bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Se‐Induced Fibrous Nano Red P with Superior Conductivity for Sodium Batteries
Authors: Zhu Linqin , Xu Kangli , Fang Yanyan , Wu Xiaojun , Song Li , Zhu Yongchun , Qian Yitai
Published: April 2023

Red phosphorus shows great promise as a high‐capacity anode material for Na batteries. Such electrodes that suffered from the fracturing impact of volume change during cycling can be effectively improved by 1D nanomaterials. However, the synthesis of 1D red phosphorus has rarely been studied and employed in sodium batteries. Here, a simple selenium‐induced method to generate fibrous nano red phosphorus is presented. It turns out that a small amount of selenium can not only induce high‐quality fibrous nano red phosphorus from commercial red phosphorus, but also benefit qualitatively to the sodium ionic conductivity. Interestingly, the selenium dopant can also manipulate the chemical state of phosphorus leading to valence tunability which is able to tolerate structural stability under the Na‐rich or Na‐poor condition. As a result, the optimal fibrous nano red phosphorus used as anode outperforms over the traditional red phosphorus ≈6 and ≈10 times in terms of rate performance and cycle stability, respectively. Furthermore, as employed for sodium metal anode protection, the symmetrical cell cycling maintains long stable at a low polarization voltage for over 1000 h. The full cell performs excellent cycling stability of 1500 cycles at 3 C and high‐rate performance up to 30 C.
Copper‐Based Nanomaterials: A Rising Star in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Shao Shuxuan , Wu Wanfeng , Meng Fanxing , Duan Mengjiao , Zhang Minwei
Published: April 2023

As an essential trace element, Cu plays a vital role in cancer development, physiological metabolism, and other life processes. The rapid development of nanotechnology has greatly facilitated the development and application of Cu‐based nanomaterials (NMs). Originating from fascinating physicochemical properties and biological effects, Cu‐based NMs play an essential role in cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this paper, the preparation of Cu‐based NMs is discussed first. Then the key factors affecting the therapeutic effect of Cu‐based NMs on cancers are introduced. Next, the latest cancer therapy strategies for Cu‐based NMs are exemplified. Finally, the critical problems of Cu‐based NMs in cancer therapy and look forward to future applications are summarized.
Residual Strain Evolution Induced by Crystallization Kinetics During Anti‐Solvent Spin Coating in Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite
Authors: Sun Y. , Yao Q. , Xing W. , Jiang H. , Li Y. , Xiong W. , Zhu W. , Zheng Y.
Published: April 2023

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP) polycrystalline thin films are attractive due to their outstanding photoelectronic properties. The anti‐solvent spin coating method is the most widely used to synthesize these thin films, and the residual strain is inevitably originates and evolves during the process. However, this residual strain evolution induced by crystallization kinetics is still poorly understood. In this work, the in situ and ex situ synchrotron grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) are utilized to characterize the evolution and distribution of the residual strain in the OIHP polycrystalline thin film during the anti‐solvent spin coating process. A mechanical model is established and the mechanism of the crystallization kinetics‐induced residual strain evolution process is discussed. This work reveals a comprehensive understanding of the residual strain evolution during the anti‐solvent spin coating process in the OIHP polycrystalline thin films and provides important guidelines for the residual strain‐related strain engineering, morphology control, and performance enhancement.
Targeting lncRNA DDIT4‐AS1 Sensitizes Triple Negative Breast Cancer to Chemotherapy via Suppressing of Autophagy
Authors: Jiang Ting , Zhu Jiaojiao , Jiang Shilong , Chen Zonglin , Xu Ping , Gong Rong , Zhong Changxin , Cheng Yueying , Sun Xinyuan , Yi Wenjun , Yang Jinming , Zhou Wenhu , Cheng Yan
Published: April 2023

In this study, it is found that the lncRNA, DNA damage inducible transcript 4 antisense RNA1 (DDIT4‐AS1), is highly expressed in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines and tissues due to H3K27 acetylation in the promoter region, and promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TNBC cells via activating autophagy. Mechanistically, it is shown that DDIT4‐AS1 induces autophagy by stabilizing DDIT4 mRNA via recruiting the RNA binding protein AUF1 and promoting the interaction between DDIT4 mRNA and AUF1, thereby inhibiting mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, silencing of DDIT4‐AS1 enhances the sensitivity of TNBC cells to chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel both in vitro and in vivo. Using a self‐activatable siRNA/drug core–shell nanoparticle system, which effectively deliver both DDIT4‐AS1 siRNA and paclitaxel to the tumor‐bearing mice, a significantly enhanced antitumor activity is achieved. Importantly, the codelivery nanoparticles exert a stronger antitumor effect on breast cancer patient‐derived organoids. These findings indicate that lncRNA DDIT4‐AS1‐mediated activation of autophagy promotes progression and chemoresistance of TNBC, and targeting of DDIT4‐AS1 may be exploited as a new therapeutic approach to enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy against TNBC.
Non‐Hermitian Topolectrical Circuit Sensor with High Sensitivity
Authors: Yuan Hao , Zhang Weixuan , Zhou Zilong , Wang Wenlong , Pan Naiqiao , Feng Yue , Sun Houjun , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: April 2023

