bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Destruction of a Copper Metal–Organic Framework to Induce CuPt Growth as a Heterojunction Catalyst for Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing
Authors: Jiang Lipei , Zhu Jiannan , Li Guangfang , Rao Zhuang , Wang Zhengyun , Liu Hongfang
Published: January 2023

Assembling bimetallic alloys (BAs) with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to form heterojunctions has emerged as a promising strategy for the construction of highly active electrocatalysts. However, the current approaches to prepare BA@MOF heterojunctions suffer from poor controllability. In this work, a fascinating method involving partial thermal reduction and galvanic replacement to induce CuPt growth on a CuHHTP MOF (HHTP=2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene) is reported in order to construct a CuPt@CuHHTP heterojunction. The size of the CuPt nanoparticles can be effectively regulated by modifying the reduction temperature. The resultant CuPt NP@CuHHTP heterojunction nanoarrays exhibit high electrocatalytic activity and potential as an electrochemical H2O2 sensor with a low detection limit (5 nM), high sensitivity (6.942 mA ⋅ mM−1 ⋅ cm−2), and outstanding selectivity. This in situ approach provides not only new insights into the preparation of BA@MOF‐based heterojunctions but also an effective approach for the optimization of the catalytic performance of MOFs and related materials.
How to Decarbonize Our Energy Systems: Process‐Informed Design of New Materials for Carbon Capture
Authors: Garcia Susana , Smit Berend
Published: January 2023

Decarbonisation from a variety of industrial and power emission sectors highlights a marked need for capture technologies that can be optimized for different CO2 sources and integrated into an equally diverse range of applications of captured CO2 as a feedstock. Some capture technologies are already operated at an industrial scale but may not be optimal for all required applications. Advanced tailored sorbent‐based technologies allow flexible operation and reduced costs as they offer higher capture capacities and significantly lower energy penalties than the state‐of‐the‐art systems. To accelerate the discovery, development, and deployment of novel advanced materials, it is critically important that efforts between experimentalists, theoreticians, and process engineers are coordinated. The PrISMa project addresses this challenge by integrating materials design with process design and environmental considerations to allow for tailor‐making carbon capture solutions optimally tuned for local sources and sinks. In this article, we highlight some of the recent results obtained with the PrISMa platform.
Radical Decarboxylative Cyanomethylation of Aliphatic Carboxylic Acids and Uronic Acids via Vinyl Azide Cascade Fragmentation
Authors: Xu Linhua , Li Qishuai , Li Dongwei , Zhou Xin , Song Ni , Wang Peng , Li Ming
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

A direct oxidative radical decarboxylative cyanomethylation of carboxylic acids is described using 3‐azido‐2‐methylbut‐3‐en‐2‐ol as the carbon‐centered radical acceptor. The transformation is applicable to structurally diverse α‐amino acids, α‐oxy acids, α‐keto acids, pentofuranuronic acids, and hexopyranuronic acids. The mechanistic investigations suggest that a radical process is involved in the transformation. This work provides a potential approach to β‐amino acid, 5‐deoxy‐hexofuranose, and 6‐deoxy‐heptose constructs of biological relevance.
Design of all pass make over based capricious digital filter using eminent speed dual carry select adder and truncation and rounding approximate multiplier for image processing application
Authors: Mahendran P. , Kavitha M. S. , Radhika R. , Kotteeswaran C.
Published: January 2023

A design of all pass make over based capricious digital filter using eminent speed dual carry select adder and truncation based scalable rounding approximate multiplier (APM‐CDF‐ESDCSA‐TOSAM) is proposed in this article for image processing application. The proposed ESDCSA‐TOSAM is used to speed up the filter design with less area and less power consumption. In the existing designs, a carry select adder was used that was a rapid binary adders, even though, it consumes maximal area and power. For that reason, lower power, area efficient with higher speed eminent speed dual carry select adder (ESDCSA) is used in this work. The proposed ESDCSA is a fastest binary adder, which consumes less power and area. To design the ESDCSA, three blocks are used: half sum with carry generator (HSCG), final carry generator (FCG), final sum generator (FSG), these are reducing the power and area. TOSAM is used to reduce more partial products by truncating each input operands depending on its leading one‐bit position. The proposed filter is designed on Xilinx ISE 14.5 design tools. The experimental performance of the proposed filter attains lower delay 59.61%, 37.91%, 34.99%, 28.09%, 44.04% and 38.23% compared with existing filters.
New Prediction Model of Surface and Interfacial Energies Based on COSMO‐UCE**
Authors: Zhao Yueqiang , Wang Shengkang , Chang Yanjiao , Liu Weiwei
Published: January 2023

