bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromatic Selectivity of Coumarin‐Caged Oligonucleotides
Authors: Kaufmann Janik , Sinsel Fabian , Heckel Alexander
Published: December 2022

A system of two coumarin‐based caging groups is presented – one absorbing in the blue (400–450 nm) and the other absorbing in the green (480–550 nm) part of the visible spectrum. Together they form a pair, which allows to selectively photoactivate the one or the other in oligonucleotides. A numerical characterization defining the term “chromatic selectivity” was proposed, and it was shown how chromatically selective uncaging can literally be titrated in a kinetic reaction scheme.
Asymmetric synthesis of the sex pheromone of the apple leafminer, Lyonetia prunifoliella
Authors: Yu Shihang , Yuan Gucheng , Liu Jiawei , Bian Qinghua , Wang Min , Zhong Jiangchun
Published: December 2022

Lyonetia prunifoliella is a significant pest in orchards and damages apple. The sex pheromones of this pest were prepared via a new and concise method. The central to our method were Evans' chiral auxiliaries, the addition of chiral Grignard reagent to aldehyde and Wittig coupling.
Influence of Nozzle Parameters on Spray Pattern and Droplet Characteristics for a Two‐Fluid Nozzle
Authors: Kramm Kathrin , Orth Maike , Teiwes Arne , Kammerhofer Jana Christina , Meunier Vincent , Pietsch‐Braune Swantje , Heinrich Stefan
Published: December 2022

In this study, a two‐fluid nozzle, as, e.g., used in fluidized‐bed or spray drying applications, is comprehensively characterized regarding the spray pattern and droplet size. To analyze the spray cone, the spray cone angle and the radial mass distribution of the nozzle were measured at varied liquid flow rate, spray air pressure, liquid insert bore diameter, and air cap position. Additionally, droplet size distributions were recorded at different spray settings. In general, the overall spray cone and single droplets are significantly influenced by the spray parameters, especially the spray air pressure, as well as the nozzle geometry.
The 2021 ASCO guideline on the management of salivary gland malignancy endorses FNA biopsy and the risk stratification scheme proposed by the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology
Authors: Pusztaszeri Marc , Deschler Daniel , Faquin MD, PhD William C.
Published: December 2022

The 2021 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline for the management of salivary gland cancer offers 47 evidence‐based recommendations on preoperative evaluations, diagnostic and therapeutic surgical procedures, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, follow‐up evaluations, and recurrent metastatic disease. The ASCO guideline provides a framework and the best current evidence for managing the care of patients with salivary gland malignancies from diagnosis to treatment, and it endorses fine‐needle aspiration biopsy and the new Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology.
An inner‐outer subcycling algorithm for parallel cardiac electrophysiology simulations
Authors: Laudenschlager Sebastian , Cai Xiao‐Chuan
Published: December 2022

This paper explores cardiac electrophysiological simulations of the monodomain equations and introduces a novel subcycling time integration algorithm to exploit the structure of the ionic model. The aim of this work is to improve upon the efficiency of parallel cardiac monodomain simulations by using our subcycling algorithm in the computation of the ionic model to handle the local sharp changes of the solution. This will reduce the turnaround time for the simulation of basic cardiac electrical function on both idealized and patient‐specific geometry. Numerical experiments show that the proposed approach is accurate and also has close to linear parallel scalability on a computer with more than 1000 processor cores. Ultimately, the reduction in simulation time can be beneficial in clinical applications, where multiple simulations are often required to tune a model to match clinical measurements.
Environmental performance and financial performance: Empirical evidence from Indonesian companies
Authors: Hanjani Andreani , Kusumadewi Rr. Karlina Aprilia
Published: December 2022

This study aims to investigate the effect of Audit Committee, firm characteristics, and ISO 14001 on environmental performance. Also, this study analyzes the effect of environmental performance on the financial performance. The data analysis was performed using multiple linear regression Data collection techniques are carried out using annual reports of companies receiving PROPER Award and listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchanges in the year of 2015–2019. The results showed that Audit Committee, firm characteristics, and ISO 14001 significantly influenced environmental performance. Another result is that environmental performance has a positive effect on the financial performance. This study contributes as a reference for the government to make environmental policies so as to encourage the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study measures environmental performance using only PROPER which cannot be generalized to all companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchanges and other markets. The next studies should use other proxies to measure environmental performance and use other data collection methods such as interviews.
Memory‐driven eye movements prospectively predict dementia in people at risk of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Parra Mario A , Granada Juan , Fernández Gerardo
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Oculomotor behaviors linked to cognitive performance revealed neurocognitive features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that can enhance the accuracy of its assessment and diagnosis.

Methods

A sample of 107 participants (i.e., 65 mild cognitive impairment [MCI] and 42 controls) were recruited and followed up for 40 months. At baseline, they underwent assessment with the ViewMind digital biomarker, which draws cognitive‐related patterns of eye movement while people perform the visual short‐term memory binding task.