Electronic sensors play important roles in various applications, such as industry and environmental monitoring, biomedical sample ingredient analysis, wireless networks and so on. However, the sensitivity and robustness of current schemes are often limited by the low quality‐factors of resonators and fabrication disorders. Hence, exploring new mechanisms of the electronic sensor with a high‐level sensitivity and a strong robustness is of great significance. Here, a new way to design electronic sensors with superior performances based on exotic properties of non‐Hermitian topological physics is proposed. Owing to the extreme boundary‐sensitivity of non‐Hermitian topological zero modes, the frequency shift induced by boundary perturbations can show an exponential growth trend with respect to the size of non‐Hermitian topolectrical circuit sensors. Moreover, such an exponential growth sensitivity is also robust against disorders of circuit elements. Using designed non‐Hermitian topolectrical circuit sensors, the ultrasensitive identification of the distance, rotation angle, and liquid level is further experimentally verified with the designed capacitive devices. The proposed non‐Hermitian topolectrical circuit sensors can possess a wide range of applications in ultrasensitive environmental monitoring and show an exciting prospect for next‐generation sensing technologies.
In Situ Construction of Anode–Molecule Interface via Lone‐Pair Electrons in Trace Organic Molecules Additives to Achieve Stable Zinc Metal Anodes
Authors: Yu Huaming , Chen Dongping , Li Quanyu , Yan Chunshuang , Jiang Zihao , Zhou Liangjun , Wei Weifeng , Ma Jianmin , Ji Xiaobo , Chen Yuejiao , Chen Libao
Published: April 2023

The practical application of aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) is significantly limited by the poor reversibility of the zinc anodes, including rampant dendrite growth and severe interfacial side‐reactions. Herein, trace hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) additive with a lone‐pair‐electron containing heterocycle is introduced for Zn metal anode protection. Specifically, the trace added HMTA can change the solvated structure by strong interaction with zinc ions, and preferentially absorb on the anode surface to in situ establish an unique anode–molecule interface. Such an interface not only shows strong affinity to promote the dynamic transmission and deposition of Zn2+ ions but also displays a role in suppressing parasitic reactions. Consequently, a zinc anode in an electrolyte with trace HMTA achieves a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.75%, and delivers a remarkable lifespan over 4000 h at 5 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2 in a Zn//Zn symmetric cell. Even under a deep plating/stripping condition (5 mA cm−2 and 5 mAh cm−2), it can still run almost for 600 h. Additionally, the Zn//V2O5 full cell with HMTA retains a high capacity retention of 61.7% after 4000 cycles at 5 A g−1. Such an innovative strategy is expected to be of immediate benefit to design low‐cost AZBs with ultra‐long lifespan.
Locus coeruleus pathology is associated with cerebral microangiopathy at autopsy
Authors: Freeze Whitney Marilyn , Van Veluw Susanne Janneke , Jansen Willemijn Josepha , Bennett David Alan , Jacobs Heidi Irma Louisa
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the link between locus coeruleus (LC) pathology and cerebral microangiopathy in two large neuropathology datasets.

METHODS

We included data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) database (n = 2197) and Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP; n = 1637). Generalized estimating equations and logistic regression were used to examine associations between LC hypopigmentation and presence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) or arteriolosclerosis, correcting for age at death, sex, cortical Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, ante mortem cognitive status, and presence of vascular and genetic risk factors.

RESULTS

LC hypopigmentation was associated with higher odds of overall CAA in the NACC dataset, leptomeningeal CAA in the ROSMAP dataset, and arteriolosclerosis in both datasets.

DISCUSSION

LC pathology is associated with cerebral microangiopathy, independent of cortical AD pathology. LC degeneration could potentially contribute to the pathways relating vascular pathology to AD. Future studies of the LC–norepinephrine system on cerebrovascular health are warranted.

Highlights

We associated locus coeruleus (LC) pathology and cerebral microangiopathy in two large autopsy datasets.

LC hypopigmentation was consistently related to arteriolosclerosis in both datasets.

LC hypopigmentation was related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) presence in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center dataset.

LC hypopigmentation was related to leptomeningeal CAA in the Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project dataset.

LC degeneration may play a role in the pathways relating vascular pathology to Alzheimer's disease.
Patterning of Superconducting Two‐Dimensional Electron Gases based on AlOx/KTaO3 (111) Interfaces
Authors: Witt Hugo , Mallik Srijani , Vicente‐Arche Luis Moreno , Ménard Gerbold , Saïz Guilhem , Stornaiuolo Daniela , D'Antuono Maria , Boventer Isabella , Bergeal Nicolas , Bibes Manuel
Published: April 2023