The nature and strength of intermolecular and surface forces are the key factors that influence the solvation, adhesion and wetting phenomena. The universal cohesive energy prediction equation based on conductor‐like screening model (COSMO‐UCE) was extended from like molecules (pure liquids) to unlike molecules (dissimilar liquids). A new molecular‐thermodynamic model of interfacial tension (IFT) for liquid‐liquid and solid‐liquid systems was developed in this work, which can predict the surface free energy of solid materials and interfacial energy directly through cohesive energy calculations based on COSMO‐UCE. The applications of this model in prediction of IFT for water‐organic, solid (n‐hexatriacontane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and octadecyl‐amine monolayer)‐liquid systems have been verified extensively with successful results; which indicates that this is a straightforward and reliable model of surface and interfacial energies through predicting intermolecular interactions based on merely molecular structure (profiles of surface segment charge density), the dimensionless wetting coefficient RA/C can characterize the wetting behavior (poor adhesive (non‐wetting), wetting, spreading) of liquids on the surface of solid materials very well.
Long‐Term Cycling Stability of Porphyrin Electrode for Li/Na Charge Storage at High Temperature
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Ye Chao , He Fangfang , Zeng Youlian , Xiao Jing , Yang Xiukang , Shu Hongbo , Qi Hongrui , Liu Wei , Gao Ping
Published: January 2023

Bipolar redox organic compounds have been considered as potential next‐generation electrode materials due to their sustainability, low cost and tunable structure. However, their development is still limited by the poor cycling stability and low energy density ascribed to high dissolution during cycling and the low conductivity of organic molecules. Herein, porphyrin‐based bipolar organics of [5,10,15,20‐tetrathienylporphinato] MII (M=2 H, Cu (CuTTP)) are proposed as new stable organic electrodes. Enhanced cycling stability is obtained by a temperature‐induced in situ polymerization strategy of porphyrin molecules. The resulting polymer exhibits excellent cycling stability up to 10 00 cycles even at a high current density (1000 mA g−1) in organic lithium‐/sodium‐based charge storage devices at 50 °C. In a symmetrical cell using CuTTP as both cathode and anode material a discharge capacity of 72 mAh g−1 is achieved after 600 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. This strategy would offer a new approach to developing stable energy storage bipolar materials in organic‐based devices at high temperature.
Can EUS‐FNA cytology reliably classify gastric submucosal spindle cell tumors?
Authors: Okuyama Rikiya , Horiuchi Hajime , Izumi Tomoko , Tada Masayuki , Ito Yuumi , Hosaka Yuko , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Morikawa Teppei
Published: January 2023

Background

Cytological diagnosis using endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for gastric submucosal spindle cell tumors, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), leiomyomas, and schwannomas, is challenging because of their similar morphological characteristics.

Objective and Materials

To clarify the cytological differential points, we reviewed the EUS‐FNA cytology specimens of GISTs (37 cases), leiomyomas (11 cases), and schwannomas (4 cases).

Method

Twelve cytomorphological features were evaluated: lymphocytes, crushed nuclei, naked spindle nuclei, mast cell, length of the streaming arrangement, cellularity, nuclei at the cluster margin (nuclei located at the periphery of the cell cluster), peripheral feathering (loosely aggregated cells at the margin of a cell cluster tended to taper like feathers), metachromasia, wavy nuclei, fishhook‐type nuclei, and anisonucleosis.

Results

Among these features, lymphocytes, naked spindle nuclei, length of the streaming arrangement, cellularity, nuclei at the cluster margins, peripheral feathering, and anisonucleosis were statistically significant for differentiation. Based on these findings, we developed an algorithm for cytodiagnosis. The algorithm was taught to four cytologists, and the interobserver agreement and correct diagnosis rates were compared before and after education, which showed a significant improvement.

Discussion

The histological types of gastric submucosal spindle cell tumors can be estimated using this algorithm for EUS‐FNA cytology. Furthermore, this algorithm can be applied for cytological diagnosis at bedside during rapid on‐site evaluation.
Rapid Access to Substituted Indenones through Grignard Reaction and Its Application in the Synthesis of Fluorenones Using Ring Closing Metathesis
Authors: Parui Nabin , Mandal Tirtha , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: January 2023

An efficient, one‐step method has been used to access a variety of substituted indenones in a regiospecific manner by Grignard addition to indene‐1,3‐dione. This method provides straightforward access to natural products such as neo‐lignans and isoampelopsin D analogues. Moreover, diallyl indenones have been synthesized and employed as ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) precursors for the facile synthesis of substituted fluorenone derivatives through an RCM‐aromatization sequence.
Experimental investigation of TBC coated piston with various blends of biodiesel
Authors: Karthikeyan C. , Harikrishna K. L. , Nallusamy N.
Published: January 2023

One of the main motivations behind the development of alternative fuels is to protect the environment and advance sustainability. Biodiesel, a specific potential substitute, improves the overall performance of diesel engines. Therefore, this work examines how well biodiesel performs in terms of engine fuel consumption and emission efficiency. In the proposed work, diesel and soup nut oil are combined at B30, B60, and B90 ratios. To boost thermal stability, the TBC is also used over the piston. Additionally, Di‐Tertiary Butyl Peroxide, an ignition promotor, is introduced. Different coatings, including yttria‐stabilized zirconia (A2), magnesium‐stabilized zirconia (A1), and gadolinium zirconate, were used in the experimental process (GD). The experimental process is performed with the help of an experimental setup. The results are showed the performance of the proposed biodiesel along with the ignition promoter. The validation of the proposed biodiesel is performed in terms of estimating the parameters such as indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and specific fuel consumption (SFC). Furthermore, the emission level of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and oxidization of nitrogen (NOx) are also measured to validate the performance of the proposed bio‐diesel.
Proposing the method for Operating System energy consumption measurement with energy efficiency approach
Authors: Taherikhonakdar Zahra , Fazlollahtabar Hamed
Published: January 2023

