bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Dielectric Nanospheres with Moderate‐Refractive‐Index and Applications in Photon Manipulating
Authors: Wu Yue , Sun Ruikang , Zhang Shufen , Wu Suli
Published: December 2022

The nanostructures for photon manipulating (NSPMs) have attracted widespread attention owing to their ability to directionally control light propagations. The related research has also been developed from basic theoretical studies to various practical applications. Taking dielectric nanospheres with moderate‐refractive‐index as the building blocks is becoming a new trend to construct the NSPMs, because of their low processing cost and negligible light energy losses. In this review, we will summarize the synthetic methods towards dielectric nanospheres with moderate‐refractive‐index and their light manipulating mechanism. Another specific focus of this review is devoted to the practical applications of the NSPMs composed of dielectric nanospheres with moderate‐refractive‐index, such as coloring, sensors, regulating luminescence, and surface enhanced Raman scattering. Finally, the challenges and outlook of the dielectric nanospheres with moderate‐refractive‐index in synthesis and applications will be considered.
Continuous‐Flow Photocatalysis for the Direct C‐H Trifluoromethylation of Heterocycles with an Organic Photoredox Catalyst
Authors: Yang Jianwen , Kawale Sanket A. , Yang Xiaobo , Kim Dong‐Pyo
Published: December 2022

Photocatalysis for direct C−H trifluoromethylation represents an ideal way to synthesize trifluoromethyl‐containing chemical compounds, but the conventional batch processes are inefficient with limited light penetration and indispensably irradiated for a long while. Herein, we report a continuous‐flow protocol for photocatalytic direct C−H trifluoromethylation of heterocycles in the presence of an organic photoredox catalyst: 2,4,6‐tris(diphenylamino)‐3,5‐difluorobenzonitrile (3DPA2FBN). In this approach, benefiting from the merger of organic photoredox catalysis and continuous‐flow techniques, a variety of trifluoromethylated heterocycles were rapidly synthesized up to 85 % yield with 80 min residence time under metal‐ and oxidant‐free reaction conditions.
Linear precoder design for peak‐to‐average power ratio reduction of generalized frequency division multiplexing signal using gradient descent methods
Authors: Sheikh‐Hosseini Mohsen , Hasheminejad Mohammad , Rahdari Farhad
Published: December 2022

This article addresses linear precoder design for the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) reduction of the generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) scheme. This design relies on minimizing various statistical parameters of the instantaneous power of the GFDM signal—including variance, second and third moments—using gradient‐based optimization methods. In this regard, a general framework of four different scenarios, which employs the steepest descent and conjugate‐gradient methods and utilizes two different approaches of fixed and dynamic step‐sizing, is proposed. In the case of fixed step‐sizing, the results demonstrate that the algorithm diverges in some scenarios and provides low‐speed convergence for the others due to its inability in meeting the terminating threshold regarding minimizing objective function to a desirable level. However, dynamic step‐sizing using the Wolf line search rule circumvents these drawbacks, outperforms the existing research, and converges in all scenarios to a precoder providing advantages in terms of design speed and achievable PAPR, while keeping the symbol error rate and out‐of‐band emissions at the ranges of the un‐precoded GFDM systems. Moreover, the results confirm the comprehensiveness of the proposed framework in adapting to various GFDM statistical parameters and gradient methods.
Opportunities and Limitations of Nanoagrochemicals
Authors: Schwab Fabienne
Published: December 2022

Nanoagrochemicals conceived based on safe‐by‐design principles could provide, besides yield increases, real benefits for the environment due to lower losses of agrochemicals to wind drift and rainwater run‐off, and lower toxicity to non‐target organisms. As an emerging new technology rather than ‘just another’ active ingredient, nanoagrochemicals should be evaluated and compared to conventional products using multiple criteria, including the production costs, efficiency, mode of action, degradability, and (lack of) effects on non‐target organisms. Current studies on nanopesticides suggest, on average, ca. 31 % more efficiency and ca. 43 % less toxicity on non‐target organisms. Observations of a 5–10‐fold increase in efficiency in laboratory studies need validation in the field. The most significant challenges for nanoagrochemicals today are to produce them at competitive costs and overcome the regulatory obstacles to register products containing nanomaterials.
Identification of a novel mechanism for LFA‐1 organization during NK cytolytic response
Authors: Pariani Alejandro P. , Almada Evangelina , Hidalgo Florencia , Borini‐Etichetti Carla , Vena Rodrigo , Marín Leandra , Favre Cristián , Goldenring James R. , Cecilia Larocca Maria
Published: December 2022

