bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programming Wireless Security Through Learning‐Aided Spatiotemporal Digital Coding Metamaterial Antenna
Authors: Nooraiepour Alireza , Vosoughitabar Shaghayegh , Wu Chung-Tse Michael , Bajwa Waheed U. , Mandayam Narayan B.
Published: August 2023

The advancement of future large‐scale wireless networks necessitates the development of cost‐effective and scalable security solutions. Specifically, physical layer (PHY) security has been put forth as a cost‐effective alternative to cryptographic mechanisms that can circumvent the need for explicit key exchange between communication devices. Herein, a space–time‐modulated digitally‐coded metamaterial (MTM) leaky wave antenna (LWA) is proposed that can enable PHY security by achieving the functionalities of directional modulation (DM) using a machine learning‐aided branch‐and‐bound (B&B) optimized coding sequence. Theoretically, it is first shown that the proposed space–time MTM antenna can achieve DM through both the spatial and spectral manipulation of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal. Simulation results are then provided as proof‐of‐principle, demonstrating the applicability of the approach for achieving DM in various communication settings. Furthermore, a prototype of the proposed architecture controlled by a field‐programmable gate array is realized, which achieves DM via an optimized coding sequence carried out by the learning‐aided B&B algorithm corresponding to the states of the MTM LWA's unit cells. Experimental results confirm the theory behind the space–time‐modulated MTM LWA in achieving DM, which is observed via both the spectral harmonic patterns and bit error rate measurements.
Four mesothelioma cases from a single automotive dealership: A case series
Authors: Frank Arthur L.
Published: August 2023

Background

Four cases of mesothelioma were noted in a workplace of some 110 persons at a tractor dealership between 2006 and 2023. Each worker had a different job title.

Methods

Medical‐legal case material was reviewed and abstracted from four cases from the same dealership, all supplied via one law firm.

Results

Four mesotheliomas are reported from this single facility that used chrysotile asbestos automotive products. Two of the four cases had no other known exposures to asbestos.

Discussion

Automotive products containing chrysotile do appear capable of causing mesothelioma. Job category is not a good surrogate for exposure.
Genetic Modifiers of Age at Onset for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Genome‐Wide Association Study
Authors: Li Chunyu , Lin Junyu , Jiang Qirui , Yang Tianmi , Xiao Yi , Huang Jingxuan , Hou Yanbing , Wei Qianqian , Cui Yiyuan , Wang Shichan , Zheng Xiaoting , Ou Ruwei , Liu Kuncheng , Chen Xueping , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Shang Huifang
Published: August 2023

Objective

Age at onset (AAO) is an essential clinical feature associated with disease progression and mortality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Identification of genetic variants and environmental risk factors influencing AAO of ALS could help better understand the disease's biological mechanism and provide clinical guidance. However, most genetic studies focused on the risk of ALS, while the genetic background of AAO is less explored. This study aimed to identify genetic and environmental determinants for AAO of ALS.

Methods

We performed a genome‐wide association analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model on AAO of ALS in 10,068 patients. We further conducted colocalization analysis and in‐vitro functional exploration for the target variants, as well as Mendelian randomization analysis to identify risk factors influencing AAO of ALS.

Results

The total heritability of AAO of ALS was ~0.16 (standard error [SE] = 0.03). One novel locus rs2046243 (CTIF) was significantly associated with earlier AAO by ~1.29 years (p = 1.68E‐08, beta = 0.10, SE = 0.02). Functional exploration suggested this variant was associated with increased expression of CTIF in multiple tissues including the brain. Colocalization analysis detected a colocalization signal at the locus between AAO of ALS and expression of CTIF. Causal inference indicated higher education level was associated with later AAO.

Interpretation

These findings improve the current knowledge of the genetic and environmental etiology of AAO of ALS, and provide a novel target CTIF for further research on ALS pathogenesis and potential therapeutic options to delay the disease onset. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:933–941
Microglial and Astrocytic Responses in the Human Midcingulate Cortex in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Palpagama Thulani , Mills Aimee Rose , Ferguson Mackenzie Wendy , Vikas Ankeal Praju , Turner Clinton , Tippett Lynette , van der Werf Bert , Waldvogel Henry John , Faull Richard Lewis Maxwell , Kwakowsky Andrea
Published: August 2023

Objective

Patients with Huntington's disease can present with variable difficulties of motor functioning, mood, and cognition. Neurodegeneration occurs in the anterior cingulate cortex of some patients with Huntington's disease and is linked to the presentation of mood symptomatology. Neuroinflammation, perpetrated by activated microglia and astrocytes, has been reported in Huntington's disease and may contribute to disease progression and presentation. This study sought to quantify the density of mutant huntingtin protein and neuroinflammatory glial changes in the midcingulate cortex of postmortem patients with Huntington's disease and determine if either correlates with the presentation of mood, motor, or mixed symptomatology.

Methods

Free‐floating immunohistochemistry quantified 1C2 immunolabeling density as an indicative marker of mutant huntingtin protein, and protein and morphological markers of astrocyte (EAAT2, Cx43, and GFAP), and microglial (Iba1 and HLA‐DP/DQ/DR) activation. Relationships among the level of microglial activation, mutant huntingtin burden, and case characteristics were explored using correlative analysis.

