bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electro search optimization based long short‐term memory network for mobile malware detection
Authors: Shanmugam Padmapriya , Venkateswarulu Balajivijayan , Dharmadurai Rajalakshmi , Ranganathan Thiagarajan , Indiran Mohan , Nanjappan Manikandan
Published: June 2022

Mobile malware is malicious software designed specifically for targeting various mobile gadgets like tablets, smartphones, and so forth, in which any type of malicious code affecting the mobile devices without the knowledge of the user. The increasing number of users encourages the hacker for generating various malware applications. Therefore, in this paper, we utilized three vital phases namely the pre‐processing process, Feature extraction process as well as classification process in which the malicious data are detected. In the pre‐processing phase, an Androguard tool is used for decompiling and disassembling the android applications. The API call features are extracted in the feature extraction phase and in the classification phase, long short term memory based electro search optimization (LSTM‐ESO) is employed to detect the unknown mobile applications as benign or malicious. The malicious mobile detecting accuracy deals in requesting permission and exhibiting malicious code applications. In order to enhance the identification of various malware applications, this paper utilized frequency analysis and permissions of API calls. Finally, the experimental analysis is performed by evaluating the performance measures like accuracy, precision, recall, and F‐measure. From the evaluation outcome, it is observed that the classification accuracy obtained is 97.69%.
Uterus globulin associated protein 1 (UGRP1) binds podoplanin (PDPN) to promote a novel inflammation pathway during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection
Authors: Han Lei , Zhang Feifei , Liu Yu , Yu Jie , Zhang Qianyue , Ye Xiaoping , Song Huaidong , Zheng Cuixia , Han Bing
Published: June 2022

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the major cause of life‐threatening infections. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and NOD‐like receptors (NLRs) could recognise S. pneumoniae and regulate the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. UGRP1, highly expressed in lung, is predominantly secreted in airways. However, the function of UGRP1 in pneumonia is mainly unknown.

Methods and results

We showed that upon TLR2/TLR4/NOD2 agonists stimulation or S. pneumoniae infection, treatment with UGRP1 could promote phosphorylation of p65 and enhance IL‐6, IL‐1β and TNFα production in macrophages. We further elucidated that after binding with cell‐surface receptor PDPN, UGRP1 could activate RhoA to enhance interaction of IKKγ and IKKβ, which slightly activated NF‐κB to improve expression of TLR2, MyD88, NOD2 and NLRP3. Deletion of UGRP1 or blocking UGRP1 interaction with PDPN protected mice against S. pneumoniae‐induced severe pneumococcal pneumonia, and activating RhoA with agonist in UGRP1‐deficient mice restored the reduced IL‐6 production.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that UGRP1–PDPN–RhoA signaling could activate NF‐κB to promote expression of TLR2, MyD88, NOD2 and NLRP3, which enhanced inflammatory cytokines secretion during S. pneumoniae infection. Antibodies, which could interrupt interaction of UGRP1 and PDPN, are potential therapeutics against S. pneumoniae.
Design of L + U‐band Erbium‐doped fiber amplifier based on a single S‐band forward pump source
Authors: Mirza Jawad , Ghafoor Salman , Salman Ahmad , Habib Nazish , Karim Qureshi Khurram
Published: June 2022

The multi‐band transmission (MBT) technique is one of the most cutting‐edge approaches to increase the capacity of fiber‐optic transmission systems and meeting the growing bandwidth demand. MBT technique considers the transmission in C + L‐ and U‐bands based on Erbium‐doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs). Therefore, we propose a high gain and low noise figure EDFA for L + U‐band amplification having gain bandwidth of more than 82 nm in the spectral range of 1578–1660 nm, based on a single standard S‐band forward pump source. The L + U‐band amplification is obtained by pumping the gain medium which is heavily doped with Er3+. The results based on numerical simulations show that an efficient amplification is obtained over L + U‐band with an average small signal gain of around 39 dB covering 1578–1660 nm wavelength range while incorporating a short 12 m length of Erbium‐doped fiber (EDF) at an optimized pump power of 300 mW. A maximum noise figure of 4.46 dB is observed at 1593 nm. In addition, power conversion efficiency (PCE) of different C‐band pump wavelengths has also been evaluated, and the findings show that the PCE of 1560 nm pump wavelength is 70% higher than standard 1480 nm pump wavelength at the expense of cost efficiency. Finally, the system level performance of the designed L + U‐band EDFA is investigated in a five channel wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) link.
IL‐13 in dermal type‐2 dendritic cell specialization: From function to therapeutic targeting
Authors: Lamiable Olivier , Brewerton Maia , Ronchese Franca
Published: June 2022

Skin functions as a barrier protecting the host against physical, thermal, chemical changes as well as microbial insults. The skin is populated by several immune cell types that are crucial to host defense and to maintain self‐tolerance as well as equilibrium with beneficial microbiota. Conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) are antigen‐presenting cells that patrol the skin and all other nonlymphoid tissues for self or foreign antigens, and then migrate to draining lymph nodes to initiate T‐cell responses. This review article describes recent developments on skin cDC specialization, focusing on the role of IL‐13, a cytokine essential to allergic immune responses that is also secreted at steady state by type‐2 innate lymphoid cells in healthy skin, and is required for dermal cDC differentiation. Furthermore, we contextualize how different therapeutics that block IL‐13 signaling and were recently approved for the treatment of atopic dermatitis might affect cDCs in human skin.
Multidimensional Function Upgradation of All‐Inorganic CsPbIBr2 Perovskite Film by Doping an Ionic Additive for Carbon–Electrode‐Based Solar Cells
Authors: Zheng Dengduan , Yi Fangxuan , Zhang Qiaoyu , Guo Qiyao , Tang Qunwei , Duan Jialong
Published: June 2022

