bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal performance analysis of a novel direct absorption solar collector augmented solar still using silver nanofluids
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Ashish , Chander Nikhil , Singh Dwesh K.
Published: March 2022

Solar desalination is a viable alternative for clean water for the areas where plenty of sunshine is available throughout the year. Due to less productivity of distilled water in passive solar still, it is still a challenge for the researchers to commercialize this low‐cost renewable technology. In the last decade, much effort has been made by researchers to improve the overall productivity of solar stills by expanding novel active system methods. For the work presented here, a novel nanofluid‐laden reverse‐irradiated direct absorption solar collector (RI‐DASC) augmented active solar still is proposed and tested under laboratory conditions for the very first time. Ag nanoparticles of sizes ~5–10 nm were used to prepare the nanofluids and were used as working fluid in the RI‐DASC system. The system transfers the heat to the basin of active solar still directly omitting the need of piping arrangement. Experiments were conducted under different ambient conditions and for different mass loadings of Ag nanoparticles, that is, 0.1 mg L−1, 0.2 mg L‐1, and 0.4 mg L−1 in RI‐DASC augmented active solar still. The results showed that the temperature difference between the top glass cover and the basin of solar still was significantly higher in novel active solar compared to the conventional single slope passive still. Ag nanofluids with a mass fraction of 0.4 mg L−1 lead to a maximum temperature rise and thus overall thermal efficiency over other tested Ag nanofluids. The novel DASC augmented active solar still is practically viable using reflectors and can enhance the freshwater productivity over a conventional solar still.
Seismic protection by rocking with superelastic tendon restraint
Authors: Li Sheng , Tsang Hing‐Ho , Lam Nelson
Published: March 2022

This article introduces an innovative system for enhancing the seismic performance of a structure through facilitating large rotational (rocking) motion to occur without risking overturning. The innovation of this study is in the use of tendons consisting of Nickel‐Titanium (superelastic) alloy connected in series with steel to impose partial restraints to the structure when experiencing rocking motion. Importantly, the large rotational motion is fully recoverable. Existing installations which can be made to rock may also be retrofitted with the device for improving its seismic resistance. The original contributions of the article are the derivation, and experimental validation, of an analytical model for simulating the seismic performance of a system that has been fitted with the restraining device. In a parametric study employing the newly developed modelling techniques, major trends in the seismic response behaviour of the structure have been identified.
A comprehensive review on batteries and supercapacitors: Development and challenges since their inception
Authors: Dutta Arindam , Mitra Shirsendu , Basak Mitali , Banerjee Tamal
Published: March 2022

The chemistry underlying the storage phenomena in batteries and supercapacitors has been known to mankind for quite some time now. Nonetheless, a holistic apprehension of their rudimentary characteristics throughout their lifetime and beyond is imperative to accentuate their maximum potential. Although numerous reviews have addressed many of the facts individually, a consolidated report on the associated history, challenges, and environmental aspects considering the cutting‐edge advancements in this field is missing. This review gives a comprehensive insight into the two technologies by drawing a detailed comparison between their governing attributes and potential challenges. First, a brief history of batteries and supercapacitors along with their classifications based on materials and corresponding working mechanisms are delineated. Thereafter, some of the inexorable losses restricting the performance of these systems from reaching their theoretical limits are outlined. A picture of the significance of theoretical modeling of batteries and supercapacitors highlighting the associated challenges in the same is drawn. Furthermore, their fates after retirement as well as their scopes in the future based on their current trends are reported in the ensuing sections. Alongside detailed tutorial background of energy storage literature, this review compares different energy storage devices and the latest developments in this field.
Impact of fractional power control on downlink uplink decoupled‐based HetNets in varying path loss exponent environment
Authors: Ali Sundus , Imran Aslam Muhammad , Ahmed Irfan
Published: March 2022

Uplink power control in cellular networks have proved to be an effective technique for reducing uplink interference levels, resulting in improved uplink signal to interference and noise ratio, especially for cell‐edge user equipments (UEs). Having said that, the impact of fractional power control (FPC) on the performance of downlink uplink decoupled‐ (DUDe) based HetNets while considering varying path loss exponent (PLE) environment has not been investigated as of yet, the reason behind which was to simplify the system model and obtain tractable results. In this article, we have developed a generalized analytical framework, incorporating the effect of FPC, in an effort to investigate its impact on DUDe performance in varying PLE environment. Furthermore, we have considered different small base station's (SBS) transmit powers to study its effect, paired with FPC, on DUDe‐based HetNets. Moreover, we have performed a baseline comparison of DUDe performance against conventional coupled UE association based on maximum downlink received power. Performance indicators like decoupled and coupled uplink coverage probability and decoupled and coupled average spectral efficiency have been analyzed in this paper. The results presented in this paper highlight the impact of the FPC on DUDe performance in varying PLE environment.
Anti‐diffusive alternate‐directions schemes for the transport of step functions
Authors: Batteux Léa , Duval Fabien , Herbin Raphaële , Latché Jean‐Claude , Poullet Pascal
Published: March 2022