Results

We report alterations in activated microglia number and morphology in the midcingulate cortex of Huntington's disease cases with predominant mood symptomatology. An increased proportion of activated microglia was observed in the midcingulate of all Huntington's disease cases and positively correlated with 1C2 burden. Alterations in the astrocytic glutamate transporter EAAT2 were observed in the midcingulate cortex of patients associated with mood symptoms.

Interpretation

This study presents pathological changes in microglia and astrocytes in the midcingulate cortex in Huntington's disease, which coincide with mood symptom presentation. These findings further the understanding of neuroinflammation in Huntington's disease, a necessary step for developing inflammation‐targeted therapeutics. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:895–910
A Radical Pathway and Stabilized Li Anode Enabled by Halide Quaternary Ammonium Electrolyte Additives for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Meng Ruijin , He Xin , Ong Samuel Jun Hoong , Cui Chenxu , Song Shufeng , Paoprasert Peerasak , Pang Quanquan , Xu Zhichuan J. , Liang Xiao
Published: August 2023

Passivation of the sulfur cathode by insulating lithium sulfide restricts the reversibility and sulfur utilization of Li−S batteries. 3D nucleation of Li2S enabled by radical conversion may significantly boost the redox kinetics. Electrolytes with high donor number (DN) solvents allow for tri‐sulfur (S3⋅−) radicals as intermediates, however, the catastrophic reactivity of such solvents with Li anodes pose a great challenge for their practical application. Here, we propose the use of quaternary ammonium salts as electrolyte additives, which can preserve the partial high‐DN characteristics that trigger the S3⋅− radical pathway, and inhibit the growth of Li dendrites. Li−S batteries with tetrapropylammonium bromide (T3Br) electrolyte additive deliver the outstanding cycling stability (700 cycles at 1 C with a low‐capacity decay rate of 0.049 % per cycle), and high capacity under a lean electrolyte of 5 μLelectrolyte mgsulfur−1. This work opens a new avenue for the development of electrolyte additives for Li−S batteries.
Effect of fiber orientation and fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of all‐polyamide composites
Authors: Cordin Michael , Manian Avinash P. , Bechtold Thomas , Pham Tung
Published: August 2023

Thermoplastic all‐polymer composites (with reinforcing fibers and matrix material made of the same material) have attracted strong interest in recent years, because they provide big potential in recycling after usage over the traditional composites with inorganic reinforcements. The present work investigates a new preparation concept of all‐polyamide composites, based on intermingled hybrid yarn of polyamide‐6 and polyamide‐66 fibers. Composites with desired reinforcing fiber orientation can be prepared by technical embroidering of the hybrid yarn in the desired direction on a polyamide‐6 fabric. The composite is then prepared by thermoforming at 230°C, ensuring the intact reinforcing and unmelted PA66 fibers embedding in a molten PA6 matrix. Therefore this preparation concept is based on the different melting temperature of PA6 and PA66. The mechanical properties of composites with different ratio between matrix and reinforcement material and different reinforcing fiber orientation are characterized with quasi‐static and high‐speed tensile and with penetration tests.
Zinc methionine improves the lipid metabolism that is associated with the alteration of intestine mucosal proteomes and microbiota of newborn Holstein dairy calves
Authors: Yu Xin , Wo Yeqianli , Ma Fengtao , Shan Qiang , Wei Jingya , Sun Peng
Published: August 2023

Supplementation of diets with a modest amount of zinc methionine (ZM) has been documented to improve the growth performance and antioxidant function of dairy calves, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, 16 dairy calves were allocated to a control (CON) group (calves consumed a basal diet) and a ZM group (calves ingested the basal diet and had an additional 455 mg ZM/day, corresponding to 80 mg zinc/day). The calves were fed these diets for 2 weeks, after which their serum antioxidant parameters, lipids, and jejunal mucosal proteome and microbiota were analyzed. The ZM group had lower levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and malondialdehyde but higher high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and glutathione peroxidase activity in the serum. A total of 142 differentially expressed proteins in the intestinal mucosa between the CON and ZM groups had been identified (ZM upregulated 117 proteins and downregulated 25 proteins). In addition, the protein expression of acyl‐coenzyme A oxidase 1, fatty acid binding protein 2, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma was higher in the ZM group. 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated beneficial microbes, such as Veillonellaceae, Akkermansia_muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, which were more abundant, whereas Acinetobacter lwoffii was less abundant in calf jejunal mucosa in the ZM group. Finally, the propionate, butyrate, and iso‐valerate concentrations in the jejunal digesta were greater in the ZM group than those in the CON group. Collectively, the present study shows that ZM supplementation improves the serum and intestine mucosal lipid metabolism associated with the alterations in mucosal fatty acids β‐oxidation and microbiota.
Mobility‐aware optimal trade planning and mean field game‐based decentralized charging control for large‐scale electric vehicles
Authors: Xu Fuguo , Zhao Kai , Fu Qiaobin
Published: August 2023