These days software plays an important role in different aspects of our life. As the use of computers, mobile applications and embedded systems have grown, so the energy consumption of software is an increasing concern. Green IT has emerged and it is concern about optimization of software solution with regard to their energy consumption. In spite of the importance of green software development, fewer developers pay attention to software energy consumption and also fewer users care about the consumption of the software that they use. We decide to measure the most popular operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. Then, we present the energy consumption benchmark of these operating systems and check out their difference in consuming energy. We also measure three different software in each operating system to know which of them consume more energy. The aim of this article is to help software developers to develop energy efficient software that we called that green software and also informed users about the energy consumption of software which they use. Our ultimate goal is helping to preserve our environment by reducing the negative effect of software.
Predicting renewable energy production by machine learning methods: The case of Turkey
Authors: Yağmur Ayten , Kayakuş Mehmet , Terzioğlu Mustafa
Published: January 2023

It is considered that the use of renewable energy sources will replace fossil fuels due to global climate change and accompanying decisions taken by states. In this study, unlike the renewable energy production estimation studies in the literature, a model was created by taking the socioeconomic, environmental and energy time series data of the countries. In the study, Turkey, which did not promise a numerical reduction in greenhouse gas emissions unlike other developing countries but has an increasing energy production from renewable energy sources, was chosen. In the study, the data between 1990 and 2020 were used to receive more realistic results by considering the interval before and after the Kyoto protocol. Artificial neural networks and support vector regression among machine learning methods were used to predict the model. As a result of the study, support vector regression had a 92% and artificial neural networks had a successful predictive power of 89.9% according to the coefficient of determination (R2). In the study, the root mean square error value was 0.071 for artificial neural networks and 0.045 for support vector regression; the mean squared error value was 0.005 for artificial neural networks and 0.002 for support vector regression, which was close to the ideal values. Both methods were statistically successful. It is predicted that the model designed because of these successful results obtained in the study would guide the creation of energy policies and contribute to scientific studies.
Onset of triple diffusive thermosolutal convection in a composite system
Authors: Sumithra Ramakrishna , Komala Basavarajappa
Published: January 2023

In a composite system possessing rigid‐rigid boundaries, the significance of thermal diffusion on the onset of triple diffusive convection is analyzed. The Darcy–Brinkman–Rayleigh–Benard model is employed to model the porous media. The regular perturbation methodology has been used to solve the governing equations of the composite system with the Boussinesq approximation. The critical thermal Rayleigh number, which determines the stability of the system, is estimated analytically. A graphical assessment of the impact of multiple physical attributes on the stability of the system is made. It is observed that the Soret parameters and solute Rayleigh numbers have a stabilizing effect, whereas the Darcy number exhibits a destabilizing effect upon the onset of triple diffusive convection in the composite system.
Cladribine‐ and decitabine‐containing conditioning regimen has a low post‐transplant relapse rate in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia and high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Tong Xiwen , Li Mengyuan , Jin Jie , Li Yi , Li Li , Peng Yizhou , Huang Lifang , Xu Bin , Meng Fankai , Mao Xia , Huang Liang , Huang Wei , Zhang Donghua
Published: January 2023

To reduce the risk of relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT), there have been continuing efforts to optimize the conditioning regimens. Our study aimed to analyze the risk factors associated with the relapse of relapsed/refractory (R/R), high‐risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) post‐transplant and the efficacy of a new conditioning regimen involving decitabine and cladribine. Clinical data of 125 patients with R/R AML, high‐risk AML and high‐risk MDS who underwent allo‐HSCT were collected. In addition, 35 patients with R/R AML, high‐risk AML and high‐risk MDS received treatment with a new conditioning regimen including decitabine and cladribine. Cox regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with OS, RFS and relapse. Among 125 patients who underwent allo‐HSCT, CR before allo‐HSCT and matched sibling donors were independent protective factors for OS. DNMT3A abnormality was an independent risk factor for both relapse and RFS. Among 35 patients who received a new conditioning regimen containing decitabine and cladribine, only six patients relapsed and 1‐year cumulative incidence of relapse was 11.7%. Moreover, this new regimen showed efficient MRD clearance early after allo‐HSCT. The combined decitabine‐ and cladribine‐based conditioning regimen showed a low relapse rate and a high survival without an increased incidence of GVHD or adverse effects and thus has potential for use in allo‐HSCT for R/R AML, high‐risk AML and high‐risk MDS.
Positive Effect of Parathyroidectomy Compared to Observation on BMD in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Mild Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Lundstam Karolina , Pretorius Mikkel , Bollerslev Jens , Godang Kristin , Fagerland Morten W , Mollerup Charlotte , Fougner Stine L , Pernow Ylva , Aas Turid , Hessman Ola , Rosén Thord , Nordenström Jörgen , Jansson Svante , Hellström Mikael , Heck Ansgar
Published: January 2023