The purpose in this article is to design finite‐volume schemes on structured grids for the transport of piecewise‐constant functions (typically, indicator functions) with as low diffusion as possible. We first propose an extension of the so‐called Lagrange‐projection algorithm, or downwind scheme with an Ultrabee limiter, for the transport equation in one space dimension with a non‐constant velocity; as its constant velocity counterpart, this scheme is designed to capture the discontinuities separating two plateaus in only one cell, and is referred to as “anti‐diffusive.” It is shown to preserve the bounds of the solution. Then, for two and three dimensional problems, we introduce a conservative alternate‐directions algorithm, an show that this latter enjoys a discrete maximum principle, provided that the underlying one‐dimensional schemes satisfy a property which may be seen as a flux limitation, possibly incorporated a posteriori in any explicit scheme. Numerical tests of this alternate‐directions algorithm are performed, with a variety of one‐dimensional embedded schemes including the anti‐diffusive scheme developed here and the so called THINC scheme. The observed numerical diffusion is indeed very low. With the anti‐diffusive scheme, the above‐mentioned a posteriori limitation is necessary to preserve the solution bounds, but, in the performed tests, does not introduce any visible additional diffusion.
Lycopene improves testicular damage and sperm quality in experimentally induced varicocele: Relationship with apoptosis, hypoxia, and hyperthermia
Authors: Babaei Atefeh , Asadpour Reza , Mansouri Kamran , Sabrivand Adel , Kazemi‐Darabadi Siamak
Published: March 2022

Varicocele is considered the main reason for male infertility. Antioxidants are common drugs used to reduce the complications of varicocele in these patients. So, we investigated the effects of lycopene on sperm quality, testicular histology, and the expression of some genes in experimentally induced varicocele. Fifty adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (n = 12), sham (n = 5), and varicocele (n = 33) groups. After 2 months of induced varicocele, five rats were randomly sacrificed and induced varicocele was investigated in each group. Finally, 35 rats were divided into five groups: the control, varicocele, varicocele reserving solvent, and varicocele reserving lycopene (4 and 10 mg/kg) for 2 months. At the end of the experiment, sperm viability, membrane integrity, the expression of Bax, Bcl2, hypoxia (hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α [HIF1‐α]), heat‐shock protein (heat‐shock protein A2 [HSPA2]) genes, and the histology of testes were measured. The results showed a significant decrease in the sperm viability, membrane integrity, Johnson's score, and the expression of the Bcl2 gene in the varicocele group compared to the control group. Also, there was a significant increase in Bax, HSPA2, and HIF1‐α expressions in the varicocele group compared to the control group. Although the administration of lycopene (10 mg/kg) in rats with varicocele improved sperm viability and membrane integrity, Johnson's score, and Bax expression compared to the varicocele group. Our findings indicated that the administration of lycopene in the varicocele group improved sperm quality and testicular injury induced by varicocele via decreasing apoptosis.
Millions of historical monthly rainfall observations taken in the UK and Ireland rescued by citizen scientists
Authors: Hawkins Ed , Burt Stephen , McCarthy Mark , Murphy Conor , Ross Catherine , Baldock Mike , Brazier John , Hersee Gill , Huntley Jacqui , Meats Richard , O’Grady John , Scrimgeour Ian , Silk Tim
Published: March 2022

Recovering additional historical weather observations from known archival sources will improve the understanding of how the climate is changing and enable detailed examination of unusual events within the historical record. The UK National Meteorological Archive recently scanned more than 66,000 paper sheets containing 5.28 million hand‐written monthly rainfall observations taken across the UK and Ireland between 1677 and 1960. Only a small fraction of these observations were previously digitally available for climate scientists to analyse. More than 16,000 volunteer citizen scientists completed the transcription of these sheets of observations during early 2020 using the RainfallRescue.org website, built using the Zooniverse platform. A total of 3.34 million observations from more than 6000 locations have so far been quality controlled and made openly available. This has increased the total number of monthly rainfall observations that are available for this time period and region by a factor of six. The newly rescued observations will enable longer and much improved reconstructions of past variations in rainfall across the British and Irish Isles, including for periods of significant flooding and drought. Specifically, this data should allow the official gridded monthly rainfall reconstructions for the UK to be extended back to 1836, and even earlier for some regions.
International experience and imitation of location choices: The role of experience interpretation and assessment and its board‐level microfoundations
Authors: Spadafora Ettore , Giachetti Claudio , Kumodzie‐Dussey Makafui Kwame , Elango B.
Published: March 2022

Research summary

Drawing on the information‐based imitation and information‐processing perspectives, we examine how experience interpretation and assessment—and in particular its board‐level microfoundations—affects the relationship between a firm's international experience and its decision to imitate the market leader's location choices. Our results show that the negative relationship between international experience and imitation of location choices is positively moderated by board turnover, board age, and board equity ownership but not influenced by board gender diversity. These findings advance our understanding of the interplay between information‐based motives for imitation and firms' information processing and organizational learning. Specifically, we contribute to research on the effect of international experience on firms' mimetic behavior by pointing out the relevance of experience interpretation and assessment from a microfoundations perspective.