The uncertainty mobility characteristics of electric vehicles (EVs) are a key factor that influence the charging station trade income with the power grid. In this paper, a hierarchical energy management strategy is proposed for charging stations when large‐scale EVs are considered. The traveling and parking mobility characteristics of EVs are first extracted by analyzing historical real‐world traveling data. Then, a day‐ahead power trade planning strategy between the grid and charging station to maximize incomes is developed by solving a mixed‐integer linear programming problem. Furthermore, based on EV mobility characteristics, clusters are generated to classify different parking behaviors, where a mean field game‐based decentralized charging control scheme for individual EVs in each cluster is employed. The target of the proposed optimal charging controller is to guarantee the charging power tracking performance and the power demand of individual EV at the terminal time for subsequent travel. Finally, simulations on MATLAB/Simulink platform are conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed hierarchical energy management strategy.
Prospective therapeutics for intestinal and hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Li Xin , Yu Mengli , Zhao Qingwei , Yu Yang
Published: August 2023

Currently, there are no effective therapies for intestinal and hepatic fibrosis representing a considerable unmet need. Breakthroughs in pathogenesis have accelerated the development of anti‐fibrotic therapeutics in recent years. Particularly, with the development of nanotechnology, the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract and inaccessible microenvironment of fibrotic lesions seem to be no longer considered a great barrier to the use of anti‐fibrotic drugs. In this review, we comprehensively summarize recent preclinical and clinical studies on intestinal and hepatic fibrosis. It is found that the targets for preclinical studies on intestinal fibrosis is varied, which could be divided into molecular, cellular, and tissues level, although little clinical trials are ongoing. Liver fibrosis clinical trials have focused on improving metabolic disorders, preventing the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, promoting the degradation of collagen, and reducing inflammation and cell death. At the preclinical stage, the therapeutic strategies have focused on drug targets and delivery systems. At last, promising remedies to the current challenges are based on multi‐modal synergistic and targeted delivery therapies through mesenchymal stem cells, nanotechnology, and gut‐liver axis providing useful insights into anti‐fibrotic strategies for clinical use.
Isoelectric point (pI)‐based phase separation (pI‐BPS) purification of elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) containing charged, biologically active fusion proteins (ELP‐FPs)
Authors: Roland Truman J. , Strauss Graham L. , Bushra Nabila , Muschol Martin , Koria Piyush
Published: August 2023

Elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) are peptide‐based biomaterials with residue sequence (VPGXG)n where X is any residue except proline. ELPs are a useful modality for delivering biologically active proteins (growth factors, protease inhibitors, anti‐inflammatory peptides, etc.) as fusion proteins (ELP‐FP). ELP‐FPs are particularly cost‐effective because they can be rapidly purified using Inverse Temperature Cycling (ITC) via the reversible formation and precipitation of entropically driven aggregates above a transition temperature (Tt). When ELP fusion proteins (ELP‐FPs) contain significant charge density at physiological pH, electrostatic repulsion between them severely inhibits aggregate formation. The literature does not currently describe methods for purifying ELP‐FPs containing charged proteins on either side of the ELP sequence as fusion partners without organic solvents. Here, the isoelectric point (pI) of ELP‐FPs is discussed as a means of neutralizing surface charges on ELP‐FPs and increasing ITC yield to dramatically high levels. We use pI‐based phase separation (pI‐BPS) to purify ELP‐FPs containing cationic and anionic fusion proteins. We report a dramatic increase in protein yield when using pI‐BPS for purification of ELP‐FPs. Proteins purified by this method also retain the functional activity of the protein present in the ELP‐FP. Techniques developed here enable significant diversification of possible fusion proteins delivered by ELPs as ELP‐FPs by allowing them to be produced and purified at higher quantities and yields.
Positive and negative contact between Africans and native Italians: Importance for migrants' collective action in support of their and other groups' rights
Authors: Prati Francesca , Kenfack Corine Stella Kana , Hewstone Miles , Rubini Monica
Published: August 2023

This research investigates the positive and negative contact experiences of African migrants with native Italians and the association between contact and behavioural intentions to reduce social inequalities. Two studies examined the associations between intergroup contact of migrants and their collective action in support of their or other group members, by testing the mediating role of positive and negative emotions towards natives. Hypotheses were tested with two samples of first‐generation, legal African migrants living in Italy for less than 3 years (Ns = 242 [118 males], 251 [154]). Negative contact was positively associated with collective action in support of one's group, especially among respondents with higher positive intergroup experiences, and anger towards native people mediated this association. The association of positive contact with collective action to foster a more egalitarian society in general was mediated by reduced fear towards native people, and the association between positive contact and collective action at large was stronger for migrants with lower negative intergroup contact. Overall, this research provides further evidence on the impact of intergroup contact on migrants, specifically on the role of affective factors in their association with migrants' willingness to engage in collective action to reduce societal inequality at large.
Decay of scalar curvature on uniformly contractible manifolds with finite asymptotic dimension
Authors: Wang Jinmin , Xie Zhizhang , Yu Guoliang
Published: August 2023