The versatility of properties displayed by two‐dimensional electron gases (2DEGs) at oxide interfaces has fostered intense research in hope of achieving exotic electromagnetic effects in confined systems. Of particular interest is the recently discovered superconducting state appearing in (111)‐oriented KTaO3 interfaces, with a critical temperature Tc≈2 K, almost 10 times higher than that of SrTiO3‐based 2DEGs. Just as in SrTiO3‐based 2DEGs, fabricating devices in this new system is a technical challenge due to the fragility of the 2DEG and the propensity of bulk KTaO3 to become conducting outside the devices upon adventitious oxygen vacancy doping. Here, three different techniques are presented for patterning Hall bars in AlOx/KTaO3 (111) heterostructures. The devices show superconducting transitions ranging from 1.3  to 1.78 K, with limited degradation from the unpatterned thin film, and enable an efficient tuning of the carrier density by electric field effect. The array of techniques allows for the definition of channels with a large range of dimensions for the design of various kinds of devices to explore the properties of this system down to the nanoscale.
Enriched environment ameliorates postsurgery sleep deprivation‐induced cognitive impairments through the AMPA receptor GluA1 subunit
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhao Lina , Li Dedong , Li Yun , Wang Haiyun
Published: April 2023

Background

As a common postsurgery complication, sleep deprivation (SD) can severely deteriorate the cognitive function of patients. Enriched environment (EE) exposure can increase children's cognitive ability, and whether EE exposure could be utilized to alleviate postsurgery SD‐induced cognitive impairments is investigated in this study.

Methods

Open inguinal hernia repair surgery without skin/muscle retraction was performed on Sprague‐Dawley male rats (9‐week‐old), which were further exposed to EE or standard environment (SE). Elevated plus maze (EPM), novel object recognition (NOR), object location memory (OLM), and Morris Water Maze assays were utilized to monitor cognitive functions. Cresyl violet acetate staining in the Cornusammonis 3 (CA3) region of rat hippocampus was used to detect neuron loss. The relative expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptic glutamate receptor 1 (GluA1) subunits in the hippocampus were detected with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), Western blots, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunofluorescence.

Results

EE restored normal levels of time spent in the center, time in distal open arms, open/total arms ratio, and total distance traveled in the EPM test; EE restored normal levels of recognition index in the NOR and OLM test; EE restored normal levels of time in the target quadrant, escape latencies, and platform site crossings in the Morris Water Maze test. EE exposure decreased neuron loss in the CA3 region of the hippocampus with increased BDNF and phosphorylated (p)‐GluA1 (ser845) expression.

Conclusion

EE ameliorates postsurgery SD‐induced cognitive impairments, which may be mediated by the axis of BDNF/GluA1. EE exposure could be considered as an aid in promoting cognitive function in postsurgery SD.
Dynamics of disease progression during treatment with Osimertinib in patients with EGFR T790M‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kim Hye Sook , Lim Kun Young , Lee Soo‐Hyun , Kim Hyae Young , Lee Youngjoo , Han Ji‐Youn
Published: April 2023

Background

Patterns of treatment failure and subsequent treatment in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with osimertinib are scarcely known. We analyzed the disease progression during osimertinib treatment to identify potential treatment strategies.

Methods

We identified advanced NSCLC patients who commenced osimertinib treatment after progression on previous epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor (TKI) from June 2014 to November 2018 from electronic records. Patients' tumor characteristics, efficacy outcomes, affected organs from radiology studies, and treatment modalities before and after osimertinib were analyzed.

Results

Eighty‐four patients were included. At osimertinib initiation, bone (50.0%) and brain (41.9%) were the commonest single metastatic sites, whereas thoracic involvement (73.3%) was more frequent than bone (27.4%) or brain (20.2%) metastasis during disease progression on osimertinib. Oligo‐progressive disease (PD) and central nervous system (CNS)‐sanctuary PD were observed in 15 (17.9%) and 3 (3.6%) patients, respectively. Most patients without brain metastasis (BM) at osimertinib initiation remained BM‐free (46/49, 93.9%), and 60% of patients (21/35) with pre‐existing BM showed intracranial disease control despite extracranial PD. The resistance mechanisms to osimertinib were explored in 23 patients (27.4%), and T790M‐loss was observed in 14 patients (60.9%) who had worse survival outcomes than those without T790M‐loss (progression‐free survival, 5.4 vs. 16.5 months, p = 0.02; overall survival, not reached, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

PD during osimertinib treatment occurred preferentially in the thorax and pre‐existing sites. Extracranial PD prevailed over intracranial PD regardless of baseline BM and prior brain radiation. These results support osimertinib's intracranial efficacy and may guide treatment strategies for EGFR‐mutated NSCLC with BM.
Targeting exosomes enveloped EBV‐miR‐BART1‐5p‐antagomiRs for NPC therapy through both anti‐vasculogenic mimicry and anti‐angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Liu Yan , Zhang Yuanbin , Li Xiaoyang , Fang Min , Qian Dong
Published: April 2023

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of head and neck cancer with high incidence in China. The molecular mechanisms of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) and angiogenesis are not fully elucidated in NPC. More specially, it has seldomly been reported that Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded miRNA can regulate VM and angiogenesis in NPC. The aim of this study was to investigate the function and molecular mechanism of a targeting exosome system (iRGD‐exo‐antagomiR) against VM and angiogenesis in NPC, and to provide new approaches for improving the comprehensive treatment of NPC.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and western blotting were performed to characterize the exosomes. The 3D‐Culture assay, tube formation assay, chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay, Matrigel plug assay, mouse xenograft tumor modeling and immunohistochemical staining were applied to evaluate the anti‐VM and anti‐angiogenic effects of the targeting exosome system in vitro and in vivo. Western blot was performed to detect the changes of downstream regulated networks following interference and recovery of the target gene.