Results

Baseline data predicted that 36 patients with MCI would progress to the AD clinical syndrome (ADS Progressing). The remaining 29 MCI patients were predicted to remain as MCI or progress to other forms of dementia. After 40 months of follow‐up, 94% of ADS Progressing patients had received a diagnosis of dementia, whereas none of the non‐ADS Progressing had.

Discussion

The analysis of eye movement behavior combined with cognitive markers for AD can effectively predict progression to ADS among patients with MCI.
Signatures of emotional face processing measured by event‐related potentials in 7‐month‐old infants
Authors: Aran Özlü , Garcia Sarah E. , Hankin Benjamin L. , Hyde Daniel C. , Davis Elysia Poggi
Published: December 2022

The ability to distinguish facial emotions emerges in infancy. Although this ability has been shown to emerge between 5 and 7 months of age, the literature is less clear regarding the extent to which neural correlates of perception and attention play a role in processing of specific emotions. This study's main goal was to examine this question among infants. To this end, we presented angry, fearful, and happy faces to 7‐month‐old infants (N = 107, 51% female) while recording event‐related brain potentials. The perceptual N290 component showed a heightened response for fearful and happy relative to angry faces. Attentional processing, indexed by the P400, showed some evidence of a heightened response for fearful relative to happy and angry faces. We did not observe robust differences by emotion in the negative central (Nc) component, although trends were consistent with previous work suggesting a heightened response to negatively valenced expressions. Results suggest that perceptual (N290) and attentional (P400) processing is sensitive to emotions in faces, but these processes do not provide evidence for a fear‐specific bias across components.
Quantitative assessment of the dispersal of soil‐dwelling oribatid mites via rodents in restored heathlands
Authors: Salazar‐Fillippo Andrés A. , Teunkens Bert , Leirs Herwig , Frouz Jan , van Diggelen Rudy , Miko Ladislav
Published: December 2022

Heathland restoration using topsoil removal requires the re‐colonization of above‐ and belowground communities. Oribatid mites play a key role in the comminution of organic matter and are frequently early colonizers during succession despite their limited mobility. Whereas the assembly of their communities may take decades, passive dispersal likely dominates colonization processes, but especially dispersal via other animals (phoresy) remains poorly studied. Compared to other potential hosts, movement habits and ecology of small rodents may provide dispersal advantages to oribatid communities. We studied dispersal of oribatid mites via small rodents in restored heathland sites of different age. We measured movement patterns of small rodents and extracted mites from their pelts and nests to estimate annual contributions of these rodents to the dispersal of oribatids. We also discussed phoretic estimates reported on other host groups as a reference. Probability estimates of oribatids in pelts and nests showed lower occurrence frequencies compared to other reported phoretic hosts. However, local rodent communities may aid the dispersal of up to 41,000 oribatid mites per year. We highlight the high diversity of oribatid species mounting rodents, unlike strong species‐specific filters reported in other passive pathways. We found that over half (58%) of the oribatid species reproduced asexually and over a third (32%) had a soil‐dwelling lifestyle. We also observed that rodents often travel short distances below 40 m, but occasionally reach distances of up to 100 m, especially in earlier successional stages.Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that rodents may contribute to assembly processes of soil‐dwelling oribatid communities given the slow turnover rate of this group in heathlands. This is accomplished through short‐distance dispersal, and especially in sites at early stages of succession. To our knowledge, we are the first to quantitatively assess the potential dispersal of oribatid mites via rodents.
Uncertainty quantification of seismic response of nuclear reactor building using a three‐dimensional finite element model
Authors: Choi Byunghyun , Nishida Akemi , Li Yinsheng , Takada Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2022

After the 2011 Fukushima accident, seismic regulations for nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Japan have been strengthened to include countermeasures beyond design‐basis events. Therefore, the importance of seismic probabilistic risk assessments is a topic that deserves attention. Generally, uncertainty quantification has been a crucial undertaking to assess the fragility of NPP buildings. This study aims to quantify realistic uncertainties using a three‐dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model to reflect the obtained results to the conventional simple sway‐rocking (SR) model, and to develop a seismic fragility assessment method that considers 3D effects. As a first step, a 3D FE model was developed, and a seismic response analysis was performed to evaluate the seismic response of the buildings. For comparison, a seismic response analysis using the conventional SR model was performed. For input ground motions, 200 types of simulated seismic ground motions, generated using fault‐rupture models were adopted. As a second step, two types of uncertainties are evaluated for uncertainty quantification: uncertainty for input seismic ground motion and that due to different locations of equipment installed on a floor. As a third step, to reflect the 3D effect on the uncertainty of the conventional SR model, were investigated the median and logarithm standard deviation of the response ratio (3D FE/SR) of the maximum acceleration of the two models. The results of epistemic uncertainty tended to increase with the increasing elevation level and the epistemic uncertainty result in the basement floor, where important equipment was installed, was relatively small. By reflecting this epistemic uncertainty into the conventional SR model, a more realistic fragility assessment that considers the 3D effect is expected by applying this result as epistemic uncertainty of the SR model of the fragility assessment.
Total Synthesis of Aculenes B and D
Authors: Yokokawa Hinata , Ishizawa Seiya , Saito Katsuya , Meguro Yasuhiro , Kuwahara Shigefumi , Enomoto Masaru
Published: December 2022

