bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to develop rapid reviews of diagnostic tests according to experts: A qualitative exploration of researcher views
Authors: Arevalo‐Rodriguez Ingrid , Baxter Susan , Steingart Karen R. , Tricco Andrea C. , Nussbaumer‐Streit Barbara , Kaunelis David , Alonso‐Coello Pablo , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Zamora Javier
Published: April 2023

Background

Rapid reviews (RRs) have been used to provide timely evidence for policymakers, health providers, and the public in several healthcare scenarios, most recently during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Despite the essential role of diagnosis in clinical management, data about how to perform RRs of diagnostic tests are scarce. We aimed to explore the views and perceptions of experts in evidence synthesis and diagnostic evidence about the value of methods used to accelerate the review process.

Methods

We performed semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of experts in evidence synthesis and diagnostic evidence. We carried out the interviews in English between July and December 2021. Initial reading and coding of the transcripts were performed using NVIVO qualitative data analysis software.

Results

Of a total of 23 invited experts, 16 (70%) responded. We interviewed all 16 participants representing key roles in evidence synthesis. We identified 14 recurring themes including the review question, characteristics of the review team, and use of automation, as the topics with the highest number of quotes. Some participants considered several methodological “shortcuts” to be ineffective or risky, such as automating quality appraisal, using only one reviewer for diagnostic data extraction and only performing descriptive analysis. The introduction of limits might depend on whether the test being assessed is a new test, the availability of alternative tests, the needs of providers and patients, and the availability of high‐quality systematic reviews.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that organizational strategies (e.g., defining the review question, availability of a highly experienced team) may have a role in conducting RRs of diagnostic tests. Several methodological shortcuts were considered inadequate for accelerating the review process, though they need to be assessed in well‐designed studies. Improved reporting of RRs would support evidence‐based decision‐making and help users of RRs understand their limitations.
AI in Process Industries – Current Status and Future Prospects
Authors: Bortz Michael , Dadhe Kai , Engell Sebastian , Gepert Vanessa , Kockmann Norbert , Müller-Pfefferkorn Ralph , Schindler Thorsten , Urbas Leon
Published: April 2023

The chemical industry is one of the key industrial sectors in Germany and at the same time one of the largest consumers of energy and raw materials. A successful energy transition and the development of a circular economy can only succeed if they are actively supported and shaped by the chemical industry – through the redesign of existing production processes and the exploration and implementation of new process routes. The challenge is to realize this transformation within a very short time and for many production processes, whereby a much larger number of process routes must be explored. Digital technologies are key to master this transformation towards more sustainability, climate, and environmental protection. The KEEN project aims to explore and leverage artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities in process industry. The newly developed AI methods are tested wherever possible in real working environments and production plants to prove the economic benefit, applicability, and reliability of the methods and technologies.
Quantifying the Relative Roles of Different Microorganisms on Trimethoprim Degradation by Nitrifying Activated Sludge
Authors: Yuan Pei‐Kun , Xu Run‐Ze , Ma You , Wu Yu , Meng Han , Wang Guo‐Xiang , Zhang Li‐Min , Zhang Xian‐Qiu , Jia Guo‐Zheng , Xiao Yan , Li Wei‐Hua , Xie Wen‐Ming
Published: April 2023

The cometabolism of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in nitrifying activated sludge can effectively degrade antibiotics. However, the roles of other microorganisms in antibiotic removal processes remain uncharacterized. In this study, the effects of AOB, nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB), and heterotrophs on the removal of the antibiotic trimethoprim (TMP) at environmentally relevant concentrations in an enriched nitrifying activated sludge are quantified. AOB is found to be the most efficient for TMP removal, which is related with ammonium concentration. TMP removal is increased from 48.0% to 64.0% as the ammonium concentration increased from 50 to 150 mg L−1. However, with a further increase in ammonium concentration to 250 mg L−1, TMP removal is decreased to 45.6%. The percentages of TMP removed by AOB, NOB, and heterotrophs are quantified by batch experiments, and are 78.7%, 18.6%, and 2.7%, respectively. The results demonstrate that in nitrifying activated sludge system, the contribution of NOB and heterotrophs on TMP removal should also be considered.
A Bright Surprise: Live‐Cell Labeling with Negatively Charged Fluorescent Probes based on Disulfonated Rhodamines and HaloTag
Authors: Kim Dojin , Stoldt Stefan , Weber Michael , Jakobs Stefan , Belov Vladimir N. , Hell Stefan W.
Published: April 2023

Disulfonated rhodamines are photostable and bright dyes widely used in life science and optical microscopy. However, di‐sulfonated dyes were considered cell impermeable and not applicable in living cells. We challenged this assumption with 5 most popular rhodamines (Rho) having two carboxylic acid residues, versatile sulfonation patterns and emitting green (AS488), yellow (Rho530), orange (Rho565) and red (Rho590 and STAR RED) light. The probes comprising one rhodamine entity and a HaloTagTM amine (O2) ligand (x) were prepared and applied for labeling of living, Vimentin‐Halo (VIM‐Halo) expressing U‐2 OS cells. Surprisingly, we observed specific and bright staining with simplest compounds Rho590‐x, Rho565‐x and Rho530‐x bearing two negative charges; they performed well also in stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. Specific staining and red shifts in absorption and emission bands were observed with other probes having one negative charge; they were prepared by native chemical ligation and esterification.
Design and implementation of dual‐leg generic converter for DC/AC grid integration
Authors: Suresh Krishnan , Parimalasundar Ezhilvannan
Published: April 2023