Mild or asymptomatic disease is now the dominating presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). However, bone involvement with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of fractures has been demonstrated. Indications for parathyroidectomy (PTX) in mild PHPT have been debated for years. There is a need of long‐term randomized studies comparing PTX with observation without intervention (OBS). Here, we present bone health data from the Scandinavian Investigation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism (SIPH), a randomized controlled trial, comparing PTX to OBS. This study included 191 patients (96 OBS/95 PTX), and 129 patients (64 OBS/65 PTX) were followed for 10 years to the end of study (EOS). BMD was measured with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), peripheral fractures were noted, and spine radiographs were obtained for vertebral fracture assessment. There was a significant treatment effect of PTX on BMD compared with OBS for all analyzed compartments, most explicit for the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) (p < 0.001). The mean changes in T‐score from baseline to 10 years were from 0.41 for radius 33% (Rad33) to 0.58 for LS greater in the PTX group than in the OBS group. There was a significant decrease in BMD for all compartments in the OBS group, most pronounced for FN, Rad33, and ultradistal radius (UDR) (p < 0.001). Even though there was a significant treatment effect of PTX compared with OBS, there was only a significant increase in BMD over time for LS (p < 0.001). We found no difference between groups in fracture frequency in the 10‐year cohort, neither with modified intention‐to‐treat (mITT) analysis nor per protocol analysis. Because BMD is only a surrogate endpoint of bone health and PTX did not reduce fracture risk, observation could be considered a safe option for many patients with mild PHPT regarding bone health in a 10‐year perspective. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
How do CEOs make investment decisions in their early years of tenure? Evidence from investment efficiency
Authors: Gan Huiqi
Published: January 2023

Career concerns are escalated during the early years of a CEO's tenure as the market is uncertain about the new CEO's ability. This study examines whether such increased career concerns induce investment inefficiency during the early years of a CEO's tenure in US firms. I find that underinvestment happens in the early years and that the underinvestment problem is most evident when the new CEO is externally appointed and has the low managerial ability. Additional analyses show that the underinvestment problems are more pronounced when firms have a high level of information asymmetry and low financial reporting quality.
Relationship Between Iron Distribution in Deep Gray Matter Nuclei Measured by Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping and Motor Outcome After Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Yang Chunhui , Tong Rui , Chen Luguang , Chen Mengying , Gillen Kelly M. , Li Gaiying , Ma Chao , Wang Yi , Wu Xi , Li Jianqi
Published: January 2023

Background

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) improves motor deficits in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, but the degree of motor improvement varies across individuals. PD pathology involves the changes of iron spatial distribution in the deep gray matter nuclei.

Purpose

To explore the relationship between the iron spatial distribution and motor improvement among PD patients who underwent STN‐DBS surgery in three regions: substantia nigra (SN), STN, and dentate nucleus (DN).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Forty PD patients (49.7 ± 8.8 years, 22 males/18 females) who underwent bilateral STN‐DBS.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T preoperative three‐dimensional spoiled bipolar‐readout multi‐echo gradient recalled echo and two‐dimensional fast spin echo sequences.

Assessment

Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (MDS‐UPDRS III) scores were assessed 2–3 days before and 6 months after STN‐DBS. The first‐ and second‐order texture features in regions of interest were measured on susceptibility maps.

Statistical Tests

Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine the consistency of the region of interest volumes delineated by the two raters. Pearson or Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to assess the relationship between motor improvement after DBS and texture features. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

MDS‐UPDRS III scores were reduced by 59.9% after STN‐DBS in 40 PD patients. Motor improvement correlated with second‐order texture parameters in the SN including angular second moment (r = −0.449), correlation (rho = 0.326), sum of squares (r = 0.402), sum of entropy (rho = 0.421), and entropy (r = 0.410). Additionally, DBS outcome negatively correlated with mean susceptibility values in the DN (r = −0.400).

Data Conclusion

PD patients with a more homogeneous iron distribution throughout the SN or a higher iron concentration in the DN responded worse to STN‐DBS.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
SERTAD3 induces proteasomal degradation of ZIKV capsid protein and represents a therapeutic target
Authors: Sun Nina , Zhang Rong‐Rong , Song Guang‐Yuan , Cai Qiaomei , Aliyari Saba R. , Nielsen‐Saines Karin , Jung Jae U. , Yang Heng , Cheng Genhong , Qin Cheng‐Feng
Published: January 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito‐borne RNA virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. While flavivirus replication is known to occur in the cytoplasm, a significant portion of the viral capsid protein localizes to the nucleus during infection. However, the role of the nuclear capsid is less clear. Herein, we demonstrated SERTA domain containing 3 (SERTAD3) as an antiviral interferon stimulatory gene product had an antiviral ability to ZIKV but not JEV. Mechanistically, we found that SERTAD3 interacted with the capsid protein of ZIKV in the nucleolus and reduced capsid protein abundance through proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, an eight amino acid peptide of SERTAD3 was identified as the minimum motif that binds with ZIKV capsid protein. Remarkably, the eight amino acids synthetic peptide from SERTAD3 significantly prevented ZIKV infection in culture and pregnant mouse models. Taken together, these findings not only reveal the function of SERTAD3 in promoting proteasomal degradation of a specific viral protein but also provide a promising host‐targeted therapeutic strategy against ZIKV infection.
How consumers in different cultural backgrounds prefer advertising in green ads through Hofstede's cultural lens? A cross‐cultural study
Authors: Ruanguttamanun Chutima
Published: January 2023

