (CNN). Auto‐Keras was implemented to search for the best CNN architecture for fluence image regression. The network morphism was adopted in the searching process, in which the base models were ResNet and DenseNet. The performance of this CNN approach was compared with tree‐based ML models previously developed for this application, using the same dataset.

Results

The deep‐learning‐based approach had 98.3% of predictions within 3% of the measured 2%/2‐mm GPRs with a maximum error of 3.1% and a mean absolute error of less than 1%. Our results show that this novel architecture search approach achieves comparable performance to the machine‐learning‐based approaches with handcrafted features.

Conclusions

We implemented a novel CNN model using imaging‐based neural architecture for IMRT QA prediction. The imaging‐based deep‐learning method does not require a manual extraction of relevant features and is able to automatically select the best network architecture.
Nurses’ attitudes towards hospitalized older adults in a tertiary care setting in Ghana
Authors: Yakubu Yakubu H. , Fuseini Abdul‐Ganiyu , Holroyd Eleanor
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The increasing population of older adults and rapid increases in co‐morbidities globally has necessitated the need for a healthcare delivery system that meets the multifaceted needs of the growing population of older adults. Concurrent with these rising complex health needs is the importance of positive, non‐judgmental attitudes of health services providers towards older adults. Moreover, this is particularly important in the nursing profession, given nurses' significant and crucial roles in healthcare settings.

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate nurses’ attitudes towards older adults in a tertiary hospital in Ghana.

Design

It employed a descriptive cross‐sectional quantitative design.

Method

Data were collected from 160 registered adult medical and surgical ward nurses using the Ageism Attitude Scale (AAS).

Results

Findings indicated that more than half of the participants had a diploma in general nursing. None of the nurses surveyed specialized in the care of older adults, and the mean age of participants was 30.14 (3.75) (minimum 24 and maximum 42 years). Female nurses had more positive attitudes than their male counterparts. Although the surveyed nurses reported a somewhat positive attitude towards older adults, there was no correlation between nurses' education levels and positive attitudes.
Synthesis of d‐glucitolbased Gemini amphiphilic nanotransporters
Authors: Verma Diksha , Rashmi  , Achazi Katharina , Kumar Singh Abhishek , Schade Boris , Haag Rainer , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: May 2022

A newer class of Gemini amphiphiles was prepared using d‐glucitol as a template. C18 alkyl chains are incorporated on the template to confer hydrophobicity while monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) moiety of varied size imparts hydrophilicity. An acetonide group mounted on glucitol moiety is used to maintain rigidity in the amphiphilic architecture and to study its impact on aggregation and transport ability. The aggregation behavior of the synthesized amphiphiles was studied through fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and cryo‐transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM). Their nanotransport potential was demonstrated using hydrophobic model guests like the fluorescent dye Nile red and the pharmacologically active agent curcumin. Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies were carried out over HeLa cancer cells to evaluate their biological applicability. The ester functionalities in the amphiphiles enable them to exhibit sensitivity towards hydrolases. Candida antarctica lipase (Novozym‐435) has been successfully utilized to facilitate the enzyme‐assisted release of the encapsulated dye.
Anisotropic thermal behavior of extrusion‐based large scale additively manufactured carbon‐fiber reinforced thermoplastic structures
Authors: Hassen Ahmed Arabi , Dinwiddie Ralph B. , Kim Seokpum , Tekinalp Halil Levent , Kumar Vipin , Lindahl John , Yeole Pritesh , Duty Chad , Vaidya Uday , Wang Hsin , Kunc Vlastimil
Published: May 2022

Large format additive manufacturing (AM) enables rapid manufacturing of large parts and structures with minimum waste in material and energy. Extrusion‐based AM deposition processes provide parts with highly anisotropic thermal properties, which are not typically reflected in textbook values for these materials. In order to develop accurate models that describe the directionally dependent thermal behavior of these materials in processing and service, accurate measurements of specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity are required. This work characterizes, documents, and analyzes the effect of the anisotropic nature of the extrusion‐based deposition process on the specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity of the resulting AM products. All measurements were made over a temperature range of 20–180°C using the transient plane source technique, also referred to as the hot disk technique. Three of the most commonly used large format AM feedstock materials that utilize carbon fiber reinforcement were examined in this work: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyphenylene sulfide and polyphenylsulfone. These findings can serve as a thermal design/process guideline for future large format AM applications.
Curing, mechanical, and tribological properties of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber reinforced with Al2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Weizhan , Wang Chao , Liu Zenghui , Tan Jinzhu
Published: May 2022