The first total synthesis of aculene D, a structurally rare nordaucane‐type natural product exhibiting quorum sensing inhibitory activity, has been accomplished from a known five‐membered hydroxy carboxylic acid. Nucleophilic addition of methallylzinc bromide to a β‐keto aldehyde intermediate under Barbier conditions to install the secondary hydroxy group on the seven‐membered ring of aculene D gave the corresponding alcohol with an undesired configuration predominantly. On the other hand, the protection of its keto group as the ethylene acetal induced a reversal of diastereoselectivity, affording a desired diastereomer in a selective manner. The construction of the seven‐membered ring was realized by ring‐closing metathesis using a triethylsilyl‐protected monocyclic diene ester precursor. An additional five‐step manipulation on the cyclization product including the installation of an ethyl group on the five‐membered ring completed the synthesis of aculene D, whose esterification with an N‐protected l‐proline followed by deprotection also achieved the first total synthesis of aculene B.
Site classification using deep‐learning‐based image recognition techniques
Authors: Ji Kun , Zhu Chuanbin , Yaghmaei‐Sabegh Saman , Lu Jianqi , Ren Yefei , Wen Ruizhi
Published: December 2022

Classification of local soil conditions is important for the interpretation of structural seismic damage, which also plays a vital role in site‐specific seismic hazard analyses. In this study, we propose to classify sites as an image recognition task using a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN)‐based technique. We design the input image as a combination of the topographic slope and the mean horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) of earthquake recordings. A DCNN model with five convolutional layers is trained using 1649 sites in Japan. The recall rates for site classes C, D, and E using our DCNN classifier for Japanese sites are 82%, 70%, and 60%, respectively. When compared with existing site classification schemes relying on predefined standard HVSR curves, our proposed method achieves the highest total accuracy rate (between 73% and 75%). The generality and applicability of our trained classifier are further validated using sites in Europe with a total accuracy between 64% and 66%. The proposed data‐driven approach could be extended to other types of site amplification functions in the future.
Sunspot observations at Kawaguchi Science Museum: 1972 – 2013
Authors: Hayakawa Hisashi , Suzuki Daisuke , Mathieu Sophie , Lefèvre Laure , Takuma Hitoshi , Hiei Eijiro
Published: December 2022

Individual sunspot observations have formed a ground basis of international sunspot number, a unique reference for long‐term solar variability in the centennial timescale. The original datasets were subjected to exploitations and analyses upon the recalibrations of the sunspot number series. In this context, this study reviewed and analysed original sunspot records and their databases in the Kawaguchi Science Museum (KSM) in Japan. KSM hosts sunspot drawings and logbooks from 1972 to 2013. This dataset has a longer chronological coverage than what was known to the scientific community (1981–2010). These records have been digitized and publicized in a museum database, which allows users to access individual sunspot drawings and numerical data in KSM logbooks. These records are highly homogeneous as a single observer's dataset (Hitoshi Takuma), who used a 15‐cm refractor at the Kawaguchi Juvenile Museum in 1972–2003 and a 20‐cm refractor at KSM in 2003–2013. We also reviewed the Takuma data series, his monthly observation days (21.3 days/month), sunspot number in the whole disk and each hemisphere, and sunspot positions in a butterfly diagram. We also assessed Takuma's data stability in comparison with the international sunspot number and reference datasets of the SILSO. Takuma's data appear stable until 2003, when he changed the observation site and instrument. His data stability was quantitatively compared with the SILSO reference datasets, confirming the substantial long‐term stability of the data and establishing its reliability as an alternative reference for sunspot number recalibration.
Decoding subject's own name in the primary auditory cortex
Authors: Wu Hang , Wang Dong , Liu Yueyao , Xie Musi , Zhou Liwei , Wang Yiwen , Cao Jin , Huang Yujuan , Qiu Mincong , Qin Pengmin
Published: December 2022

Current studies have shown that perception of subject's own name (SON) involves multiple multimodal brain regions, while activities in unimodal sensory regions (i.e., primary auditory cortex) and their interaction with multimodal regions during the self‐processing remain unclear. To answer this, we combined multivariate pattern analysis and dynamic causal modelling analysis to explore the regional activation pattern and inter‐region effective connection during the perception of SON. We found that SON and other names could be decoded from the activation pattern in the primary auditory cortex. In addition, we found an excitatory effect of SON on connections from the anterior insula/inferior frontal gyrus to the primary auditory cortex, and to the temporoparietal junction. Our findings extended the current knowledge of self‐processing by showing that primary auditory cortex could discriminate SON from other names. Furthermore, our findings highlighted the importance of influence of the insula on the primary auditory cortex during self‐processing.
A cross‐sectional study exploring the Covid‐19 vaccination landscape in Malta through social media: An insight into experiences, attitudes, and perspectives
Authors: Cuschieri Sarah , Grech Stephan , Grech Victor
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Covid‐19 vaccines were disseminated across Europe from the end of 2020. Malta had one of the fastest vaccination rollouts in Europe and by March 2022 most adults had their booster dose. The aim was to investigate adult's perspectives, experiences, and attitudes regarding vaccination in Malta.