When entering foreign markets, effective advertising appeals are usually employed in advertising to convey local consumers how the products and services will satisfy their wants or needs. The purpose of this cross‐cultural study is to investigate the consumers’ differences between a developed economy (USA) and an emerging economy (Thailand) based on Hofstede's cultural dimensions and the advertising appeal in green advertisements. This study investigates the role played by cultural and economic differences on liking advertising appeals in green advertisements which provides new insight into the literature on cross‐cultural studies as well as managerial implications for marketers, especially in Thailand. Using Hofstede's cultural dimensions as a basis for distinguishing cultures, 40 green global advertisements were presented to 40 consumers in Thailand and 40 consumers in the United States. A combination of quantitative and visual content analysis was also used to examine green advertisements and determine the liking of the appeals. Cultural differences in Hofstede's dimensions reflect in advertising appeals preferences. The results indicate that the USA and Thailand preferred similar appeals but in different ranking; these appeals are corporate image, eye‐catching graphic, exaggerated, imaginative, informative, interesting, meaningful, natural, and sad. Possible explanations and implications of the findings are discussed as well as demonstrating the significance of culture on advertisement effectiveness.
Duration of Clinical Response After In‐Office Steroid Injection for Vocal Fold Scar
Authors: Axiotakis Lucas G. , Enver Necati , Kennedy Evan L. , Duncan Kimberly A. , Pitman Michael J.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To assess the duration of clinical response after in‐office vocal fold steroid injection (VFSI) for vocal fold (VF) scar.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data for in‐office VFSI occurring from 2017 to 2020 were collected. Two Speech‐Language Pathologists (SLPs) used perceptual evaluation of voice and functional scales to evaluate blinded voice and laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS) samples collected pre‐ and post‐injection across multiple timepoints.

Results

Blinded SLP ratings were used for 30 individual VFs undergoing initial injection in 18 patients. Persistent improvement in voice past 6 months was seen in 57% of patients after VFSI. Multiple measures of voice and amplitude, percent vibrating tissue, and closed phase predominance significantly improved at various follow‐up timepoints on average.

Conclusion

Accounting for patient heterogeneity and disease progression, in‐office VFSI for VF scar is associated with sustained improvement in a subset of patients. Approximately half of patients can expect to experience a lasting improvement in voice. Future studies of larger scale are required to identify patient factors associated with long‐term benefit.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2333–2339, 2023
Tissue Eosinophilia is Superior to an Analysis by Polyp Status for the Chronic Rhinosinusitis Transcriptome: An RNA Study
Authors: Brar Tripti , McCabe Chantal , Miglani Amar , Marino Michael , Lal Devyani
Published: January 2023

Objective

RNA sequencing (transcriptomics) is used to study biological pathways. However, the yield of data depends on comparing well‐characterized cohorts. We compared tissue eosinophilia versus nasal polyp (NP) status as the metric to characterize transcriptomic mechanisms at play in eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) versus controls.

Methods

RNA sequencing was conducted on sinonasal tissue samples of CRS and controls. Analyses were conducted based on polyp status [with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP)] as well as tissue eosinophil levels per high power field (eos/hpf)[non‐eosinophilic (<10 eos/hpf, neCRS) or eosinophilic (≥10 eos/hpf, eCRS)]. The yield of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and biological pathways through Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were compared.

Results

CRS tissue differed from controls by 736 statistically significant DEGs. Both NP status and tissue eosinophilia were effective in differentiating CRS from controls and into two distinct subgroups. Statistically significant DEGs identified when comparing CRS by NP status were 60, whereas 110 DEGs were identified using eosinophil cutoff ≥10 and <10 eos/hpf. Additionally, heatmaps showed greater homogeneity within each CRS subgroup when analyzed by tissue eosinophilia versus NP status. On IPA, the IL‐17 signaling pathway was significantly different only by tissue eosinophilia status, not NP status, being higher in CRS <10 eos/hpf.

