bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning enabled integrated formulation and process design framework for a pharmaceutical 3D printing platform
Authors: Sundarkumar Varun , Nagy Zoltan K. , Reklaitis Gintaras V.
Published: December 2022

The pharmaceutical manufacturing sector needs to rapidly evolve to absorb the next wave of disruptive industrial innovations—Industry 4.0. This involves incorporating technologies like artificial intelligence and 3D printing (3DP) to automate and personalize the drug production processes. This study aims to build a formulation and process design (FPD) framework for a pharmaceutical 3DP platform that recommends operating (formulation and process) conditions at which consistent drop printing can be obtained. The platform used in this study is a displacement‐based drop‐on‐demand 3D printer that manufactures dosages by additively depositing the drug formulation as droplets on a substrate. The FPD framework is built in two parts: the first part involves building a machine learning model to simulate the forward problem—predicting printer operation for given operating conditions and the second part seeks to solve and experimentally validate the inverse problem—predicting operating conditions that can yield desired printer operation.
Mass transfer characterization for hydrocarbon liquid–particle collision based on sensitive tracing of fluorescent probe
Authors: Xu Liuqing , Sun Jingyuan , Wang Jingdai , Zhao Weijun , Yang Yongrong
Published: December 2022

The heat and mass transfer characteristics during the collision process of hydrocarbon droplets and polyethylene particles in a liquid‐containing gas–solid polyethylene fluidized bed reactor significantly affect the product quality. In this work, the mass transfer process of single‐component hydrocarbon and bi‐component hydrocarbon liquid films on the polyethylene particle surface were quantitatively characterized by a newly developed experimental approach, based on a novel synthesized hydrocarbon liquid soluble fluorescent probe for sensitive tracing of hydrocarbon liquid diffusion. It was found that the boiling point and surface tension of the liquid as well as the surface temperature of the particle are the key factors affecting the mass transfer properties of the liquid film. Marangoni convection was observed and characterized on the particle surface. The critical time for the onset of Marangoni flow is between 4 and 8 s.
Robot Hearing Through Optical Channel in a Cocktail Party Environment
Authors: Guo Xiao , Ding Siyi , Peng Ti , Li Kenan , Hong Xiaoping
Published: December 2022

The cocktail party problem refers to a challenging process when the human sensory system tries to separate a specific voice from a loud mixture of background sound sources. The problem is much more demanding for machines and has become the holy grail in robotic hearing. Despite many advances in noise suppression, the intrinsic information from the contaminated acoustic channel remains difficult to recover. Herein, a simple‐yet‐powerful laser‐assisted audio system termed robot ear accomplished by laser (REAL) is shown to probe the vibrations of sound‐carrying surfaces (mask, throat, and other nearby surfaces) in optical channel, which is intrinsically immune to acoustic background noises. The results demonstrate that REAL can directly obtain the audio‐frequency content from the laser without acoustic channel interference. The signals can be further transcribed into human‐recognizable audios by exploiting the internal time and frequency correlations through memory‐enabled neural networks. The REAL system would enable a new way in human–robot interaction. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found at: https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.1002/aisy.202200143.
Progressive brain atrophy and severe neurodevelopmental phenotype in siblings with biallelic COASY variants
Authors: Rosati Justin , Johnson Jessica , Stander Zinandre , White Amy , Tortorelli Silvia , Bailey Diana , Fong Chin‐To , Lee Bo Hoon
Published: December 2022

Biallelic pathogenic variants in the COASY gene have been associated with two distinct disease phenotypes, that is, COASY‐protein associated neurodegeneration (CoPAN) and pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 12 (PCH 12). We present two siblings that independently presented with significant hypotonia and respiratory insufficiency at birth. Comprehensive genetic testing revealed homozygous variants within COASY, however, the progressive clinical and neuroradiologic findings described here are unique and have not been described previously. Magnetic resonance imaging showed progressive diffuse parenchymal loss throughout the bilateral cerebral hemispheres and atrophy of the basal ganglia and brainstem. As such, this article brings forth two additional cases of COASY‐related disorder with abnormal newborn screening acylcarnitine profiles resembling carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1a (CPT1a) deficiency in two siblings who presented at birth with contractures, marked hypotonia and absent respiratory drive.
A multifaceted exploration of ontogenetic variation in vertebral neural canal size across contemporary populations
Authors: Corron Louise K. , Wolfe Christopher A. , Stull Kyra E.
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Vertebral neural canal (VNC) dimensions are considered a reliable indicator of childhood stress. However, no study has characterized variation in VNC size or shape or the impact of extrinsic or intrinsic factors on their range of variation. The present study explores VNC dimensions of subadult samples varying in chronology, population of origin, geography, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Materials and Methods

Antero‐posterior (AP) and transverse (TR) diameters were measured on the tenth thoracic to the fifth lumbar vertebrae of 1404 contemporary individuals aged between birth and 22 years from Colombia (N = 28), France (N = 484), the Netherlands (N = 23), Taiwan (N = 31), and the United States (N = 838), and compared to lumbar diameters of subadults from the Spitalfields collection (N = 84) and the East Smithfield cemetery (N = 65). VNC variation was evaluated with skeletal growth profiles, principal component analyses (PCA), MANOVAs and ANOVAs.