A newly designed generic photo‐voltaic (PV) DC‐DC/DC‐AC converter is for direct current (DC) grid or single‐phase alternating current (AC) grid integration. Main concept of the proposed converter is universal power conversion, and the same converter is used for DC‐DC/DC‐AC applications which also aiming for minimum redundancy because the proposed converter can be able to produce DC and AC output from the fixed/variable DC source. The proposed converter is designed with single‐stage dual leg topology, with a designed filter, and protection circuits are connected in output/grid side. The proposed circuit is compared with existing topologies, and comparative analyses are made in both chopper (DC‐DC) and inverter (DC‐AC) modes for universal or generic operation. Real‐time implementation of the proposed model is prepared for the power rating of 3.5 KW during inverter mode and 4 KW when same circuit working in chopper mode. Hardware results are obtained from the model from both chopper and inverter modes. Finally, correct applications, advantages, and future work are concluded in the last section.
Multimodal convolutional neural networks for predicting evolution of gyrokinetic simulations
Authors: Honda Mitsuru , Narita Emi , Maeyama Shinya , Watanabe Tomo‐Hiko
Published: April 2023

Gyrokinetic simulations are required for the quantitative calculation of fluxes due to turbulence, which dominates over other transport mechanisms in tokamaks. However, nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations are computationally expensive. A multimodal convolutional neural network model that reads images and values generated by nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations and predicts electrostatic turbulent heat fluxes was developed to support efficient runs. The model was extended to account for squared electrostatic potential fluctuations, which are proportional to the fluxes in the quasilinear model, as well as images containing fluctuating electron and ion distribution functions and fluctuating electrostatic potentials in wavenumber space. This multimodal model can predict the time and electron and ion turbulent heat fluxes corresponding to the input data. The model trained on the Cyclone base case data successfully predicted times and fluxes not only for its test data, but also for the completely different and unknown JT‐60U case, with high accuracy. The predictive performance of the model depended on the similarity of the linear stability of the case used to train the model to the case being predicted.
Uncommon case of cytopathological features of sialadenoma papilliferum
Authors: Oyama Yuzo , Nishida Haruto , Kondo Yoshihiko , Kusaba Takahiro , Kawamura Kazuhiro , Fujimoto Ayaka , Yokomine Yurina , Kiyooka Seiji , Iwao Satomi , Hirakawa Koji , Kawano Kenji , Daa Tsutomu
Published: April 2023

Sialadenoma papilliferum, a benign and rare salivary gland neoplasm, accounts for 0.4%–1.2% of all salivary gland tumors and occurs primarily in minor salivary glands of the oral cavity. Here, we report a case of sialadenoma papilliferum and its associated cytological findings. A papillary tumor was incidentally detected on the palate of an 86‐year‐old Japanese man. Conventional oral exfoliative cytology was performed; the cytology smear exhibited epithelial clusters composed of atypical epithelial cells with a high nuclear/cytoplasm ratio and arranged in sheet or small papillary‐like projections. Cytoplasmic vacuoles were also observed in the papillae. It was difficult to make a definitive diagnosis due to the presence of uncommon cytological features. The excisional biopsy specimen revealed histological features characteristic of sialadenoma papilliferum. Mutational analysis detected BRAFV600E mutation, which confirmed the diagnosis of sialadenoma papilliferum. To the best of our knowledge, no prior cytomorphological evaluations of sialadenoma papilliferum have been reported in detail. Oral exfoliative cytology specimens from salivary gland tumors can demonstrate uncommon cytomorphological features. A differential diagnosis of sialadenoma papilliferum can be based on the observation of mildly atypical epithelial cells that form small papillary‐like structures.
Intra‐individual stability of longitudinal urinary steroid profiles in Swedish athletes
Authors: Ekström Lena , Mous Dinah , Heiland Vincent , Heiland Emerald G. , Schulze Jenny
Published: April 2023