Methods

An anonymous online survey targeting adult social media users living in Malta was disseminated through social media, with a snowball technique. Demographic information, vaccination uptake, side‐effects, perceptions, and experiences were gathered through quantitative and qualitative means. Participants were sub‐grouped according to their vaccination status and descriptive analysis through frequency was performed. χ2/Fisher test testing followed by logistic regressions were performed to assess the vaccination perspectives according to vaccination status.

Results

Out of 611 participants 79.87% had the booster, 4.91% had two doses awaiting booster, 6.55% refused booster while, 8.67% refused any dose. Booster sub‐group when compared to vaccine hesitant sub‐group exhibited an association with the perception for the need to “continue wearing masks, maintaining physical distance and hand washing following vaccination” (odds ratio [OR]: 5.97 confidence interval [CI] 95%: 1.09–32.36 p = 0.04). Those waiting for the booster dose when compared to those refusing booster, exhibited an association with the perspective that “COVID‐19 vaccine is the solution to returning to normality” (OR: 5.00 CI 95%: 1.12–22.35 p = 0.04). The commonest reason for inoculation was to protect against severe disease (63.08% CI 95%: 58.91–67.07). More pronounced booster adverse effects raised concern about future booster doses uptake. Unwillingness among anti‐booster and vaccine hesitant arose among high socioeconomic background participants, with concern for vaccine safety and adverse effects.

Conclusion

Vaccine hesitancy is low yet, vaccination unwillingness even among highly educated may act as a barrier to control the pandemic. Clear, transparent public health communication which targets concerns is crucial, with unified messages from governing bodies optimizing population safety.
Contributions of linguistic, quantitative, and spatial attention skills to young children's math versus reading: Same, different, or both?
Authors: Liu Kaichun , Zhao Ningxin , Huang Tong , He Wei , Xu Lan , Chi Xia , Yang Xiujie
Published: December 2022

The study used Bayesian and Frequentist methods to investigate whether the roles of linguistic, quantitative, and spatial attention skills are distinct in children's acquisition of reading and math. A sample of 175 Chinese kindergarteners was tested with measures of linguistic skills (phonological awareness and phonological memory), quantitative knowledge (number line task, symbolic digit comparison, and non‐symbolic number estimation), spatial attention skills (visual span, mental rotation, and visual search), word reading, and calculation. After statistically controlling for age and nonverbal intelligence, phonological awareness and digit comparison performance explained unique variance in both math and reading. Moreover, number line estimation was specifically important for math, while phonological memory was specifically essential for reading. These findings highlight the possibility of developing early screening tools with different cognitive measures for children at risk of learning disabilities in reading and/or math.
Characterization of ambient polychlorinated biphenyl background conditions in surface waters of the Pajarito Plateau, New Mexico
Authors: Church Brian G. , Toll John , Tobiason Scott , White Amanda
Published: December 2022

This study presents the development of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) background threshold values (BTVs) that statistically characterize ambient background conditions for surface waters in undeveloped and developed landscapes of the Pajarito Plateau in the Rio Grande Basin of New Mexico. Between 2009 and 2018, surface water data were collected at 45 locations under a variety of flow conditions and regimes. A total of 163 samples were collected, with roughly 1/3 of samples and locations being in undeveloped areas (n = 53 from 17 locations), and the remainder being in developed areas (n = 110 from 28 locations). While there are areas on the Pajarito Plateau where PCB point sources are known or likely to have contributed to PCBs in soils, PCB BTVs calculated for undeveloped portions of watersheds (upstream of areas where PCB point sources are known or likely to have contributed to PCBs in soils, and therefore not affected by PCB sources within the watershed) are well above New Mexico's human health organism-only (HH-OO) water quality criterion (0.64 ng/L). Background threshold values are even higher in developed areas upstream of managed soil sites, suggesting that in developed areas, both diffuse ambient PCB sources (e.g., atmospheric deposition) and localized urban sources (e.g., building materials, paints, and electrical equipment) contribute to PCBs in those watersheds. These findings indicate that New Mexico's current HH-OO water quality criterion for PCBs cannot practicably be met due to ambient conditions. It is also impracticable to meet the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criterion continuous concentration (CCC) of 14 ng/L in developed background areas, where the BTV is approximately 1.5 times the CCC. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1307–1319. © 2022 SETAC
Incidence and management of esophageal cancer recurrence to regional lymph nodes after curative esophagectomy
Authors: Boerner Thomas , Carr Rebecca A. , Hsu Meier , Michel Alexa , Tan Kay See , Vos Elvira , Sihag Smita , Bains Manjit S. , Ku Geoffrey Y. , Wu Abraham J. , Jones David R. , Molena Daniela
Published: December 2022