Managerial summary

Our study provides indications for executives attempting to predict competitors' global strategy. When it comes to location choices, we find that companies with less international experience are more likely to follow the market leader, while those internationally experienced are more likely to follow their own path. Moreover, lower board turnover, relatively younger directors, and smaller equity ownership can favor the articulation and exploitation of the lessons offered by prior international experiences, thus further reducing the company's inclination to imitate the leader's location choices. Firms seeking an independent path toward internationalization can therefore use corporate governance—and in particular board‐level factors—to enhance their ability to interpret and assess their international experience.
Distinct brain structural‐functional network topological coupling explains different outcomes in tinnitus patients treated with sound therapy
Authors: Chen Qian , Lv Han , Wang Zhaodi , Wei Xuan , Liu Jiao , Liu Fang , Zhao Pengfei , Yang Zhenghan , Gong Shusheng , Wang Zhenchang
Published: March 2022

Topological properties, which serve as the core of the neural network, and their couplings can reflect different therapeutic effects in tinnitus patients. We hypothesized that tinnitus patients with different outcomes after sound therapy (narrowband noise) would have distinct brain network topological alterations. Diffusion tensor imaging and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were prospectively performed in 60 patients with idiopathic tinnitus and 57 healthy controls (HCs). Graph‐theoretical network analyses of structural connectivity (SC), functional connectivity (FC), and SC and FC coupling were performed. Associations between clinical performance and graph‐theoretical features were also analyzed. Treatment was effective (effective group; EG) in 28 patients and ineffective (ineffective group; IG) in 32 patients. For FC, the patients in the EG showed higher local efficiency than patients in the IG. For SC, patients in both the EG and IG displayed lower normalized characteristic path length, characteristic path length, and global efficiency than the HCs. More importantly, patients in the IG had higher coupling than the HCs, whereas there was no difference in coupling between patients in the EG and HCs. Additionally, there were significant associations between the SC features and clinical performance in patients in the EG. Our findings demonstrate that tinnitus patients exhibited significant brain network topological alterations, especially in the structural brain network. More importantly, patients who demonstrated different curative effects showed distinct SC‐FC topological coupling properties. SC‐FC coupling could be an indicator that could be used to predict prognoses in patients with idiopathic tinnitus before sound therapy.
Reliability of histologic assessment for NAFLD and development of an expanded NAFLD activity score
Authors: Pai Rish K. , Jairath Vipul , Hogan Malcolm , Zou Guangyong , Adeyi Oyedele A. , Anstee Quentin M. , Aqel Bashar A. , Behling Cynthia , Carey Elizabeth J. , Clouston Andrew D. , Corey Kathleen , Feagan Brian G. , Kleiner David E. , Ma Christopher , McFarlane Stefanie C. , Noureddin Mazen , Ratziu Vlad , Valasek Mark A. , Younossi Zobair M. , Harrison Stephen A. , Loomba Rohit
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

The NASH Clinical Research Network histologic scoring system, the gold‐standard NASH histology assessment for clinical trials, has demonstrated intrarater and interrater variability. An expert panel in a previous systematic Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) study determined that existing histologic scoring systems do not fully capture NASH disease activity and fibrosis, and standardized definitions of histologic features are needed. We evaluated the reliability of existing and alternate histologic measures and their correlations with a disease activity visual analog scale to propose optimal components for an expanded NAFLD activity score (NAS).

Approach and Results

Four liver pathologists who were involved in the prior RAND/UCLA study underwent standardized training and multiple discussions with the goal of improving agreement. They were blinded to clinical information and scored histologic measures twice, ≥2 weeks apart, for 40 liver biopsies representing the full spectrum of NAFLD. Index intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) estimates demonstrated intrarater (0.80–0.85) and interrater (0.60–0.72) reliability. Hepatocyte ballooning items had similar interrater ICCs (0.68–0.79), including those extending scores from 0–2 to 0–4. Steatosis measures (interrater ICCs, 0.72–0.80) correlated poorly with disease activity. Correlations with disease activity were largest for hepatocyte ballooning and Mallory‐Denk bodies (MDBs), with both used to develop the expanded NAS (intrarater ICC, 0.90; interrater ICC, 0.80). Fibrosis measures had ICCs of 0.70–0.87.

Conclusions

After extensive preparation among a group of experienced pathologists, we demonstrated improved reliability of multiple existing histologic NAFLD indices and fibrosis staging systems. Hepatocyte ballooning and MDBs most strongly correlated with disease activity and were used for the expanded NAS. Further validation including evaluation of responsiveness is required.
Risk of liver‐related events by age and diabetes duration in patients with diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Xinrong , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Cheung Johnny T. K. , Tse Yee‐Kit , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Lin Huapeng , Lai Jimmy Che‐To , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Kong Alice Pik‐Shan , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Several guidelines recommend screening for NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We aimed to determine if there is a threshold of age and duration of T2D for liver‐related event development to guide screening strategies.