The steroid module of the athlete biological passport (ABP) aims to detect doping with endogenous steroids by longitudinally monitoring epitestosterone (E), testosterone (T), and four metabolically related steroids and their ratios. There are large variations in the urinary levels of the androgen metabolites due to genetic polymorphisms, drug use, menstrual cycle, and other factors. In this study, we aimed to increase our understanding of the natural, within‐individual variations of the established ABP markers in males and females over time, looking at samples collected both in and out‐of‐competition (IC/OOC). Urinary steroid profiles from 323 Swedish athletes, with at least five samples per athlete, were extracted from ADAMS together with information on type of sport, IC/OOC, and time of day. Data were analyzed using coefficient of variation (CV%) to examine within‐subject variability and linear mixed effects models to estimate within‐subject change in the metabolites over time. The metabolites and ratios expressed higher individual CV% in females (23–56) than in males (18–39). Samples taken OOC showed larger intra‐individual variations than samples collected IC for most of the ABP metabolites in both sexes. The median concentrations were higher IC for some metabolites, particularly testosterone being 52% higher among females. Time of day influenced the intra‐individual variation of the urinary steroid profile with decreases in androgen metabolites over time, if measured in evening versus daytime. These findings can aid in the testing strategies and interpretation of the steroidal module of ABP.
Using DNA barcoding and field surveys to guide wildlife management at Nanjing Lukou International Airport, China
Authors: Chen Wan , Miao Keer , Liu Yizheng , Zhang Jie , Zhao Yang , Hu Dongfang , Wang Pengcheng , Li Peng , Chang Qing , Hu Chaochao
Published: April 2023

The conflicts between wildlife and aircraft have increased due to the development of the aviation industry. While many studies have quantified the relative hazards of wildlife to aircraft, few studies have combined DNA barcoding techniques with field surveys of bird communities in different habitats to reveal the exact species involved in bird strikes and how the habitat heterogeneity around airports affects bird communities and even the occurrence of bird strikes. Taking Nanjing Lukou International Airport in China as an example, based on the DNA barcoding technology and detailed field research, we establish the most commonly struck species, which can help managers identify the level of hazard and lead to meaningful reductions in hazards and costs associated with bird strike. The investigation of bird communities showed that there were 149 bird species recorded within an 8 km radius. There were 89, 88, 61, and 88 species in the woodland, wetland, farmland, and urban area, respectively. In total, 303 samples identified 82 species representing 13 orders and 32 family of birds from bird strike cases, of which 24 species were not found in the field survey. Passeriformes were the most common order of birds identified, with 43 species represented in 167 identifications. Skylark, Thrush, Shrike, Lapwing, and Swallow were most likely to cause damage or substantial damage to aircraft when strikes occurred. In addition to birds, we identified 69 bats individuals (accounting for 22.77%) using DNA barcoding. The Bray–Curtis similarity analysis revealed that species involved in bird strike had the highest similarity with urban area. Our findings suggest that policymakers should pay more attention to managing the wetlands and urban areas surrounding the airport. These findings imply that DNA barcoding can add to the environmental monitoring in airports, which can facilitate hazard management and improve air safety.
Construct and discriminant validity testing of the FACE‐Q Head and Neck Cancer Module for assessing speech and swallowing outcomes for patients undergoing maxillectomy or mandibulectomy
Authors: Venchiarutti Rebecca L. , Charters Emma K. , Dunn Masako , Clark Jonathan R.
Published: April 2023

Background

The FACE‐Q H&N is a patient reported outcome measure covering multiple constructs for patients with head and neck tumors. Additional testing is needed to determine suitability in assessing speech‐ and swallowing‐related quality of life and function.

Methods

FACE‐Q H&N, The M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), and Speech Handicap Index (SHI) scores were collected from two patient cohorts who had undergone jaw reconstruction. Construct validity was assessed using convergent validity testing and known groups testing to assess discriminant validity.

Results

A priori hypotheses testing demonstrated strong correlations (ρ > 0.6, p < 0.05) between FACE‐Q H&N eating and drinking, swallowing and eating distress scales with MDADI subscales, and between FACE‐Q H&N speech function and distress scales and the SHI. Known groups testing demonstrated all instruments could delineate outcomes among patients who had radiation, advanced tumors, and tracheostomy.

Conclusion

The FACE‐Q H&N may be an alternative for the SHI and MDADI in this patient cohort.
Trends in eyebrow makeup after COVID‐19 and long‐COVID era
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Kwon Ki Han
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives

The coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic, which began in 2019, is threatening millions of people around the world. Coronavirus, a severe acute respiratory syndrome, made it mandatory to wear masks, it was carried out through public awareness and review of changes in cosmetics.

Methods

This literature review paper was written by referring to keywords such as “Eyebrow,” “Permanent Make‐up,” “Microblading,” “Make‐up,” and “COVID‐19.” The study selected a total of 485 references using representative journal search sites such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, RISS, DBPia, and CrossRef, of which a total of 43 papers were selected at the final stage from 2000 to 2022 using PRISMA flow diagram.

Results

With the wearing of a mask due to COVID‐19, we are paying attention to the change in the makeup trend caused by the preference for easy eye makeup.

Conclusions

This narrative review understands that eyebrow makeup has a significant impact on human images due to changes in makeup methods after the COVID‐19 pandemic. It is expected to be used as important data for the rapidly growing semi‐permanent makeup market.
Investigating the performance of machine learning algorithms in predicting the survival of COVID‐19 patients: A cross section study of Iran
Authors: Yazdani Azita , Bigdeli Somayeh Kianian , Zahmatkeshan Maryam
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims

Like early diagnosis, predicting the survival of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is of great importance. Survival prediction models help doctors be more cautious to treat the patients who are at high risk of dying because of medical conditions. This study aims to predict the survival of hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 by comparing the accuracy of machine learning (ML) models.