Results

AP diameter growth ends during childhood, while TR diameter growth progressively slows before ending in adolescence. The Colombian sample presented the smallest VNC diameters compared to the other contemporary and historic samples. VNC shape (AP/TR ratio) was similar in contemporary samples. MANOVAs and ANOVAs revealed significant differences in VNC size according to country of origin and socio‐economic status, primarily differentiating the Colombian sample.

Discussion

The overall consistency in size and shape among groups is remarkable. While physiological stress may contribute to variability in VNC size, intrinsic ontogenetic processes and other individual and environmental factors also influence variability in VNC size.
Untersuchung des Häm‐bindenden bakteriellen Proteoms mittels chemischer Proteomik
Authors: Wilkinson Isabel V. L. , Bottlinger Max , El Harraoui Yassmine , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: December 2022

Häm ist ein Cofaktor mit unzähligen Funktionen, der für fast alle lebenden Organismen essentiell ist. Neben dem klassischen Transport von Gasen und katalytischen Funktionen wird Häm zunehmend als streng kontrolliertes Signalmolekül wahrgenommen, das die Proteinexpression reguliert. Häm‐Akquisition, ‐Biosynthese und ‐Regulation sind jedoch nur in wenigen Modellorganismen gut erforscht und darüber hinaus ist das Häm‐bindende Proteom in Bakterien noch nicht vollständig charakterisiert. Da die Häm‐Homöostase jedoch für das Überleben von Bakterien essentiell ist, sind Häm‐bindende Proteine vielversprechende Angriffspunkte für Medikamente. In dieser Publikation beschreiben wir eine chemische Proteomik Methode für die umfassende Untersuchung des Häm‐bindenden Proteoms in lebenden Zellen. Der Einsatz einer Auswahl von sowohl klickbaren Häm‐basierten Sonden und Photoaffinitätssonden ermöglichte die Untersuchung von bis zu 32–54 % des bereits bekannten Häm‐bindenden Proteoms in grampositiven und gramnegativen Bakterien. Diese einfach zu implementierende Methode könnte auf verschiedene Zelltypen und Systeme angewandt werden und die künftige Erforschung im Feld der Häm Biologie vorantreiben.
Bidirectional Tandem Electrocatalysis Manipulated Sulfur Speciation Pathway for High‐Capacity and Stable Na‐S Battery
Authors: Zhang Hong , Song Bin , Zhang Weiwei , An Bowen , Fu Lin , Lu Songtao , Cheng Yingwen , Chen Qianwang , Lu Ke
Published: December 2022

The sluggish polysulfide redox kinetics and the uncontrollable sulfur speciation pathway, leading to serious shuttling effect and high activation barrier associated with sulfur cathode. We describe here the use of core–shell structured composite matrixes containing abundant catalytic sites for nearly fully reversible cycling of sulfur cathodes for Na‐S batteries. The bidirectional tandem electrocatalysis provide successive reversible conversion of both long‐ and short‐chain polysulfides, whereas Fe2O3 accelerates Na2S8/Na2S6 to Na2S4 conversion and the redox‐active Fe(CN)64−‐doped polypyrrole shell catalyzes Na2S4 reduction to Na2S. The electrochemically reactive Na2S can be readily charged back to sulfur with minimal overpotential. Simultaneously, stable cycling of Na‐S pouch cell with a high reversible capacity of 696 mAh g−1 is also demonstrated. The bidirectional confined tandem catalysis renders the manipulation of sulfur redox electrochemistry for practical Na‐S cells.
Electronic Control of the Scholl Reaction: Selective Synthesis of Spiro vs Helical Nanographenes
Authors: Izquierdo‐García Patricia , Fernández‐García Jesús M. , Perles Josefina , Fernández Israel , Martín Nazario
Published: December 2022

Scholl oxidation has become an essential reaction in the bottom‐up synthesis of molecular nanographenes. Herein, we describe a Scholl reaction controlled by the electronic effects on the starting substrate (1 a, b). Anthracene‐based polyphenylenes lead to spironanographenes under Scholl conditions. In contrast, an electron‐deficient anthracene substrate affords a helically arranged molecular nanographene formed by two orthogonal dibenzo[fg,ij]phenanthro‐[9,10,1,2,3‐pqrst]pentaphene (DBPP) moieties linked through an octafluoroanthracene core. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations predict that electronic effects control either the first formation of spirocycles and subsequent Scholl reaction to form spironanographene2, or the expected dehydrogenation reaction leading solely to the helical nanographene3. The crystal structures of four of the new spiro compounds (syn2,syn9,anti9andsyn10) were solved by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The photophysical properties of the new molecular nanographene3reveal a remarkable dual fluorescent emission.
Ferrocenyl alkylation of 4‐mercapto derivatives of sydnones and sydnone imines. New antidotes for sulfonylurea herbicides
Authors: Shevaldina Ekaterina V. , Tsyganov Vladimir A. , Kalganova Natalia V. , Smol'yakov Alexander F. , Frolova Natalia G. , Cherepanov Iliya A.
Published: December 2022

The first representatives of ferrocenes containing mesoionic heterocyclic substituents were obtained by the ferrocenyl alkylation of 4‐mercapto derivatives of sydnones and sydnone imines. Several synthesized derivatives showed high antidote activity against metsulfuron‐methyl (Zinger WP) herbicide.
Mechanical and radiation shielding properties of SWCNT reinforced polymer/glass fiber fabric‐based nanocomposite containing different filler materials: A comparative study
Authors: Sürücü Ali Murat , Subaşı Serkan , Danish Aamar , Gencel Osman , Subaşı Azime , Ozbakkaloglu Togay
Published: December 2022

