bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitating Age-Related BMD Textural Variation from DXA Region-Free-Analysis: A Study of Hip Fracture Prediction in Three Cohorts
Authors: Farzi Mohsen , Pozo Jose M. , McCloskey Eugene , Eastell Richard , Harvey Nicholas C. , Frangi Alejandro F. , Wilkinson Jeremy Mark
Published: June 2022

The risk of osteoporotic fracture is inversely related to bone mineral density (BMD), but how spatial BMD pattern influences fracture risk remains incompletely understood. This study used a pixel-level spatiotemporal atlas of proximal femoral BMD in 13,338 white European women (age 20–97 years) to quantitate age-related texture variation in BMD maps and generate a “reference” map of bone aging. We introduce a new index, called Densitometric Bone Age (DBA), as the age at which an individual site-specific BMD map (the proximal femur is studied here) best matches the median aging trajectory at that site in terms of the root mean squared error (RMSE). The ability of DBA to predict incident hip fracture and hip fracture pattern over 5 years following baseline BMD was compared against conventional region-based BMD analysis in a subset of 11,899 women (age 45–97 years), for which follow-up fracture records exist. There were 208 subsequent incident hip fractures in the study populations (138 femoral necks [FNs], 52 trochanteric [TR], 18 sites unspecified). DBA had modestly better performance compared to the conventional FN-BMD, TR-BMD, and total hip (TOT)-BMD in identifying hip fractures measured as the area under the curve (AUC) using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis by 2% (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.5% to 3.5%), 3% (95% CI, 1.0% to 4.0%), and 1% (95% CI, 0.4% to 1.6%), respectively. Compared to FN-BMD T-score, DBA improved the ROC-AUC for predicting TR fractures by ~5% (95% CI, 1.1% to 9.8%) with similar performance in identifying FN fractures. Compared to TR-BMD T-score, DBA improved the ROC-AUC for the prediction of FN fractures by ~3% (95% CI, 1.1% to 4.9%), with similar performance in identifying TR fractures. Our findings suggest that DBA may provide a spatially sensitive measure of proximal femoral fragility that is not captured by FN-BMD or TR-BMD alone. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
“Wellness is wholeness”: Explorations of wellness among Black gay men
Authors: Joe J. Richelle , Heard Nevin J. , Ford, David J.
Published: June 2022

The Indivisible Self Model of Wellness undergirded this mixed methods phenomenological exploration of the conceptualizations and experiences of wellness among nine Black gay men who had not tested positive for HIV. Data sources included in‐depth semistructured interviews and participant responses on the Five Factor Wellness Inventory. The following themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the interview transcripts: holistic self‐love, spiritual journey, kinship, social responsibility, sexual literacy, and approaches to HIV prevention. Additionally, cross‐validation of the qualitative and quantitative data revealed the central roles that social connectedness and spirituality played in these men's lives. Findings from this study provide a detailed picture of wellness within this sample and indicate considerations for expanding wellness to account for sexual health and wellness practices.
Sex difference in cognitive behavioral alterations and barrel cortex neuronal responses in rats exposed prenatally to valproic acid under continuous environmental enrichment
Authors: Sabzalizadeh Mansoureh , Mollashahi Mahtab , Afarinesh Mohammad Reza , Mafi Fatemeh , Joushy Sara , Sheibani Vahid
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that can affect social interactions and sensory‐motor behaviors. The present study investigates the effect of environmental enrichment (EE) on behavioral alterations and neuron responses associated with the barrel cortex of young adult female and male rats exposed prenatally to valproic acid (VPA). Pregnant female rats were pretreated with either saline or VPA (500 mg/kg, IP) on day 12.5 of gestation. Male and female pups were exposed to either EE or standard‐setting (non‐enrichment) conditions for 1 month (between postnatal day [PND] 30 and 63–65) and were divided into non‐EE (control), EE, VPA, and VPA + EE groups. Three‐chamber sociability and social novelty, acoustic startle reflex, and texture discrimination tests were conducted on PND 62. Responses of barrel cortex neurons of male pups were evaluated using the extracellular single‐unit recording technique on PND 63–65. Results showed that the performance of rats of both sexes in social interactions, texture discrimination tasks, and acoustic startle reflex significantly decreased in the VPA groups compared with the control rats (P < 0.05). In this regard, EE attenuated the altered deficit performance observed in the VPA animals compared with the VPA‐EE animals (P < 0.05). The performance of females was better than males in the discrimination tasks and acoustic startle reflex. In contrast, males were better than females in the three‐chamber social interaction test. Additionally, the excitatory receptive field response magnitude of the barrel cortex neurons in the VPA + EE group increased compared with the VPA group (P < 0.05). The results suggest that continuous EE can attenuate cognitive function disturbances in autistic‐like rats and, at least at the behavioral level, the effects depend on sex.
Evaluation of a new ELISA assay for monoclonal free‐light chain detection in patients with cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Abroud Hajer , Beldi‐Ferchiou Asma , Audard Vincent , Lemonnier François , Le Bras Fabien , Belhadj Karim , Moktefi Anissa , Poullot Elsa , El Karoui Khalil , Dupuis Jehan , Maarek Alizée , Roulin Louise , Delfau‐Larue Marie‐Hélène , Oghina Silvia , Kharoubi Mounira , Bézard Mélanie , Zaroui Amira , Damy Thibaud , Molinier‐Frenkel Valérie
Published: June 2022