Results

In vitro or in vivo treatment with iRGD‐tagged exosome containing antagomiR‐BART1‐5p specifically suppressed VM and angiogenesis in NPC. EBV‐miR‐BART1‐5p promoted VM and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo by regulating VEGF, PI3K, Akt, mTOR and HIF1‐α in a Spry2‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that targeting exosomes enveloped EBV‐miR‐BART1‐5p‐antagomiRs in a Spry2‐dependent manner for NPC therapy through both anti‐VM and anti‐angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.
The variability of client, therapist and clinic in psychotherapy outcomes: A three‐level hierarchical model
Authors: Mahon Daryl , Minami Takuya , Brown (G.S.) Jeb
Published: April 2023

This article investigates the percentage of variance in psychotherapy outcomes explained by the case‐mix variables for individual cases, by the therapist (therapist effects), and what additional variance is explained by the clinic with which the therapist is affiliated. While there has been substantial recent research regarding therapist effects, very little has been published regarding clinic‐level effects after controlling for therapist effects. The study utilised the largest sample reported to date, using data from 28 clinics with a minimum of 2,000 cases in a clinical range of severity of symptoms with pre‐post change scores on an outcome questionnaire. Only cases treated by a therapist with at least 30 cases were included. These selection criteria resulted in a case count of 156,258 clients treated by 874 therapists located at 28 clinics. After controlling for differences in case mix using diagnosis and intake score (severity of symptoms), the resulting analyses indicated that 5.21% of the variance in treatment outcome was explained by the therapist, while another 1.13% of the variance was associated with the clinic. Findings are discussed with implications for practice and policy.
Combining Representation Learning and Active Learning for Applications in Process Manufacturing
Authors: Dathatri Ashwini Gonibedu , Strem Nika , Klöpper Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Multivariate time series classification (TSC) is an important data‐driven modeling task in process industries. A common challenge of TSC in the process industry is the unavailability of labels. Active learning (AL) tackles this problem by incrementally obtaining as few labeled instances as possible by querying an oracle. From our initial experience of building an AL application we derive requirements on the machine learning approach in the context of such an interactive application. To meet the requirements, we combine AL with representation learning (RL): a model learns a latent space representation of unlabeled data, which is then used to train a classification model on the labeled data.
Electrochemical Performances of Nickel‐Rich Single‐Crystal LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2 Cathode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries Synthesized by Tuning Li+/Ni2+ Mixing
Authors: Yang Zhuolin , Zhang Xinyu , Lu Shijie , Xiao Jianxiong , Wu Borong , Zhao Zhikun , Mu Daobin
Published: April 2023

Single‐crystal nickel‐rich materials are promising alternatives to polycrystalline cathodes owing to their excellent structure stability and cycle performance while the cathode material usually appears high cation mixing, which may have a negative effect on its electrochemical performance. The study presents the structural evolution of single‐crystal LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2 in the temperature–composition space using temperature‐resolved in situ XRD and the cation mixing is tuned to improve electrochemical performances. The as‐synthesized single‐crystal sample shows high initial discharge specific capacity (195.5 mAh g−1 at 1 C), and excellent capacity retention (80.1 % after 400 cycles at 1 C), taking account of lower structure disorder (Ni2+ occupying Li sites is 1.56 %) and integrated grains with an average of 2–3 μm. In addition, the single‐crystal material also displays a superior rate capability of 159.1 mAh g−1 at the rate of 5 C. This excellent performance is attributed to the rapid Li+ transportation within the crystal structure with fewer Ni2+ cations in Li layer as well as intactly single grains. In sum, the regulation of Li+/Ni2+ mixing provides a feasible strategy for boosting single‐crystal nickel‐rich cathode material.
Trace Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Orientational Growth of Cu2O (110) Facets Promote CO2 Electroreduction to C2 Products
Authors: Wang Wenhang , Ning Hui , Fei Xiang , Wang Xiaoshan , Ma Zhengguang , Jiao Zhenmei , Wang Yani , Tsubaki Noritatsu , Wu Mingbo
Published: April 2023

Cu2O has great advantages for CO2 electroreduction to C2 products, of which the activity and selectivity are closely related to its crystal facets. In this work, density functional theory calculation indicated that the (110) facets of Cu2O had a lower energy barrier for the C−C coupling compared to the (100) and (111) facets. Therefore, Cu2O(110) facets were successfully synthesized with the assistance of trace amounts of the ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ([Bmim]BF4) by a sample wet‐chemical method. A high faradaic efficiency of 71.1 % and a large current density of 265.1 mA cm−2 toward C2H4 and C2H5OH were achieved at −1.1 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) in a flow cell. The in situ and electrochemical analysis indicated that it possessed the synergy effects of strong adsorption of *CO2 and *CO, large active area, and excellent conductivity. This study provided a new way to enhance the C2 selectivity of CO2 electroreduction on Cu2O by crystal structure engineering.
Novel comprehensive feedback theory—Part II: Unifying previous and new feedback models and further results
Authors: Pellegrini Bruno , Macucci Massimo , Marconcini Paolo
Published: April 2023