In this study, polymer/glass fiber fabric‐based nanocomposite plates were fabricated with 0.01%–0.1% single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and filler materials (barite, magnetite, and colemanite) using a hand layup process. Mechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength, flexural strength, and Charpy impact strength), thermal conductivity, and radiation shielding properties (e.g., gamma radiation and neutron radiation) of the specimens were determined. The results revealed that the specimens containing barite and magnetite managed to exhibit adequate mechanical properties (especially Charpy impact strength). Among different filler materials used, barite‐filled specimens outperformed colemanite and magnetite‐filled specimens in terms of mechanical properties. The mechanical performance of filler‐modified specimens can be further enhanced by adopting efficient dispersion techniques to disperse filler material and SWCNTs throughout the composite plates. The thermal conductivity of barite, magnetite, and colemanite‐filled specimens (with/without SWCNTs) increased by 30.56%–60% as compared to specimens only containing SWCNTs and neat polymer, which avoids the accumulation of heat required for radiation shielding applications. Similar to thermal conductivity, specimens containing filler materials (with and without SWCNTs) provided higher gamma and neutron radiation shielding properties as compared to neat polymer‐ and SWCNT‐modified specimens. In the case of gamma and neutron radiation shielding, barite‐ and colemanite‐filled specimens provided better results, respectively.
High resistivity‐temperature effect of resistivity for economical and facile conductive polymer composites with low percolation threshold via self‐constructed dual continuous structure
Authors: Zhao Lei , Feng Yunhu , Zou Jian , Zhang Peng
Published: December 2022

In this work, electrically conductive polyethylene/polypropylene‐flake graphite composites with different ratios (HDPE/PP‐FG) were prepared by simple mechanical blending (Mec) and melt blending (Mel) technologies, combining with the grinding technique. According to the effect of preparation technique, dual continuous microstructures for Mec‐HDPE/PP‐FG composites were self constructed by controlling specific molding temperature. As a result, the percolation threshold of 1.33 wt% of Mec‐HDPE1/PP4‐FG was achieved, much lower than that of Mel‐HDPE1/PP4‐FG (7.02 wt%) and the maximum in conductivity was over 10−3 S/m at about FG content of 6 wt%. However, Mel‐HDPE1/PP4‐FG only showed the electrical conductivity of about 8.0 × 10−11 S/m when FG content was 6 wt%. Meanwhile, Mec‐HDPE/PP‐FG composites presented obvious positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect of electrical resistivity, without negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effect and PTC intensity was up to 6.57 orders of magnitude, far higher than those of Mel‐HDPE/PP‐FG composites. In addition, the excellent repeatability in PTC behaviors for Mec‐HDPE/PP‐FG was achieved after several run cycles. Therefore, the study on economical and facile polymer materials with high performance PTC characteristics had the great significance in practical application.
Curcumenol improves renal function in 5/6 nephrectomy‐induced chronic renal failure rats via the SIRT1/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhong Guanghui , Cai Xudong , Wei Renxiong , Wei Sheng , Cao Xiaodan
Published: December 2022

The present work aimed to explore the protective effects of curcumenol and evaluate its pharmacological mechanisms in 5/6 nephrectomy‐induced chronic renal failure (CRF). Rats with CRF were administrated curcumenol and the effects on renal functions were investigated. Renal function examinations were carried out, whereas serum levels of inflammatory mediators, including NF‐κB, MCP‐1 and IL‐1β were analyzed by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of SIRT1, p65 and IκBα were measured by qRT‐PCR, and the SIRT1 protein levels were analyzed by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Our results indicated that curcumenol significantly improved the renal functions in the CRF rats. Compared to the sham group, serum levels of NF‐κB, MCP‐1, IL‐1β, and the mRNA expression levels of p65 were significantly increased (p < 0.01), whereas the mRNA expression level of IκBα was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) and the SIRT1 levels were dramatically down‐regulated (p < 0.05) in the CRF groups. Treatment with curcumenol remarkably inhibited inflammatory responses as reflected by the reduced levels of inflammatory mediators (p < 0.01) and SIRT1 up‐regulation (p < 0.05). Our findings suggested that curcumenol could improve the renal function in 5/6 nephrectomy‐induced CRF rats, and the mechanisms might involve suppressing the associated inflammation and modulating the SIRT1 and NF‐κB signaling pathways.
Spotlight on 4‐substituted quinolines as potential anti‐infective agents: Journey beyond chloroquine
Authors: Goyal Ankush , Kharkwal Harsha , Piplani Mona , Singh Yogendra , Murugesan Sankaranarayanan , Aggarwal Amit , Kumar Piyush , Chander Subhash
Published: December 2022