Methods

It is a cross‐sectional study which was performed in 2022 in Fasa city in Iran country. The research data set was extracted from the period February 18, 2020 to February 10, 2021, and contains 2442 hospitalized patients' records with 84 features. A comparison was made between the efficiency of five ML algorithms to predict survival, includes Naive Bayes (NB), K‐nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), and multilayer perceptron (MLP). Modeling steps were done with Python language in the Anaconda Navigator 3 environment.

Results

Our findings show that NB algorithm had better performance than others with accuracy, precision, recall, F‐score, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 97%, 96%, 96%, 96%, and 97%, respectively. Based on the analysis of factors affecting survival, heart disease, pulmonary diseases and blood related disease were the most important disease related to death.

Conclusion

The development of software systems based on NB will be effective to predict the survival of COVID‐19 patients
Numerical investigation on the thermal performance of cross‐cocurrent and countercurrent three fluid heat exchanger with flow maldistribution at the inlet
Authors: K. H. Jyothiprakash
Published: April 2023

Flow maldistribution at the inlet of a heat exchanger (HX) is a significant parameter that needs to be considered to judge the performance of the same. In this paper, four arrangements of three‐fluid cross‐flow heat exchanger (3FCFHX) with different flow conditions are considered as shown in Figure 1 in which is the performance of cross‐countercurrent and cross‐cocurrent arrangements for uniform and flow maldistribution at the inlet. In addition, the effect of different inlet fluid flow models on the HX performance are investigated numerically. Among the three fluids in these arrangements, the central fluid is considered to be the hot fluid. From the principles of conservation of energy, the governing equations for three fluids are generated and solved using the finite element method. Four different inlet fluid‐flow models are considered for the analysis. Performance is judged using hot fluid effectiveness and the number of transfer units for a different range of governing parameters. The effects of inlet flow maldistribution (IFM) are measured using degradation factors. The results show that the performance of cross‐cocurrent arrangement is found to be superior to the cross‐countercurrent arrangement. In addition, the IFM enhances thermal performance. Further, it is determined that the flow maldistribution at the inlet will enhance the hot fluid effectiveness by 4%–4.5% and 1.8%–2% in cross‐cocurrent and countercurrent arrangements, respectively. The results give a thorough insight into the significant concerns involved in the design of such HXs. Application of the finite element method proves the ease of determining the exit temperatures of the fluids in the HX. This approach is indeed time‐saving and gives insights when compared to the CFD approach.
Primary treatment with a natural coagulant improved the nanofiltration stage to recover dairy wastewater
Authors: Formentini‐Schmitt Dalila Maria , Veit Márcia Teresinha , Trigueros Daniela Estelita Goes , Bergamasco Rosangela , Triques Carina Contini , Mateus Gustavo Affonso Pisano , Fagundes‐Klen Márcia Regina
Published: April 2023

Background

The adequate management of dairy effluent is of prime importance to mitigate environmental damages. In addition, its adequate treatment could enable its reuse inside the dairy industry, contributing to a sustainable economy.

Results

The optimization of the coagulation/ flocculation/ sedimentation stage through a Box–Behnken Design was proposed using real dairy effluent and natural coagulant of Moringa extracted with CaCl2. Then, nanofiltration with a NF 270 membrane was applied, using the raw wastewater and the wastewater pre‐treated with coagulation/ flocculation/ sedimentation, enabling apparent color and turbidity removals of >98% in the three studied conditions. A satisfactory chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 88.9% was obtained only with the combination of the pre‐treatment by coagulation/ flocculation/ sedimentation followed by nanofiltration. When the effluent was subjected to nanofiltration directly, the COD removal did not reach 61%. Besides improving the removal values, the pre‐treatment improved the transmembrane flow, reducing the fouling and the membrane total resistance when compared to the dairy wastewater directly subjected to nanofiltration.

Conclusion

When the wastewater was pre‐treated using the natural coagulant, the nanofiltration stage was improved because the membrane presented a lower fouling (~10%), lower total resistance and less calcium build‐up compared to direct nanofiltration of the wastewater (~60%). This indicates that the membrane lifespan can be extended when the pre‐treatment is applied. The quality evaluation of the treated effluent demonstrated that it presents the potential to be reused inside the dairy industry, which could greatly contribute to a sustainable and economic scenario. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Gastrointestinal bioaccessibility and fiber mitigation of tropane alkaloids assessed on tea and cookies by in vitro digestion
Authors: Marín‐Sáez Jesús , Lopez‐Ruiz Rosalía , Ferreira Isabel Maria Pinto Leite Viegas Oliveira , Cunha Sara Cristina
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Tropane alkaloids (TAs) are toxic compounds with a high anticholinergic effect. They have been widely analyzed in food samples, but their fate in the gastrointestinal tract has not been evaluated yet.