All‐inorganic CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) recently demonstrated great superiority for application in tandem and semitransparent photovoltaics because of their excellent phase stability. However, compared to state‐of‐the‐art PSCs, the inferior film quality is harmful for the photovoltaic performance improvement. Herein, a novel ionic additive, tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6), is employed to improve the all‐inorganic CsPbIBr2 perovskite film quality and passivate detrimental defects. By assembly into carbon–electrode‐based solar cells, a champion efficiency as high as 10.57% is achieved, which is much higher than that of a control device with 8.30% efficiency, mainly attributed to the suppressed non‐radiative recombination. More importantly, the presence of alkyl chains and fluorine atoms in TBAPF6 significantly increases the hydrophobicity of perovskite films and therefore improves the long‐term stability under harsh conditions without encapsulation.
The CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cell with High Open‐Circuit Voltage by Crystallization Optimization
Authors: Liu Shanjing , Xu Xinyu , Xing Chuwu , Ge Guanming , Wang Duofa , Zhang Tianjin
Published: June 2022

All‐inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite acquires affirmation in recent years by reason of the excellent balance between stability and power conversion efficiency (PCE), but its PCE is still inferior to the commercial application standard, of which inferiority roots from the uncontrolled crystallization and a mass of the imperfections. Herein, the crystallization is regulated by introducing a certain amount of lead acetate into the precursor, and the complex Pb(Ac)2 × DMSO × PbI2 forms in precursor. The Oswald crystal pattern changes into the 2D layered structure —3D cubic structure crystal pattern, and this transition process is delayed, and the complex in precursor is regarded as the 2D crystal growth template. And the iodine vacancy defects are passivated by the Ac−, and the PbO passivates the grain boundary defects, as proved by the photoluminescence spectrum and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The two effects work together improve the performance of the CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells. The PCE increases from 9.78% to 13.73%, and the open‐circuit voltage increases from 1.23 to 1.32 V, which is one of the superior performances reported for the carbon‐based pure CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells to date.
Environmental hazard of cationic polymers relevant in personal and consumer care products: A critical review
Authors: Connors Kristin A. , Arndt Devrah , Rawlings Jane M. , Brun Hansen Anna Magdalene , Lam Monica W. , Sanderson Hans , Belanger Scott E.
Published: June 2022

Historically, polymers have been excluded from registration and evaluation under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) program, the European chemical management program. Recently, interest has increased to include polymers. A tiered registration system has been envisioned and would begin with classes of polymers of greater interest based on certain properties. Cationic polymers are one such class. There is a pressing need to understand the quality and limitations of historical cationic polymer studies and to identify key sources of uncertainty in environmental hazard assessments so we can move toward scientifically robust analyses. To that end, we performed a critical review of the existing cationic polymer environmental effects literature to evaluate polymer characterization and test methodologies to understand how these parameters may affect test interpretation. The relationship between physicochemical parameters, acute and chronic toxicity, and relative trophic level sensitivity were explored. To advance our understanding of the environmental hazard and subsequent risk characterization of cationic polymers, there is a clear need for a consistent testing approach as many polymers are characterized as difficult-to-test substances. Experimental parameters such as dissolved organic carbon and solution renewal approaches can alter cationic polymer bioavailability and toxicity. It is recommended that OECD TG 23 “Aqueous-Phase Aquatic Toxicity Testing of Difficult Test Substances” testing considerations be applied when conducting environmental toxicity assays with cationic polymers. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:312–325. © 2021 SETAC
High Yield Synthesis and Quadratic Nonlinearities of Gold Nanoprisms in Solution: The Role of Corner Sharpness
Authors: Minh Ngo Hoang , Drobnyh Elena , Sukharev Maxim , Khuong Vo Quoc , Zyss Joseph , Ledoux‐Rak Isabelle
Published: June 2022

Size and shape of noble metal nanoparticles have a major influence on their linear and second order nonlinear properties. Among these nanostructures, acentric objects are expected to display high quadratic nonlinear responses. In this work, a single – step growth of gold nanoprisms (GNPs) was achieved by seedless growth. Their second harmonic response has been investigated experimentally and theoretically with edge length ranging from 40 to 116 nm and for different curvature radii at corners. Their first hyperpolarizabilities β have been measured by Harmonic Light Scattering at 1064 nm. Their calculated and experimental β values are found to display, not only a linear dependence with the surface area as reported for other metallic nanoparticle shapes, but also a strong influence of their corner sharpness on the corresponding nonlinearities. Such high experimental and theoretical β values of GNPs are mainly assigned to the sharpness of tips.
Sex cord stromal tumor presenting with hair loss in postmenopausal women
Authors: Cheng Connie W. , ElSahwi Karim , Borowsky Mark E. , Aikman Noelle , Hicks Verda
Published: June 2022

Male pattern baldness is abnormal in menopause and a possible sign of hyperandrogenism. Bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy is necessary to rule out an androgen‐secreting ovarian tumor.
The role of managed care clinical pharmacists in improving COVID‐19 vaccination rates for culturally specific Medicaid populations
Authors: Osibanjo Oyinda , Benkstein Kristen , Slater James , Shah Amit
Published: June 2022

Clinical pharmacists are an untapped resource in the fight against health disparities. As frontline workers, they are embedded in communities and interact on a regular basis with patients managing chronic conditions. In particular, managed care clinical pharmacists have access to population‐wide data to identify gaps and mobilize resources to proactively address disparities across their community.