Continued emerging resistance of pathogens against the clinically approved candidates and their associated limitations continuously demand newer agents having better potency with a more suited safety profile. Quinoline nuclei containing scaffolds of natural and synthetic origin have been documented for diverse types of pharmacological activities, and a number of drugs are clinically approved. In the present review, we unprecedentedly covered the biological potential of 4‐substituted quinoline and elaborated a rationale for its special privilege to afford the significant number of approved clinical drugs, particularly against infectious pathogens. Compounds with 4‐substituted quinoline are well documented for antimalarial activity, but in the last two decades, they have been extensively explored for activity against cancer, tuberculosis, and several other pathogens including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other infectious pathogens. In the present study, the anti‐infective spectrum of this scaffold is discussed against viruses, mycobacteria, malarial parasites, and fungal and bacterial strains, along with recent updates in this area, with special emphasis on the structure–activity relationship.
Automated large‐scale mapping and analysis of relict charcoal hearths in Connecticut (USA) using a Deep Learning YOLOv4 framework
Authors: der Vaart Wouter Verschoof‐van , Bonhage Alexander , Schneider Anna , Ouimet William , Raab Thomas
Published: December 2022

In the past decade, numerous studies have successfully mapped thousands of former charcoal production sites (also called relict charcoal hearths) manually using digital elevation model (DEM) data from various forested areas in Europe and the north‐eastern USA. The presence of these sites causes significant changes in the soil physical and chemical properties, referred to as legacy effects, due to high amounts of charcoal that remain in the soils. The overwhelming amount of charcoal hearths found in landscapes necessitates the use of automated methods to map and analyse these landforms. We present a novel approach based on open source data and software, to automatically detect relict charcoal hearths in large‐scale LiDAR datasets (visualized with Simple Local Relief Model). In addition, the approach simultaneously provides both general as well as domain‐specific information, which can be used to further study legacy effects. Different versions of the methodology were fine‐tuned on data from north‐western Connecticut and subsequently tested on two different areas in Connecticut. The results show that these perform adequate, with F1‐scores ranging between 0.21 and 0.76, although additional post‐processing was needed to deal with variations in LiDAR quality. After testing, the best performing version of the prediction model (with an average F1‐score of 0.56) was applied on the entire state of Connecticut. The results show a clear overlap with the known distribution of charcoal hearths in the state, while new concentrations were found as well. This shows the usability of the approach on large‐scale datasets, even when the terrain and LiDAR quality varies.
Mechanistic Details of the Pd‐catalyzed and MPAA Ligand‐Enabled β‐C(sp3)‐H Acetoxylation of Free Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Xu Li‐Ping , Li Na , Musaev Djamaladdin G.
Published: December 2022

Transition metal‐catalyzed C−H bond oxidation of free carboxylic acid stands as an economic, selective, and efficient strategy to generate lactones, hydroxylated products, and acetoxylated products and attracts much of the chemists’ attention. Herein, we performed a density functional theory study on the mechanism and selectivity in Pd‐catalyzed and MPAA ligand‐enabled C−H bond acetoxylation reaction. It was found that the ligand, base, and substrate are important in determining the reaction mechanism and the selectivity. The acetic anhydride additive is critical in leading the reaction to be acetoxylation, instead of the lactonization, through a facile σ‐bond metathesis mechanism that leads to the Pd‐OAc in‐termediate. Our study sheds light on the further development of transition metal‐catalyzed C−H bond oxidation reactions.
Cp*Rh(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Arylation of Ferrocenethionamides with Aryl Boronic Acids for the Synthesis of Aryl‐Ferrocenes
Authors: Wang Yingxin , Ban Yan , Wang Bosen , Li Hao , Gong Chengwei , Wang Yan , Wang Fuqiang , Li Dianjun , Yang Jinhui
Published: December 2022

We developed a Cp*Rh(III)‐catalyzed C−H arylation of ferrocenethionamides with arylboronic acids for the synthesis of aryl‐ferrocenes under mild and base‐free conditions, using Ag2CO3 as oxidant. The reaction results in high yields and excellent regioselectivity accommodating a broad scope of substrate range and functional group compatibility, and provides an alternative protocol for the generation of highly functionalized aryl‐ferrocene compounds.
Preserved navigation abilities and spatio‐temporal memory in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Laidi Charles , Neu Nathan , Watilliaux Aurélie , Martinez‐Teruel Axelle , Razafinimanana Mihoby , Boisgontier Jennifer , Hotier Sevan , d'Albis Marc‐Antoine , Delorme Richard , Amestoy Anouck , Holiga Štefan , Moal Myriam Ly‐Le , Coupé Pierrick , Leboyer Marion , Houenou Josselin , Rondi‐Reig Laure , Paradis Anne‐Lise
Published: December 2022

Cerebellar abnormalities have been reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Beyond its role in hallmark features of ASD, the cerebellum and its connectivity with forebrain structures also play a role in navigation. However, the current understanding of navigation abilities in ASD is equivocal, as is the impact of the disorder on the functional anatomy of the cerebellum. In the present study, we investigated the navigation behavior of a population of ASD and typically developing (TD) adults related to their brain anatomy as assessed by structural and functional MRI at rest. We used the Starmaze task, which permits assessing and distinguishing two complex navigation behaviors, one based on allocentric learning and the other on egocentric learning of a route with multiple decision points. Compared to TD controls, individuals with ASD showed similar exploration, learning, and strategy performance and preference. In addition, there was no difference in the structural or functional anatomy of the cerebellar circuits involved in navigation between the two groups. The findings of our work suggest that navigation abilities, spatio‐temporal memory, and their underlying circuits are preserved in individuals with ASD.
Late diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder—Journey, parents' concerns, and sex influences
Authors: Davidovitch Michael , Gazit Sivan , Patalon Tal , Leitner Yael , Rotem Ran S.
Published: December 2022