The elimination of transformed and viral infected cells by natural killer (NK) cells requires a specialized junction between NK and target cells, denominated immunological synapse (IS). After initial recognition, the IS enables the directed secretion of lytic granules content into the susceptible target cell. The lymphocyte function‐associated antigen (LFA)‐1 regulates NK effector function by enabling NK‐IS assembly and maturation. The pathways underlying LFA‐1 accumulation at the IS in NK cells remained uncharacterized. A kinase anchoring protein 350 (AKAP350) is a centrosome/Golgi‐associated protein, which, in T cells, participates in LFA‐1 activation by mechanisms that have not been elucidated. We first evaluated AKAP350 participation in NK cytolytic activity. Our results showed that the decrease in AKAP350 levels by RNA interference (AKAP350KD) inhibited NK‐YTS cytolytic activity, without affecting conjugate formation. The impairment of NK effector function in AKAP350KD cells correlated with decreased LFA‐1 clustering and defective IS maturation. AKAP350KD cells that were exclusively activated via LFA‐1 showed impaired LFA‐1 organization and deficient lytic granule translocation as well. In NK AKAP350KD cells, activation signaling through Vav1 was preserved up to 10 min of interaction with target cells, but significantly decreased afterwards. Experiments in YTS and in ex vivo NK cells identified an intracellular pool of LFA‐1, which partially associated with the Golgi apparatus and, upon NK activation, redistributed to the IS in an AKAP350‐dependent manner. The analysis of Golgi organization indicated that the decrease in AKAP350 expression led to the disruption of the Golgi integrity in NK cells. Alteration of Golgi function by BFA treatment or AKAP350 delocalization from this organelle also led to impaired LFA‐1 localization at the IS. Therefore, this study characterizes AKAP350 participation in the modulation of NK effector function, revealing the existence of a Golgi‐dependent trafficking pathway for LFA‐1, which is relevant for LFA‐1 organization at NK‐lytic IS.
Differences in cortical morphology and child internalizing or externalizing problems: Accounting for the co‐occurrence
Authors: Zhang Yingzhe , Xu Bing , Kim Hannah H. , Muetzel Ryan , Delaney Scott W. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: December 2022

Background

Childhood internalizing and externalizing problems frequently co‐occur. Many studies report neural correlates of either internalizing or externalizing problems, but few account for their co‐occurrence. We aimed to assess specific cortical substrates of these psychiatric problems.

Methods

We used data from 9635 children aged 9–11 years in the baseline Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Internalizing and externalizing problem composite scales scores were derived from the Child Behavior Checklist. We standardized FreeSurfer‐derived volumes of 68 cortical regions. We examined internalizing and externalizing problems separately and jointly (covariate‐adjustment) in relation to cortical volumes, with and without adjusting for total brain volume (TBV) in multivariate linear regressions adjusted for demographics and multiple comparisons. We fit bifactor models to confirm the consistency of patterns exploring specific internalizing and specific externalizing problems. Sensitivity analyses included a vertex‐wide analysis and a replication in another large population‐based study.

Results

In separate TBV‐unadjusted analyses, externalizing and internalizing problems were associated with smaller cortical volumes. If adjusted for externalizing behavior, however, larger cortical volumes were associated with internalizing problems, while smaller cortical volumes remained associated with externalizing problems after adjustment for internalizing problems. The bifactor model produced similar results, which were consistently replicated in another pre‐adolescent neuroimaging sample. These associations likely represent global effects: adjusting for TBV rendered most associations non‐significant. Vertex‐wise analyses confirmed global patterns.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that internalizing and externalizing problems have globally opposing, and non‐specific associations with cortical morphology in childhood, which are only apparent if analyses account for their co‐occurrence.
Floral micromorphological, palynological, and carpological characteristics of the rare endemic Korean species Peucedanum miroense (Apiaceae)
Authors: Kim Kyeonghee , Yang Sungyu , Song Jun‐Ho
Published: December 2022

Peucedanum miroense K. Kim, H.‐J. Suh & J.‐H. Song, recently reported as a new species endemic to South Korea, is distributed on mountains Duta‐san and Swinŭm‐san in Gangwon Province, South Korea. Given its conspicuously limited habitat range and small populations, this species qualifies as an endangered Red List species. In this study, we undertook a detailed investigation of the floral micromorphological, palynological, and carpological characters of P. miroense based on a range of microscopic analyses. Examination of the floral micromorphology of P. miroense revealed that the surface patterns of bractlets have potential utility in taxonomy studies of the genus Peucedanum. In addition, we established that this plant is characterized a papillose conical‐tabular rugose pattern of petal epidermal cells and bears sunken nectary slits on the stylopodium. Also identified were simple spherical orbicules bearing psilate surface ornamentation, as well as small tricolporate prolate to perprolate pollen grains characterized by verrucate and gemmate ornamentation. Moreover, we verified pollen wall stratification and presence of pollenkitt. The mericarps had colliculate‐striate surface patterns with trichomes and eight or nine vittae, and prismatic crystals were detected in different layers of the pericarp. We believe that the findings of this study will contribute to an evaluation of the taxonomic significance of this species within the genus Peucedanum, and also provide valuable information for the conservation of this rare endemic species.

Research Highlights

We provided the first detailed descriptions of the floral micromorphological, palynological, and carpological characters of the rare endemic Korean species Peucedanum miroense K. Kim, H.‐J. Suh & J.‐H. Song, based on different microscopic analyses.

Our findings provide valuable information regarding the epidermal cell patterns of bractlets, petals, stylopodium, gynoecium, and anthers.

We believe our study makes a significant contribution to the literature, as our findings will contribute to enhancing the taxonomical classification of species within the genus Peucedanum, and will provide a basis for the conservation of this rare endemic species.