The causal protein of amyloid light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis is a monoclonal immunoglobulin free light chain (mFLC), which must be quantified in the serum for patient diagnosis and monitoring. Several manufacturers commercialize immunoassays that quantify total kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) FLC, but results can differ greatly between these tests. Here, we compared a recently developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Sebia) with N‐Latex immunonephelometry (Siemens) in 96 patients diagnosed with AL amyloidosis (histologically confirmed) and 48 non‐AL patients sent to our referral center for suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis. ELISA free‐light chain difference (dFLC) were lower than N‐Latex values, and agreement between methods was reduced in the case of involved λ FLC. Diagnosis sensitivity and specificity were >85% with both assays. A receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that ELISA performances could be improved by using a higher value for the lower limit of the κ/λ ratio. We also assessed Freelite (The Binding Site) in a subgroup of these same AL patients, including 18 cases with normal κ/λ ratio by at least one assay. Only two patients had normal κ/λ ratio with all three assays. Overall, ELISA demonstrated slightly lower sensitivity than N‐Latex but may be an alternative to nephelometry/turbidimetry in certain difficult cases.
Antibody titers after a third dose of the SARS‐CoV‐2 BNT162b2 vaccine in immunocompromised adults in Greece: Is a fourth dose necessary?
Authors: Kontopoulou Konstantina , Nakas Christos T. , Belai Chrysoula , Papazisis Georgios
Published: June 2022

Real‐world data suggest that protection against COVID‐19 declines a few months after vaccination, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Our study aimed to analyze the humoral response induced by a third supplemental dose of BNT162b2 vaccine in a mixed group of immunocompromised individuals by determining anti‐spike (anti‐S) IgG antibody titers at baseline (pre‐third vaccine dose) and 4 weeks after the dose. Serum samples were obtained from a total group of 85 immunocompromised individuals (history of cancer: n = 20, lymphoma: n = 4, leukemia: n = 3, transplant recipients: n = 4, autoimmune disease: n = 42, inflammatory disease: n = 6, autoimmune diabetes type 1: n = 6) all of whom had previously received a two‐dose schedule of the vaccine. The average number of days between second and third dose was 139.6145 (±41.39071). The overall IgG GMCs 4 weeks postvaccination were increased by more than 35 times (fold change = 35.30, p < 0.001). Fold changes were not significantly correlated with underlying condition, age, sex nor with days between second and third dose. Considering the predominance of omicron variants in the current period and the results of studies showing a decrease in the effectiveness of the third dose after 10 weeks we highly recommend a fourth dose to this vulnerable population group.
A simple approach for random genomic insertion–deletions using ambiguous sequences in Escherichia coli
Authors: Shekhar Chandra , Maeda Toshinari
Published: June 2022