Approach and Results

We conducted a territory‐wide retrospective cohort study of adult patients with NAFLD and T2D diagnosed between 2000 and 2014 in Hong Kong to allow for at least 5 years of follow‐up. The primary endpoint was liver‐related events, defined as a composite of HCC and cirrhotic complications. This study included 7028 patients with NAFLD with T2D (mean age, 56.1 ± 13.3 years; 3363 male [47.9%]). During a follow‐up of 77,308 person‐years, there was a threshold effect with 1.1%, 4.9%, and 94.0% of patients developing liver‐related events at the age of <40, 40–50, and ≥50 years, respectively. Similarly, 3.1%, 5.1%, and 91.8% of patients developed cirrhosis at the age of <40, 40–50, and ≥50 years, respectively. In contrast, liver‐related events increased linearly with diabetes duration, with no difference in the annual incidence rate between the first 10 years of T2D diagnosis and subsequent years (0.06% vs. 0.10%; p = 0.136). On multivariable analysis, baseline age ≥50 years (adjusted HR [aHR] 2.01) and cirrhosis (aHR 3.12) were the strongest risk factors associated with liver‐related events. Substitution of cirrhosis with the aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index or the Fibrosis‐4 index yielded similar results.

Conclusions

Age rather than duration of T2D predicts liver‐related events in patients with NAFLD and T2D. It is reasonable to screen patients with NAFLD and T2D for advanced liver disease starting at 50 years of age.
The influence of wheat straw mulching and straw length on infiltration, runoff and soil loss
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Ma Jianye , Wang Yangxiu , Li Zhanbin , Ma Bo
Published: March 2022

Straw mulching is a typical soil and water conservation measure for slope farms, and it plays an important role in preventing soil erosion. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of the length and coverage of wheat straw on infiltration, runoff and soil loss. In this study, an indoor simulated rainfall experiment was used to study the characteristics of infiltration, runoff and sediment yield under different straw lengths and coverage when the rainfall intensity was 90 mm h−1. The results show that the straw mulch contributes more to the effect of infiltration, runoff and sediment yield than straw length. Increasing the straw coverage increases the average infiltration rate and reduces the cumulative runoff and sediment yield. An increase in straw length, however, reduces the average infiltration rate of the slope and increases the cumulative runoff and sediment yield. The benefits of straw mulch in increasing average infiltration and reducing runoff and sediment yield are consistent with the law of diminishing marginal returns. The marginal benefit of straw is optimal when the straw cover is 3.5 t·hm−2. The sum of straw mulch and length multiplied by cover divided by length has a power function relationship with slope infiltration, while runoff and sediment yield have a power function relationship with its reciprocal. The average infiltration rate of the slope surface is significantly linearly related to the cumulative sediment yield. The simulation accuracy of the Horton model is higher than that of the Kostiakov model. In this study, when the straw length was 3–5 cm and the mulch rate was 4.5 t·hm−2, the average slope infiltration was highest, and the runoff and sediment yield were lowest. Wheat straw surface mulch, when applied as an effective measure for controlling soil erosion and maintaining soil and water resources on sloped fields, can effectively increase infiltration and reduce runoff and sediment yield; wheat mulch is thus critical for the sustainable development of agriculture and ecology on sloping land.
Parenting intentions in transgender and gender‐nonconforming adults
Authors: Morong James J. , Class Quetzal A. , Zamah Alberuni Musa , Hinz Erica
Published: March 2022

Objective

To assess parenting intentions, knowledge and attitudes regarding fertility preservation, and barriers to achieving parenthood in an adult transgender population.

Methods

This was a multi‐center online cross‐sectional study conducted at three university‐affiliated and 15 community‐affiliated clinics within a major US city. Inclusion criteria included being aged 18 years and older and self‐identification as transgender, gender non‐conforming or non‐binary. Eighty respondents completed a 36‐question survey regarding their transition and plans to achieve parenthood. We compared demographic characteristics to plan for transition using Chi‐Square analysis. We compared options to achieve parenthood to plans for transition using ANOVA, Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient, and a Kruskal Wallis H test.

Results

The mean desire to become a parent was 59.9 on a scale of 1–100. There was no significant association between plan for gonadectomy and reduced preference for the use of autologous gametes for parenting [H(2) = 1.309, P = 0.520]. The desire to have children was correlated with an increasing willingness to pause cross‐sex hormones (rs = 0.40, P < 0.01). Cost was identified as the largest barrier to fertility preservation (54.1%).