Gromov proved a quadratic decay inequality of scalar curvature for a class of complete manifolds. In this paper, we prove that for any uniformly contractible manifold with finite asymptotic dimension, its scalar curvature decays to zero at a rate depending only on the contractibility radius of the manifold and the diameter control of the asymptotic dimension. We construct examples of uniformly contractible manifolds with finite asymptotic dimension whose scalar curvature functions decay arbitrarily slowly. This shows that our result is the best possible. We prove our result by studying the index pairing between Dirac operators and compactly supported vector bundles with Lipschitz control. A key technical ingredient for the proof of our main result is a Lipschitz control for the topological K‐theory of finite dimensional simplicial complexes.
Design of Proanthocyanidins and TiO2 Nanoparticles‐Based Novel Emulsions as a Platform for UV Protection
Authors: Ge Shujin , Zhang Shang , Li Xueshu , Li Aixiang , Wang Weiwei , Tan Guanglei , Sui Xiaofei , Li Qiuhong
Published: August 2023

A white oil‐in‐water novel emulsion stabilized by TiO2 nanoparticles with UVB shielding properties and proanthocyanidins with antioxidant activity was prepared, where the proanthocyanidins aggregated at the oil‐water interface to reduce interfacial tension while TiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in the continuous water phase to hinder droplet coalescence. It was found that the average oil droplet size was less than 10 μm and decreased with the increase of proanthocyanidins concentration, but the increase of the content of TiO2 nanoparticles had little effect on it. The combination of TiO2 nanoparticles and proanthocyanidins was versatile for oil phases with different polarities, and the resulting emulsion exhibited high stability in the face of centrifugation, heating and prolonging storage time. After encapsulating the UVA filter avobenzone in white oil, the emulsion was endowed with the ability to resist UVB and UVA. Further, the emulsion showed great free radical scavenging ability for superoxide anion radical (⋅O2−), hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) with the clearance rate of over 70 %, indicating the good antioxidant activity. The ingenious combination of UVB, UVA filter and antioxidant with emulsion as carrier provides a new idea for the preparation of full‐band sunscreen emulsion.
Psychometric properties and factor structure of the Revised Beliefs About Emotions Questionnaire
Authors: Strodl Esben , Hubert Mitchell , Cooper Myra
Published: August 2023

Objective

Given that there is an increasing exploration of the role of beliefs about emotions in emotion regulation and psychotherapy, there is a need for a range of valid and reliable measures of beliefs about emotions. The Beliefs About Emotions Questionnaire (BAEQ) has been shown to be a promising measure of beliefs about emotions. However, to date, no study has attempted to replicate the original factor structure of the BAEQ in an English‐speaking country. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the BAEQ in a nonclinical sample.

Method

Archival data of 1807 adult participants residing in Australia was divided into three equal groups of participants. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted on the first sub‐sample, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the second sub‐sample, and a second CFA was performed on the third sub‐sample. Divergent validity was tested using the heterotrait–monotrait ratio and the concurrent validity was tested through correlations with the subscales of the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ‐R18).

Results

The first CFA failed to replicate the original factor structure of the BAEQ. An EFA supported five of the original six factors. A five‐factor structure, including 30 out of the original 43 items, was confirmed in a second CFA. The final subscales (Shameful and Irrational, Overwhelming and Uncontrollable, Invalid and Meaningless, Useless and Damaging) demonstrated good construct validity, good internal consistency, and good concurrent and divergent validity.

Conclusion

The results from this study support a briefer five‐factor, 30‐item version of the BAEQ (BAEQ‐R) as a reliable and valid measure of beliefs about emotions that can be utilised in future research.
The Growing Field of Photoswitchable Macrocycles: A Promising Way to Tune Various Properties with Light
Authors: Ludwig Corentin , Xie Juan
Published: August 2023

Thanks to supramolecular interactions of macrocyclic compounds with their guest ions or molecules, macrocycles have found wide applications in molecular and chiral recognition, separation, transportation, molecular machines, and so on. Photoswitchable macrocycles are especially appealing and attracting more and more interest because the embedded molecular photoswitch enables dynamic control of molecular shape, conformation, and different properties by light, a non‐invasive, remote and highly tunable stimulus. With available photochromic compounds, various photoswitchable macrocycles have been developed. In this review paper, we describe the recently reported photoswitchable macrocyclic compounds, with a focus on the control of the macrocyclic structure, dynamic, photo or thermal isomerization, as well as their applications on encapsulation and release of ionic or aromatic species, on the reversible modulation of chemical, biological, electronic, fluorescent and chiroptical properties by light.
Three daily intraperitoneal injections of sub‐anesthetic ketamine ameliorate activity‐based anorexia vulnerability of adult female mice
Authors: Goodwin‐Groen Sebastian , Dong Yiru , Aoki Chiye
Published: August 2023

Objective

To identify ketamine's dosing schedule that ameliorates voluntary food restriction, hyperactivity and body weight loss of adult mice undergoing activity‐based anorexia (ABA), an animal model of anorexia nervosa.

Method

Female and male C57BL6 mice underwent three cycles of ABA, starting from mid‐adolescence. ABA vulnerability was compared within and across two groups of animals: those injected intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg ketamine for three consecutive days (30mgKetx3) during the second ABA in late adolescence (ABA2) or with vehicle only (Vx3).