This results will be of value to researchers studying the future biology and taxonomy of species within the family Apiaceae, particularly those using different microscopic techniques, including FE‐SEM, digital slide scanning, and TEM.
Patient‐reported outcomes associated with reflex BRCA1/2 tumor and subsequent germline panel genetic testing for high‐grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: McCuaig Jeanna M. , Stockley Tracy L. , Ferguson Sarah E. , Vicus Danielle , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Ott Karen , Kim Raymond H. , Metcalfe Kelly A.
Published: December 2022

Reflex genetic testing of tumor tissue is being completed to direct cancer treatment; however, the patient impact of this genetic testing model is unknown. This survey study evaluates psychological outcomes following tumor and germline genetic testing in individuals with a new diagnosis of high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Individuals were recruited from two hospitals in Toronto, Canada. Participants completed surveys 1 week after receiving tumor results and 1 week after receiving germline results (which included genetic counseling). Outcomes included cancer‐related distress (Impact of Events Scale: IES), genetic testing‐related distress (Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment: MICRA), and patient satisfaction. Paired t‐tests were used to evaluate differences in outcomes following each genetic test result; Cohen's d was used to evaluate effect size. Subgroup analyses were undertaken according to age at diagnosis (<60 years vs. ≥60 years) and test results (any positive vs. both negative). McNemar's test assessed differences in satisfaction. Fifty‐two individuals were included in the analyses. Mean IES scores were similar following disclosure of tumor and germline results (27.39 vs. 26.14; p = 0.481; d = 0.101). Compared to following tumor result disclosure, MICRA scores were significantly lower following receipt of germline results with genetic counseling (27.23 vs. 22.69; p = 0.007; d = 0.435). Decreases in MICRA scores from tumor to germline result disclosure were greater for those diagnosed <60 years or those who received only negative test results. Most individuals were satisfied/highly satisfied following tumor (85.7%) and germline (89.8%) results disclosure (p = 0.774). Reflex tumor, and subsequent germline, genetic testing is a new model of care for cancer patients. In our cohort, genetic testing‐related distress decreased significantly following receipt of germline results with genetic counseling, especially for individuals diagnosed under 60 years and those receiving only negative results. Most individuals were satisfied with this model of care.
Radiation therapist perceptions on how artificial intelligence may affect their role and practice
Authors: O'Shaughnessey Julie , Collins Mark L
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has increased in medical radiation science, with advanced computing and modelling. Considering radiation therapists (RTs) perceptions of how this may affect their role is imperative, as this will contribute to increasing the efficiency of implementation and improve service delivery.

Methods

A peer‐reviewed anonymous survey was developed and completed by 105 RTs between April and June 2021. The online survey was distributed via the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia and the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy newsletter as well as professional networks. The survey gained perceptions of the impact of AI on radiation therapy practice and RTs roles within Australia, and data were analysed using quantitative data analysis and thematic analysis.

Results

Automation is used throughout radiation therapy practice, with 68% of RTs being optimistic about this. The majority (63%) had little to no knowledge of working with AI and 96% would like to learn more including the underpinnings of AI and its safe and ethical use. Many (66%) perceived AI would affect their role, including increasing their skillset and reducing mundane tasks, whereas others (23%) perceived it would reduce job satisfaction by increasing repetition and limiting their problem‐solving ability. AI was perceived to impact the patient positively (67%), increasing efficiency and accuracy of radiotherapy treatments; however, it could depersonalise patient care.

Conclusion

RTs perceive embracing AI in radiotherapy has the potential to advance the profession and improve the service to patients. If AI is implemented with sufficient training for greater understanding, and management uses these benefits to improve patient care, rather than replace RTs roles, then overall any negatives will be outweighed by the benefits.
Do CCR5 (CCR5Δ32) and TLR3 (RS5743313) gene polymorphisms prevent chronic hepatitis B infection?
Authors: Tuncel Burçin , Kaygusuz Sedat , Sayın Kocakap Derya Beyza , Aksoy Emel , Azkur Ahmet Kürşat
Published: December 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a significant health problem in human. HBV severity or sensitivity of patients may be based on the individual genetic factors significantly. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of CCR5 (CCR5Δ32), TLR3 (rs5743313) functional gene polymorphisms, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐ɣ) level in HBV infection, which are thought to play an important role in innate and acquired immunity in patients who have undergone HBV seroconversion and those who have chronic hepatitis B disease and receive treatment. One hundred patients who are became naturally immune against HBV infection (HBsAg negative, anti‐HBc IgG, and anti‐HBs IgG positive), and 100 patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (>6 months HBsAg positive) who are receiving oral antiviral therapy were compared for CCR5Δ32, TLR3 (rs5743313) genotypes and serum IFN‐ɣ level. It was found that CCR5Δ32 polymorphism (Wt/Δ32 and Δ32/Δ32) was significantly higher in the chronic hepatitis B group (p = 0.048) but not for TLR3 gene polymorphism. However, serum IFN‐ɣ level was significantly higher in the HBV seroconversion group (75 ± 89 ng/ml) than in the chronic hepatitis B group (4.35 ± 17.27 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, a higher CCR5Δ32 allele frequency in patients with chronic hepatitis B might be considered as a marker of progression to chronic hepatitis.
Freezing stress induces changes in the morphophysiological of chickpea and wild mustard seedlings
Authors: Rastgoo Mehdi , Nezami Ahmad , Hasanfard Alireza , Nabati Jafar , Ahmadi‐Lahijani Mohammad Javad
Published: December 2022