The objective of this Part II of the paper on a novel feedback approach is that of unifying all the previous general feedback models within a single framework and of obtaining new results. In order to pursue this goal, we exploit the multiple possibilities of implementation of the generic three‐terminal circuit (TTC) that has to be inserted in the cut of the feedback loop when the cut‐insertion theorem (CIT) is applied for the analysis of the network. We present models based on a direct opening of the feedback loop inside the TTC, TTC implementations (associated with circuital examples) that allow an arbitrary splitting of the signal flow between a part associated to the feedback loop and another due to a direct leakage path from input to output, and methods (with exemplifying networks) based on test signal injection that allow measuring the gain of the closed feedback loop. The asymptotic formula of the overall gain is generalized to any network. Finally, examples of application to a voltage‐feedback amplifier are reported to show, in particular, the values and the properties of the multiple possible feedback loop gains that can be defined for a given cut and also to compare our results with those available in the literature.
Rapid on‐site evaluation in percutaneous core needle biopsies of renal masses: Cytologic‐histologic concordance and diagnostic challenges
Authors: Hojat Seyed Amin , Ravish Nakul A. , Azabdaftari Gissou , Yang Zhongbo
Published: April 2023

Background

Image‐guided fine needle aspirations (FNAs) and core needle biopsies (CNBs) play the critical role in diagnosis of renal lesions. Rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) can potentially increase the adequacy rate and improve diagnostic yield, while providing additional information for rapid clinical decisions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of ROSE in obtaining adequate tissue for diagnosis of renal lesions in our institution.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all percutaneous renal CNB cases with available ROSE interpretations for a 11‐year period. The ROSE interpretations and CNB diagnoses was compared and the concordance rate was calculated accordingly. The discrepant cases were re‐reviewed and the possible causes for discrepancy were analyzed.

Results

A total of 189 cases were identified. Definitive diagnoses were rendered in 164 (87%) cases on the final CNBs, including primary renal lesions in 151 cases and metastatic malignancies in 13 cases. At the time of ROSE, samples were deemed to be adequate in the majority of cases (83%). The calculated concordance rate between ROSE interpretations and CNB final diagnoses was 84.6%. Sampling issue and scant tumor cells were the main causes for the discordance between ROSE interpretations and CNB diagnoses.

Conclusion

Our study showed a relatively high‐concordance rate of 84.6% between ROSE interpretations and CNB final diagnoses, suggesting that ROSE is a valuable tool for procurement of adequate renal CNB samples for diagnosis.
Combining multiple markers significantly increases the sensitivity and precision of eDNA‐based single‐species analyses
Authors: Brys Rein , Halfmaerten David , Everts Teun , Van Driessche Charlotte , Neyrinck Sabrina
Published: April 2023

The analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) is becoming integrated as an established biomonitoring tool, often characterized by detection limits exceeding those of conventional counterparts. However, further improving the sensitivity of these methods may be invaluable for the early detection of invasive species, or for locating remnant populations of endangered species, and the adequate quantification of their abundances. In this study, we provide empirical evidence showing that the implementation of multiple genetic markers targeting different loci is a surprisingly overlooked strategy to increase the sensitivity of single‐species detections and quantification of their abundance, particularly at the lower end of the species abundance range. We analyzed 45 natural eDNA samples obtained from a wide range of water bodies in Belgium, in which either the invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) or the rare European weather loach (Misgurnus fossilis) occurred under variable abundances, and compared detection success and precision of quantification of simplex (single locus) versus multiplex (multilocus) droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) analyses. Multiplexing different primer/probe assays targeting independent loci resulted in a significantly enhanced detection probability compared to the simplex analyses, gaining a twofold reduction in the limit of detection (LOD). Also the precision of eDNA quantification significantly improved in multiplex reactions, especially in low concentration samples. This was reflected in a significant reduction in the coefficient of variation (CV) among technical replicates, resulting in an associated decrease of the limit of quantification (LOQ). We conclude that the use of multiple markers can significantly improve the analytical sensitivity of eDNA‐based single‐species detections and precision of absolute abundance quantifications.
High accuracy and efficiency calculation model for predicting the reduction of residual stress on large pressure vessels by ultrasonic impact surface treatment
Authors: Luo Yun , Jiang Wenchun , Zeng Qiang
Published: April 2023

Ultrasonic impact treatment (UIT) is a new surface strengthening method to reduce the residual stresses on large pressure vessels induced by surface and repair welding. An accurate and high efficiency calculation model is the key to accurately predicting the full‐field residual stresses on large pressure vessels under the UIT process. In this article, a full‐coverage impacting model is proposed to simulate the impacting process of the UIT pin. The effects of UIT on the residual stresses on repair and surface welded pressure vessels were investigated by explicit dynamic simulation. Experiments were also performed to verify the prediction results. Results show that the proposed full coverage impacting model can greatly improve the simulation precision and the calculation efficiency. The predicted residual stresses after the UIT process using the proposed model are consistent with the measured results. A remarkable reduction in residual stress was achieved in the zone subjected to UIT. The tensile residual stresses on the surface of the treated area were reduced to compressive stresses. With the increase of the impact velocity and the coverage rate, the residual stresses on the surface and transition layers decreased and then tended to stabilize. The impact coverage rate should not exceed 200% to avoid damage and save time.
Cortical stimulation leads to shortened myelin sheaths and increased axonal branching in spared axons after cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Kondiles B. R. , Murphy R. L. , Widman A. J. , Perlmutter S. I. , Horner P. J.
Published: April 2023