Despite increasing awareness for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and initiating treatments early in life, many children and adolescents continue to be diagnosed at a relatively older age. Focusing on children who first received an ASD diagnosis at age six or older, this study aimed to describe the symptoms that parents reported when ASD was diagnosed, follow the patients' clinical trajectory prior to receiving the diagnosis, and describe differences in symptoms and prior diagnoses between males and females cases. We included 258 children (205 males and 53 females) who were first diagnosed with autism at age 6–18 in 2017–2018. We retrieved demographic information, neurologic and developmental symptoms, diagnoses, and medications dispensing history from the children's electronic medical charts. The data indicated that prior diagnoses of language delays and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were common among children with a late ASD diagnosis. Two thirds of the children were prescribed one or more medications to treat psychosocial and behavioral conditions before receiving a late ASD diagnosis. Difficulties in social relationships with peers were the leading reported symptoms by parents at the time of ASD diagnosis. Across these different domains, some differences were found between males and females, including a somewhat higher cognitive level in males, who were also more likely to present aggressive behavior.
Zugtragverhalten von Betonbauteilen mit getränkter Textilbewehrung aus Flachsfasern
Authors: Zecherle Katrin , Ricker Marcus , Binde Jan , Winkelmann Jana , Haxter Christina
Published: December 2022

In der letzten Zeit haben Naturfasern aufgrund ihrer umweltfreundlichen, wirtschaftlichen und mechanischen Eigenschaften bei der Verwendung als Verstärkung in Verbundwerkstoffen ein wachsendes Interesse in der Forschung geweckt. Trotz dieser Vorteile wurde das Tragverhalten von textilen Bewehrungen aus Naturfasern in Betonbauteilen bisher nicht systematisch untersucht. Die für Textilbetonbauteile entwickelten Bemessungsregeln beschränken sich deshalb auf textile Bewehrungen, die aus synthetischen Fasern hergestellt wurden. In diesem Beitrag wird das einaxiale Zugtragverhalten von Betonbauteilen mit einer Bewehrung aus Flachsfasertextilien (beschichtete Drehergewebe) untersucht. Dafür wurden Probekörper hergestellt und geprüft, wobei die Parameter der Textilien, z. B. der Schussfadenabstand, systematisch variiert wurden. Als Referenz wurden unbewehrte Dehnkörper geprüft. Die Eignung der Flachsfasertextilien als Bewehrung für einaxial auf Zug beanspruchte Betonteile zeigt sich sowohl durch eine signifikante Erhöhung der Bruchlast im Vergleich zu unbewehrten und unterbewehrten Betonbauteilen als auch durch fein verteilte Rissbilder. Die Kurven der Spannungs‐Dehnungs‐Diagramme können in drei für bewehrte Dehnkörper typische Bereiche unterteilt werden (Zustand I – ungerissen, Zustand IIa – Erstrissbildung und Zustand IIb – abgeschlossenes Rissbild). Die Abgrenzung der Bereiche ist mit zunehmendem Bewehrungsgrad deutlicher.
Deep transformation models for functional outcome prediction after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Herzog Lisa , Kook Lucas , Götschi Andrea , Petermann Katrin , Hänsel Martin , Hamann Janne , Dürr Oliver , Wegener Susanne , Sick Beate
Published: December 2022

In many medical applications, interpretable models with high prediction performance are sought. Often, those models are required to handle semistructured data like tabular and image data. We show how to apply deep transformation models (DTMs) for distributional regression that fulfill these requirements. DTMs allow the data analyst to specify (deep) neural networks for different input modalities making them applicable to various research questions. Like statistical models, DTMs can provide interpretable effect estimates while achieving the state‐of‐the‐art prediction performance of deep neural networks. In addition, the construction of ensembles of DTMs that retain model structure and interpretability allows quantifying epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty. In this study, we compare several DTMs, including baseline‐adjusted models, trained on a semistructured data set of 407 stroke patients with the aim to predict ordinal functional outcome three months after stroke. We follow statistical principles of model‐building to achieve an adequate trade‐off between interpretability and flexibility while assessing the relative importance of the involved data modalities. We evaluate the models for an ordinal and dichotomized version of the outcome as used in clinical practice. We show that both tabular clinical and brain imaging data are useful for functional outcome prediction, whereas models based on tabular data only outperform those based on imaging data only. There is no substantial evidence for improved prediction when combining both data modalities. Overall, we highlight that DTMs provide a powerful, interpretable approach to analyzing semistructured data and that they have the potential to support clinical decision‐making.
A novel 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of HSA in living cells
Authors: Mo Liuting , He Wanqi , Tang Yonghe , Liang Danlian , Yang Chan , Lin Weiying
Published: December 2022

Human serum albumin (HSA) is an essential protein for maintaining human health. Accurate detection and quantification of HSA are of great significance for disease diagnosis and biochemical research. Here, a new HSA fluorescent probe BNPE based on the 1,8‐naphthalimide fluorophore was designed and synthesized. The probe could recognize HSA through a twisted intramolecular charge transfer mechanism, effectively avoid the interference of most substances, and realize HSA fluorescence imaging in living cells.
A laboratory experiment for science courses: Sedimentary microbial fuel cells
Authors: Pérgola Martín , Sacco Natalia J. , Bonetto M. Celina , Galagovsky Lydia , Cortón Eduardo
Published: December 2022