Conclusion

Tissue eosinophilia is superior to an analysis by NP status for the study of CRS transcriptome by RNA sequencing in identifying DEGs. Classification of CRS samples by eosinophil counts agnostic of NP status may offer advantageous insights into CRS pathogenetic mechanisms.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2480–2489, 2023
Effects of vegetation restoration types on soil erosion reduction of a shallow karst fissure soil system in the degraded karst areas of Southwestern China
Authors: Yan Youjin , Dai Quanhou , Yang Yuqiong , Lan Xue
Published: January 2023

Shallow karst fissures are the main hydrological paths, underground loss channels, and one of the most critical root habitats in fragile karst rocky desertification areas. Revegetation may alter the type of vegetation cover in fissures, resulting in changes to soil properties and erosion reduction. In this study, we evaluate the influence of revegetation on the soil erosion reduction of fissure‐soil–plant systems (FSPS) for three vegetation types (herbs, shrubs, and trees) in FSPS and use bare FSPS without vegetation as a control in a karst rocky desertification area. The results show that the soil physicochemical properties of FSFS degraded first and then improved after abandonment, resulting in the order of soil erosion reduction of FSPS with vegetation succession being: shrub < herb < bare < tree. Vegetation restoration can significantly improve the soil erosion resistance of the 10–20 cm soil layer in the fissure zone, making it stronger than that in the non‐fissure zone, thus reducing the risk of underground leakage on the slope. The results obtained in this study deepen our knowledge of the impact of vegetation restoration type on soil erosion reduction and has significant implications for guiding vegetation restoration and preventing underground leakage in karst areas.
Starch‐Based Ion‐Conductive Organo‐Hydrogels with Self‐Healing, Anti‐Freezing, and High Mechanical Properties toward Strain Sensors
Authors: Huang Bing , Zhu Lei , Wei Shicheng , Li Yuan , Nie Yongjia , Zhao Wenpeng
Published: January 2023

Fully bio‐based ion‐conductive organo‐hydrogels with multi‐functionalities such as high mechanical properties, self‐healing, anti‐freezing, and non‐drying capabilities are still extremely rare so far, and achieving it remains a great challenge. In this work, a starch/natural rubber composite hydrogel is first obtained by a simple one‐pot method, and then an ion‐conductive organo‐hydrogel composed of starch, natural rubber, lithium chloride, and glycerol with adjustable mechanical properties (ultimate tensile stress of 0.15–2.33 MPa with a failure strain of 675–1367%, elastic modulus of 0.087–15.2 MPa) is fabricated by a solvent replacement strategy. The organo‐hydrogels exhibit excellent fatigue resistance, elasticity, and good self‐healing, anti‐freezing, non‐drying properties (with no obvious change after 10 days at ambient environment). The obtained hydrogels are successfully applied to monitor human movement with high durability (over 1000 cycles) and low hysteresis. In addition, the sensors exhibit high stability in a wide temperature range from −20 °C to 100 °C that endows it with a wide range of potential applications in flexible sensing and wearable devices.
Miniaturized methane detection system based on photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Ye Weilin , He Linfeng , Xia Zikun , Liu Weihao , Huang Yifei , Lin Yiwen
Published: January 2023

As an important means of trace gas detection, photoacoustic spectroscopy mainly detects gas concentration indirectly through the thermal effect of light. Methane detection system based on photoacoustic spectrum has great application prospect in environmental pollution detection and industrial production. As a container for loading methane, the shape and quality of the photoacoustic cell will have a huge impact on the final detection results. To improve the operability of the photoacoustic spectrum technology in practical application, this system improves the traditional photoacoustic cell. The integrated micro photoacoustic cell designed with 3D printing technology has a volume of 9 cm3 and a theoretical resonance frequency of 11 000 Hz. Based on LabVIEW platform, a frequency sweep program and a concentration acquisition program were set up in the experiment. The frequency sweep experiment was carried out in an environment filled with methane in the photoacoustic cell. Based on the theoretical knowledge of photoacoustic spectroscopy, it can be known that the sound pressure detected by microphones is proportional to the concentration of methane in the photoacoustic cell. Methane with gradient concentration is passed into the photoacoustic cell for concentration calibration experiment, and the second harmonic peak detected at different concentrations is linearly fitted, and the line R2 = 0.99919. By calculating Allan variance, it can be obtained that the minimum detection of the system can reach 6.89 ppm when the integration time is 49 s.
Psychometrics of the kiddie schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia present and lifetime version for DSM‐5 in Japanese outpatients
Authors: Makino Takuya , Suzuki Futoshi , Nishiyama Takeshi , Ishibashi Saeko , Nakamichi Hidetaka , Iida Tomoko , Shimada Shoko , Tomari Shinji , Imanari Eiji , Higashi Takuma , Fukumoto Shintaro , Kurata Sawa , Mizuno Yoshifumi , Kimura Takuma , Kuru Yukiko , Morimoto Takeshi , Kosaka Hirotaka
Published: January 2023

Objective

The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School‐Age Children‐Present and Lifetime version (K‐SADS‐PL) is a widely used semi‐structured diagnostic interview in child and adolescent psychiatry. However, the psychometric properties of its updated version, the K‐SADS‐PL for DSM‐5, have scarcely been examined, especially for criterion validity. This study was designed to examine the inter‐rater reliability, criterion validity and construct validity of the K‐SADS‐PL for DSM‐5 in 137 Japanese outpatients.