Up to 50% of patients treated with curative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer will develop recurrence, contributing to the dismal survival associated with this disease. Regional recurrence may represent disease that is not yet widely metastatic and may therefore be amenable to more‐aggressive treatment. We sought to assess all patients treated with curative esophagectomy for esophageal cancer who developed regional recurrence. We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma at a single institution from January 2000 to August 2019. In total, 1626 patients were included in the study cohort. As of June 2022, 595 patients had disease recurrence, which was distant or systemic in 435 patients (27%), regional in 125 (7.7%) and local in 35 (2.2%). On multivariable analysis, neoadjuvant chemoradiation with a total radiation dose <45 Gy (hazard ratio [HR], 3.5 [95% CI, 1.7‐7.3]; P = .001), pathologic node‐positive disease (HR, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.3‐3.0]; P = .003) and lymphovascular invasion (HR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.0‐2.5]; P = .049) were predictors of isolated nodal recurrence, whereas increasing age (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.96‐0.99]; P = .001) and increasing number of excised lymph nodes (HR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.95‐1.00]; P = .021) were independently associated with decreased risk of regional recurrence. Patients treated with a combination of local and systemic therapies had better survival outcomes than patients treated with systemic therapy alone (P < .001). In patients with recurrence of esophageal cancer limited to regional lymph nodes, salvage treatment may be possible. Higher radiation doses and more‐extensive lymphadenectomy may reduce the risk of regional recurrence.
A Fluorescent Unnatural Mannosamine Derivative with Enhanced Emission Upon Complexation with Cucurbit[7]uril
Authors: Kataki‐Anastasakou Anna , Jia Shang , Axtell Jonathan C. , Sletten Ellen M.
Published: December 2022

Metabolic incorporation of unnatural functionality on glycans has allowed chemical biologists to observe and affect cellular processes. Recent work has resulted in glycan‐fluorophore structures that allow for direct visualization of glycan‐mediated processes, shining light on their role in living systems. This work describes the serendipitous discovery of a small chemical reporter‐fluorophore. Investigations into the mechanism of fluorescence arising from (trimethylsilyl)methylglycine appended on mannosamine suggest rigidity and restriction of lone pair geometry contribute to the fluorescent behaviour. In fact, in situ cyclization and encapsulation in cucurbit[7]uril enhance fluorescence to levels that can be observed in live cells. While the reported unnatural mannosamine does not traverse the sialic acid biosynthetic pathway, this discovery may lead to small, “turn‐on” chemical reporters for incorporation in living systems.
Chitosan‐collagen‐fibrinogen uncrosslinked scaffolds possessing skin regeneration and vascularization potential
Authors: Dasgupta Shalini , Gope Ayan , Mukhopadhyay Anurup , Kumar Prashant , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy , Barui Ananya
Published: December 2022

Clinical success of regenerative medicine for treating deep‐tissue skin injuries depends on the availability of skin grafts. Though bioengineered constructs are tested clinically, lack of neovascularization provide only superficial healing. Thus constructs, which promotes wound healing and supports vascularization has gained priority in tissue engineering. In this study, chitosan‐collagen‐fibrinogen (CCF) scaffold was fabricated using freeze‐drying method without using any chemical crosslinkers. CCF scaffolds proved cytocompatibility and faster healing in in vitro scratch assay of primary human adult dermal fibroblasts cells with progressively increasing vascular endothelial growth factor‐A and reducing vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 expressions. Skin regeneration evaluated on in vivo full thickness wound model confirmed faster remodeling with angiogenic signatures in CCF scaffold‐implanted mice. Histopathological observations corroborated with stereo‐zoom and SS‐optical coherence tomography images of wound sites to prove the maturation of healing‐bed, after 12 days of CCF implantation. Therefore, it is concluded that CCF scaffolds are promising for skin tissue regeneration and demonstrates pro‐angiogenic potential.
Bonding in the high spin lithium clusters:Non‐nuclearattractors play a crucial role
Authors: Karachi Sara Sadat , Eskandari Kiamars
Published: December 2022