Wild mustard is one of the common and troublesome winter weeds of chickpea fields and a great competitor to reduce the chickpea productivity. Plant species (chickpeas cv. Saral and wild mustard) were compared at freezing temperatures (+4 as a control, 0, −4, −8, −12, −16, and −20°C) based on the morphophysiological traits and their recovery ability. Chickpea chlorophyll fluorescence was more sensitive to low temperatures than wild mustard. Chickpea and wild mustard Fv′/Fm′ (light‐adapted maximum efficiency of photosystem II [PSII] photochemistry) decrease 33% and 11% exposed to −16°C, respectively, compared with +4°C. Particularly at lower temperatures, wild mustard electrolyte leakage was smaller than that of chickpea; the temperature drop had a greater impact on the stems than the leaves. Per temperature degree drop from −12 to −20°C, the survival probability decreased by 12.5%. Wild mustard had a greater root dry matter (RDM) compared with chickpea plants. 50% dry matter depression temperature (RDMT50) could better distinguish among the species freezing response; wild mustard RDMT50 was ~1°C higher than chickpea. Plant survival and Fv′/Fm′ correlation suggested the reliability of chlorophyll fluorescence measurements to assay plants freezing tolerance. The important contribution of a more powerful root system to wild mustard survival under adverse circumstances may be suggested by the positive association between plant survival and RDM. Higher tolerance of wild mustard to freezing stress ultimately leads to greater survival, regeneration, continued growth, and geographical distribution. Therefore, the wild mustard invasion will be possible in chickpea fields after freezing stress, especially in the cold climates and high‐altitude regions.
HOW POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY HELPS LEADERS CREATE INCLUSIVE, BETTER‐PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Miller Kathy
Published: December 2022

The author relates her experience applying the tenets of positive psychology to a manufacturing environment and explains how leaders in any sector can apply positive psychology for organizational success. Using this “in conjunction with lean manufacturing, a discipline based on creating value at the rate of customer demand built on the foundation of respect for the employees, resulted in multiple factories achieving significantly higher levels of operational performance. These factories were part of a $75 million division of a $12 billion diversified industrial publicly traded company that operates in fifty countries.” She relates the history of positive psychology, especially how “University of Pennsylvania professor Martin Seligman started a revolution, assembling researchers and psychology practitioners to work on the science of building well‐being.” She also explains the basics of the psychological concept associated with the late Stanford University professor Albert Bandura, self‐efficacy. She writes that “a leader’s self‐efficacy and the ability to create an environment where each workforce member can contribute to the business through their personal sense of self‐efficacy are critical ingredients in developing inclusive cultures.” Another important concept is optimism: “Leaders striving to create an inclusive culture for all the right reasons, including enhanced business performance, will benefit from optimism, a cornerstone of positive psychology.”
Predictors of Falls with Injuries in People with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Castro Isabella P.R. , Valença Guilherme T. , Pinto Elen Beatriz , Cavalcanti Helen M. , Oliveira‐Filho Jamary , Almeida Lorena Rosa S.
Published: December 2022

Background

Falls are frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD), but there is lack of information about predictors of injurious falls.

Objectives

To determine predictors of falls with injuries in people with PD; to compare circumstances and consequences of falls in single and recurrent fallers.

Methods

Participants (n = 225) were assessed by disease‐specific, self‐report, and balance measures, and followed‐up for 12 months with a diary to record falls, their circumstances, and injuries. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Circumstances and consequences of falls presented by single and recurrent fallers were compared.

Results

A total of 805 falls were analyzed, 107 (13%) were falls with injuries. Multivariate logistic regression model revealed that greater PD duration and higher balance confidence were protective factors; better balance during gait, outdoor falls, and falls related to extrinsic factors were risk factors for falls with injuries, when compared to falls with no injuries. Multivariate multinomial regression model revealed that, when compared to zero fall, past falls and daily levodopa equivalent dose were predictors of falls with injuries; these predictors together with disability were predictors of falls with no injuries. Single falls (n = 27; 3%) were more common outdoors because of extrinsic factors, whereas recurrent falls (n = 778; 97%) were more common indoors because of intrinsic factors. Single falls led to more injuries than recurrent falls (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Different predictors of falls with injuries were obtained when different outcomes were compared. It should be noted that falls with injuries might be influenced by fall‐related activities and environmental factors. Single and recurrent falls differed on circumstances and consequences.
Plasmonic grating assisted photo‐absorption enhancement in terahertz photoconductive antenna
Authors: Lee Gyejung , Son Byungwoo , Ko Do‐Kyeong , Hong Sung‐Min , Lee Sungbae , Jang Jae‐Hyung
Published: December 2022