RESULTS

In this study, static in vitro digestion was performed to assess gastrointestinal bioaccessibility of the most common TAs on tea and home‐made cookies. Cookies enriched with dietary fiber (pectin, arabinogalactan, and κ‐carrageenan) were also tested to evaluate their influence on TA bioaccessibility. Two extraction methods and a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method were optimized and validated. Bioaccessibility for tea (60–105%) was higher than for cookies (39–93%) (P = 0.001–0.002), which indicates TAs could be more easily absorbed when they are contaminating tea. Digestion of cookies enriched with 50 g kg−1 of different fibers showed that, although no significant changes were observed in the gastric phase (P = 0.084–0.920), duodenal bioaccessibility was significantly reduced (P = 0.008–0.039). Pectin was the fiber with a better mitigation effect for all the compounds.

CONCLUSION

TAs bioaccessibility was determined after in vitro digestion of contaminated tea and cookies. Dietary fiber seems to be a promising mitigation strategy, significantly reducing TA bioaccessibility percentages. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
First experiences in real clinical practice treating a patient with generalised pustular psoriasis with Spesolimab
Authors: Fernández‐Galván Aurora , Daudén Esteban , Butron‐Bris Beatriz , Seguí‐Olmedilla Mireia , Miguélez Ana , Fraga Javier , Rodríguez Jiménez Pedro , Llamas‐Velasco Mar
Published: April 2023

Generalised pustular psoriasis is a rare, unpredictable, and sometimes severe subtype of psoriasis whose treatment is hampered by a lack of consensus and standardised therapeutic guidelines. The recent recognition of the involvement of the innate interleukin (IL)‐1/IL‐36 pathway has allowed the development of new biologic drugs such as Spesolimab. We present the case of a woman with persistent generalised pustular psoriasis (GGP) who, after numerous failures with several systemic and biologic therapies, was treated with Spesolimab and showed a very rapid and sustained response over time.
Improvements on the reverse order laws
Authors: Cvetković Ilić Dragana , Milenković Jovana
Published: April 2023

In many papers concerning properties of generalized inverses in different settings, we can find the results with many redundant instances of assuming regularity of certain elements. We have made an effort to widen the range of applicability of concrete results by considering more general cases of the problems without imposing any such additional assumptions. This was the main motivation for this paper, and we present several significant improvements of the reverse order laws on and ‐inverses in the ring setting.
Low Cost Biopolymer Adsorbents for the Removal of Heavy Metal Contaminant from Wastewater
Authors: Berdous Dalila , Abdellaoui Naima , Arous Omar , Akretche Djamel Eddine
Published: April 2023

Polymeric materials have been remarkably associated with our daily life. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic biopolymer systems have gained importance in the last few years, because of the environmental pollution of nonbiodegradable synthetic plastics. Recently, biopolymers with functional groups have been directly used for the fabrication of adsorptive membranes in order to avoid the undesirable morphology change of the membranes during the surface modifications. Compared with other modification technologies or a synthesis of totally new materials, biopolymer blending has several advantages like simplicity, reproducibility, and commercial feasibility. The valuable part of blending of biopolymers can be used for the preparation of new materials with improved physicochemical and mechanical properties. The objective of this work is the development of biomembranes based on a mixture of three biopolymers, that is, alginate (AL), chitosan (CS), and polylactic acid (PLA). Physical characterizations of the elaborated biopolymeric membranes are carried out by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and contact angle measurements. The SEM results show that the synthesized membranes exhibited homogeneous dense microstructures. The second objective of this paper is to evaluate the importance of these biopolymers in removing lead which is considered as toxic metal. In fact, all synthesized membranes are applied to the treatment of wastewater to eliminate heavy metals principally Pb2+.
Dielectric Relaxation Behavior of Halobenzene Confined in the δ‐Phase of Syndiotactic Polystyrene
Authors: Urakawa Osamu , Kobayashi Hideo , Inoue Ryosai , Kaneko Fumitoshi , Inoue Tadashi
Published: April 2023

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) incorporates low‐mass guest molecules to form a co‐crystalline structure, the δ‐phase, in which the guest molecules are confined within a nanosized space. Under such spatial constraints, what factors determine the dynamics of the guest molecules? This is an interesting question and needs to be clarified toward the functionalization of sPS/functional guest systems. In this study, the size effect of the guest molecules and use monosubstituted halobenzenes (fluorobenzene, chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, and iodobenzene) to systematically change the molecular size is focussed. Since halobenzene has a large electric dipole moment, dielectric relaxation measurements can effectively detect its molecular motion. This study aims to identify the guest dynamics in the δ‐phase by dielectric relaxation measurement and examines the molecular length dependence of the rotational relaxation times and their activation energies.
The Analysis of Lubricants for Elucidating the Dynamics of Sexual Violence: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Barison Katiuscia , Causin Valerio
Published: April 2023

Elucidating the circumstances in cases of sexual violence is fundamental for the administration of justice. Knowing whether, during violence, a condom was used can be useful to verify what involved people stated. The analysis of condoms’ components can have the purpose not only to verify their use, but also to distinguish among different brands. Usually, the analysis of these components is conducted via mass spectrometry, with expensive and uncommon instruments. In this work, the aim is to explore the possibility of detecting condom traces in swabs taken from sexual assault victims with a cheap and simple technique: gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Final outcomes show that only Durex condoms, among those examined, have a characteristic profile that allows to recognize their use. Other brands seem to be use lubricants composed by nonvolatile substances that cannot be analyzed via GC.
Existence of solution for Volterra–Fredholm type stochastic fractional integro‐differential system of order μ ∈ (1, 2) with sectorial operators
Authors: Kaliraj K. , Muthuvel K.
Published: April 2023