The bonding in lithium high‐spin clusters contradicts the usual chemical bonding concept since there are no electron pairs between the atoms, and they are bound with parallel spin electrons. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules and interacting quantum atom analysis (IQA) were used to investigate the nature of bonding in the high‐spin clusters. Our findings demonstrate that the non‐nuclear attractors (NNAs) are an essential component of the high‐spin lithium clusters and play a key role in keeping them stable. Based on IQA energy terms, an electrostatic destabilizing interaction between the lithium atoms works against the cluster formation. On the other hand, the interactions between lithium atoms and NNA basins are stabilizing and outweigh the lithium‐lithium destabilizing effects. In fact, NNAs tend to draw lithium atoms together and stabilize the resulting cluster. The high‐spin clusters of lithium can be regarded as electrostatically driven compounds since the electrostatic components are primarily responsible for the stabilizing interactions between NNAs and Li atoms. The only exception is3Li2, which lacks NNA and has a non‐repellent lithium–lithium interaction. Indeed, in the3Li2, the interatomic electrostatic component is negligibly small, and the exchange‐correlation term leads to a weak bonding interaction.
Urinary N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase‐creatine ratio is a valuable predictor for advanced diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Huang Qinghua , Fei Xianming , Zhan Huifang , Gong Jianguang , Zhou Jieru , Zhang Yulv , Ye Xiao , Song Yingxiang , Ma Jiangbo , Wu Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

Background

Many biomarkers show high diagnostic values for diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but fewer studies focus on the predictive assessment of DKD progression by blood and urinary biomarkers.

Aim

This study aims to find powerful risk predictors and identifying biomarkers in blood and urine for DKD progression.

Methods

A total of 117 patients with type 2 DKD including early and advanced stages and their laboratory parameters were statistically assessed. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the significance of discriminating between early and advanced DKD, and the predictive power for advanced DKD was analyzed by regression analysis and trisector grouping.

Results

N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase‐creatine (NAG/CR) level in advanced DKD was statistically higher than that in early DKD (p < 0.05), and there was a higher incidence of advanced DKD (72% vs. 56%) and high odds ratio (OR: 3.917, 95% CI: 1.579–10.011) of NAG/CR with ≥2.79 U/mmol compared with <2.79 U/mmol (p < 0.05). NAG/CR ratio also showed a higher area under the ROC curve of 0.727 (95% CI: 0.616–0.828, p = 0.010) with a high sensitivity (0.75) and a moderate specificity (0.66) when 1.93 U/mmol was set as the optimal cutoff value. The adjusted‐multivariable analysis revealed that NAG/CR had an OR of 1.021 (95% CI: 1.024–1.038) and 2.223 (95% CI: 1.231–4.463) based on a continuous and categorical variable, respectively, for risk of advanced DKD. Moreover, the prevalence of advanced DKD exhibited an increasing tendency by an increment of the trisector of NAG/CR.

Conclusions

This study suggests that NAG/CR ratio is an independent predictor for advanced DKD, and it also can be used as a powerful identifying marker between early and advanced DKD.
Never underestimate fears, blocks, and resistances: The interplay between experiential practices, self‐conscious emotions, and the therapeutic relationship in compassion focused therapy
Authors: Matos Marcela , Petrocchi Nicola , Irons Chris , Steindl Stanley R.
Published: December 2022

Experiential practices are a core component of compassion focused therapy (CFT). Throughout the treatment process, the client's engagement with these practices may become blocked, resulting in a rupture in the therapeutic relationship. In these instances, the interplay between these experiential practices and the therapeutic relationship becomes an essential focus of therapy to repair the rupture, re‐engage the client in the therapeutic process, and proceed with the CFT treatment plan. This paper presents the case of a man diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, with the presence of shame‐based self‐criticism, treated via 12 sessions of CFT. CFT was proceeding well until certain embodiment practices and chair work were introduced, at which point the client refused to continue and became disengaged in the session. The process of repair and re‐engagement will be discussed from the perspective of this interplay between experiential exercises and therapeutic relationships. Implications for CFT practice and clinical recommendations will be provided.
Introduction to the special issue on critical realism
Authors: Lauzier‐Jobin François , Brunson Liesette , Olson Brad
Published: December 2022

This special issue explores how philosophy of science matters for both research and social action in community psychology. It explores the complex issue of what might be appropriate philosophical bases for community psychology theory, research, and practice. In particular, it focuses on critical realism, a relatively new approach to the philosophy of science. In this introductory article, we start by discussing the importance of philosophy of science for community psychologists. We then situate our subject by exploring the history of paradigms in community psychology. We next offer a brief description of critical realism by describing its assumptions on ontology (nature of the world), epistemology (theory of knowledge), axiology (theory of values), and methodology (theory of action).
Novel macaroni‐sponge‐like pore structure biomass (Zingiber officinale Rosc. leaves)‐based electrode material for excellent energy gravimetric supercapacitor
Authors: Taer Erman , Yanti Novi , Putri Juwita Ade , Apriwandi Apriwandi , Taslim Rika
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND

Biomass‐based porous carbon as the basic component of electrodes has received wide interest as a renewable energy storage device with high chemical–physical stability and environmental friendliness. Therefore, novel biomass waste based on Zingiber officinale Rosc./red ginger leaves was synthesized as an electrode‐based carbon material with an abundance of unique macaroni‐sponge‐like hierarchical pore structure, as well as good chemical, physical and economic performance. Template/metal–organic framework‐free red ginger leaf‐based hierarchical porous carbon (RGPC) was prepared using a facile and zero‐residue technique as electrode material for supercapacitor application.