Conclusion

The majority of transgender adults surveyed desire parenthood and this could be correlated with plan for transition including willingness to suspend cross‐sex hormones.
Single pixel imaging via unsupervised deep compressive sensing with collaborative sparsity in discretized feature space
Authors: Jia Mengyu , Yu Lequan , Bai Wenxing , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Limin , Wang Wei , Gao Feng
Published: March 2022

Single‐pixel imaging (SPI) enables the use of advanced detector technologies to provide a potentially low‐cost solution for sensing beyond the visible spectrum and has received increasing attentions recently. However, when it comes to sub‐Nyquist sampling, the spectrum truncation and spectrum discretization effects significantly challenge the traditional SPI pipeline due to the lack of sufficient sparsity. In this work, a deep compressive sensing (CS) framework is built to conduct image reconstructions in classical SPIs, where a novel compression network is proposed to enable collaborative sparsity in discretized feature space while remaining excellent coherence with the sensing basis as per CS conditions. To alleviate the underlying limitations in an end‐to‐end supervised training, for example, the network typically needs to be re‐trained as the basis patterns, sampling ratios and so on. change, the network is trained in an unsupervised fashion with no sensing physics involved. Validation experiments are performed both numerically and physically by comparing with traditional and cutting‐edge SPI reconstruction methods. Particularly, fluorescence imaging is pioneered to preliminarily examine the in vivo biodistributions. Results show that the proposed method maintains comparable image fidelity to a sCMOS camera even at a sampling ratio down to 4%, while remaining the advantages inherent in SPI. The proposed technique maintains the unsupervised and self‐contained properties that highly facilitate the downstream applications in the field of compressive imaging.
Prodrug inspired bi‐layered electrospun membrane with properties of enhanced tissue integration for guided tissue regeneration
Authors: Li Dongsheng , Wang Tong , Zhao Juanjuan , Wu Jinglei , Zhang Shumin , He Chuanglong , Zhu Meifang , EL‐Newehy Mohamed , EL‐Hamshary Hany , Morsi Yosry , Gao Yonglin , Mo Xiumei
Published: March 2022

Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membranes play a vital role in periodontal surgery. Recently a series of composite electrospun membranes have been fabricated to improve the unexpected biodegradation of collagen‐based GTR membranes. However, their tissue integrity needs to be studied in depth. In this study, a bi‐layered electrospun membrane (BEM) inspired by “prodrug” was fabricated, which contained a dense‐layer (BEM‐DL) and a potential loose‐layer (BEM‐LL). The nanofibers of BEM‐DL were composed of poly(l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and tilapia skin collagen (TSC). Whereas the BEM‐LL consisted of two types of nanofibers, one was the same as BEM‐DL and the other was made from TSC. The morphology, degradation in vitro, cytocompatibility and biocompatibility in rats were investigated with a poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) electrospun membrane (PLGA) as the negative control. The pore size of BEM‐LL soaked for 7 days became larger than the original sample (164.8 ± 90.9 and 52.5 ± 21.0 μm2, respectively), which was significantly higher (p < .05) than that of BEM‐DL and PLGA. The BEM‐LL displayed a larger weight loss rate of 82.3 ± 3.6% than the BEM‐DL of 46.0 ± 2.8% at day 7 because of the rapid degradation of TSC fibers. The cytocompatibility test demonstrated that L929 cells were only spread on the surface of the BEM‐DL while MC3T3‐E1 cells grew into the BEM‐LL layer. The subcutaneous implantation test further proved that BEM‐DL performed as a cellular barrier, whereas BEM‐LL was conducive to cell infiltration as deep as 200 μm with reduced fibrous encapsulation. Herein, the BEM inspired by “prodrug” is a promising GTR membrane with a property of enhanced tissue integration.
Stigma, surveillance, and wounded healing: Promoting a critical ethics of care in research with formerly incarcerated Black women
Authors: Gunn Alana
Published: March 2022

Black women experience myriad challenges post incarceration, from managing stigma within social relationships to navigating surveillance when interfacing with service systems. It is these challenges that also make them vulnerable participants in community‐based research. With many of potential research harms not falling under the guidance of Institutional Review Boards, it is critical to explore how communities experiencing stigma and surveillance perceive their engagement in research. As such, this study explores how 28 justice‐involved Black women experience the research process. Findings reveal that participants view the research context as spaces for reflecting on surveillance and stigma in ways that promote self‐recovery. Moreover, they perceive the interview process to allow them to envision identities as wounded healers who use their pasts as mechanisms to help others. The study's implications for anti‐oppressive inquiry underscore the need for researchers to employ ethical care and justice frameworks that center compassion, reflexivity, and equity throughout the process.
Novel tryptanthrin hybrids bearing aminothiazoles as potential EGFR inhibitors: Design, synthesis, biological screening, molecular docking studies, and ADME/T predictions
Authors: Palabindela Rambabu , Guda Ramu , Ramesh Gondru , Myadaraveni Prabhakar , Banothu Devendar , Ravi Gangalla , Korra Rajashekar , Mekala Himabindu , Kasula Mamatha
Published: March 2022