The mainspring of the study is to investigate the out‐turn of stochastic Volterra–Fredholm integro‐differential inclusion of order
with sectorial operator of the type
. The existence results of our proposed problem is derived by employing Martelli's fixed point approach. We do not limit the theoretical results of fractional stochastic equation to local condition but extend to nonlocal condition, and physical interpretation of our obtained results is proved with an appropriate illustration.
Ketogenic Diet Alleviates Hypoglycemia‐Induced Neuroinflammation via Modulation the Gut Microbiota in Mice
Authors: Li Cixia , Pan Jiarong , Sun Penghao , Wang Shuai , Wang Songlin , Feng Wenyu , Chen Shulin , Chai Xuejun , Zhao Shanting , Zhu Xiaoyan
Published: April 2023

Scope

This study aims to investigate the role of gut microbiota regulation with ketogenic diet (KD) in hypoglycemia‐induced neuroinflammation.

Methods and results

Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting show that KD alleviates blood‐brain barrier injury induced by hypoglycemia by increasing Podxl and zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) levels. KD‐fed mice show reduced brain edema by decreasing aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) content and maintaining its polarized expression. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing results show that KD reduces the Chao 1 index of gut microbiota α‐diversity, and significant separation is detected in the β‐diversity analysis between the control and KD‐fed mice. KD increases the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria and decreases that of Bacteroidetes. Hypoglycemia can reduce SOD and GSH‐PX levels while increasing TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 mRNA levels in the brain tissues of mice. KD alleviates hypoglycemia‐induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting microglia activation and TLR4/p38MAPK/NF‐κB signaling pathway. Importantly, antibiotic cocktail depletion of the gut microbiota weakens anti‐inflammatory and antioxidation responses in KD‐fed mice.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings suggest that KD alleviates hypoglycemia‐induced brain injury via gut microbiota modulation, which may provide novel insights into the therapy for hypoglycemia.
Compartment‐based reconstruction of 3D acquisition‐weighted 31P cardiac magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 7 T: A reproducibility study
Authors: Tyler Andrew , Ellis Jane , Lau Justin Y. C. , Miller Jack J. , Bottomley Paul A. , Rodgers Christopher T. , Tyler Damian J. , Valkovič Ladislav
Published: April 2023

Even at 7 T, cardiac 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) is fundamentally limited by low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), leading to long scan times and poor temporal and spatial resolutions. Compartment‐based reconstruction algorithms such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy with linear algebraic modeling (SLAM) and spectral localization by imaging (SLIM) may improve SNR or reduce scan time without changes to acquisition. Here, we compare the repeatability and SNR performance of these compartment‐based methods, applied to three different acquisition schemes at 7 T. Twelve healthy volunteers were scanned twice. Each scan session consisted of a 6.5‐min 3D acquisition‐weighted (AW) cardiac 31P phase encode‐based MRSI acquisition and two 6.5‐min truncated k‐space acquisitions with increased averaging (4 × 4 × 4 central k‐space phase encodes and fractional SLAM [fSLAM] optimized k‐space phase encodes). Spectra were reconstructed using (i) AW Fourier reconstruction; (ii) AW SLAM; (iii) AW SLIM; (iv) 4 × 4 × 4 SLAM; (v) 4 × 4 × 4 SLIM; and (vi) fSLAM acquisition–reconstruction combinations. The phosphocreatine‐to‐adenosine triphosphate (PCr/ATP) ratio, the PCr SNR, and spatial response functions were computed, in addition to coefficients of reproducibility and variability. Using the compartment‐based reconstruction algorithms with the AW 31P acquisition resulted in a significant increase in SNR compared with previously published Fourier‐based MRSI reconstruction methods while maintaining the measured PCr/ATP ratio and improving interscan reproducibility. The alternative acquisition strategies with truncated k‐space performed no better than the common AW approach. Compartment‐based spectroscopy approaches provide an attractive reconstruction method for cardiac 31P spectroscopy at 7 T, improving reproducibility and SNR without the need for a dedicated k‐space sampling strategy.
Regulatory landscape of Runx2 and Sp7 in osteoblast and chondrocyte lineages: Recent findings from next‐generation sequencer‐based studies
Authors: Ohba Shinsuke
Published: April 2023