RESULTS

Additionally, ZnCl2 impregnation with concentrations of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mol L−1 was utilized for increasing the active sites between electrode and electrolyte ions through interconnecting microchannels. The combination of macaroni‐sponge‐like structure, amorphous nature, optimum specific surface area and availability of oxygen functional groups as a self‐doping heteroatom of RGPC‐0.3 greatly optimized the electrochemical performance of symmetric supercapacitor cells. The RGPC‐0.3 electrode had an ideal specific capacitance of 215.76 F g−1 with a specific energy of 29.966 Wh kg−1 and maximum specific power of 108 W kg−1 at 1 mV s−1 in a symmetric supercapacitor system. Furthermore, a relatively good coulombic efficiency of 71.01% was obtained with a low equivalent series resistance of 0.098 Ω.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides insight into the generation of unique hierarchical porous carbon as a basic component of electrodes for energy storage applications with high electrochemical performance through the utilization of waste red ginger biomass with a simple, facile and cost‐effective strategy. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Introduction of radiation therapist‐led adaptive treatments on a 1.5 T MR‐Linac
Authors: Picton Maddison , Crawford David , Jameson Michael , Alvares Stacy , Hogan Louise , Loo Conrad , Moutrie Zoe , Jelen Urszula , Pagulayan Claire , Dunkerley Nicolle , Twentyman Tania , de Leon Jeremy , Batumalai Vikneswary
Published: December 2022

The introduction of magnetic resonance (MR) linear accelerators (MR‐Linac) marks the beginning of a new era in radiotherapy. MR‐Linac systems are currently being operated by teams of radiation therapists (RTs), radiation oncology medical physicists (ROMPs) and radiation oncologists (ROs) due to the diverse and complex tasks required to deliver treatment. This is resource‐intensive and logistically challenging. RT‐led service delivery at the treatment console is paramount to simplify the process and make the best use of this technology for suitable patients with commonly treated anatomical sites. This article will discuss the experiences of our department in developing and implementing an RT‐led workflow on the 1.5 T MR‐Linac.
The HBV web: An insight into molecular interactomes between the hepatitis B virus and its host en route to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kar Arpita , Samanta Abhisekh , Mukherjee Soumyadeep , Barik Subhasis , Biswas Avik
Published: December 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major aetiology associated with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver malignancy. Over the past few decades, direct and indirect mechanisms have been identified in the pathogenesis of HBV‐associated HCC which include altered signaling pathways, genome integration, mutation‐induced genomic instability, chromosomal deletions and rearrangements. Intertwining of the HBV counterparts with the host cellular factors, though well established, needs to be systemized to understand the dynamics of host‐HBV crosstalk and its consequences on HCC progression. Existence of a vast array of protein–protein and protein‐nucleic acid interaction databases has led to the uncoiling of the compendia of genes/gene products associated with these interactions. This review covers the existing knowledge about the HBV‐host interplay and brings it down under one canopy emphasizing on the HBV‐host interactomics; and thereby highlights new strategies for therapeutic advancements against HBV‐induced HCC.
Democratization of deep learning for segmenting cartilage from MRIs of human knees: Application to data from the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Rodriguez‐Vila Borja , Gonzalez‐Hospital Vera , Puertas Enrique , Beunza Juan‐Jose , Pierce David M.
Published: December 2022

In this study, we aimed to democratize access to convolutional neural networks (CNN) for segmenting cartilage volumes, generating state‐of‐the‐art results for specialized, real‐world applications in hospitals and research. Segmentation of cross‐sectional and/or longitudinal magnetic resonance (MR) images of articular cartilage facilitates both clinical management of joint damage/disease and fundamental research. Manual delineation of such images is a time‐consuming task susceptible to high intra‐ and interoperator variability and prone to errors. Thus, enabling reliable and efficient analyses of MRIs of cartilage requires automated segmentation of cartilage volumes. Two main limitations arise in the development of hospital‐ or population‐specific deep learning (DL) models for image segmentation: specialized knowledge and specialized hardware. We present a relatively easy and accessible implementation of a DL model to automatically segment MRIs of human knees with state‐of‐the‐art accuracy. In representative examples, we trained CNN models in 6‐8 h and obtained results quantitatively comparable to state‐of‐the‐art for every anatomical structure. We established and evaluated our methods using two publicly available MRI data sets originating from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, Stryker Imorphics, and Zuse Institute Berlin (ZIB), as representative test cases. We use Google Colabfor editing and adapting the Python codes and selecting the runtime environment leveraging high‐performance graphical processing units. We designed our solution for novice users to apply to any data set with relatively few adaptations requiring only basic programming skills. To facilitate the adoption of our methods, we provide a complete guideline for using our methods and software, as well as the software tools themselves. Clinical significance: We establish and detail methods that clinical personal can apply to create their own DL models without specialized knowledge of DL nor specialized hardware/infrastructure and obtain results comparable with the state‐of‐the‐art to facilitate both clinical management of joint damage/disease and fundamental research.
Anal carcinoma diagnosed over a 20‐year period in a Spanish tertiary center: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Feltes Ochoa Rosa A. , Sendagorta Cudos Elena , Álvarez Gallego Mario , Bernardino José Ignacio , Beato Merino María , Herranz Pinto Pedro
Published: December 2022

Background

Anal cancer, although rare, is susceptible to early diagnosis. There is a group of patients who are at high risk for anal cancer, including immunocompromised individuals and particularly people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). In 2010, an anal cancer screening programme was implemented at the University Hospital La Paz (Hospital Universitario La Paz [HULP]) in Madrid, Spain, to diagnose and treat high‐grade squamous epithelial lesions (HSIL), which are the precursor to anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC).