Nowadays there is a concern to improve the quality of education by including an interdisciplinary approach of concepts and their integration in the curriculum of scientific disciplines. The development of microbial fuel cells as a potential alternative for production of renewable energies gives undergraduate students the challenge of integrating interdisciplinary concepts in a hot topic of global interest as alternative energies. We present a laboratory experiment that has been part of a third‐year undergraduate course in biology where students gained experience in assembling microbial fuel cells and the understanding of how they work. In this process, the students could integrate biological, biochemical, and electric concepts. In addition, the acquisition of manual skills and experimental design decisions are important for the development of future professionals.
Prevalence of depression and anxiety among myasthenia gravis (MG) patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nadali Javad , Ghavampour Neda , Beiranvand Farzaneh , Maleki Takhtegahi Mona , Heidari Mohammad Eghbal , Salarvand Shahin , Arabzadeh Tina , Narimani Charan Omid
Published: December 2022

Objective

Myasthenia gravis (MG) people experience adverse psychiatric outcomes, which may impact on their life and disturb their daily activity. Depression and anxiety are identified as significant psychiatric problems that MG people face. However, there is no sufficient epidemiological information about depression and anxiety‐based publication. Due to this limitation, the aim of this study was to review the prevalence of depression and anxiety in MG patients.

Methods

Original and international databases were searched to find papers about the estimation of anxiety and depression. Random‐effects analysis was used for calculating the proportions of anxiety and depression. For estimating anxiety and depression based the severity, instruments, type of studies, and study regions, subgroup analysis was performed.

Results

38 studies met inclusion criteria and entered study. The pooling of the prevalence of depression was found at 36%, (95% CI 28% to 45%). Also, prevalence of anxiety was found at 33%, (95% CI 25% to 42%). Prevalence of depression based on mild, moderate, and severe level was 27%, 14%, and 9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Anxiety and depression are a major concern among MG individuals. The estimation of both anxiety and depression are high even when compared to other autoimmune diseases. It seems depression and anxiety are important issues and more attention needs to be paid to these psychiatric disorders.
The challenges of histology education
Authors: Eng‐Tat Ang , Liu Pai , R Jitesh , M Chandrika , R.L Satish , Lian Wen Quan Derrick , Huppertz Berthold , Khamuani Munesh , Minarcik John R.
Published: December 2022

Generations of students have struggled to learn histology. They have found the subject extremely dry and the nomenclature very challenging. Insidiously, histology is fading from the minds of stakeholders. Unless this is rectified, it is not inconceivable that the subject will be further diluted in the medical curriculum. What contributing factors could there be? Via a survey and focus group discussions, international faculty (n = 111) were asked what the challenges in teaching histology were. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and stratified by the number of teaching years. A collaborative teaching session with a pathologist was also delivered to the YLLSoMM1 students (n = 280), who gave opinions about it. Of the international faculty, 85 (±1)% responded. Among those, 60 (±1)% felt that the pedagogy should be reformed (e.g., by gamification). Interestingly, 30 (±1)% opined that organ system histology should be moved into the clinical years. Notably, 70 (±1)% of teachers preferred to teach face to face (FTF) using either microscopes or virtual microscopy. Among the students, 71 (±1)% reported self‐teaching from online resources. Significantly, 88 (±1)% of M1 students agreed that having the pathologist co‐teach histology was beneficial. Some teachers, and most students, struggle with histology. There is a generational divide in opinions concerning how histology should be taught. The traditionalists wish to maintain the status quo while the reformists want changes. Learners want to be engaged with hybrid approaches aided by the pathologist. They also welcome more clinical context during histology lessons.
Online course recommendation algorithm based on multilevel fusion of user features and item features
Authors: Wang Zhenhai , Wang Zhiru , Xu Yuhao , Wang Xing , Tian Hongyu
Published: December 2022

To meet the demand for accurate recommendation and personalized learning in online education, an online course recommendation algorithm with multilevel fusion of user features and item features is proposed for content‐based recommendation systems applied to online education courses that have weak generalization ability and cannot cope well with data sparsity. The algorithm is improved on the deep learning recommendation algorithm named Wide & Deep Learning (WDL), which is a CTR (Click‐through rate prediction) prediction algorithm. MMF (Multi‐level Fusion Feature) uses collaborative filtering to replace linear methods in the wide part of WDL, introduces feature interactions to model user representations and item representations separately, and uses ResNet (Residual Network) ideas to improve deep neural network (DNN) in the deep part to reduce the performance degradation caused by overfitting. The experimental validation was conducted on the online education data set and the public data set MovieLens‐1M, and the AUC was improved by 1.21% and 1.46%, respectively. Meanwhile, the effect brought by this improved algorithm is interpretable.
Distance to radiation therapy facility influences surgery type among older women with early‐stage breast cancer
Authors: Shrestha Pratibha , Chu Quyen D. , Hsieh Mei‐Chin , Yi Yong , Peters Edward S. , Trapido Edward , Yu Qingzhao , Ferguson Tekeda , Wu Xiao‐Cheng
Published: December 2022

Background

Breast‐conserving surgery plus radiation (BCT) yields equivalent or better survival than mastectomy for early‐stage breast cancer (ESBC) women. However, nationwide mastectomy trends increased in recent decades, attracting studies on underlying causes. Prior research identified that long distance to the radiation treatment facility (RTF) was associated with mastectomy. Still, it is unclear whether such association applies to young and old ESBC women comparably. We sought to delineate such impacts by age.