Mouse genetic studies have revealed that Runx2 and Sp7 act as master regulators in skeletal development. Numerous mechanistic studies have also uncovered how these two transcription factors execute key gene regulatory programs for the specification and differentiation of the two skeletal cell lineages, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes. The emergence of next‐generation sequencer (NGS)‐based techniques has shifted the research focus from the local actions of Runx2 and Sp7 to their comprehensive actions on the entire genome in cells of interest. NGS‐based studies have elucidated the gene‐regulatory landscapes of Runx2 and Sp7 in osteoblast and chondrocyte lineages, demonstrating that Runx2 and Sp7 exert their cell‐type‐specific functions through cell‐type‐specific modes of action. NGS‐based techniques are expected to continue evolving and providing high‐resolution, genome‐scale datasets. Ongoing accumulation of such data will enhance our understanding of gene‐regulatory networks in skeletal development and maintenance, and assist in the modeling of skeletal disorders and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Machinability analysis of Typha angustifolia natural fiber reinforced composites through experimental modeling – Influence of fiber orientation
Authors: Arunachalam Saravanakumar , Lakshmi Narasimhan Rajeshkumar , Palaniappan Sathish Kumar , Ross Nimel Sworna , Joseph Chandran Arulmozhivarman , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Siengchin Suchart
Published: April 2023

Natural fiber composites are currently considered to be the most sustainable and renewable substitute for synthetic fiber composites in several low and medium‐density applications. Various research works are ongoing to evaluate the machinability of plant‐based natural fiber composites. In the current investigation, an attempt has been made to fabricate and examine the drilling behavior of Typha angustifolia fiber reinforced (TAFR) composite. Composites were manufactured using Typha angustifolia fibers in unidirectional (UD) and bidirectional (BD) orientations using the epoxy matrix through the compression molding technique. Fibers were characterized using the X‐ray diffraction method to determine the crystallinity index and crystallite size. Drilling experiments were conducted on TAFR composites and using Taguchi's L18 mixed‐level design with various process parameters the experiments were conducted. The optimal experimental combination rendering the lowest value of exit delamination and thrust force was determined using Taguchi‐TOPSIS hybrid approach. A quadratic model was also developed to predict the response of drilling. Drilled hole morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy to know about various failure mechanisms and damages induced during the drilling operations. It was found from the results that the lowest speed and feed rate and higher drill diameter rendered minimal delamination and thrust force for both UD and BD TAFR composites.
Atomistic Modeling of Charge‐Trapping Defects in Amorphous Ge‐Sb‐Te Phase‐Change Memory Materials
Authors: Konstantinou Konstantinos , Elliott Stephen R.
Published: April 2023

Understanding the nature of charge‐trapping defects in amorphous chalcogenide alloy‐based phase‐change memory materials is important for tailoring the development of multilevel memory devices with increased data storage density. Herein, hybrid density‐functional theory simulations have been employed to investigate electron‐ and hole‐trapping processes in melt‐quenched glassy models of four different Ge‐Sb‐Te compositions, namely, GeTe, Sb2Te3, GeTe4, and Ge2Sb2Te5. The calculations demonstrate that extra electrons and holes are spontaneously trapped, creating charge‐trapping centers in the bandgap of the amorphous materials. Over‐ and undercoordinated atoms, tetrahedral and “see‐saw” octahedral‐like geometries, fourfold rings, homopolar bonds, near‐linear triatomic configurations, and chain‐like motifs comprise the range of the defective atomic environments that have been identified in the structural patterns of the charge‐trapping sites inside the glassy networks. The results illustrate that charge trapping corresponds to an intrinsic property of the glassy Ge‐Sb‐Te systems, show the impact of electron and hole localization on the atomic bonding of these materials, and they may have important implications related to the operation of phase‐change electronic‐memory devices.
Global stabilization control for multiple input multiple output nonlinear systems with unknown function vector
Authors: Jia Fujin , Lu Junwei , Li Yongmin
Published: April 2023

In this article, a control algorithm is proposed to solve the global stabilization control problem of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) nonlinear systems with unknown function vectors (UFVs). Firstly, a Lemma dealing with UFVs is proposed. Then, combined with the backstepping method, the controller is designed such that all signals of the closed‐loop system are globally stable. Compared with the approximation method, the algorithm in this article solves the global stabilization control problem. Compared with the assumptions of UFVs, the algorithm in this article reduces the conservatism problem. At the same time, the algorithm in this article also solves the “explosion of terms” problem of backstepping. Compared with the methods to solve this problem: dynamic surface control (DSC) and direct fuzzy control, the algorithm in this article can make all signals of the closed‐loop system converge to the origin. Finally, the algorithm is applied to the model of spacecraft with modified Rodrigues parameters, and the simulation results show the effectiveness of this algorithm.
Self‐Powered Integrated Sensing System with In‐Plane Micro‐Supercapacitors for Wearable Electronics
Authors: Wang Weiwen , Xu Liqiang , Zhang Lun , Zhang Aimin , Zhang Jihai
Published: April 2023