Methods

Two of 12 experienced clinicians independently performed the K‐SADS interview for each patient in a conjoint session, and the resulting consensus diagnosis was compared with a “best‐estimate” diagnosis made by two of eight experienced clinicians using all available information for the patient.

Results

The inter‐rater reliability was excellent, as shown by κ > 0.75 for all disorders, with the exception of current separation anxiety disorder. The criterion validity was fair to good, as shown by κ > 0.40 for all disorders, with the exception of current and lifetime agoraphobia. The construct validity was also good, as shown by theoretically expected associations between the K‐SADS‐PL diagnoses and subscales of the child behavior checklist.

Conclusion

The K‐SADS‐PL for DSM‐5, now available in Japanese, generates valid diagnoses in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Single‐spoke binning: Reducing motion artifacts in abdominal radial stack‐of‐stars imaging
Authors: Maatman Ivo T. , Ypma Sjoerd , Kachelrieß Marc , Berker Yannick , van der Bijl Erik , Block Kai Tobias , Hermans John J. , Maas Marnix C. , Scheenen Tom W. J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To increase the effectiveness of respiratory gating in radial stack‐of‐stars MRI, particularly when imaging at high spatial resolutions or with multiple echoes.

Methods

Free induction decay (FID) navigators were integrated into a three‐dimensional gradient echo radial stack‐of‐stars pulse sequence. These navigators provided a motion signal with a high temporal resolution, which allowed single‐spoke binning (SSB): each spoke at each phase encode step was sorted individually to the corresponding motion state of the respiratory signal. SSB was compared with spoke‐angle binning (SAB), in which all phase encode steps of one projection angle were sorted without the use of additional navigator data. To illustrate the benefit of SSB over SAB, images of a motion phantom and of six free‐breathing volunteers were reconstructed after motion‐gating using either method. Image sharpness was quantitatively compared using image gradient entropies.

Results

The proposed method resulted in sharper images of the motion phantom and free‐breathing volunteers. Differences in gradient entropy were statistically significant (p = 0.03) in favor of SSB. The increased accuracy of motion‐gating led to a decrease of streaking artifacts in motion‐gated four‐dimensional reconstructions. To consistently estimate respiratory signals from the FID‐navigator data, specific types of gradient spoiler waveforms were required.

Conclusion

SSB allowed high‐resolution motion‐corrected MR imaging, even when acquiring multiple gradient echo signals or large acquisition matrices, without sacrificing accuracy of motion‐gating. SSB thus relieves restrictions on the choice of pulse sequence parameters, enabling the use of motion‐gated radial stack‐of‐stars MRI in a broader domain of clinical applications.
QR algorithm with two‐sided Rayleigh quotient shifts
Authors: Chen Xiao Shan , Xu Hongguo
Published: January 2023

We introduce the two‐sided Rayleigh quotient shift to the QR algorithm for non‐Hermitian matrices to achieve a cubic local convergence rate. For the singly shifted case, the two‐sided Rayleigh quotient iteration is incorporated into the QR iteration. A modified version of the method and its truncated version are developed to improve the efficiency. Based on the observation that the Francis double‐shift QR iteration is related to a 2D Grassmann–Rayleigh quotient iteration, A doubly shifted QR algorithm with the two‐sided 2D Grassmann–Rayleigh quotient double‐shift is proposed. A modified version of the method and its truncated version are also developed. Numerical examples are presented to show the convergence behavior of the proposed algorithms. Numerical examples also show that the truncated versions of the modified methods outperform their counterparts including the standard Rayleigh quotient single‐shift and the Francis double‐shift.
Non‐linear space‐time elasticity
Authors: Schuß S. , Glas S. , Hesch C.
Published: January 2023

In this contribution we introduce a novel space‐time formulation for non‐linear elasticity, able to calculate large deformations and displacements with high efficiency using structured and unstructured meshes in the space‐time cylinder without changing the required regularity and thus, enabling the use of Lagrangian shape functions including tetrahedron and hypertetrahedron or tesseract elements. The common and indiscriminate treatment of spatial and temporal directions allows us to remove one of the major bottlenecks in parallel computations: The design of time‐stepping schemes, which can neither been parallelized efficiently in time nor allow for local refinements as no information transfer backwards in time is possible. Moreover, stability of time‐stepping schemes depend on the accumulation of local approximation errors in each time‐step, in contrast to space‐time formulation, characterized by enhanced stability and robustness. Eventually, we will demonstrate superiority in the convergence against classical time‐stepping schemes using various examples including highly sensitive systems in the context of non‐linear elasticity.
Action research on promoting hand hygiene practices in an intensive care unit
Authors: Terho Kirsi , Rintala Esa , Engblom Janne , Salanterä Sanna
Published: January 2023

Aim

Evaluate the intensive care acquired infections incidence and the change over time in infection practices in one intensive care unit.

Design

We used an action research approach with cyclical activities.