Escherichia coli K‐12, being one of the best understood and thoroughly analyzed organisms, is the preferred platform for genetic and biochemical research. Among all genetic engineering approaches applied on E. coli, the homologous recombination approach is versatile and precise, which allows engineering genes or large segments of the chromosome directly by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products or synthetic oligonucleotides. The previously explained approaches for random insertion and deletions were reported as technically not easy and laborious. This study, first, finds the minimum length of homology extension that is efficient and accurate for homologous recombination, as 30 nt. Second, proposes an approach utilizing PCR products flanking ambiguous NNN‐sequence (30‐nt) extensions, which facilitate the homologous recombination to recombine them at multiple regions on the genome and generate insertion–deletion mutations. Further analysis found that these mutations were varying in number, that is, multiple genomic regions were deleted. Moreover, evaluation of the phenotype of all the multiple random insertion–deletion mutants demonstrated no significant changes in the normal metabolism of bacteria. This study not only presents the efficiency of ambiguous sequences in making random deletion mutations, but also demonstrates their further applicability in genomics.
Diagnostic Value of Quantitative Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in Comparison to Endoscopy in Children With Crohn's Disease
Authors: Ponorac Slavojka , Dahmane Gošnak Raja , Urlep Darja , Ključevšek Damjana
Published: June 2022

Objective

Quantitative contrast‐enhanced US (CEUS) provides objective evaluation of bowel wall perfusion and has been reported as a useful method for evaluating Crohn's disease (CD) activity in children. We tested its' diagnostic accuracy in comparison to endoscopy and evaluated its' usefulness in comparison to Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) and fecal Calprotectin (FC).

Materials and methods

Children with CD and thickened bowel wall on abdominal US were prospectively enrolled. Disease activity was evaluated with quantitative CEUS, PCDAI and FC and compared to a simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES‐CD). Spearman's correlation and Cohen's kappa statistic between the SES‐CD and other disease activity measures were performed and diagnostic accuracies calculated.

Results

36 children 3.5–18 years old (mean age 14 years) were included. The quantitative CEUS had 78.57% sensitivity (95%CI 0.59–0.92), 100% specificity (95%CI 0.63–1.0) and 83.33% diagnostic accuracy (95% CI 0.67–0.94). The concordance remission agreement with endoscopy was substantial for quantitative CEUS and PCDAI (quantitative CEUS: κ = 0.62; 95% CI 0.363–0.877; PCDAI: κ = 0.615; 95% CI 0.311–0.920), but only fair for FC (κ = 0.389; 95% CI 0.006–0.783). Correlation between all measures and endoscopy was moderate and statistically significant (quantitative CEUS: rs = 0.535, PCDAI: rs = 0.543, FC: rs = 0.497).

Conclusions

Quantitative CEUS has a potential of becoming a complementary method for evaluation of CD activity in children due to its' high specificity in comparison to endoscopy. Lower sensitivity makes it deficient as a single measure and further management should be guided by PCDAI and FC results as well.
Long noncoding RNA LINC01419 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy by mediating miR‐485‐5p/LSM4 axis
Authors: Sun Zeng‐Peng , Tan Zhi‐Guo , Peng Chuang
Published: June 2022

To investigate the effect of long noncoding RNA (LINC01419)/miR‐485‐5p/LSM4 on the malignant behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The expressions of LINC01419, miR‐485‐5p, and LSM4 were determined in HCC at the cellular and clinical levels, and cell biological behavior was evaluated. The relationships between LINC01419, miR‐485‐5p, and LSM4 were predicted and verified. Additionally, the subcellular localization of LINC01419 in HCC cells was analyzed. Finally, an animal experiment was conducted to confirm the effect of LINC01419 silencing on tumor growth. in HCC tissues and cells, LINC01419 and LSM4 were increasingly expressed, but miR‐485‐5p was decreasingly expressed. LINC01419 negatively regulated miR‐485‐5p‐ and miR‐485‐5p‐targeted LSM4. LINC01419 was localized in the cytoplasm of HCC cells. Downregulation of miR‐485‐5p or upregulation of LSM4 reversed the inhibition of HCC cell malignant behavior by LINC01419 interference. LINC01419 sponges miR‐485‐5p to upregulate LSM4 expression, thereby facilitating the biological behavior of HCC cells.
The first glycine‐to‐tryptophan substitution in the COL1A1 gene identified in a patient with progressively‐deforming Osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Sałacińska Kinga , Michałus Izabela , Pinkier Iwona , Rutkowska Lena , Chlebna‐Sokół Danuta , Jakubowska‐Pietkiewicz Elżbieta , Kępczyński Łukasz , Salachna Dominik , Gach Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder of connective tissue with variable phenotype and heterogeneous genetic background. Majority of reported mutations are glycine substitutions, whose clinical outcome ranges from mild to perinatal lethal. The phenotype appears to be influenced by the properties of amino acid side chain and the degree of structural aberration of collagen molecules. Since the genotype–phenotype correlation remains unclear, the severity of mutation is mostly predicted according to previously‐reported cases. Although the number of OI variants is constantly expanding, no glycine‐to‐tryptophan substitutions have been reported in COL1A1 gene.