Amid the current pandemic, there have been vast inequities regarding access to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine, particularly for low income and underserved culturally specific populations. The pandemic has provided a case study for how clinical pharmacists can collaborate across managed care and community‐based settings to work toward achieving health equity.

Recent data indicates that culturally specific populations have received less COVID‐19 vaccines than the White population. To address this inequity, a team of clinical pharmacists at CareOregon, a health plan in Oregon that serves Medicaid, collaborated with retail pharmacists from both chain and independent pharmacies to improve COVID‐19 vaccination rates for this unique population.

This paper describes the process and strategies implemented to ensure vaccine access for culturally specific populations enrolled with CareOregon. Strategies to expand vaccine access to this population involved data sharing with community pharmacists, direct scheduling of culturally specific members for vaccine appointments and partnering with other stakeholders such as community‐based organizations (CBOs) to provide COVID‐19 vaccine confidence training. This paper also highlights the impact of the strategies to improve COVID‐19 vaccination rates for this population. Lastly, challenges and barriers are addressed, as well as lessons learned from this process.
The Importance of Sleep for People With Chronic Pain: Current Insights and Evidence
Authors: Whale Katie , Gooberman‐Hill Rachael
Published: June 2022

We are currently in the midst of a sleep crisis. Our current work and lifestyle environments are normalizing poor sleep with substantial negative impact on our health. Research on sleep has linked sleep deprivation to poorer mental health, obesity, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and a myriad of other health conditions. Sleep deprivation is an even greater issues for people with musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain. Between 67% and 88% of individuals with chronic pain experience sleep disruption and insomnia, and at least 50% of people with insomnia report chronic pain. The link between sleep and pain is well documented. Experimental, cohort, and longitudinal studies have all demonstrated that restricted sleep is linked to greater pain. Poor sleep therefore not only affects general health but has a direct impact on inflammation, pain response, and experience. Improving sleep in people living with musculoskeletal conditions and with chronic pain has the potential to deliver great benefit to many. This article describes the evidence base that can underpin such work, including research about the link between pain and sleep as well as theories and approaches to intervention that may help. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
SUMOylation in peripheral tissues under low perfusion‐related pathological states
Authors: Oliveira Filipe R. M. B. , Soares Ericks S. , Harms Christoph , Cimarosti Helena I. , Sordi Regina
Published: June 2022

SUMOylation is described as a posttranslational protein modification (PTM) that is involved in the pathophysiological processes underlying several conditions related to ischemia‐ and reperfusion‐induced damage. Increasing evidence suggests that, under low oxygen levels, SUMOylation might be part of an endogenous mechanism, which is triggered by injury to protect cells within the central nervous system. However, the role of ischemia‐induced SUMOylation in the periphery is still unclear. This article summarizes the results of recent studies regarding SUMOylation profiles in several diseases characterized by impaired blood flow to the cardiorenal, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems. Our review shows that although ischemic injury per se does not always increase SUMOylation levels, as seen in strokes, it seems that in most cases the positive modulation of protein SUMOylation after peripheral ischemia might be a protective mechanism. This complex relationship warrants further investigation, as the role of SUMOylation during hypoxic conditions differs from organ to organ and is still not fully elucidated.
Molecular mechanics of glove‐like re(I) metallacycles: Toward light‐activated molecular catchers
Authors: Thanasekaran Pounraj , Lin Bo‐Chao , Valaboju Anusha , Lan Chang‐Feng , Chang Che‐Hao , Lee Chung‐Chou , Wu Jing‐Yun , Bhattacharya Dibyendu , Tseng Tien‐Wen , Lee Hsien‐Ming , Hsu Chao‐Ping , Lu Kuang‐Lieh
Published: June 2022

Two novel glove‐shaped rhenium(I)‐based metallacycle complexes, composed of two bidentate ligands α,α′‐bis(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)‐meta(orortho)‐xylene(bbim) and a tetradentate ligand, 2,5‐pyrazinedicarboxylate(pzdc) with two Re(I) metal centers each are developed and reported. The opening and closure motion of the metaxylene‐linked metallacycle complex were studied via variable temperature proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiment, as well as density functional theory calculation. Our results indicate that the motion of the “capping” phenyl moiety in bbim is accompanied by the swing of the two benzimidazol groups. Both complexes show two different emission bands when excited at two different wavelengths, a violation of the Kasha's rule. Theoretical calculation indicate that the lower‐energy transitions are metal–ligand charge transfer bands, arising from electrons localized to one of the two Re(I) centers to the pzdc ligand, while the higher‐energy ones are assigned to a ligand–ligand charge‐transfer excitation from bbim to pzdc. Results from excited‐state optimized structures confirm that the higher‐energy excitation leads to a closure of the molecule with meta‐bbim, a desirable “molecular catcher” behavior. Our findings provide an important insight for a strategy to design a light‐activated molecular catcher for many interesting applications.
Optimizing dose of coagulant and pH values for membrane fouling control in a submerged membrane bioreactor
Authors: Nazmkhah Abbas , Oghyanous Farid Alizad , Etemadi Habib , Yegani Reza
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the impact of using polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and of changing pH values on the removal efficiency and membrane fouling in a submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR) system utilized to treat real pharmaceutical wastewater.