A large aperture photoconductive antenna (PCA) with a plasmonic grating structure was fabricated and characterized. The intensity of the terahertz radiation from the plasmonic PCA was enhanced two‐fold compared with that from the conventional PCA without the plasmonic grating structure. By using an electrically isolated nano‐grating structure, the performance enhancement was found to be due to the plasmonic effect other than bias field enhancement. The photo‐absorption enhancement near the GaAs surface and the plasmonic grating interface was investigated to elucidate the terahertz radiation enhancement mechanism in the plasmonic PCA. The highly localized electric field near the nanoscale grating shows optical absorption at the GaAs surface was enhanced. The enhanced optical absorption increased the photo‐generated carrier density at the device surface, leading to enhanced intensity and bandwidth of the terahertz radiation from the plasmonic PCA.
Designing and building radio frequency devices with tailored dielectric properties using additive manufacturing
Authors: de Oliveira Neto Antonio M. , Justo João F. , Beccaro Wesley , de Oliveira Alexandre M.
Published: December 2022

This work presents a technique to produce radio frequency (RF) and microwave devices with relative permittivity () variations in specific locations. It is based on additive manufacturing, using two or more filaments, with different permittivities, which are introduced into the print head and mixed with designed proportions. While other techniques can vary the dielectric permittivity using air cavities along the object, our proposal allows varying permittivity without cavities, which provides devices with more stable properties. As an application of this technique in RF devices, a dielectric planar lens, with varying permittivity, was designed and built to work along with a planar Vivaldi antenna. The antenna plus lens system was experimentally measured, indicating gains of up to 1.98 dBi when compared to the system without the lens. It was also demonstrated that the lens has ultra‐wideband properties since it presented an increase in gain when compared to the reference one from 1.5 to 3.0 GHz.
A C‐band 370 W MMIC high‐power PIN limiter with heterogeneous integration
Authors: Dai Zhou , Li Chunyu , Yan Junda , Dai Jiayun , Zhang Tiancheng , Bao Huaguang , Ding Dazhi
Published: December 2022

This paper designs a mesa‐structured monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) limiter working in C‐band. The quasi‐vertical Si‐based PIN diodes are heterogeneously integrated on the SiC substrate with high thermal conductivity, such that the parasitic parameters are greatly reduced and the power capacity is enhanced. According to the measured results, a maximum insertion loss of 1.1 dB and a minimum return loss of 17.69 dB for both input and output terminals are realized to cover the 5–6 GHz frequency range. The flat leakage of 23 dBm is achieved for a 150 W continuous wave and 370 W pulse input signal level. We believe the proposed MMIC limiter provides an effective tool that can be used in the transmit‐receive modules working in C‐band.
Lessons learned from child health care nurses' experiences of teaching infant massage groups: A qualitative interview‐based study
Authors: Isaksson Josefin A. , Hedov Gerth , Garmy Pernilla
Published: December 2022

Aim

To describe child health care nurses' experiences of teaching infant massage in parent groups.

Design

This was an exploratory‐descriptive qualitative study based on individual interviews.

Method

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with child health care nurses (N = 9) according to the COREQ guidelines and analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

Five categories were identified: (1) Infant massage can promote attachment between parents/guardians and their children; (2) Infant massage can have a calming impact; (3) Stress and lack of time can be challenging; (4) The composition of parent groups can be important and (5) The child health care nurse can observe parents'/guardians' relationships with their children. Child health care nurses are uniquely familiar with infant massage and the benefits it provides both parents/guardians and their infants. Specifically, infant massage has a calming effect that reduces stress and strengthens the relationship between infants and their parents/guardians.

Patient or Public Contribution

Child health care nurses were interviewed.
Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine using a Phenyl Carboxylic Acid‐Functionalized Electrode Made by Electrochemical Reduction of a Diazonium Salt
Authors: Anjum Saima , Lou Baohua , Tahir Amiza , Aziz‐ur‐Rehman  , Rehan H. Shah Gilani M. , Xu Guobao
Published: December 2022

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) has been modified by an in situ electrochemical reduction of an aryldiazonium salt generated from the reaction of 4‐aminobenzoic acid and sodium nitrite in acidic ethanolic solution. The as‐prepared phenyl carboxylic acid‐modified glassy carbon electrode has been, for the first time, used for the electrochemical determination of dopamine. Under optimal experimental parameters, outstanding electrocatalytic activity, high sensitivity at a LOD of 5.6×10−9 m, and broad linearity of 0.1 to 1000 μm were obtained. The crafted electrochemical platform demonstrated excellent stability, specificity, and anti‐interference capability towards the sensing of dopamine.
Evaluation of shear piezoelectric coefficients by a bimorph cantilever technique for extruded and oriented poly(l‐lactide) films
Authors: Ben Achour Mohamed Aymen , Samuel Cédric , Rguiti Mohamed , Barrau Sophie , Courtois Christian , Lacrampe Marie‐France
Published: December 2022