Neural activity and learning lead to myelin sheath plasticity in the intact central nervous system (CNS), but this plasticity has not been well‐studied after CNS injury. In the context of spinal cord injury (SCI), demyelination occurs at the lesion site and natural remyelination of surviving axons can take months. To determine if neural activity modulates myelin and axon plasticity in the injured, adult CNS, we electrically stimulated the contralesional motor cortex at 10 Hz to drive neural activity in the corticospinal tract of rats with sub‐chronic spinal contusion injuries. We quantified myelin and axonal characteristics by tracing corticospinal axons rostral to and at the lesion epicenter and identifying nodes of Ranvier by immunohistochemistry. Three weeks of daily stimulation induced very short myelin sheaths, axon branching, and thinner axons outside of the lesion zone, where remodeling has not previously been reported. Surprisingly, remodeling was particularly robust rostral to the injury which suggests that electrical stimulation can promote white matter plasticity even in areas not directly demyelinated by the contusion. Stimulation did not alter myelin or axons at the lesion site, which suggests that neuronal activity does not contribute to myelin remodeling near the injury in the sub‐chronic period. These data are the first to demonstrate wide‐scale remodeling of nodal and myelin structures of a mature, long‐tract motor pathway in response to electrical stimulation. This finding suggests that neuromodulation promotes white matter plasticity in intact regions of pathways after injury and raises intriguing questions regarding the interplay between axonal and myelin plasticity.
Expert consensus on improving iron deficiency anemia management in obstetrics and gynecology in Asia
Authors: Leung Tsin Wah , Damodaran Premitha , Torres Rosalio , Chuncharunee Suporn , Chu Man Yee , Gamilla Zaida , Lim Nicholas R. , Luna Jericho , Huang Jian‐Pei , Li Wai Hou , Tran Thang Nhat , Sathar Jameela , Jaisamrarn Unnop
Published: April 2023

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major health burden among women in Asia. Key issues in IDA management in Asia are under‐diagnosis and under‐treatment. The lack of Asia‐specific guidelines, and suboptimal utilization of treatment compounds the management of IDA. To address these gaps, a panel of 12 experts in obstetrics, gynecology, and hematology from six regions in Asia convened to review current practices and clinical evidence and provide practical guidance on IDA diagnosis and management in Asian women. The Delphi approach was used to obtain objective opinions and attain consensus on statements pertaining to awareness, diagnosis, and management of IDA. In total, 79 statements attained consensus and are summarized to provide guidance on raising awareness of IDA and approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment of IDA among women in various settings: pregnancy, postpartum, heavy menstrual bleeding, gynecologic cancers, and perioperative care. This clinician‐led consensus integrates appropriate recommendations based on clinical evidence and best practices and is intended to guide decision making in the management of iron deficiency/IDA in women. The expert panel raises a call for timely diagnosis and utilization of appropriate treatment, including use of high‐dose intravenous iron, stringent blood management, and interdisciplinary collaboration, for optimization of IDA management among women in Asia.
Monolithic three‐dimensional integration of aligned carbon nanotube transistors for high‐performance integrated circuits
Authors: Fan Chenwei , Cheng Xiaohan , Xu Lin , Zhu Maguang , Ding Sujuan , Jin Chuanhong , Xie Yunong , Peng Lian‐Mao , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: April 2023

Carbon nanotube field‐effect transistors (CNT FETs) have been demonstrated to exhibit high performance only through low‐temperature fabrication process and require a low thermal budget to construct monolithic three‐dimensional (M3D) integrated circuits (ICs), which have been considered a promising technology to meet the demands of high‐bandwidth computing and fully functional integration. However, the lack of high‐quality CNT materials at the upper layer and a low‐parasitic interlayer dielectric (ILD) makes the reported M3D CNT FETs and ICs unable to provide the predicted high performance. In this work, we demonstrate a multilayer stackable process for M3D integration of high‐performance aligned carbon nanotube (A‐CNT) transistors and ICs. A low‐κ (~3) interlayer SiO2 layer is prepared from spin‐on‐glass (SOG) through processes with a highest temperature of 220°C, presenting low parasitic capacitance between two transistor layers and excellent planarization to offer an ideal surface for the A‐CNT and device fabrication process. A high‐quality A‐CNT film with a carrier mobility of 650 cm2 V–1 s–1 is prepared on the ILD layer through a clean transfer process, enabling the upper CNT FETs fabricated with a low‐temperature process to exhibit high on‐state current (1 mA μm–1) and peak transconductance (0.98 mS μm–1). The bottom A‐CNT FETs maintain pristine high performance after undergoing the ILD growth and upper FET fabrication. As a result, 5‐stage ring oscillators utilizing the M3D architecture show a gate propagation delay of 17 ps and an active region of approximately 100 μm2, representing the fastest and the most compact M3D ICs to date.