RESULTS

The results revealed that sweep coagulation and a neutral pH were suitable for decreasing soluble microbial products (SMP) in the activated sludge, and the sludge filterability performed better with bridging coagulation and an acidic pH (6.5 < pH < 7). In addition, it was found that membrane fouling was greatly alleviated when PAC was added under the optimized conditions to the MBR (PAC concentration = 100 mg L−1 and pH = 7). Further analyses of membrane fouling mechanisms indicated that adding PAC to the MBR increased the biomass floc size and reduced the SMP concentration and the carbohydrate content in the mixed liquor.

CONCLUSION

The detailed analyses of the membranes' cake layers showed that the presence of PAC decreased the amount of fluorescent organic carbons, proteins, and carbohydrates. These changes in sludge characteristics considerably contributed to the reduction of reversible and irreversible membrane fouling. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Students’ perception on flipped classroom in contrast to live demonstration for teaching orthodontic wire‐bending skills: A focus group study
Authors: Lau May Nak , Sivarajan Saritha , Kamarudin Yasmin , Othman Siti Adibah , Wan Hassan Wan Nurazreena , Soh Eunice Xinwei , Zakaria Nor Nadia , Wey Mang Chek , Bahar Aufa Dahlia , M Razi Roziana , Mohd Tahir Norhidayah @ Nor Zahidah , Naimie Zahra
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to explore students’ perceptions of flipped classroom (FC) compared to live demonstration (LD) in transferring skills of fabricating orthodontic wire components for orthodontic removable appliances.

Methods

Forty third‐year undergraduate dental students were randomly assigned to two groups: FC (n = 20) and LD (n = 20). Students in group FC attended FC, while students in group LD attended LD. Both groups underwent a series of standardized teaching sessions to acquire skills in fabricating six types of orthodontic wire components. Eight students (four high achievers and four low achievers) from each group were randomly selected to attend separate focus group discussion (FGD) sessions. Students’ perceptions on the strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement on each teaching method were explored. Audio and video recordings of FGD were transcribed and thematically analyzed using NVivo version 12 software.

Results

Promoting personalized learning, improvement in teaching efficacy, inaccuracy of three‐dimensional demonstration from online video, and lack of standardization among instructors and video demonstration were among the themes identified. Similarly, lack of standardization among instructors was one of the themes identified for LD, in addition to other themes such as enabling immediate clarification and vantage point affected by seating arrangement and class size.

Conclusions

In conclusion, FC outperformed LD in fostering personalized learning and improving the efficacy of physical class time. LD was more advantageous than FC in allowing immediate question and answer. However, seating arrangement and class size affected LD in contrast to FC.
Oxygen environment and metabolic oxygen demand predictably interact to affect thermal behavior in a lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis
Authors: Leibold Dalton C. , Gastelum Jacob A. , VandenBrooks John M. , Telemeco Rory S.
Published: June 2022

The climate crisis necessitates predicting how organisms respond to changing environments, but this requires understanding the mechanisms underlying thermal tolerance. The Hierarchical Mechanisms of Thermal Limitation (HMTL) hypothesis proposes that respiratory capacity and marginal stability of proteins and membranes interact hierarchically to determine thermal performance and limits. An untested prediction of the HMTL hypothesis is that behavioral anapyrexia (i.e., reduced body temperature in hypoxia) is exacerbated when metabolic demand is high. We tested this prediction by manipulating western fence lizards' (Sceloporus occidentalis) metabolic demand and oxygen environment, then measuring selected body temperatures. Lizards with elevated metabolic demand selected lower body temperatures at higher oxygen concentrations than resting lizards, but this occurred only at oxygen concentrations <12% O2, suggesting thermal limits are unaffected by naturally‐occurring oxygen variation. Given our results and the ubiquity of behavioral anapyrexia, the HMTL hypothesis may generally explain how oxygen and temperature interactively affect reptile performance.
クリニカルシナリオ1急性心不全におけるドクターカーによる病院前硝酸薬投与と救急外来での気管挿管の割合との関連(Association between prehospital nitrates administration and tracheal intubation at emergency department in patients with the Clinical Scenario 1 acute heart failure)
Authors: (Taketomo Soga) 蘇我 孟群 , (Hiroyuki Kakuchi) 角地 祐幸 , (Tomoya Mizushima) 水嶋 知也 , (Katsuki Ikeda) 池田 勝紀 , (Hiroshi Toriumi) 鳥海 博司 , (Takeshi Miura) 三浦 剛史 , (Takuya Fusada) 房田 卓也
Published: June 2022