Methods

Women diagnosed with stages 0–II breast cancer in 2013–2017 receiving either BCT or mastectomy were identified from the Louisiana Tumor Registry. We assessed the association of surgery (mastectomy vs. BCT) with the distance to the nearest or nearest accessible RTFs using multivariable logistic regression adjusting the socio‐demographic and tumor characteristics. The nearest accessible RTF was determined based on patients' health insurance. For Medicaid, uninsured, and unknown insurance patients, the nearest accessible RTF is the nearest RTF owned by the government. The interaction effect of age and distance was evaluated as well.

Results

Of 11,604 patients, 46.7% received mastectomy. Compared with distance ≤5 miles to the nearest RTF, those with distance ≥40 miles or 15–40 miles had higher odds of mastectomy (adjusted (adj) OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.07–1.82; adj OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02–1.34). To the nearest accessible RTF, the adj ORs were 1.25 (95% CI = 1.03–1.51) and 1.19 (95% CI = 1.04–1.35), respectively. Age‐stratified analysis showed the significant association (p < 0.05) only presented among women aged ≥65, but not those aged <65 years.

Conclusion

Distance to the nearest or nearest accessible RTF influences the surgery choice, especially among women in Louisiana ≥65 years with ESBC. Further understanding of factors leading to the decision for mastectomy in this age group is needed.
Chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Who really needs it
Authors: Qu Weiling , Wang Xuan , Qiao Qiao , Wang Yanli
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The CSCO and ASCO guidelines in 2021 recommend chemotherapy for stage III–IVA (8th edition of AJCC staging) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Actually, patients with stage T3–4N0M0 are often excluded from various clinical trials of the locoregionally advanced NPC, and the survival benefit of chemotherapy in such patients has always been controversial. This study aims to explore the benefit of chemotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced NPC, especially those with negative lymph nodes.

Methods

A total of 2741 patients were extracted from the SEER database. After a 1:1 PSM analysis, 272 patients were obtained to further explore whether the addition of chemotherapy would achieve survival benefits.

Results

After PSM, Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the overall survival (OS) of patients receiving chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.031) was higher than those receiving radiotherapy alone. Similar results were observed for cancer‐specific survival (CSS). We further stratified the patients according to lymph node status and found that the addition of chemotherapy in patients with positive lymph nodes could significantly improve 5‐year OS rates (58.08% vs. 43.95%; p = 0.025) and 5‐year CSS rates (67.42% vs. 51.95%; p = 0.015) compared with radiotherapy alone, but there was no additional benefit of chemotherapy in patients with negative lymph nodes. For all 449 cases of T3–4N0M0 NPC, radiotherapy improved the OS rates (HR 0.293, 95% CI 0.203–0.424) and the CSS rates (HR 0.252, 95% CI 0.171–0.371) compared with no radiotherapy, while chemotherapy did not show significant survival benefit compared with no chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Our results reveal that stage T3–4N0M0 NPC may be exempted from chemotherapy, and use radiotherapy alone to reduce toxic and side effects. These results still need to be verified by future prospective trials.
Prevalence and correlates of skin examination among ethnically diverse young adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Miller Kimberly A. , Li Angela A. , Wojcik Katherine Y. , Stal Julia , Cockburn Myles G. , In Gino K. , Freyer David R. , Hamilton Ann S. , Milam Joel E.
Published: December 2022

Background

Skin cancer is the most common secondary malignancy among young adult childhood cancer survivors (YA‐CCS). Skin examination to detect skin cancer early (including melanoma as well as basal or squamous cell skin cancers), both physician‐based (PSE) and self‐skin exam (SSE), is recommended, particularly for radiotherapy‐exposed YA‐CCS who are at high risk of developing skin cancer.

Methods

Awareness and prevalence of skin examination and demographic, clinical, and healthcare correlates were examined in a population‐based sample of YA‐CCS with diverse cancer types excluding melanoma. Descriptive frequencies and logistic regression models were conducted using sample weights to correct for non‐response bias with PSE, SSE and adherence to both as outcomes.

Results

The sample comprised 1064 participants with 53% Latino. Eight percent of participants were aware of the need for skin examination; 9% reported receipt of PSE within past 2 years; 35% reported regular SSE; and 6% were adherent to both. Among the radiotherapy‐treated, 10% were aware of the need for skin examination, 10% reported recent PSE; 38% reported regular SSE; and 8% were adherent to both. Healthcare and clinical factors including healthcare self‐efficacy, engagement in cancer‐related follow‐up care, greater treatment intensity and greater number of treatment‐related late effects were positively associated with PSE and SSE. Latino YA‐CCS were less likely to engage in PSE and SSE.

Conclusion(s)

Adherence to recommended screening for skin cancer was low in this at‐risk population, notably for YA‐CCS exposed to radiotherapy. The development of effective strategies to expand skin cancer screening is needed in this at‐risk population.
Effects of delayed harvest on wheat quality, gluten strength, and protein composition of hard red spring wheat
Authors: Dorrian Kathleen , Mkhabela Manasah , Sapirstein Harry , Bullock Paul
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Delayed harvest of spring wheat is a common occurrence in the Northern Great Plains region of North America, especially western Canada, as a result of inclement weather. This can have negative impacts on the yield, grade, and quality of wheat leading to financial loss for farmers and processing complications along the value chain. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of delayed harvest on wheat quality, gluten strength, and gluten protein composition about which little is known. Four leading varieties of Western Canadian hard red spring bread wheat were grown in replicated trials at four locations, involving four harvest dates from physiological maturity to 6 weeks thereafter.