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Biosilica source converted into mesoporous bioactive glass implanted for tendon‐bone healing
Authors: Lin Hsiu‐Mei , Chen Chih‐Hwa , Hsu Fu‐Yin , Wu Zhi‐Yuan , Wong Pei‐Chun
Published: April 2023

In this study, mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) has been synthesized using a natural material, diatom. Then, the surface morphology, such as pore size and dimension, was observed by transmission electron microscope. The physical properties of MBG were quantitatively analyzed by X‐ray diffraction. Thermal properties were analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis. The cytotoxicity test was carried out by the MTT (3‐[4,5‐dimethylthaizol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay to ensure biocompatibility. After that, MBG was mixed with gelatin to synthesize nanofiber matrix by an electrospinning process. The growth factors of platelet‐rich plasma have been activated by ethyl(dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N‐hydroxysuccinimide grafting on the surface of nanofiber matrix. Nanofiber structure of MBG has been observed by scanning electron microscope. In vivo biocompatibility and the situation of bone healing were analyzed by animal experiment; the histology result was observation by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. The results show that the MBG has no residue of organic matter, pore size was around 10 nm. MBG nanofiber matrix can significantly improve the bone healing compared with control group (without MBG nanofiber matrix). In general, MBG nanofiber matrix can significantly enhance bone‐tendon healing and has great potential to be applied in the orthopedic field.
Phenotypes characterization and ABC genotypes distribution of clinical Candida albicans isolates
Authors: Mahmoodi Mozhgan , Nouraei Hasti , Nasr Reza , Zomorodian Kamiar , Khodadadi Hossein , Pakshir Keyvan
Published: April 2023

Background

Candidemia and vaginitis are the most common types of candidiasis mostly caused by Candida albicans species. C. albicans has several genotypes and the potential ability to form different phenotype colonies on specific media. This study aimed to evaluate the genotype distribution of blood and vaginal C. albicans isolates and phenotype characteristics on Spider and yeast peptone dextrose agar medium.

Methods

A total of 40 clinical Candida albicans isolates comprising vagina (20) and blood (20) were used. ABC typing using CA‐INT‐R and CA‐INT‐L primers was performed to span the transposable group I intron of the 25S rDNA gene. For colony phenotypic characteristics, the Spider and YPDA media were used.

Results

Among the blood and vaginal isolates, genotype A (12/60%) and genotype C (10/50%) were the most common types, respectively. The highest phenotype shape frequency of the colonies in blood and vaginal samples was the ring and the lowest was the hat/ring. The dominant color phenotype in blood and vaginal samples was gray. There was a significant relationship between genotype and phenotype forms in the blood sample on YPDA medium (p = 0.02). In the Spider medium, there were no significant differences between genotypes and phenotypes.

Conclusion

In this study, genotype A and genotype C were predominant in blood and vaginal samples, respectively. In both groups, YPD agar medium demonstrated the most variety of phenotypes that was related to genotypes A and C. The variety of phenotypes in both groups was the same in genotypes A and C on the Spider medium.
Efficiency and impact factors of anatomical intelligence for breast and hand‐held ultrasound in lesion detection
Authors: Dai Chaochao , Bao Lingyun , Yan Hongju , Zhu Luoxi , Xu Xiaojing , Tan Yanjuan , Yu Lifang , Yang Jing , Jiang Chenxiang , Shen Yingzhao
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To investigate the efficiency and impact factors of anatomical intelligence for breast (AI‐Breast) and hand‐held ultrasound (HHUS) in lesion detection.

Methods

A total of 172 outpatient women were randomly selected, underwent AI‐Breast ultrasound (Group AI) once and HHUS twice. HHUS was performed by breast imaging radiologists (Group A) and general radiologists (Group B). For the AI‐Breast examination, a trained technician performed the whole‐breast scan and data acquisition, while other general radiologists performed image interpretation. The examination time and lesion detection rate were recorded. The impact factors for breast lesion detection, including breast cup size, number of lesions, and benign or malignant lesions were analyzed.

Results

The detection rates of Group AI, A, and B were 92.8 ± 17.0%, 95.0 ± 13.6%, and 85.0 ± 22.9%, respectively. Comparable lesion detection rates were observed in Group AI and Group A (P > 0.05), but a significantly lower lesion detection rate was observed in Group B compared to the other two (both P < 0.05). Regarding missed diagnosis rates of malignant lesions, comparable performance was observed in Group AI, Group A, and Group B (8% vs. 4% vs. 14%, all P > 0.05). Scan times of Groups AI, A, and B were 262.15 ± 40.4 s, 237.5 ± 110.3 s, 281.2 ± 86.1 s, respectively. The scan time of Group AI was significantly higher than Group A (P < 0.01), but was slightly lower than Group B (P > 0.05). We found a strong linear correlation between scan time and cup size in Group AI (r = 0.745). No impacts of cup size and number of lesions were found on the lesion detection rate in Group AI (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

With the assist of AI‐Breast system, the lesion detection rate of AI‐Breast ultrasound was comparable to that of a breast imaging radiologist and superior to that of the general radiologist. AI‐Breast ultrasound may be used as a potential approach for breast lesions surveillance.
Female Surgical Ergonomics in Otolaryngology: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Morse Elliot , Harpel Lexa , Born Hayley , Rameau Anaïs
Published: April 2023

Objective

To explore the surgical ergonomic challenges experienced by women in otolaryngology, identify specific equipment that is ergonomically challenging, and assess the impact of suboptimal ergonomics on female otolaryngologists.