【背景】Clinical Scenario（CS）1心不全は早急な血管拡張と呼吸管理による肺うっ血の解除が必要である。本研究の目的はドクターカーによる病院前硝酸薬投与と救急外来で気管挿管された割合を検討することである。【方法】2015年1月から2020年12月までの間，当救命救急センターへ搬送されたCS1心不全患者209例のうち，ドクターカーによる病院前に硝酸薬を投与された病院前投与群（29例）と管轄救急隊により搬送された病着後に硝酸薬を投与された病着後投与群（123例）の両群へ分け，病院前硝酸薬投与に対する傾向スコアを算出し，1対1傾向マッチングを行った。主要評価項目は救急外来で気管挿管された割合，副次評価項目は非侵襲的陽圧換気とした。病院前投与群の過度な血圧低下についても検討した。【結果】傾向スコアマッチング後の病院前投与群と病着後投与群はともに23例であり，救急外来での気管挿管された割合は両群に有意差を認めなかった（9% vs. 13%, p>0.99）。非侵襲的陽圧換気は病院前投与群において有意に低値であった（48% vs. 83%, p=0.03）。病院前投与群では病院到着時に過度な血圧低下を認めなかった。【結語】本研究ではドクターカーによる病院前硝酸薬投与は救急外来での気管挿管された割合と有意な関連は認めなかったが，病着時の過度な降圧は認めなかった。
高度救命救急センターに緊急転院搬送された10年間の産後出血症例の検討(Clinical characteristics of patients who were transferred to our tertiary care center for an emergency due to severe postpartum hemorrhage: a retrospective observational study)
Authors: (Ryo Kamidani) 上谷 遼 , (Haruka Okamoto) 岡本 遥 , (Takahito Miyake) 三宅 喬人 , (Tomomi Shiga) 志賀 友美 , (Hideshi Okada) 岡田 英志 , (Kenichiro Morishige) 森重 健一郎 , (Shinji Ogura) 小倉 真治
Published: June 2022

【目的】産後出血は主に出産後に起きる大量出血で，母体救命のため高次医療機関や複数診療科を含めた迅速な対応が必要である。今後の周産期救急医療の治療戦略に活かすことを目的とし，産後出血患者の臨床的特徴および転帰を検討した。【対象】2010年1月から2019年12月までに当院高度救命救急センターに緊急転院搬送された18歳以上の産後出血患者を対象として後方視的に検討した。【結果】本研究の基準を満たした患者は273名であり，原因疾患は最多が弛緩出血（63%），次いで胎盤卵膜遺残（19.8%），腟壁血腫（8.8%），帝王切開術後出血（4%），子宮内反症（2.9%），その他であった。当院到着時のショックインデックス≧1.0の患者は85名（31.1%）で，産科危機的出血該当例は103例（37.7%）であった。経カテーテル動脈塞栓術（以下TAE）施行例が149例（54.7%），緊急外科的治療介入例が44例（16.1%），子宮摘出術施行例が8例（2.9%）であった。人工呼吸管理24例，死亡1例，明らかな妊孕性喪失11例であった。【結語】本研究では当救命救急センターが県内の重症産後出血症例を集約させ，産科医や放射線科医と救急医が協働して，積極的な早期輸血戦略やTAEを行うことで良好な治療転帰が得られていたことを示した。
Modulation of sea surface temperature over the North Atlantic and Indian‐Pacific warm pool on interdecadal change of summer precipitation over northwest China
Authors: Wu Ping , Liu Yanju , Ding Yihui , Li Xiucang , Wang Jing
Published: June 2022

Under the background of global warming, the summer precipitation over northwest China (NW) has experienced a significant interdecadal shift since the early 1990s, followed by a great increase in precipitation. This increase was mainly due to the anomalous water vapour input from the eastern boundary, whose transport has gradually become the main moisture transport belt affecting summer precipitation over NW in the past 30 years. Further research indicates that the anomalous easterly water vapour transport mainly originates from the Arctic and North Pacific Oceans. The interdecadal increase in precipitation and changes in water vapour transport pathways are related to the interdecadal warming of the North Atlantic (NA) and Indian‐Pacific warm pool (IPWP) in the mid‐1980s. The IPWP warming potentially weakens the land–sea thermal gradient, dampens the meridional circulation in East Asia, and thereby significantly reduces the southerly water vapour transport of the Asian summer monsoon, and generates anomalous northeasterly water vapour transport from high latitudes over East Asia. Moreover, the warmer sea surface temperature (SST) over the IPWP and NA can induce an anomalous teleconnection wave train, with anomalous anticyclones over Lake Baikal and the Aleutian Islands, and an anomalous cyclone over Japan. This type of teleconnection wave train contributes to anomalous northerly winds over eastern China and easterly winds over NW. The above‐mentioned anomalous circulation favours moisture transport from both the Arctic and North Pacific toward the NW, resulting in an increase in summer precipitation associated with the anomalous regional ascending motion.
Reactivity of Polysilazanes Allows Catalyst‐Free Curing of Silicones
Authors: Sønderbæk‐Jørgensen René , Meier Sebastian , Dam‐Johansen Kim , Skov Anne L. , Daugaard Anders E.
Published: June 2022