A variety of novel tryptanthrin aminothiazole analogues 3a‐h and 5a‐h possessing a biologically active thiazole moiety were synthesized by the reaction of tryptanthrin thiosemicarbazones with different α‐bromo‐4‐substituted‐acetophenones compounds. The structures of all the synthesized compounds were characterized by mass, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. All the novel synthesized compounds were investigated for their in vitro anticancer activity against three human cancer cell lines (MCF‐7, A549, and HeLa) by taking cisplatin as a reference drug. The compounds 3b and 3c displayed excellent anticancer activities against the growth of three human cancer cell lines. EGFR targeting molecular docking investigation revealed that tryptanthrin aminothiazole analogues have better binding energies compared with EGFR inhibitors (Gefitinib, Erlotinib, and Lapatinib). The molecular docking findings back up the experimental anticancer activity results very well. The compounds were also tested for their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In silico ADMT predictions have been performed that these tryptanthrin aminothiazole analogues have a good pharmacokinetic profile.
Feasibility and Reproducibility of Multifrequency Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Healthy and Diseased Pancreases
Authors: Song Qike , Shi Yu , Gao Feng , Yin Meng , Yang Rui , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhong Shiling , Hong Yang
Published: March 2022

Background

The feasibility and reproducibility of multifrequency MR elastography (MRE) for diagnosing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have not been reported.

Purpose

To determine the feasibility and reproducibility of multifrequency MRE for assessing pancreatic stiffness in healthy and diseased pancreases.

Study type

Prospective.

Subjects

A total of 40 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with PDAC were prospectively recruited between March 2018 and October 2021.

Field strength/sequence

A 3.0‐T pancreatic MRE at frequencies in the order of 30, 40, 60, 80, and 100 Hz.

Assessment

Body mass index (BMI) and wave distance of the healthy pancreas and PDAC were measured. Image quality was assessed using the image quality score (IQS: 1–4, ≥3 were considered diagnostic quality). Three readers independently performed the pancreatic stiffness and IQS assessments to evaluate reproducibility.

Statistical tests

Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine variables that influenced IQS. Statistical significance was set at P <0.05. Levels of inter‐ and intrarater agreement were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). Good reproducibility was set at ICC and κ ≥ 0.8.

Results

In logistic regression analysis, a diagnostic IQS in healthy volunteers was independently associated with a lower BMI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.89 kg/m−2), shorter wave distance (OR = 0.70 cm−1), and lower frequency (30 and 40 Hz: OR = 170.01 and 96.02). In PDAC, frequency was the only independent factor for diagnostic IQS (30–60 Hz: OR = 46.18, 46.18, and 17.20, respectively) with 100 Hz as a reference. In healthy volunteers, good reproducibility was observed at 30 and 40 Hz. In PDAC, good reproducibility was observed at 30–60 Hz.

Data conclusion

MRE at 30 and 40 Hz provides diagnostic wave images and reliable measurements of pancreatic stiffness in healthy volunteers. MRE at 30–60 Hz is acceptable for PDACs (IQS ≥ 3, ICC and κ ≥ 0.80).

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Optimization of the Contrast Agent Injection Protocol for Carotid Artery Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wang Yajie , Liu Xiaoming , Wang Yishi , Qi Haikun , Liu Xian , Kong Xiangchuang , Zhang Qiang , Dou Jiaqi , Wang Jing , Chen Huijun
Published: March 2022

Background

The injection protocol used in previous carotid artery dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) studies varied.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of contrast injection protocol and optimize this protocol for carotid artery DCE‐MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Digital phantom and seven patients with carotid atherosclerosis.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T, spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence.

Assessment

Different injection doses (0.01–0.3 mmol/kg) and effective injection rates (0.01–1 mmol/sec) were tested using a digital carotid plaque phantom considering the contrast pharmacokinetics, DCE‐MRI imaging, contrast variation and flow‐related imaging artifacts, random time delay between the contrast injection and image acquisition, and pharmacokinetic analysis process. For each injection protocol, combining the root mean square relative error (RMSRE) of the measured and maps within the adventitial vasa vasorum from 10 tested time delays by the root mean square produced RMSREoverall−vv which was used to measure the overall accuracy of the pharmacokinetic parameters. In vivo validation was performed on seven patients with carotid atherosclerosis by imaging them twice using the traditional commonly used protocol and the recommended protocol found by simulation.

Statistical Test

Student's t‐test, chi‐square test, and paired t‐test, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A low region of RMSREoverall−vv with the combination of medium injection dose and low effective injection rate was found. The protocol with injection dose of 0.07 mmol/kg and effective injection rate of 0.06 mmol/sec achieved the minimal RMSREoverall−vv (4.29%), thus was recommended, which showed more accurate arterial input function. Coinciding with the simulation results, this recommended protocol in in vivo experiments produced significantly fewer image artifacts, lower and (P all <0.05) than traditional protocol which overestimated these parameters in simulation.