Methods

We performed a qualitative study using an interpretive framework rooted in grounded theory. We performed semi‐structured qualitative interviews of 14 female otolaryngologists from nine institutions at various stages in training and across subspecialties. Interviews were independently analyzed by thematic content analysis by two researchers and inter‐rater reliability was assessed via Cohen's kappa. Differing opinions were reconciled via discussion.

Results

Participants noted difficulties with equipment including microscopes, chairs, step stools, and tables as well as difficulty using larger surgical instruments, preference for smaller instruments, frustration with lack of smaller instruments, and a desire for a larger spectrum of instrument sizes. Participants reported neck, hand, and back pain associated with operating. Participants suggested modifications to the operative environment, including a wider variety of instrument sizes, adjustable instruments, and more focus and attention on ergonomic issues and the range of surgeon physiques. Participants felt that optimizing their operating room set‐up was an additional burden on them, and that lack of inclusive instrumentation affected their sense of belonging. Participants emphasized positive stories of mentorship and empowerment from peers and superiors of all genders.

Conclusion

Female otolaryngologists face unique ergonomic challenges. As the otolaryngology workforce becomes increasingly diverse, it is important to address the needs of a diverse set of physiques to avoid inadvertently disadvantaging certain individuals.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 133:3034–3041, 2023
Interrelated influence of iron, light, and CO2 on carbon fixation in a Southern Ocean diatom
Authors: Ye Youting , Sunda William G. , Hong Haizheng , Shi Dalin
Published: April 2023

The productivity of diatoms in the Southern Ocean plays a key role in the transfer of carbon (C) from the atmosphere to the ocean's interior, which impacts climate. However, diatom growth in the Southern Ocean is limited by several environmental factors including iron (Fe) and light. Ongoing increases in ocean CO2 concentrations may increase diatom carbon fixation, but it is uncertain how this will interact with extant Fe and light limitation. Here we grew the Southern Ocean diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus under a matrix of growth sufficient and limiting Fe and light levels and current and elevated CO2 concentrations, and found that a decrease in Fe concentration at high light, or in light intensity at high Fe, caused a similar 28–35% decrease in growth rate. Combined low Fe and low light caused a much larger (71–75%) decrease in growth rate than occurred with low Fe or low light alone, indicating Fe and light co‐limitation. At a given concentration of bioavailable dissolved inorganic Fe (Fe′), increasing pCO2 from 400 to 750 μatm had no significant effect on growth or C‐fixation rates under any Fe and light conditions. These results suggest that unlike previous measurements in Fe‐ and light‐limited temperate diatoms, increased CO2 should have little effect on C‐fixation rates in Southern Ocean diatoms. The different physiological responses of cold‐water and temperate diatoms to the changing environment warrant further investigation for understanding and predicting changes in the efficiency of the biological carbon pump and the associated potential feedback to the climate change.
All‐Printed Electrochromic Stickers
Authors: Brooke Robert , Freitag Kathrin , Petsagkourakis Ioannis , Nilsson Marie , Andersson Ersman Peter
Published: April 2023

Displays are one of the most mature technologies in the field of printed electronics. Their ability to be manufactured in large quantities and at low cost has led to their recent uptake into the consumer market. Within this article this technology is extended to electrochromic display stickers. This is achieved using a recent reverse display architecture screen printed on textile and paper sticker substrates. The electrochromic stickers are comparable to plastic control substrates and show little performance difference even when adhered to curved surfaces. The electrochromic display technology is extended to sticker labels for authentication applications by patterning either the dielectric or the graphical layer. A proof‐of‐concept prototype emulating a wax seal on an envelope is presented to show that other colors can be implemented in this technology.
Vibration isolation of row of piles due to moving harmonic loads embedded in the layered isotropic saturated medium
Authors: Yang Shuai , Jia Mincai
Published: April 2023

This paper develops an analytical layer element‐boundary element coupling method to study the vibration isolation effect of pile rows in multi‐layered isotropic saturated soils subjected to a moving harmonic load. The isotropic saturated soil is represented using an analytical layer‐element solution as a kernel function, and the pile‐soil boundary integral equation is applied to obtain the soil flexibility matrices. The finite difference method is used for the piles modeled as a Bernoulli–Euler beam. The dynamic response equations of the pile rows under a harmonic moving load are achieved by considering pile‐soil displacement coordination condition. Then, the displacements of the observation point with and without the pile effect are calculated, respectively. Several numerical examples are presented to examine the influences of the soils’ stratification characteristics, the pile length, pile spacing, pile‐soil Young's modulus ratio, and the load moving speed on the isolation effect of the pile rows.