Results

Vx3 females and males exhibited individual differences in wheel running and weight retention during first ABA in mid‐adolescence (ABA1), ABA2, and third ABA in adulthood (ABA3). Their wheel running correlated with anxiety‐like behavior. During ABA1 and ABA3, weight gain of Vx3 females (but not males) after food consumption correlated negatively with food‐anticipatory activity (FAA) preceding the feeding hours, indicating that females with higher levels of running restrict feeding more and persistently. This paradoxical relationship confirms earlier findings of ABA females without ketamine treatment, capturing the maladaptive behaviors exhibited by individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. By contrast, 30mgKetx3 had an effect on both sexes of reducing hyperactivity during the feeding hours acutely and reducing anxiety‐like behavior's contribution to running. For females, only, 30mgKetx3 acutely improved the extent of compensatory food consumption relative to FAA and improved weight retention during ABA3, 12 days post ketamine in adulthood.

Discussion

Sub‐anesthetic ketamine evokes behavior‐specific ameliorative effects for adult mice re‐experiencing ABA, supporting the notion that multiple doses of ketamine may be helpful in reducing relapse among adults with anorexia nervosa.

Public Significance Statement

This study examined whether ketamine reduces anorexia‐like behaviors in adult mice. Three daily sub‐anesthetic ketamine injections suppress wheel running during and leading up to the hours of food availability and enable animals to compensate better for weight loss associated with excessive exercise by eating more. These findings suggest that ketamine may help adult females diagnosed with anorexia nervosa but also point to sex‐ and age‐related differences in the action of ketamine.
Role of aldosterone in mid‐ and long‐term left ventricular remodelling after acute myocardial infarction: The REMI study
Authors: Monzo Luca , Huttin Olivier , Ferreira João Pedro , Lamiral Zohra , Bozec Erwan , Beaumont Marine , Micard Emilien , Baudry Guillaume , Marie Pierre‐Yves , Eschalier Romain , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Girerd Nicolas
Published: August 2023

Aims

Whether aldosterone levels after myocardial infarction (MI) are associated with mid‐ and long‐term left ventricular (LV) remodelling in the era of systematic use of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors is uncertain. We prospectively investigated the relationship between aldosterone levels and mid‐ and long‐term LV remodelling in patients with acute MI.

Methods and results

Plasma aldosterone was measured in 119 patients successfully treated by primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty for a first acute ST‐elevation MI (STEMI) 2–4 days after the acute event. LV volumes were assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the same timeframe and 6 months later. LV assessment was repeated by TTE 3–9 years after MI (n = 80). The median aldosterone level at baseline was 23.1 [16.8; 33.1] pg/ml. In the multivariable model, higher post‐MI aldosterone concentration was significantly associated with more pronounced increase in LV end‐diastolic volume index (TTE: β ± standard error [SE]: 0.113 ± 0.046, p = 0.015; CMR: β ± SE: 0.098 ± 0.040, p = 0.015) and LV end‐systolic volume index (TTE: β ± SE: 0.083 ± 0.030, p = 0.008; CMR: β ± SE: 0.064 ± 0.032, p = 0.048) at 6‐month follow‐up, regardless of the method of assessment. This result was consistent also in patients with a LV ejection fraction (LVEF) >40%. The association between baseline plasma aldosterone and adverse LV remodelling did not persist at the 3–9‐year follow‐up evaluation.

Conclusion

Aldosterone concentration in the acute phase was associated with adverse LV remodelling in the medium term, even in the subgroup of patients with LVEF >40%, suggesting a potential role of the mineralocorticoid system in post‐MI adverse remodelling. Plasma aldosterone was no longer associated with LV remodelling in the long term (NCT01109225).
Pyramidalization at the sp2‐Hybridized ipso‐Carbon Atom of Phenyl Compounds
Authors: Brunner Henri , Ikeshita Masahiro , Tsuno Takashi
Published: August 2023

In this study we investigate the pyramidalization of the sp2‐hybridized center at the ipso‐carbon atom Ci of phenyl compounds on the theoretical side by DFT calculations of toluene, t‐butylbenzene, and ethylbenzene and on the experimental side by a scatter plot analysis of 14,169 structures of ethylbenzene compounds Cβ−CαH2−C6H5 with three open positions for variation at Cβ, accumulated in the Cambridge Structural Database. In a 360° rotation about the bond between Cα of the substituent and the ipso‐carbon atom Ci of the phenyl ring, the pyramidalization performs three maxima and minima. A comparison of structures with pyramidalization and its hypothetical counterparts without pyramidalization shows that pyramidalization is associated with a gain of energy. The data reveal that it is the carbon atom Cα of the phenyl substituent, which on pyramidalization bends away from the phenyl plane. Pyramidalization of sp2‐hybridized centers is an omnipresent member in molecular weak interactions.
A preliminary exploration for co‐detecting RNA virus and STR type on capillary electrophoresis in forensic practice
Authors: Xu Ruyi , Chang Zhaorui , Wen Dan , Liu Yi , Wang Chudong , Qu Weifeng , Tang Xuan , Jia Hongtao , Li Jienan , Cai Jifeng , Li Guanlin , Jiang Bowei , Zha Lagabaiyila
Published: August 2023