Data Conclusion

The contrast injection protocol influenced the accuracy of the pharmacokinetics parameter estimation in carotid artery DCE‐MRI. The injection protocol with injection dose of 0.07 mmol/kg and effective injection rate of 0.06 mmol/sec was recommended.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
New downscaling prediction models for spring drought in China
Authors: Tian Baoqiang , Fan Ke
Published: March 2022

Accurate prediction of spring drought in China is helpful toward reducing associated agricultural losses. In this study, spring drought is defined as the three‐month Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) ending in May. Based on the year‐to‐year increment and downscaling method, three single‐predictor prediction models (P1 model, P2 model, and P3 model) and two multi‐predictor models for spring drought at 677 stations in China are developed for the period 1983–2020. As physical processes affecting spring drought in the China region, the tropical Pacific–Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) in winter, the Davis Strait–Barents sea‐ice concentration (SIC) in winter, and the 500‐hPa spring vertical velocity, predicted by the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), are considered in the prediction models. The prediction skill of the downscaling models for the spring SPEI is measured by cross‐validation for the period 1983–2020. The CFSv2 model only shows convincing prediction skill for the spring SPEI at 35 of 677 stations. However, among the 677 stations, the temporal correlation coefficient between the observed and predicted spring SPEI at 621 stations for P1 model, 598 stations for P2 model, 545 stations for P3 model, 674 stations for the statistical downscaling model (SD model), and 675 stations for the hybrid downscaling dynamical–statistical prediction model (HD model) exceeds the 95% confidence level. Therefore, compared to the CFSv2 model, the prediction skill for spring drought is improved by the single‐predictor and multi‐predictor models. The prediction skill of HD model for spring drought, which combines preceding observational predictors and the simultaneous predictor of the CFSv2 model, is higher than that of SD model. In addition, the severe drought that occurred in Northeast and North China in spring 2017 can be successfully predicted by HD model.
Lateral root elongation enhances nitrogen‐use efficiency in maize genotypes at the seedling stage
Authors: Wang Hao , Wu Yujie , An Tingting , Chen Yinglong
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Maize plants show great variation in root morphological response to nitrogen (N) deficit, and such alterations often determine N‐use efficiency (NUE) plants. This study assessed genotypic variation in root morphology and NUE in selected 20 maize genotypes with contrasting root system size grown in a semi‐hydroponic phenotyping system for 38 days under control (4 mmol L−1 NO3−) and low N (LN) (40 μmol L−1) for 38 days after transplanting.

RESULTS

Maize genotypes exhibited different responses to LN stress in each of the 28 measured shoot and root traits. The 20 genotypes were assigned into one of the three groups: N‐efficient (eight genotypes), medium (four genotypes), and N‐inefficient (eight genotypes), based on shoot dry weight ratio (the ratio of shoot dry weight at LN and control) ± one standard error. In response to LN stress, the N‐inefficient genotypes had significant reduction in biomass production by ~58% in shoots and ~64% in roots, while the N‐efficient genotypes maintained their biomass. Under LN supply N‐efficient genotypes showed a plasticity response that would result in both sparse lateral branching and increased root elongation as a whole or at each growth strata, and N efficiency positively correlated with lateral or axial root elongation and root elongation at different depths.

CONCLUTSION

The total lateral root length was the main contributor to the improved N foraging and utilization in maize under LN conditions, followed by axial root length. Total lateral root length can be considered in breeding programs for producing maize cultivars with high NUE at the early seedling stage. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Proteomic analysis revealed modulations of carbon and nitrogen by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with the halophyte Suaeda salsa in a moderately saline environment
Authors: Diao Fengwei , Jia Bingbing , Wang Xiuhong , Luo Junqing , Hou Yazhou , Li Frank Yonghong , Guo Wei
Published: March 2022

Halophytes can grow well in moderately salty habitats that restrain most plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can assist its host plants to effectively mitigate salinity stress. However, less information is available on the molecular mechanisms of AMF related to halophytes in adapting to moderate saline environments. A pot experiment was undertaken to detect the effects of AMF on the carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations in the halophyte Suaeda salsa which was grown at 100 mM NaCl and the underlying proteomic modulating mechanisms. The results proved that AMF decreased the N and P concentrations, increased the C, N and P accumulations and the C:N and C:P ratios. Proteomic analysis screened 581 differentially abundant proteins (DAP), which were mostly categorized in carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism and folding, sorting and degradation pathways. The enrichment analysis illuminated that the DAPs were assembled in 'carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms,' 'nitrogen metabolism' and 'N‐glycan biosynthesis' pathways, which might be associated with the stoichiometric changes. The integrative proteomic and transcriptomic analysis detected 64 DAP whose regulations were concordant with those of the corresponding differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, these proteins were enriched in 'carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms' and some amino acid metabolism pathways. The modulations of these pathways might be correlated with C and N allocations and plant growth in moderate saline conditions. The study supplements the comprehension of the roles of AMF in halophytes grown in saline ecosystems.
Construction of Intelligent Responsive Drug Delivery System and Multi‐Mode Imaging Based on Gold Nanodots
Authors: Wang Ze , Zhao Yueqi , Yang Zhe , Li Xingchen , Xing Huiyuan , Qu Wenrui , Zvyagin Andrei V. , Yang Bai , Lin Quan , Li Yang
Published: March 2022