Methods

A sample from a 15‐year‐old girl presenting with progressively‐deforming OI type III was tested using an NGS custom gene panel. Multiple bioinformatic and interpretation tools, including mutation databases and conservation analysis, were used for variant classification. The presence of the mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing.

Results

A novel heterozygous mutation c.733G>T was identified in the COL1A1 gene (p.Gly245Trp).

Conclusions

The discovery of this novel glycine‐to‐tryptophan substitution located in the COL1A1 gene broadens the spectrum of mutations underlying this rare disease and provides useful information on the clinical outcome of such substitutions.
Interprofessional education to implement patient falls education in hospitals: Lessons learned
Authors: Shaw Louise , Kiegaldie Debra , Heng Hazel , Morris Meg. E.
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to design, deliver and evaluate an interprofessional education programme for healthcare professionals on how to implement a modified version of the safe recovery programme to prevent falls in hospitalized patients.

Design

Mixed methods design incorporating pre‐ and post education surveys and individual semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

Thirty‐four health professional participants attended a 1‐h face‐to‐face or Zoom® interprofessional education session to learn how to deliver an evidence‐based patient falls prevention education strategy, the modified Safe Recovery Programme.

Results

A 1‐hour education session was insufficient to build full confidence to deliver the Safe Recovery Programme. There was no statistically significant change in participant views on interprofessional collaboration. Participants recommended prior consultation and preparation before delivery of IPE, with additional opportunities for discussion and feedback during implementation with patients. The findings highlight the importance of interprofessional education for evidence‐based interventions in hospitals. Health professionals value education that is timely, interactive, realistic and engaging.
The effect of polymer molecular weights on the electrical, rheological, and vapor sensing behavior of polycarbonate/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Li Yilong , Duan Xuyuan , Nie Cong , Jia Yunchao , Zheng Hongjuan
Published: June 2022

Conductive polymer composites (CPCs) based on polycarbonate/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PC/MWCNT) were fabricated by melt mixing. By selecting the PCs with different molecular weights, three kinds of PC/MWCNT composites were obtained. The CPCs containing low viscous PC (lPC) had the lowest percolation threshold (0.06 vol%) as compared to those of medium viscous PC (mPC) (0.07 vol%) and high viscous PC (hPC) (0.13 vol%), which was attributed to the best MWCNT dispersion in matrix. Light microscopy images also demonstrated that lPC/MWCNT composite had the smallest undispersed filler agglomerates than the other two corresponding PC/MWCNT composites with the same filler loading (0.25 wt%). In terms of rheological measurements, rheological percolation occurred at a lower filler content for lPC/MWCNT than mPC/MWCNT and hPC/MWCNT composites. The chemo‐resistive properties of composites towards organic vapors were investigated by measuring relative resistance change of CPCs upon vapor immersion‐drying cycles. CPCs exhibited different sensing tendencies towards different organic vapors. lPC based CPCs exhibit higher relative resistance change as compared to mPC and hPC based CPCs because of their loosely overlapped conductive network, which are easily changed under polymer swelling. Besides, sample thickness is another factor that determined the vapor sensing performance of CPCs. Furthermore, relative resistance change of composites is found to be closely related with vapor concentration. This work presents a new thought in understanding filler dispersion in PC with different molecular weights, which has implication of turning conductive network structure and sensing performance of composites.
Current peptide vaccine and immunotherapy approaches against Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Parrocha Chelsea Marie T. , Nowick James S.
Published: June 2022

Peptide vaccines and immunotherapies against aggregating proteins involved in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD)—the β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) and tau—are promising therapeutic avenues against AD. Two decades of effort has led to the controversial United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the monoclonal antibody Aducanumab (Aduhelm), which has subsequentially sparked the revival and expedited review of promising monoclonal antibody immunotherapies that target Aβ. In this review, we explore the development of Aβ and tau peptide vaccines and immunotherapies with monoclonal antibodies in clinical trials against AD.
Serum prolactin level as a predictive factor for abiraterone response in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Yang Tao , Liu Ying , Chen Shuzhen , Tian Jiale , Zhu Xuyou , Zhang Long , Wang Wei , Qin Yingyi , Richter Jens , Anand Aseem , Xu Chengdang , Chi Yongnan , Wang Chenyang , Bian Cuidong , Wu Denglong , Li Zhenfei , Huang Shengsong
Published: June 2022

Background

To investigate the prognostic value and potential therapeutic target of the baseline serum hormones in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with abiraterone.