Silicones are typically cured at room temperature by means of metal catalyst such as tin or platinum. When networks are formed, the catalyst becomes unrecoverable, which is of economic as well as environmental concern. Very few methods for producing metal catalyst‐free room‐temperature‐vulcanized (RTV) silicones exist and require conditions unavailable in industrial settings. Through the study of organic polysilazane (PSz) reactivity with simple alcohols by nuclear magnetic resonance, an unexpected fragmentation preference is discovered for breaking the SiN bond rather than the SiH; thereby, casting a new light on the fragmentation mechanism of PSzs. Utilizing the PSz fragmentation as a silyl ether coupling agent for multifunctional carbinol silicones, a method of producing catalyst‐free RTV silicone networks at ambient conditions is presented. These silicone networks are proven chemically similar to a standard condensation‐cured silicone and stoichiometric variations of PSz content demonstrate adjustable network properties.
Pathogenesis and treatment of multiple myeloma
Authors: Yang Peipei , Qu Ying , Wang Mengyao , Chu Bingyang , Chen Wen , Zheng Yuhuan , Niu Ting , Qian Zhiyong
Published: June 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second‐ranking malignancy in hematological tumors. The pathogenesis of MM is complex with high heterogeneity, and the development of the disease is a multistep process. Chromosomal translocations, aneuploidy, genetic mutations, and epigenetic aberrations are essential in disease initiation and progression. The correlation between MM cells and the bone marrow microenvironment is associated with the survival, progression, migration, and drug resistance of MM cells. In recent decades, there has been a significant change in the paradigm for the management of MM. With the development of proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapies, and novel agents, the survival of MM patients has been significantly improved. In addition, nanotechnology acts as both a nanocarrier and a treatment tool for MM. The properties and responsive conditions of nanomedicine can be tailored to reach different goals. Nanomedicine with a precise targeting property has offered great potential for drug delivery and assisted in tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the pathogenesis and current treatment options of MM, then overview recent advances in nanomedicine‐based systems, aiming to provide more insights into the treatment of MM.
Strategic and economic behavior of a sued company in patent litigation
Authors: Seo Kyung , Kim Yeonbae , Kim Kyunam
Published: June 2022

This paper identifies strategic and economic determinants affecting a defendant's decision of settlement during litigation by using 3018 cases in the Delaware District Court in the United States. The results show that the potential for settlement is high if the litigation cost to be borne by defendant increases. While, defendant's lawsuit experience and a Markman hearing process clarifying the scope of the patent claims through both parties' evidences induce the defendant's trial decision. This paper also identified that the defendant may make strategically different decisions, depending on the technological field and interactions between the determinants.
Electro‐magneto‐hydrodynamic Eyring‐Powell fluid flow through micro‐parallel plates with heat transfer and non‐Darcian effects
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Doranehgard Mohammad Hossein , Ellahi Rahmat
Published: June 2022

The Eyring‐Powell fluid flow between two micro‐parallel plates in the context of electro‐magneto‐hydrodynamic is the focus of the article. The Lorentz force, which is generated by the interactions of a vertical magnetic field and an externally imposed horizontal electrical field, is presumed to be unilateral and one‐dimensional. Using the Darcy‐Brinkman‐Forchheimer model, the medium of the micro‐parallel plates is assumed to be porous. The energy equation evaluates the effect of viscous dissipation and joule heating as well. To solve the nonlinear coupled differential equations, analytical solutions are derived using the multi‐step differential transform method. For the velocity and temperature profiles, the impact of all evolving variables is explored and illustrated in graphs and tables. It can be seen from the graphical results that the Darcy parameter, and also the magnetic field, are oppositional to both fluid motion and temperature profile. Additionally, the thermal Grashof number improves the velocity and temperature profiles of the system. On the velocity and temperature profiles, the outcomes for both fluid parameters are nearly identical.
Application of a novel diamond detector for commissioning of FLASH radiotherapy electron beams
Authors: Verona Rinati Gianluca , Felici Giuseppe , Galante Federica , Gasparini Alessia , Kranzer Rafael , Mariani Giulia , Pacitti Matteo , Prestopino Giuseppe , Schüller Andreas , Vanreusel Verdi , Verellen Dirk , Verona Claudio , Marinelli Marco
Published: June 2022

Purpose

A diamond detector prototype was recently proposed by Marinelli et al. (Medical Physics 2022, https://doi.org/10.1002/mp.15473) for applications in ultrahigh‐dose‐per‐pulse (UH‐DPP) and ultrahigh‐dose‐rate (UH‐DR) beams, as used in FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH‐RT). In the present study, such so‐called flashDiamond (fD) was investigated from the dosimetric point of view, under pulsed electron beam irradiation. It was then used for the commissioning of an ElectronFlash linac (SIT S.p.A., Italy) both in conventional and UH‐DPP modalities.

Methods

Detector calibration was performed in reference conditions, under 60Co and electron beam irradiation. Its response linearity was investigated in UH‐DPP conditions. For this purpose, the DPP was varied in the 1.2–11.9 Gy range, by changing either the beam applicator or the pulse duration from 1 to 4 μs. Dosimetric validation of the fD detector prototype was then performed in conventional modality, by measuring percentage depth dose (PDD) curves, beam profiles, and output factors (OFs). All such measurements were carried out in a motorized water phantom. The obtained results were compared with the ones from commercially available dosimeters, namely, a microDiamond, an Advanced Markus ionization chamber, a silicon diode detector, and EBT‐XD GAFchromic films. Finally, the fD detector was used to fully characterize the 7 and 9 MeV UH‐DPP electron beams delivered by the ElectronFlash linac. In particular, PDDs, beam profiles, and OFs were measured, for both energies and all the applicators, and compared with the ones from EBT‐XD films irradiated in the same experimental conditions.