Cancer remains a formidable global problem with a high mortality rate. There are many effective anti‐cancer drugs in clinical use, among which paclitaxel (PTX) has good effects on non‐small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. However, when applied to the clinic, PTX still has many limitations, such as poor water solubility, drug resistance, and side effects on healthy tissues. A gold nanodots‐paclitaxel‐polylysine (AuNDs‐PTX‐PLL) core‐shell nano‐system of integrated diagnosis and treatment is constructed to achieve intelligent responsive drug delivery. On the one hand, the problem of poor water‐solubility and drug resistance of PTX are solved. On the other hand, the nano‐system has an excellent intelligent response effect. Drugs can only be released in the weakly acidic environment of the tumor, which reduces the damage and side effects to normal tissues. Moreover, the nano‐system can be used for real‐time tracking and auxiliary diagnosis for the tumor through the multi‐mode imaging mode, such as fluorescence, photoacoustic, and computed tomography to achieve accurate visualization. The photothermal effect of AuNDs is beneficial to promote the release of drugs. The nano‐system integrates multi‐mode imaging, chemotherapy, intelligent drug release in tumor weakly acidic environment, and has excellent practical application prospects in tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Sensitivity to Change and Patient‐Centricity of the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale Items: A Data‐Driven Analysis
Authors: Krismer Florian , Seppi Klaus , Jönsson Linus , Åström Daniel Oudin , Berger Anna‐Karin , Simonsen Jacob , Gordon Mark Forrest , Wenning Gregor K. , Poewe Werner ,   European Multiple System Atrophy Study Group Natural History Study Investigators,   the Rasagiline‐for‐Multiple System Atrophy Investigators
Published: March 2022

Background

The Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) is a commonly used semiquantitative rating scale to assess symptoms and measure disease progression in multiple system atrophy (MSA). However, it is currently incompletely understood which UMSARS items are the most sensitive to change and most relevant to the patient.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess sensitivity to change and patient‐centricity of single UMSARS items.

Methods

Data were taken from the European Multiple System Atrophy Study Group Natural History Study and the Rasagiline for Multiple System Atrophy trial. Sensitivity of change of an item of the UMSARS was assessed by calculation of a sensitivity‐to‐change ratio using its mean slope of progression divided by the standard deviation of the slope when modeling its progression over time. Patient‐centricity was assessed through correlation of UMSARS items with quality‐of‐life measures.

Results

Progression rates above the mean in at least one of the two studies examined here were seen for seven items of UMSARS I and 11 items of UMSARS II. These items related to key motor functions such as swallowing, speech, handwriting, cutting food, hygiene, and dressing or walking, whereas items related to autonomic dysfunction were generally less sensitive to change in either data set. More UMSARS I items were identified as patient‐centric compared with UMSARS II items, and items most strongly impacting patients' quality of life were those affecting verbal communication skills, personal hygiene, and walking.

Conclusion

The present results illustrate the potential to optimize the UMSARS to enhance sensitivity to change and patient centricity. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
DSM‐5 text revision reflects updates in ethnic, racial issues
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2022

With the help of more than 200 subject matter experts, the authoritative guide on diagnosing mental health disorders has undergone a text revision featuring an update on diagnostic criteria and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition insurance codes. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) released its Diagnostic and Statistical Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‐5‐TR) March 18.
JAMA study examines five‐year trends in children's health, MH
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has further underscored the need to monitor children's health, according to researchers of a new study examining recent trends in children's health‐related measures, including significant changes between 2019 and 2020. The new research, published March 14 in JAMA Pediatrics, found significant increases in children diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
A robust approach for designing N‐doped reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite‐based electrodes for efficient flexible supercapacitors
Authors: Macherla Nagaraju , Singh Kuldeep , Kumari Kusum , Lekkala Ram Gopal Reddy
Published: March 2022

2D multilayered reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has received enormous research interest as a potential electrode material for flexible supercapacitor (FSC), owing to its excellent electrochemical and mechanical properties. However, rGO suffers from the restacking of graphene (GN) layers, lower electrical conductivity resulting from the residual oxygen functional groups and the relatively poor real‐time electrochemical performance. One of the finest ways overcoming the drawbacks of rGO by doping heteroatom into GN network and surface modification to enhance its electrochemical properties. In this work, a simple and robust approach for designing an efficient and high‐performance flexible electrode with nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N‐rGO) framework coupled with surface modification through in situ chemical polymerization with aniline to form a long‐range interconnected polyaniline (PANI) nanostructure is presented. In a two‐electrode system, PANI/N‐rGO flexible electrode has delivered a higher specific capacitance of 322 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. Further, the composite exhibited notable cyclic stability over 1000 charge–discharge cycles. Surface‐modified in‐situ grown PANI nanostructures on N‐rGO nanosheets prevent the volume changes that occur in PANI during the charge–discharge process, and offer a higher charge transportation rate throughout the surface area. As a result of enhanced electrochemical properties, PANI/N‐rGO composites provide a feasible route for designing FSCs.