RNA virus infection such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection shows severe respiratory symptoms on human and could be an obvious individual characteristic for investigations in forensic science. As for biological samples suspected to contain RNA virus in forensic casework, it requires respective detection of viral RNA and human DNA: reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and DNA type (short tandem repeat [STR] analysis). Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been shown to be a versatile technique and used for a variety of applications, so we preliminarily explored the co‐detection of RNA virus and STR type on CE by developing a system of co‐detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 and STR type under ensuring both the efficiency of forensic DNA analysis and safety of the laboratory. This study investigated the development and validation of the system, including N and ORF1ab primer designs, polymerase chain reaction amplification, allelic ladder, CE detection, thermal cycling parameters, concordance, sensitivity, species specificity, precision, and contrived and real SARS‐CoV‐2 sample studies. Final results showed the system could simultaneously detect SARS‐CoV‐2 and STR type, further indicating that CE has possibilities in the multi‐detection of RNA viruses/STR type to help to prompt individual characteristics (viral infection) and narrow the scope of investigation in forensic science.
A review of the energy recovery and energy pressure of liquid
Authors: Ji Yunguang , Zhang Yuhan , Xue Zhanpu , Li Ze , Tong Mingda , Li Hongtao , Song Jianchang
Published: August 2023

Due to the rapid development of today's industry, it not only greatly accelerates the consumption of energy, but also causes serious pollution to the environment. Therefore, reducing energy waste and recovering energy has become an important research direction today. This paper introduces the future development trend of renewable energy, discusses the progress of recovery of nonpolluting energy such as marine, bioenergy and thermal energy, and analyzes the efficiency and social benefits of various types of energy recovery. Energy recovery methods for natural gas pipelines are briefly analyzed, and current research advances in energy pressure recovery devices are provided, leading to a summary of methods to improve the efficiency of fluid energy recovery. Finally, it is concluded that although the current energy sources are diversified, the most valued energy sources at present and in the future should be solar energy and ocean, which are infinitely recyclable. This paper will benefit researchers to further understand and study the various aspects of energy recovery.
Quantifying the contribution of bank erosion to a suspended sediment budget using boat‐mounted LiDAR and high‐frequency suspended sediment monitoring
Authors: Haddadchi Arman , Bind Jochen , Hoyle Joanna , Hicks Murray
Published: August 2023

Understanding the physical processes as well as the hydrological and morphological factors that influence channel bank erosion is important for river restoration and the management of the floodplain and associated ecosystems. In this study, we introduced an innovative approach to quantify river bank erosion and its contribution to a reach fine sediment budget by combining repeat bank erosion surveys using a jetboat‐mounted LiDAR scanner with concurrent high‐frequency suspended sediment load measurements into and out of the surveyed reach. Using this information, we established a sediment budget for a 5.5‐km‐long study reach of the lower Ōreti River, Southland, New Zealand. A total of three surveys were conducted along the study reach to understand changes in the bank erosion contribution to suspended sediment load at different time scales. The first two surveys were separated by a short period of 8 weeks, and the third survey followed 2.5 years later. The measured volumes of fine sediment rendered from bank erosion equated to 25% and 29% of the measured outflowing suspended load over these two inter‐survey epochs, respectively. By comparison, the net contribution of measured bank erosion and derived fine sediment deposition on the riverbed to the outflowing suspended load was 12% over the first, shorter epoch and 25% for the second, 2.5‐year epoch. These results highlight the important role of in‐channel sediment deposition in the variability of net suspended sediment exports from channel reaches experiencing bank erosion. The approach used in this study has a unique capability to accurately monitor bank erosion and obtain high‐resolution topography data capturing changes in river banks over different time periods.
Soil erosion and nutrient loss due to changes in rainfall intensity under different wind directions
Authors: An Miaoying , Wei Chen Chen , Han Yuguo , Qu Zhixu , Wang Xiuru , Zhang Baozhong
Published: August 2023