Uniaxially stretched poly(l‐lactide) (US‐PLA) films display shear piezoelectric properties of interests for smart applications. However, the measurement of these properties is quite challenging and a simple technique based on bimorph cantilevers is here used. This technique is validated with commercial piezoelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films. A piezoelectric coefficient d31 close to 19 pm/V is then obtained with a precision close to 5% and a good accuracy to expected values. For US‐PLA films made by extrusion—machine‐direction orientation, shear piezoelectric coefficients d14 up to 5.9 pm/V are found. Relevant trends can be captured but a low precision on d14, close to 10%, is highlighted. This behavior is probably related to film thickness heterogeneities arising from the extrusion processing at the laboratory scale. Piezoelectric voltage coefficients (g14) and electromechanical coupling coefficients could be also easily obtained with additional measurements of the dielectric permittivity and mechanical compliance. Outstanding g14 coefficients up to 320 mV.m/N are confirmed for US‐PLA films with a precision close to 20%. The bimorph cantilever technique consequently represents a simple and reliable technique to evaluate piezoelectric properties of soft materials, in particular shear piezoelectric properties of US‐PLA films for future developments and optimizations at the pilot scale.
Impact of viral respiratory infections on pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gonzalez‐Rosales Noel , Kasi Ajay S. , McCracken Courtney E. , Silva George L. , Starks Miah , Stecenko Arlene , Guglani Lokesh
Published: December 2022

Background

Viral respiratory infections trigger pulmonary exacerbations (PEs) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), but their clinical impact is not well understood.

Methods

A retrospective review of pediatric patients with CF who underwent nasopharyngeal respiratory viral panel testing during hospitalization for a PE between 2011 and 2018 was conducted. Patients were dichotomized into viral‐positive and viral‐negative groups. The results of spirometry, respiratory cultures, duration of hospitalization, and risk for subsequent PEs were analyzed.

Results

Ninety‐five patients had 210 hospitalizations for PE (viral‐positive = 71/210, 34%) during the study period. Rhinovirus/enterovirus was the most common virus (52/71, 73%) identified. Viral‐positive patients were younger (p < 0.001), had higher baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (p = 0.037), continued to maintain higher FEV1 at 3 and 6 months following PE (p = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively), and had a shorter duration of hospitalization (p = 0.006) compared to the viral‐negative group. There was no difference between the two groups in the rate of recovery of FEV1 at 3 and 6 months following PE (p = 0.71 and 0.405, respectively), time to the next PE (hazard ratio = 1.34, p = 0.157), number of subsequent PEs in 6 months (p = 0.99), or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) acquisition (p = 0.707).

Conclusions

In this single pediatric CF center cohort, one‐third of PEs requiring hospitalization were associated with a viral infection, with rhinovirus/enterovirus being the most common. Viral‐positive PEs were not associated with a greater decline or delayed recovery of lung function, increased risk for PA acquisition, shortened duration to next PE, longer hospital stay, or an increase in the frequency of subsequent PEs in 6 months compared to viral‐negative PEs.
Thymoquinone attenuates hepatic lipid accumulation by inducing autophagy via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1‐dependent pathway in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhang Yinghui , Wang Zhilan , Lei Lei
Published: December 2022

Thymoquinone (TQ) has been proved to exert wide‐ranging pharmacological activities, with anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, anti‐tumor, and antidiabetic properties. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of TQ on a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in C57BL/6 N mice in vivo and free fatty acid (FFA)‐induced human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells in vitro. Further, the underlying mechanisms of TQ to promote hepatic autophagy were also discovered. Data showed that TQ caused (p < 0.01) body weight reduction, improved glucose homeostasis, alleviated hepatosteatosis, and decreased hepatic lipid accumulation related to the induction of autophagy in HFD‐fed mice. In vitro, TQ obviously increased (p < 0.01) autophagic flux in FFA‐induced HepG2 cells and consequently reduced the lipid accumulation in combination with activation of AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathways. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of the AMPK pathway by addition with AMPK inhibitor Compound C (CC) or silence of ULK1 by transfection with siRNA(ULK1) into HepG2 cells reversed these beneficial effects of TQ on triggering hepatic autophagy and reducing lipid accumulation (p < 0.01). Taken together, these results suggested that TQ alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation by triggering autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1‐dependent signaling pathway. Our study supports a potential role for TQ in ameliorating NAFLD.
Predictors of adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes of instrumental vaginal delivery at a tertiary setting in Ethiopia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sium Abraham Fessehaye , Gudu Wondimu , Lucero‐Prisno Don Eliseo III , Tilahun Aida
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine the rate of instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD) and the predictors of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes associated with it in an Ethiopian setting.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2018, to January 31, 2019, at St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). Data on obstetric characteristics, perinatal and maternal outcomes of women who delivered through IVD were collected prospectively, using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 and descriptive analysis was applied to analyze baseline characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to predict the association between short‐term complications of IVD and their determinants. Odds ratio, 95% CI, and p‐value < 0.05 were used to present significance of study findings.

Results

There were 3165 deliveries during the study period, out of which 241 (7.6%) were instrumental vaginal deliveries. Sequential use of instrumental delivery (AOR = 4.82 [95% CI = 2.10–27.29] and AOR = 6.43 [95% CI = 1.19–34.73], for maternal and fetal complications, respectively) was associated with increased both maternal and fetal complications. Three number of pulls during the extraction was associated with increased fetal complications (AOR = 1.19 [95% CI = 1.05–1.67]).