Objective

To describe the characteristics of patients with ASCC diagnosed during the last 20 years in a Spanish tertiary hospital, and to identify differences between those diagnosed before and after the screening programme was implemented.

Methods

A retrospective, single‐centre study was conducted in a tertiary care centre. Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the anal or perianal canal between September 2000 and September 2020 at HULP were analysed.

Results

Forty‐three patients diagnosed with ASCC were included; 55% of them were immunosuppressed and no differences were found in terms of the period distribution of these patients. In the second period, more cases of ASCC were diagnosed in PLWH, but they had a higher CD4(+) T cell nadir count. Although more T1–T2 tumours were observed in the second period studied, the difference in tumour size between periods was not statistically significant (p = 0.103). In 23% of patients, HSIL was present before diagnosis (median time to progression: 67.6 months). At the start of the screening programme, four patients in follow‐up were diagnosed with ASCC. In addition, five patients who were not in follow‐up (despite meeting the criteria of the screening programme) were also diagnosed, but at more advanced stages.

Conclusions

During the last decade, the cases of ASCC diagnosed in our hospital have not decreased, likely due to the increasing global incidence of this disease, but also to the activity of our screening programme. Nevertheless, four PLWH included in the screening programme were diagnosed at earlier stages of the disease.
Frequency‐dependent hearing outcomes with or without preservation of intact ossicular articulations
Authors: Inagaki Akira , Takahashi Mariko , Murakami Shingo
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine the frequency‐specific benefits of ossicular chain preservation compared to performing disarticulations and reconstructions in transmastoid facial nerve decompression surgery in patients with an intact ossicular chain.

Methods

A retrospective chart review (January 2007 and June 2018) of patients undergoing transmastoid facial nerve decompression on the intact middle ear for severe facial palsy at a tertiary referral center. Surgery was performed with ossicular chain disarticulation on an as‐needed basis using either ossicular chain preservation (without ossicular disarticulation), incudostapedial separation, or incus disarticulation technique. Hearing outcomes were assessed.

Results

The 108 patients were included in this study. Among these, 89 patients underwent ossicular chain preservation, 5 underwent incudostapedial separation and 14 underwent incus repositioning. The proportion of patients with a change in the 4‐frequency air conduction pure‐tone average of less than 10 dB was 91%, 60%, and 50%, respectively, for the three surgical techniques; these were significantly different (Fisher's exact test, p < .001). Frequency‐specific analysis showed that air conduction was significantly better following the ossicular chain preservation technique compared with the incus repositioning technique at stimulation frequencies lower than 250 Hz and higher than 2000 Hz, and compared with the incudostapedial separation technique at 4000 Hz. Analysis of biometric measures determined on CT images suggested that the feasibility of the ossicular chain preservation technique correlates with incus body thickness on coronal CT images.

Conclusions

Ossicular chain preservation is an effective approach for hearing preservation in transmastoid facial nerve decompression or similar surgical procedures.
Tribological performance of ammonium thiomolybdate as water‐soluble lubricant additive for steel‐steel contacts
Authors: Lara‐Romero Javier , Rangel Ricardo , López‐Tinoco Julián , Carlos‐Cornelio Jesús Antonio , Toro‐Betancur Alejandro , Chiñas‐Castillo Fernando , Alonso‐Nuñez Gabriel , Jiménez‐Sandoval Sergio
Published: December 2022

The friction and wear reducing properties of ammonium thiomolybdate as a water‐soluble lubricant additive were evaluated using a pin‐on‐disck tribometer on a steel‐steel contact. The tribological performance of aqueous solutions of thiomolybdate prepared at concentrations between 0.1 and 0.3 wt% Mo were evaluated at the same load (10 N), entrainment speed, sliding distance and temperature. Although there is a reduction of friction and wear compared with pure water, a significant difference is observed, depending on the additive concentration. SEM/EDAX and Raman spectroscopy analyses of the wear tracks of specimens tested at concentrations below 0.3 wt% Mo reveal the formation of FeS which is responsible for gradually reducing the coefficient of friction from values between 0.30 and 0.5 down to ~0.11. At 0.3 wt% Mo, the analyses indicated the formation of a MoS2 which keeps the coefficient of friction in ~0.05, the lowest recorded value.