A novel hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) composite filled with organically modified Al2O3 nanoparticle was fabricated. The effects of nanoparticle Al2O3 (nano‐Al2O3) with different particle sizes on the curing, mechanical, and tribological properties of the HNBR composites were studied. Nano‐Al2O3 with different particle sizes (i.e. 10, 50, 100, and 200 nm) was filled into the HNBR in this work. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the degree of grafting between modified nano‐Al2O3 and rubber matrix. Universal material testing machine was used to study the mechanical properties of the HNBR composites. The tribological properties of the HNBR composites were tested by a ballon‐on‐disk tribometer. The wear morphology of the HNBR composite surface was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results reveal that the nano‐Al2O3 as filler of HNBR composite promoted the vulcanization process, improved tensile and compressive strength, and increased hysteresis energy density and the damping coefficient. And the mechanical properties of the HNBR composite improved gradually with the decrease of nano‐Al2O3 particle size. The friction and wear test results show that the addition of nano‐Al2O3 greatly reduced the dry friction coefficient and specific wear rate of HNBR composites, and the friction coefficient and wear rate decreased gradually with the decrease of nano‐Al2O3 size. The HNBR composite filled with 10 nm nano‐Al2O3 had the better mechanical properties and anti‐wear performance due to that the 10 nm nano‐Al2O3 could form denser cross‐linked network.
Design and fabrication of polymer micro/nano composites with two‐level mechanical reinforcing procedure
Authors: Kandemir Ayse Cagil , Donmez Fatma , Davut Kemal , Can Hatice Kaplan
Published: May 2022

Biocompatible composite production was accomplished by utilizing two‐level hierarchical approach for mechanical reinforcement. A well‐known commodity polymer; low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), which has high‐fracture toughness, yet low strength and modulus was used as the main matrix material. As the first step of hierarchy, ductile LDPE was blended with brittle polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), which is an eco‐friendly, nontoxic and biocompatible polymer. This resulted in slight decrease of strength and drastic reduction of toughness (%70), yet modulus was increased by 78%. As the second level of hierarchy, PVP composites were introduced in LDPE. Nano‐scaled Halloysite clay and micro‐scaled spherical Silica particles were utilized as additives in the aforementioned PVP composites. The reason for the choice of these particles is that they are nontoxic, low‐cost and in the case of Halloysite; abundant in nature. Owing to the implementation of the second level; modulus improvement was further enhanced to 150%, with additional benefits of strength increase up to 17% and less reduction in fracture toughness (minimum 51% reduction). Dynamic mechanical analysis also supported these outcomes that storage modulus of composites are higher than both LDPE and LDPE‐PVP blend. The proposed biocompatible composites in the end of this study would be utilized in biomedical applications necessitating mechanical improvements.
Making plant methane formation visible—Insights from application of 13C‐labeled dimethyl sulfoxide
Authors: Schroll Moritz , Lenhart Katharina , Greiner Steffen , Keppler Frank
Published: May 2022

Methane (CH4) formation by vegetation has been studied intensively over the last 15 years. However, reported CH4 emissions vary by several orders of magnitude, thus making global estimates difficult. Moreover, the mechanism(s) for CH4 formation by plants is (are) largely unknown.

Here, we introduce a new approach for making CH4 formation by plants clearly visible. By application of 13C‐labeled dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) onto the leaves of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) and Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis) the effect of light and dark conditions on CH4 formation of this pathway was examined by monitoring stable carbon isotope ratios of headspace CH4 (δ13C‐CH4 values).

Both plant species showed increasing headspace δ13C‐CH4 values while exposed to light. Higher light intensities increased CH4 formation rates in N. tabacum but decreased rates for M. sinensis. In the dark no formation of CH4 could be detected for N. tabacum, while M. sinensis still produced ~50% of CH4 compared to that during light exposure.

Our findings suggest that CH4 formation is clearly dependent on light conditions and plant species and thus indicate that DMSO is a potential precursor of vegetative CH4. The novel isotope approach has great potential to investigate, at high temporal resolution, physiological, and environmental factors that control pathway‐specific CH4 emissions from plants.
Effect of curing temperature on mechanical strength, hydrophobicity, chemical and thermal stability of Cardanol‐derived Resol‐polyurethane films/coatings
Authors: Shaily  , Zafar Fahmina , Jahan Afroz , Parveen Bushra , Sharmin Eram , Alam Manawwer , Nishat Nahid
Published: May 2022

The utilization of renewable resources has increased over the last few years in different fields due to environmental and economic concerns. Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is cheaper, abundantly available, and an eco‐friendly agro‐waste product, which holds the potential to significantly replace petro‐based phenols. Present work focusses on the preparation of (i) Cardanol‐based polyols (resol) in different ratios [Cardanol: formaldehyde 1:1.2(Rol1), 1:1.6 (Rol2), and 1:2.0 (Rol3)], (ii) their polyurethanes, and (iii) freestanding, transparent, flexible and thin films/coatings obtained through “Green” route. The effect of curing temperature on the overall performance of films/coatings has also been investigated. The films/coatings obtained by baking at 80 ± 5°C (BK‐Rol1/2‐PU) exhibited improved physicomechanical performance compared with films/coatings obtained at room temperature (RT‐Rol1/2‐PU). BK‐Rol1/2‐PU and RT‐Rol1/2‐PU demonstrated excellent chemical stability. XRD revealed that both BK‐Rol2‐PU and RT‐Rol1/2‐PU films were amorphous and TGA confirmed that BK‐Rol2‐PU showed higher thermal stability compared with RT‐Rol2‐PU films. The contact angle measurements indicated a higher hydrophobic character of BK‐Rol1/2‐PU (96°) relative to RT‐Rol1/2‐PU (90°). These polyurethane films/coatings can be used for protective and decorative purposes. As BK‐Rol1/2‐PU films/coatings outperformed RT‐Rol1/2‐PU, the overall results confirmed that curing temperature had a remarkable effect on the performance characteristics of coatings/films.