Methods

Our study included two cycles with hand hygiene observation based on the WHO's five‐moments observation tool, observing hand hygiene practices, analysing the observations, and giving feedback on observations, intensive care acquired infection rates, and alcohol‐based hand rub consumption. The Revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence is the basis for this research report describing research aimed at improving patient safety and quality of care.

Results

During the study, annual alcohol‐based hand rub consumption increased by 6.7 litres per 1000 patient days and observed hand hygiene compliance improved. In the first cycle of the study, there was a decrease in critical care acquired infection rates, but the improvement was not sustainable.
Time‐resolved microscopy made easy
Authors: Loidolt‐Krüger Maria
Published: January 2023

Quantitative single molecule and time‐resolved fluorescence techniques offer new insights into many samples in life and materials sciences. So far, their adoption has been slow because expert knowledge was required for correct data acquisition and analysis. Now, PicoQuant have developed a new confocal microscope called Luminosa. It combines state‐of‐the‐art hardware with cutting‐edge software to deliver high‐quality data while simplifying daily operation. The software includes context‐based workflows for each technique. This article shows how it streamlines single‐molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments.
Measure and monitor fine surface irregularities
Authors: Izumi Suzue
Published: January 2023

Surface treatment is applied to the film used in food packaging, industrial materials, and medical applications to add various surface functions, such as transparency, gloss, waterproofing, antifouling, and non‐adhesiveness. This article provides examples to demonstrate how laser microscopes can be used to check the quality of various film surface properties.
Impact of solute carrier transporter gene polymorphisms on serum creatinine concentrations in healthy volunteers
Authors: Yokoyama Satoshi , Nakagawa Junichi , Kudo Masakiyo , Aiuchi Naoya , Seito Tatsuya , Isida Mizuri , Mikami Tatsuya , Ihara Kazushige , Nakaji Shigeyuki , Niioka Takenori
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigated the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms in solute carrier (SLC) transporters, that is, SLC22A7 c.1586 + 206A > G, SLC22A2 c.808G > T, SLC22A3 c.1233G > A, SLC47A1 c.922‐158G > A, and SLC47A2 c.‐130G > A, on serum creatinine (SCr) concentrations. This cross‐sectional study included residents who participated as volunteers in a health promotion study. Lifestyle data, blood chemical analysis data, and SLC gene polymorphism information were collected from each participant. Univariate analyses were carried out to determine differences between groups and correlations in SCr. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to confirm the independence of factors that were significantly different in the univariate analyses. In multiple regression analyses, muscle mass, serum cystatin C concentrations, body fat percentage, serum albumin concentrations, and SLC47A2 c.‐130G/G had the highest contribution to SCr concentrations, in that order (standardized regression coefficients = .505, .332, −.234, .123, and .084, respectively). The final model explained 72.2% of the variability in SCr concentrations. The SLC47A2 c.‐130G > A polymorphism may affect creatinine dynamics in the proximal tubules. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of SLC transporter gene polymorphisms on SCr concentrations in patients with various diseases in real‐world clinical settings.
A multi‐source information fusion model for safety assessment of bamboo‐integrated products
Authors: Ding Yiyuan , Li He , Kong Mário Say Ming , Neto Maria João Pereira , Quyen Tuong , Li Zhenyu
Published: January 2023

A multi‐source information fusion model is proposed to assess the safety and reliability of bamboo‐integrated products, which, unlike metal materials, hold different properties in longitudinal and transverse surfaces/directions. First, a weight factor is proposed to estimate the importance of each data source. Subsequently, a multi‐source information fusion model is proposed to compute the weight factors of the bamboo‐based materials in longitudinal and transverse directions. The reliability and failure probability of a bamboo‐integrated product, in longitudinal and transverse directions, are computed according to the multi‐source information fusion model‐based safety assessment approach with the assistance of the Stress and Strength interface model. Finally, a comparison between the proposed safety assessment method and the conventional Stress and Strength interface model is finalized, and the results indicate that the proposed method computes more reliable results than that of the conventional method. Overall, the proposed method provides a framework for safety and reliability assessment under multiple data sources and contributes to the comprehensive application of diverse data.
Symmetry dependent optical properties of zeolites: A quantum mechanical study
Authors: Muhammed Mufasila Mumthaz , Sibai Fadi , Chamkha Ali J. , Mokkath Junais Habeeb
Published: January 2023

The outstanding structural and chemical characteristics of zeolites (porous crystal forms of aluminosilicate oxides) are well known, but little is known about their optical properties. In this work, we examine the impact of symmetry on the optical characteristics of zeolites utilizing quantum simulations via time‐dependent density functional theory. We demonstrate that zeolites with high symmetry (cubic ACO zeolite) absorb light in the visible spectrum, whereas zeolites with low symmetry (trigonal AFY zeolite) absorb light in the UV–vis region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Additionally, we reveal the nature of optical excitations by our analysis of the electron–hole distribution using transition density matrices. The zeolites also displayed significant variations in their electronic circular dichroism spectra, suggesting symmetry‐driven modulations. This theoretical work offers crucial information about the optical properties of zeolites.