Findings

Delayed harvest had a statistically significant effect on Fusarium damaged kernels (increased), grain test weight (decreased), flour ash (decreased), gluten strength (increased) measured by mixograph development time and work input to peak development, and two protein compositional factors: HMW glutenin in flour protein and ratio of HMW glutenin to soluble prolamins (both increased).

Conclusions

Considering the totality of results, apart from grade and test weight, the effects of delayed harvest on wheat quality on gluten strength, while significant, were relatively minor compared to the much larger effects of growing location and genotype. Expanding the study to include more growing locations and seasons to capture a wider range of weather conditions may be required to reveal more pronounced effects caused by harvest delays. Results emphasize the importance of harvesting wheat as soon as is practical after physiological maturity to limit degradation of grade and economic loss.

Significance and Novelty

Results clarify the limited understanding of the effects of delayed harvest on wheat quality and related properties. There appear to be no previous studies specifically evaluating the effects of delayed harvest on gluten strength and protein composition of hard spring wheat, especially considering that the time frame in the present study begins at physiological maturity. Reduced grades and deterioration of grain quality as a result of post‐growing season precipitation and cooler temperatures, and weathering in general, did not result in reduced gluten strength as might be expected when harvest was delayed. The small but significant improvement in gluten strength and highly correlated increase in glutenin per unit protein for the latter two harvest dates appear to be in‐line with postharvest effects of wheat maturation.
Genetic diagnosis of Bartter syndrome in Iranian patients and detection of a novel homozygous CLCNKB mutation
Authors: Nojehdeh Somayeh Takrim , Mojbafan Marzieh , Hooman Nakysa , Hoseini Rozita , Otukesh Hasan
Published: December 2022

An Iranian girl with clinical symptoms of Bartter syndrome like hypokalemia, polyuria, polydipsia, hyponatremia, and hypochloremic alkalosis was referred to us in whom the CLCNKB gene was genetically evaluated using Sanger sequencing. A homozygous pathogenic variant of c.1332_1335delCTCT was detected in this patient.
Metastatic mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the spine managed with nonsurgical treatment: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Qubain Leeann , Hirsch Brandon P. , Reddivalla Naresh , Baaj Ali A. , Leddy Lee R. , Ravinsky Robert A.
Published: December 2022

In this report, we present a rare case of a 17‐year‐old male patient with metastatic mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MCS) managed with nonsurgical treatment who subsequently demonstrated a favorable response to concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, followed with pazopanib target therapy. Further study regarding nonoperative care for metastatic MCS of spine is warranted.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in the setting of severe hyponatremia and beer potomania: A case report
Authors: Dodoo Sheriff N. , Agyemang‐Sarpong Alicia , Taka Nchang , Akatue Richmond A. , Williams Marcus L.
Published: December 2022

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), an acute cardiac event is often associated with acute emotional stress, usually in the setting of cardiovascular risk factors. This case report attempts to review one of the triggers of TC beer potomania‐induce hyponatremia with imaging findings that shows the link between severe hyponatremia and TC.
Ischaemic stroke as the first presentation of antineutrophilic cytoplasmic autoantibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Tran John Chuan Nguyen , Abasszade Joshua Haron , Dang Yew Li , Crompton Douglas Ewan
Published: December 2022

The diagnosis of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody‐associated vasculitis in first‐episode strokes is particularly challenging, especially in patients lacking features of systemic vasculitis. We present the case of a 71‐year‐old woman with positive myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and negative proteinase 3 autoantibodies. The patient presented with 1 week history of pyramidal weakness in both upper and lower limbs, hyperreflexia, and clonus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated widespread bihemispheric cortical and deep white matter acute infarcts, which are consistent with features of stroke secondary to vasculitis. Myeloperoxidase antineutrophilic cytoplasmic autoantibody‐positive vasculitis diseases are more commonly associated with renal, pulmonary, and cutaneous manifestations; however, in our patient, the central nervous system features predominated. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing primary central nervous system vasculitis, in this case, an atypical myeloperoxidase antineutrophilic cytoplasmic autoantibody‐positive disease without the classical disease course and clinical signs.
Carbotrifluoromethylations of C−C Multiple Bonds (Excluding Aryl‐ and Alkynyltrifluoromethylations)
Authors: Aradi Klára , Kiss Loránd
Published: December 2022

Organofluorine chemistry has become an expanding area of research in organic chemistry and drug design. The synthesis of fluorine‐containing molecules has received high significance in synthetic chemistry. Trifluoromethylative difunctionalizations of carbon‐carbon multiple bonds with the simultaneous introduction of a CF3 group and another function have considerable relevance. Because of the high importance of carbon‐carbon bond‐forming reactions in organic synthesis, carbotrifluoromethylations are considered to be a field of synthetic chemistry of increasing importance. Our current goal in this review is to summarize recent developments of various trifluoromethylation reactions (excluding aryl‐ and alkynyl‐trifluoromethylations) taking into consideration several main approaches, such as alkenyltrifluoromethylation, alkyltrifluoromethylation, carbonyltrifluoromethylation, and cyanotrifluoromethylation reactions.