In nature, wind often occurs simultaneously with rainfall, causing nutrient loss in soil and water on slopes. However, the influence of different rainfall intensities combined with different wind directions on soil erosion and nutrient loss remains unclear. This study utilized wind‐driven rainfall laboratory flume experiments to analyse the influence of different wind directions (windward, leeward and crosswind) and rainfall intensities (30, 60 and 90 mm h−1) with constant wind speed (5 m s−1) on slope runoff, sediment yield and the associated losses of different forms of N (
,
) and P (
‐P). The response of soil erosion, N and P loss to rainfall changes with different wind directions. When the rainfall intensity was constant, runoff, sediment yield and sediment‐associated total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) losses on slopes showed a trend of leeward > crosswind > windless > windward, whereas runoff‐associated TN and TP losses showed a trend of windward > crosswind > windless > leeward. Runoff, sediment yield and sediment‐associated TN and TP losses on leeward slopes were 1.09–1.17, 1.25–1.44, 1.33–1.62, and 1.40–1.66 times than windless slopes. Moreover, with constant wind direction, the runoff, sediment yield and associated N and P losses increased significantly with increasing rainfall intensity. When the rainfall intensity increased from 30 to 60 and 90 mm h−1, the runoff, sediment yield and associated TN and TP losses increased 2.02–2.28, 3.65–5.35, 3.96–34.39 and 4.28–8.45 times, respectively. The effects of rainfall on soil erosion and nutrient loss were significantly greater than those of wind. The loss of different forms of N and P associated with runoff and sediment was consistent with that of TN and TP losses. However, with an increase in rainfall intensity, the growth rates of runoff, sediment yield and associated N and P losses exhibited a gradually weakening trend for all wind directions. An increase in rainfall intensity enhanced the vertical vector force of wind‐driven rainfall, which increasingly decreased the angle between the rain incidence and the normal line of the horizon; therefore, the direction of the rain erosion force gradually approached that of windless conditions.
BIANCA‐MS: An optimized tool for automated multiple sclerosis lesion segmentation
Authors: Gentile Giordano , Jenkinson Mark , Griffanti Ludovica , Luchetti Ludovico , Leoncini Matteo , Inderyas Maira , Mortilla Marzia , Cortese Rosa , De Stefano Nicola , Battaglini Marco
Published: August 2023

In this work we present BIANCA‐MS, a novel tool for brain white matter lesion segmentation in multiple sclerosis (MS), able to generalize across both the wide spectrum of MRI acquisition protocols and the heterogeneity of manually labeled data. BIANCA‐MS is based on the original version of BIANCA and implements two innovative elements: a harmonized setting, tested under different MRI protocols, which avoids the need to further tune algorithm parameters to each dataset; and a cleaning step developed to improve consistency in automated and manual segmentations, thus reducing unwanted variability in output segmentations and validation data. BIANCA‐MS was tested on three datasets, acquired with different MRI protocols. First, we compared BIANCA‐MS to other widely used tools. Second, we tested how BIANCA‐MS performs in separate datasets. Finally, we evaluated BIANCA‐MS performance on a pooled dataset where all MRI data were merged. We calculated the overlap using the DICE spatial similarity index (SI) as well as the number of false positive/negative clusters (nFPC/nFNC) in comparison to the manual masks processed with the cleaning step. BIANCA‐MS clearly outperformed other available tools in both high‐ and low‐resolution images and provided comparable performance across different scanning protocols, sets of modalities and image resolutions. BIANCA‐MS performance on the pooled dataset (SI: 0.72 ± 0.25, nFPC: 13 ± 11, nFNC: 4 ± 8) were comparable to those achieved on each individual dataset (median across datasets SI: 0.72 ± 0.28, nFPC: 14 ± 11, nFNC: 4 ± 8). Our findings suggest that BIANCA‐MS is a robust and accurate approach for automated MS lesion segmentation.
The functional connectome of 3,4‐methyldioxymethamphetamine‐related declarative memory impairments
Authors: Coray Rebecca C. , Zimmermann Josua , Haugg Amelie , Baumgartner Markus R. , Steuer Andrea E. , Seifritz Erich , Stock Ann‐Kathrin , Beste Christian , Cole David M. , Quednow Boris B.
Published: August 2023

The chronic intake of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) bears a strong risk for sustained declarative memory impairments. Although such memory deficits have been repeatedly reported, their neurofunctional origin remains elusive. Therefore, we here investigate the neuronal basis of altered declarative memory in recurrent MDMA users at the level of brain connectivity. We examined a group of 44 chronic MDMA users and 41 demographically matched controls. Declarative memory performance was assessed by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and a visual associative learning test. To uncover alterations in the whole brain connectome between groups, we employed a data‐driven multi‐voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) approach on participants' resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data. Recent MDMA use was confirmed by hair analyses. MDMA users showed lower performance in delayed recall across tasks compared to well‐matched controls with moderate‐to‐strong effect sizes. MVPA revealed a large cluster located in the left postcentral gyrus of global connectivity differences between groups. Post hoc seed‐based connectivity analyses with this cluster unraveled hypoconnectivity to temporal areas belonging to the auditory network and hyperconnectivity to dorsal parietal regions belonging to the dorsal attention network in MDMA users. Seed‐based connectivity strength was associated with verbal memory performance in the whole sample as well as with MDMA intake patterns in the user group. Our findings suggest that functional underpinnings of MDMA‐related memory impairments encompass altered patterns of multimodal sensory integration within auditory processing regions to a functional heteromodal connector hub, the left postcentral gyrus. In addition, hyperconnectivity in regions of a cognitive control network might indicate compensation for degraded sensory processing.
The effect of anterior superior iliac spine preservation on donor site morbidity and function after harvesting a vascularized iliac bone flap
Authors: LiuFu Jian‐Feng , Lv Xiao‐Ming , Yang Zong‐Yan , Kang Yi‐Fan , Xie Shang , Shan Xiao‐Feng , Cai Zhi‐Gang
Published: August 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) preservation on donor site morbidity and function after harvesting a vascularized iliac bone flap (VIBF).