Results

The fD calibration coefficient resulted to be independent from the investigated beam qualities. The detector response was found to be linear in the whole investigated DPP range. A very good agreement was observed among PDDs, beam profiles, and OFs measured by the fD prototype and reference detectors, both in conventional and UH‐DPP irradiation modalities.

Conclusions

The fD detector prototype was validated from the dosimetric point of view against several commercial dosimeters in conventional beams. It was proved to be suitable in UH‐DPP and UH‐DR conditions, for which no other commercial real‐time active detector is available to date. It was shown to be a very useful tool to perform fast and reproducible beam characterizations in standard clinical motorized water phantom setups. All of the previously mentioned demonstrate the suitability of the proposed detector for the commissioning of UH‐DR linac beams for preclinical FLASH‐RT applications.
Single‐material beam hardening correction via an analytical energy response model for diagnostic CT
Authors: Haase Viktor , Hahn Katharina , Schöndube Harald , Stierstorfer Karl , Maier Andreas , Noo Frédéric
Published: June 2022

Background

Various clinical studies show the potential for a wider quantitative role of diagnostic X‐ray computed tomography (CT) beyond size measurements. Currently, the clinical use of attenuation values is, however, limited due to their lack of robustness. This issue can be observed even on the same scanner across patient size and positioning. There are different causes for the lack of robustness in the attenuation values; one possible source of error is beam hardening of the X‐ray source spectrum. The conventional and well‐established approach to address this issue is a calibration‐based single material beam hardening correction (BHC) using a water cylinder.

Purpose

We investigate an alternative approach for single‐material BHC with the aim of producing a more robust result for the attenuation values. The underlying hypothesis of this investigation is that calibration‐based BHC automatically corrects for scattered radiation in a manner that is suboptimal in terms of bias as soon as the scanned object strongly deviates from the water cylinder used for calibration.

Methods

The approach we propose performs BHC via an analytical energy response model that is embedded into a correction pipeline that efficiently estimates and subtracts scattered radiation in a patient‐specific manner prior to BHC. The estimation of scattered radiation is based on minimizing, in average, the squared difference between our corrected data and the vendor‐calibrated data. The used energy response model is considering the spectral effects of the detector response and the prefiltration of the source spectrum, including a beam‐shaping bowtie filter. The performance of the correction pipeline is first characterized with computer simulated data. Afterward, it is tested using real 3‐D CT data sets of two different phantoms, with various kV settings and phantom positions, assuming a circular data acquisition. The results are compared in the image domain to those from the scanner.

Results

For experiments with a water cylinder, the proposed correction pipeline leads to similar results as the vendor. For reconstructions of a QRM liver phantom with extension ring, the proposed correction pipeline achieved a more uniform and stable outcome in the attenuation values of homogeneous materials within the phantom. For example, the root mean squared deviation between centered and off‐centered phantom positioning was reduced from 6.6 to 1.8 HU in one profile.

Conclusions

We have introduced a patient‐specific approach for single‐material BHC in diagnostic CT via the use of an analytical energy response model. This approach shows promising improvements in terms of robustness of attenuation values for large patient sizes. Our results contribute toward improving CT images so as to make CT attenuation values more reliable for use in clinical practice.
Single Particle Growth, Fragmentation and Morphology Modelling: A DEM Approach
Authors: Soleimani Afsaneh , Aigner Andreas , Touloupidis Vasileios
Published: June 2022

In this work, the development of a 3D discrete element method (DEM) modeling concept and application that can describe and explain the catalyst particle growth and fragmentation mechanism and follow the morphology developments is presented. The proposed unified modeling methodology is able to predict the expected particle morphology in terms of exact shape, size, and porosity, taking into account the major contributing effects, including reaction kinetics, thermodynamics as well as mechanical considerations. The developed DEM model is validated based on indicative particle morphology patterns as captured experimentally via the SEM technique, managing to qualitatively predict the observed particle morphology. These results indicate the potential of DEM approach in polymer reaction engineering (PRE), expanding the simulation capabilities and range of application.
Hierarchical adaptive low‐rank format with applications to discretized partial differential equations
Authors: Massei Stefano , Robol Leonardo , Kressner Daniel
Published: June 2022

A novel framework for hierarchical low‐rank matrices is proposed that combines an adaptive hierarchical partitioning of the matrix with low‐rank approximation. One typical application is the approximation of discretized functions on rectangular domains; the flexibility of the format makes it possible to deal with functions that feature singularities in small, localized regions. To deal with time evolution and relocation of singularities, the partitioning can be dynamically adjusted based on features of the underlying data. Our format can be leveraged to efficiently solve linear systems with Kronecker product structure, as they arise from discretized partial differential equations (PDEs). For this purpose, these linear systems are rephrased as linear matrix equations and a recursive solver is derived from low‐rank updates of such equations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework for stationary and time‐dependent, linear and nonlinear PDEs, including the Burgers' and Allen–Cahn equations.
E2F3 gene expression is a potential negative prognostic marker for localised and MYCN not‐amplified neuroblastoma: Results of in silico analysis of 786 samples
Authors: Ognibene Marzia , Cangelosi Davide , Sorrentino Stefania , Zanardi Sabrina , Zara Federico , Pezzolo Annalisa , Parodi Stefano
Published: June 2022

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an enigmatic childhood malignancy characterised by a wide range of clinical behaviour. Many potential oncogenes for NB have recently been identified. Among them, E2 transcription factor 3 (E2F3) expression was associated with a poor survival in 134 stage 4S patients, but evidence for other stage groups remains poorly investigated.