Conclusion

The rate of instrumental delivery rate in our setting is high with sequential use of instrumental delivery found to be associated with increased adverse maternal and fetal outcomes while three number of pulls were associated with increased fetal adverse outcomes.
Glycopeptide characterization of Sf9‐derived SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein recombinant vaccine candidates expedited by the use of glycopeptide libraries
Authors: Miller Roland M. , Perkins George L. , Bush David , Tartiere Aude , DeGraan‐Weber Nick
Published: December 2022

Rationale

We report the N‐glycosylation pattern of Sf9 insect cell‐derived recombinant spike proteins being developed as candidate vaccine antigens for SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) (Sanofi). The method has been optimised to produce peptides with single, isolated glycosylation sites using multiple protease digests. The development and use of glycopeptide libraries from previous developmental phases allowed for faster analysis than processing datasets from individual batches from first principles.

Methods

Purified spike proteins were reduced, alkylated, and digested with proteolytic enzymes. Three different protease digests were utilised to generate peptides with isolated glycosylation sites. The glycopeptides were then analysed using a Waters Q‐TOF while using a data‐dependent acquisition mass spectrometry experiment. Glycopeptide mapping data processing and glycan classification were performed using Genedata Expressionist via a specialised workflow that used libraries of previously detected glycopeptides to greatly reduce processing time.

Results

Two different spike proteins from six manufacturers were analysed. There was a strong similarity at each site across batches and manufacturers. The majority of the glycans present were of the truncated class, although at sites N61, N234, and N717/714 high mannose structures were dominant and at N1173/1170 aglycosylation was dominant for both variant proteins. A comparison was performed on a commercially available spike protein and our results were found to be similar to those of earlier reports.

Conclusions

Our data clearly show that the overall glycosylation pattern of both spike protein variants was highly similar from batch to batch, and between materials produced at different manufacturing facilities. The use of our glycopeptide libraries greatly expedited the generation of site‐specific glycan occupancy data for a large glycoprotein. We compared our method with previously obtained data from a commercially available insect cell‐derived spike protein and the results were comparable to published findings.
Sedimentation and regulation technologies in the Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Chunhong Hu , Chunming Fang
Published: December 2022

Sedimentation is one of the key technical problems present throughout feasibility demonstration, design, construction, and operation of the Three Gorges Project. Since the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) began impoundment operation in 2003, important progress has been made in sedimentation and regulation technologies through systematic research and practices. This paper reveals the asynchronous propagation pattern of flood and sediment peak inflows, sediment movement in the backwater area during drawdown period, sediment flocculation, and sediment deposition that compromises the flood control reservoir storage, and puts forward new sediment regulation techniques, including sediment peak discharge regulation during flood season, siltation reduction in the backwater area during drawdown period, dynamic adjustment of the reservoir level during flood season, and joint sediment regulation in cascade reservoirs. A real‐time monitoring, forecasting and dynamic regulation platform for water and sediment inflow in the TGR was developed; a new mode of dynamic sediment regulation called “regulating sediment for greater benefits” is proposed, which addresses the constraints of sedimentation on the optimal operation of TGR. By enabling more flexible operation, this mode improves the process and pattern of sedimentation, ensures the safety of reservoir operation, and significantly augments the comprehensive benefits of the TGR.
Breathable Lignin Nanoparticles as Reversible Gas Swellable Nanoreactors
Authors: Moreno Adrian , Delgado‐Lijarcio Javier , Ronda Juan C. , Cádiz Virginia , Galià Marina , Sipponen Mika H. , Lligadas Gerard
Published: December 2022

The design of stimuli‐responsive lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) for advanced applications has hitherto been limited to the preparation of lignin‐grafted polymers in which usually the lignin content is low (<25 wt.%) and its role is debatable. Here, the preparation of O2‐responsive LNPs exceeding 75 wt.% in lignin content is shown. Softwood Kraft lignin (SKL) is coprecipitated with a modified SKL fluorinated oleic acid ester (SKL‐OlF) to form colloidal stable hybrid LNPs (hy‐LNPs). The hy‐LNPs with a SKL‐OlF content ranging from 10 to 50 wt.% demonstrated a reversible swelling behavior upon O2/N2 bubbling, increasing their size – ≈35% by volume – and changing their morphology from spherical to core‐shell. Exposition of hy‐LNPs to O2 bubbling promotes a polarity change on lignin‐fluorinated oleic chains, and consequently their migration from the inner part to the surface of the particle, which not only increases the particle size but also endows hy‐LNPs with enhanced stability under harsh conditions (pH < 2.5) by the hydration barrier effect. Furthermore, it is also demonstrated that these new stimuli‐responsive particles as gas tunable nanoreactors for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Combining a straightforward preparation with their enhanced stability and responsiveness to O2 gas these new LNPs pave the way for the next generation of smart lignin‐based nanomaterials.
Enamels analysis of Doucai porcelain with Chenghua mark by non‐destructive micro‐EDXRF
Authors: Yuwu Gong , Yingfei Xiong , Enyuan Wang , Jie Chen
Published: December 2022