Methods

Patients who underwent jaws reconstruction with VIBF were divided into a maintaining the anterior superior iliac spine (MASIS) group and a not maintaining the anterior superior iliac spine (NMASIS) group. Pain, tenderness, sensory deficit, gait disturbance, and function of the donor site were evaluated before and after the operation.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were included in this study, of which 18 were in the MASIS group. The incidence of sensory deficit in the MASIS group was significantly lower than that in the NMASIS group (50.0% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.010). Pain, tenderness, gait disturbance, and function did not differ statistically between the two groups.

Conclusion

Except for sensory deficit, ASIS preservation has minimal impact on donor site morbidity and function.
The NHS in the UK at 75: On life support or death watch?: It’s the politics, stupid (to misquote Bill Clinton)
Authors: Paton Calum
Published: August 2023

This Perspective argues that the NHS in the UK is facing a critical ‘tipping point’ which means that its very survival is at stake. The article considers the political responses to this crisis–(briefly) from the Conservative government; (briefly) from the ‘anti‐NHS’ Right in politics; (briefly) from the ‘centre’ in politics in the form of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change; and (in depth) from the left‐of‐centre, the Labour Party. Labour is likely to form the next government, which is why its approach (in terms of both political strategy and the substance of health policy) is considered in depth. It is argued that Labour's approach, derived from an understandable desire by leader Sir Keir Starmer to disown its ‘unelectable’ recent past, is currently inadequate for the task of putting the NHS on a secure footing for the future.
Market or clan: A comparative study of risk sharing institutional evolution in China and Europe
Authors: Zhu Wenge
Published: August 2023

In the psychological and sociological framework of risk, we establish a static and dynamic equilibrium model for risk‐sharing institutional evolution. Particularly, through a comparative study of marine insurance development in China and Europe, we address a wide set of research questions concerning why China and Europe relied on different social organizations for risk sharing.
Comparative evaluation of brain perfusion with ASL and DSC MRI following intracranial vascular flow diverter stent replacement
Authors: Kaydu Nesrin Erdogan , Cindil Emetullah , Asfuroglu Berrak Barutcu , Onal Baran , Oner Ali Yusuf
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study was to asses brain perfusion parameters and ischemic changes following treatment of aneurysm with flow diverters with two different perfusion MRI technique (Arterial spin labeling and DSC MRI), and to compare the results and effectiveness of these two methods.

Methods

The prospective data was collected from patients with aneurysm who treated with flow diverters. MR examinations, including diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), ASL, and DSC perfusion MRI, were conducted before and after treatment within the first week and at 6 months. Perfusion parameters of territory area and contralateral side were measured and analyzed by statistically. The relationships between ASL and DSC parameters were analyzed by using Sperman's correlation analysis.

Results

A total of 14 cases of aneurysms in 11 patients treated successfully with endovascular flow diverter stent placement. Pretreatment and post treatment (within first week and 6 months) MRI images were evaluated. Asymptomatic randomly distributed millimetric restricted diffusion foci were observed in 8 of all patients. There was no statistically difference between pre and post treatment perfusion parameters (p > 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was found between variable ASL CBF, and the variables of DSC CBF and TTP.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding the fact that flow diverters change flow dynamics in aneurysm sac, there is no any perfusion abnormality in the territory area. Asymptomatic randomly distributed diffusion restricted foci in the both cerebral hemisphere can be observed. ASL and DSC MRI are effective for evaluation of brain perfusion.
Continuous flow stimulation had no significant effect on the growth rate but was conducive to the swimming performance, spontaneous behavior, and nonspecific immune parameter of juvenile Percocypris pingi
Authors: Li Xiuming , Huang Tiji , Deng Chunlin , Fu Shijian , Shi Xiaotao
Published: August 2023

Flow stimulation before release into the wild may contribute to improved survivability of farmed fish. However, the effects of flow stimulation on the survival rate of fish depend on the fish species and exercise regime, such as exercise type, duration, and intensity. In this study, juvenile Percocypris pingi swam for 18 h per day for 8 weeks under different water speeds, 3 cm s−1 (control) and 1, 2, and 4 body lengths (bl) s−1, at 20°C. Then, parameters related to the growth rate, swimming capacity, spontaneous activity, and immune function were measured. We found that (1) continuous flow stimulation had no significant influence on the growth but was conducive to the increase in the relative carcass mass; (2) continuous flow stimulation at 2 or 4 bl s−1 enhanced the aerobic swimming capacity (Ucrit), which may be due to an increase in anaerobic exercise capacity (endurance time) rather than to changes in maximum metabolic rate and aerobic scope; (3) continuous flow stimulation at 4 bl s−1 led to a significant increase in spontaneous activity, which was mainly due to the higher percent time spent moving as compared with the controls; and (4) continuous flow stimulation at 2 bl s−1 may contribute to improving the nonspecific immune parameter (lysozyme activity) in juvenile P. pingi. Our findings suggest that continuous flow stimulation at 2 or 4 bl s−1 for 18 h per day for 56 days at 20°C before release in wild may be a suitable training regime for improving the survival rate of cultured juvenile P. pingi.