Methods

We have analysed the expression of E2F3 gene from a database of 786 NB samples. Overall and event‐free survivals (EFS) were assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method, splitting the data on the median and tertile expression values. The Cox model was applied to control for the confounding by stage, age and MYCN amplification. Validation was performed by an in silico analysis of an independent cohort of 283 NB patients. Furthermore, an immunofluorescence analysis on 48 formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded NB specimens was also performed.

Results

E2F3 overexpression was associated with a poor survival (EFS = 84%, 95% CI: 79%–95%, for low expression levels; EFS = 62%, 95% CI: 56%–68% for middle levels; EFS = 30%, 95% CI: 24%–36%, for high levels, p < .001). This association was confirmed in multivariable analysis and was more evident in patients with MYCN not‐amplified and localised stages. Immunofluorescence results and the validation on an independent cohort of NB primary samples confirmed these findings.

Conclusions

E2F3 is a new potential prognostic marker in NB with favourable characteristics at diagnosis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the potential role of E2F3 in NB oncogenesis and progression, in order to identify new targets for therapeutic interventions.
Preparation and evaluation of high‐temperature filtrate reducer for solid‐free water‐based drilling fluid
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Jin Li , Liu Xiaoying , Zhang Ning , Liu Huasha , Ding Wei
Published: June 2022

The object of this work was to improve the temperature and salt resistance of filtrate reducers used in solid‐free water‐based drilling fluids at 200°C. This copolymer (PAD) was obtained by reacting pentaerythritol triallyl ether (PTE) with acrylamide AM, N‐isopropyl acrylamide (N‐AM), methacrylic acid (MAA), and 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid sodium (AMPS‐Na) in radical polymerization with potassium peroxydisulfate (KPS) and sodium bisulfite as initiators. The molar ratio of each monomer shown as follow: nAm:nN−Am:nMAA:nAmps: = 1:1.6:0.9:1.5. The functional groups of each monomer were revealed by Fourier transformation infrared. Moreover, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the PAD was synthesized by addition polymerization through these monomers. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of the filter cake was smooth and dense, indicating that PAD can effectively block small pores and thus reduce filter loss. The analysis suggested the PAD produced a “ball” structure at high temperature and salt which controlled the filtration of drilling fluid. The maximum temperature resistance boundary of PAD was 210°C. PAD maintained filtration performance in nearly saturated sodium chloride, 1.4 g/cm3 HCOOK and 1.37 g/cm3 HCOONa, at 210°C for 16 h.
C‐reactive protein to LymphocytE count ratio could be a reliable mArkeR of thyroiditis; the CLEAR‐T study
Authors: Demirkol Muhammed Emin , Aktas Gulali
Published: June 2022

Inflammation of the thyroid gland is referred to as thyroiditis and is associated with inflammation. Recent studies found significant association between thyroiditis and novel inflammatory and metabolic markers, as well as C‐reactive protein (CRP). CRP/lymphocyte count ratio (CLR) is a novel inflammatory marker that associated with various conditions and has not been studied in thyroiditis, yet. We aimed to investigate CRP to lymphocyte count ratio in patients with thyroiditis and to compare to those in healthy subjects. Patients with thyroiditis that presented to internal medicine outpatient clinics of our institution between January 2019 and August 2021 were enrolled to the retrospective study. Healthy volunteers were enrolled as control group. CLR of the thyroiditis and control groups were compared. Median CLR of the thyroiditis and control groups were 3.14 (0.14%–38)% and 0.4 (0.03–8.86)%, respectively (p < .001). The sensitivity and specificity of CLR > 0.43% in detecting thyroiditis were 92% and 58%, respectively (AUC: 0.88, p < .001, 95% CI: 0.85–0.92).CLR was significantly and positively correlated with free T4 (FT4) (r = .18, p < .001) and inversely correlated with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (r = −.52, p = .003) levels. In conclusion, we suggest that high CLR levels may yield additional diagnostic value in patients with thyroiditis.
High Sensitivity Humidity Sensors Based on Zn1−xSnxO Nanostructures and Plausible Sensing Mechanism
Authors: Wang Qiuhui , Zhang Xuguo , Xu Jie , Chen Zixin , Kuang Xuliang , Zeng Jundong , Liu Weijing , Bai Wei , Tang Xiaodong
Published: June 2022

Four kinds of Zn1−xSnxO (X = 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%) nanowires with different concentrations are synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The samples are characterized and measured by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Then, the nanostructures are arranged on predesigned Ti/Au electrodes through the dielectrophoresis (DEP) nanomanipulation technique to fabricate four humidity sensors and investigate the humidity sensing properties. The results demonstrate that the Sn doping process can regulate the surface oxygen vacancy concentration and improve the performance of humidity sensors. In particular, the 3% Sn‐doped ZnO humidity sensor exhibits higher sensitivity with a response/recovery time of 4s/2s, lower hysteresis, and better repeatability. In addition, the sensing mechanisms are discussed in depth by combining complex impedance spectroscopy and multilayer adsorption theory. The obtained results indicate that a certain amount of Sn doping can introduce oxygen vacancies, adjust the lattice and surface state, and hence modulate the sensing properties of ZnO nanosensors.