Self‐powered integrated sensor with high‐sensitivity physiological signals detection is indispensable for next‐generation wearable electronic devices. Herein, a Ti3C2Tx/CNTs‐based self‐powered resistive sensor with solar cells and in‐plane micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) is successfully realized on a flexible styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene (SEBS) electrospinning film. The prepared Ti3C2Tx/CNTs@SEBS/CNTs nanofiber membranes exhibit high electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility. The laser‐assisted fabricated Ti3C2Tx/CNTs based‐MSCs demonstrate a high areal energy density of 52.89 and 9.56 µWh cm−2 with a corresponding areal power density of 0.2 and 4 mW cm−2. Additionally, the MSCs exhibit remarkable capacity retention of 90.62% after 10 000 cycles. Furthermore, the Ti3C2Tx/CNTs based‐sensor exhibits real‐time detection capability for human facial micro‐expressions and pulse single under physiological conditions. The repeated bending/release tests indicate the long‐time cycle stability of the Ti3C2Tx/CNTs based‐sensor. Owing to the excellent sensing performance, the sensing array was also fabricated. It is believed that this work develops a route for designing a self‐powered sensor system with flexible production, high performance, and human‐friendly characteristics for wearable electronics.
Normalization of Tumor Vessels by Lenvatinib‐Based Metallo‐Nanodrugs Alleviates Hypoxia and Enhances Calreticulin‐Mediated Immune Responses in Orthotopic HCC and Organoids
Authors: Zhang Da , Jiang Chenwei , Zheng Xiaoyuan , Lin Zhiwen , Zhuang Qiuyu , Xie Huanzhang , Liang Yuzhi , Xu Yu , Cui Linsheng , Liu Xiaolong , Zeng Yongyi
Published: April 2023

Immunocheckpoint inhibitors combined with Lenvatinib is the first line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but their potency is hampered by the low response rate and adverse events. Herein, a targeted therapeutic strategy through the coassembly of Lenvatinib, Adriamycin, Fe3+ ion, and a natural polyphenol (metallo‐nanodrugs) is presented by coordination effect for potentiating tumor vascular normalization and systematic chemo‐immunotherapy to effectively inhibit the progression of HCC in both orthotopic model and patients‐derived organoids. In mice with orthotopic HCC, the obtained metallo‐nanodrugs efficiently increase the drug accumulation in orthotopic tumors and can respond to acidic tumor environment. The promotion of tumor vascular normalization by metallo‐nanodrugs is observed, which enhances the infiltrating T lymphocytes in tumor, and reinforces the calreticulin‐mediated antitumor immunity through alleviating hypoxia, reducing regulatory T cells, and down‐regulating PDL1 expression of tumors. The excellent therapeutic efficiency with complete remission of orthotopic tumors (3/6) and long‐term survival of mice (4/6, 42 days) are also achieved. Furthermore, the excellent therapeutic effect of metallo‐nanodrugs is also validated in 5 patient‐derived organoids, and hence can provide a marvelous systemic chemo‐immunotherapy strategy for enhancing HCC treatment.
3D Solar Evaporation Enhancement by Superhydrophilic Copper Foam Inverted Cone and Graphene Oxide Functionalization Synergistic Cooperation
Authors: Lv Fengyong , Miao Jie , Hu Jing , Orejon Daniel
Published: April 2023

Solar evaporation has become a promising and sustainable technique for harvesting freshwater from seawater and wastewater. However, the applicability and efficacy of solar evaporation need further improvement to achieve high production closer to theoretical limits in compact systems. A 3D (three‐dimensional) hierarchical inverted conical solar evaporation is developed, which consists of a 3D copper foam skeleton cone decorated with micro‐/nano‐structures functionalized with graphene oxide, fabricated via easy and scalable wet oxidation, impregnation, and drying at room temperature. The proposed configuration empowers high‐efficiency solar absorption, continuous liquid film spreading and transport, enhanced interfacial local evaporation, and rapid vapor diffusion through the pores. More notably, the 3D conical evaporator realizes thermal localization at the skeleton interface and allows evaporation to occur along the complete structure with unimpeded liquid and vapor rapid diffusion. The solar–thermal evaporation efficiency under 1‐Sun is as high as 93% with a maximum evaporation rate per unit area of 1.71 kg·m−2·h−1. This work highlights the benefits of synergistic cooperation of an easily scalable 3D hierarchical functiomicro‐/nano‐structured copper foam skeletons and functionalized graphene oxide for high‐efficient solar evaporation of interest to numerous applications.
New Avenues to Chemical Space for Energy Materials by the Molecular Precursor Approach
Authors: Ghosh Suptish , Dasgupta Basundhara , Walter Carsten , Menezes Prashanth W. , Driess Matthias
Published: April 2023

The quest to develop efficient electrocatalysts for water‐splitting is still an ongoing challenge. Intense efforts have been dedicated over the years to design effective methods to improve the electrocatalytic performances. In recent times, the single‐source (molecular) precursor (SSP) approach has gained enormous attention from the scientific community as it operates at low temperatures and leads to the formation of unique nanostructured materials, with fine‐tuned chemical and physical properties, resulting in high and stable catalytic activities. Herein, the recent developments in molecule‐to‐material chemistry and their applications toward the oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and overall water‐splitting are summarized. Furthermore, the review focuses on understanding the reconstruction process of the SSP‐derived materials and the adopted techniques (in situ and ex situ) to obtain insights into the active structures for catalysis. The future possibilities of applying these materials for value‐added organic electro‐oxidation/reduction reactions are also explored.