The Chenghua Doucai of the Ming Dynasty represents the highest level of craftsmanship among enamelled porcelain, and it remained popular throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Consequently, Doucai porcelain with a pseudo‐Chenghua mark was produced almost continuously after the Chenghua reign. In this article, non‐destructive energy dispersive micro x‐ray fluorescence (micro‐XRF) is used to analyse Doucai wares with Chenghua mark from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and modern period. Using micro‐XRF mapping technology, the different elemental maps in the blue, green, red, yellow enamels demonstrate that the Doucai is fired with a various colouring materials. The blue is coloured by cobalt, the green is coloured by copper, and the red and yellow are coloured by a lot of iron and a few of iron, and lead in all enamels except for the underglaze blue with different contents. Even though the primary enamels of Doucai wares with the Chenghua mark are similar, the wares made in the Qing Dynasty display more types of enamels than Chenghua reign's. For instance, there are two types of red enamels; the darker red enamel contains manganese (Mn) in addition to iron (Fe), and the modern yellow enamels of Doucai contain titanium (Ti) in addition to iron (Fe). This study compared the changes of colouring materials for Doucai of different times and demonstrated that the micro‐XRF elemental mapping technology is a valuable tool to reveal the compositional characteristics and ware production procedures.
Microvascular anastomosis of the human lacrimal gland: a concept study towards transplantation of the human lacrimal gland
Authors: Holtmann Christoph , Roth Mathias , Filler Timm , Bergmann Ann Kathrin , Hänggi Daniel , Muhammad Sajjad , Borrelli Maria , Geerling Gerd
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Severe aqueous tear deficiency is caused by primary or secondary main lacrimal gland insufficiency. The transplantation of a human lacrimal gland could become a potential treatment option to provide physiological tears with optimal properties. To this end, we performed an ex vivo study to develop a surgical strategy that would ensure a vascular supply for a lacrimal gland transplant using microvascular techniques.

Material and methods

Five cadaver heads were used to perform a lateral orbitotomy in order to identify the vascular pedicle and the lacrimal gland itself. The principal feasibility and the time of the required surgical steps for an intraorbital microvascular re-anastomosis of the human lacrimal gland were documented. Patency and potential leakage of the anastomosis were tested with hematoxylin intraoperatively. Postoperatively, routine histological, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the gland and vascular anastomosis, were performed.

Results

The vascular pedicle of all five glands could be isolated over a minimum stretch of at least 1 cm, severed, and successfully reanastmosed microsurgically. Time for arterial anatomization (n = 4) was 23 ± 7 min and 22 ± 3 min for the vein (p = 0.62). The total time for the entire microvascular anastomosis was 46 ± 9 min. All anastomosis were patent upon testing. SEM revealed well-aligned edges of the anastomosis with tight sutures in place.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates as proof of principle the feasibility of intraorbital microvascular re-anastomosis of a human lacrimal gland within the presumed window of ischemia of this tissue. This should encourage orbital surgeons to attempt lacrimal gland transplantation in humans in vivo.
Einfluss der Beimpfung auf die Filiformkorrosionsprüfung
Authors: Plagemann Peter
Published: December 2022

Bei der Filiformkorrosionsprüfung werden beschichtete und geritzte Prüfkörper vor der Klimaauslagerung üblicherweise Salzsäuredämpfen ausgesetzt, um das Fadenwachstum zu initiieren. Dieser Vorgang wird oftmals als „Beimpfen“ bezeichnet. Etliche Faktoren in der Durchführung dieser Prozedur können jedoch die Prüfergebnisse beeinflussen. Hierzu wurden systematische Untersuchungen unter Verwendung der faktoriellen Versuchsplanung („Design of Experiment“ – DoE) mit der entsprechenden statistischen Auswertung gemacht, um die Wirkung ausgewählter Prüfparameter auf das Prüfergebnis bewerten zu können. Desweiteren wurden auch andere Methoden zur Beimpfung untersucht um zu zeigen, ob diese als Alternative zur klassischen HCl-Dampf-Beimpfung geeignet sind.
How to treat gastrinomas in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type1: surgery or long-term proton pump inhibitors?
Authors: Imamura Masayuki , Komoto Izumi , Taki Yoshiro
Published: December 2022

In patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN 1) and Zollinger–Ellison syndrome (ZES), gastrinomas arise from the duodenum, about 60% are multiple, and about 15% of patients have coexisting pancreatic gastrinomas, which can be localized by the selective arterial secretagogue injection test (SASI test). The guidelines (GLs) by the Japanese Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (JNETS) recommend surgical resection for functioning duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), including gastrinomas, in patients with MEN1 (Grade A, 100% agreement among members). Conversely, the GLs of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) in the USA recommend observation and treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or exploratory surgery for occult gastrinomas. An international Consensus Statement (ICS) from the European Union (EU) also does not recommend resection of gastrinomas in patients with MEN1, despite some surgeons having reported surgery being curative for gastrinomas in MEN1 patients. In this review, we discuss the serious side effects and tumorigenic effects of the prolonged use of PPIs and the safety and curability of surgery, supported by our results of curative surgery for gastrinomas in 20 patients with MEN1 over 30 years. We conclude that surgery should be the first-line treatment for gastrinomas in MEN1 patients.