Methods

This retrospective study was performed in patients with mCRPC receiving abiraterone acetate (AA) from July 2016 to September 2020. Patients who had serum hormone tests within 2 weeks before AA treatment were included. Univariate analysis and Cox regression were performed to evaluate the correlation of sex hormones with progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Prolactin (PRL) expression in the clinical specimens was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Bone metastases were quantified by automated Bone Scan Index (aBSI).

Results

The study included 61 patients with a median follow‐up of 19.0 months. Patients with lower baseline PRL levels (median) responded better to AA than those with higher baseline PRL levels as indicated by prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) reduction (PSA90, 66.7% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.001), PFS (19.6 vs. 7.9 months), and OS (52.8 vs. 19.2 months). Cox regression adjusted for clinical factors also confirmed that baseline PRL level was an independent predictive factor for PFS (hazard ratio = 1.096, p = 0.007). Prostatic PRL expression increased as the disease progressed. PRL expression was also detected in biopsy samples from bone metastasis but not in normal bone tissue, and the serum PRL levels were positively correlated with aBSIs (r = 0.28, p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Serum PRL levels are predictive of response to AA in patients with mCRPC. Serum PRL levels are positively correlated with the volume of metastatic bone disease.
Yb/Se/WO3/Yb Thin Film Transistors as Rectifiers, N‐Channel Metal Oxide Semiconductor Capacitors, Laser Sensors, and Microwave Bandstop Filters
Authors: Qasrawi Atef Fayez , Daragme Rana B.
Published: June 2022

Herein, Yb/p–Se/p–WO3/Yb heterojunctions are employed as multifunctional devices. The devices which show back‐to‐back Schottky (BBS) diode characteristics are prepared by the thermal evaporation method under a vacuum pressure of 10−5mbar. The structural and morphological analyses on these heterojunctions have shown the growth of amorphous WO3onto meshed nano/microwire network of hexagonal selenium. The BBS diodes display voltage‐controlled current rectification ratios. In addition, the domination of the thermionic and tunneling current conduction mechanisms in the transistors is computationally investigated. Moreover, studies of the capacitance–voltage characteristic curves demonstrate the performance of the devices as n‐channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) field‐effect transistors responsive in the frequency domain of 1.0–50.0 MHz. Furthermore, the impedance spectroscopy measurements in the frequency domain of 0.01–1.80 GHz indicate the possibility of using the BBS diodes as bandstop filters. The microwave cutoff frequency of these filters reaches 1.06 GHz. On the other hand, when ohmic contacts are formed on the glass/Se/WO3part using two carbon electrodes, the active layer between the electrodes displays high sensitivity to light irradiations from He–Ne lasers, indicating the possibility of performing as photosensors.
A semi‐mechanistic dose‐finding design in oncology using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling
Authors: Su Xiao , Li Yisheng , Müller Peter , Hsu Chia‐Wei , Pan Haitao , Do Kim‐Anh
Published: June 2022

While a number of phase I dose‐finding designs in oncology exist, the commonly used ones are either algorithmic or empirical model‐based. We propose a new framework for modeling the dose–response relationship, by systematically incorporating the pharmacokinetic (PK) data collected in the trial and the hypothesized mechanisms of the drug effects, via dynamic PK/PD modeling, as well as modeling of the relationship between a latent cumulative pharmacologic effect and a binary toxicity outcome. This modeling framework naturally incorporates the information on the impact of dose, schedule and method of administration (e.g., drug formulation and route of administration) on toxicity. The resulting design is an extension of existing designs that make use of pre‐specified summary PK information (such as the area under the concentration‐time curve [AUC] or maximum serum concentration [Cmax]). Our simulation studies show, with moderate departure from the hypothesized mechanisms of the drug action, that the performance of the proposed design on average improves upon those of the common designs, including the continual reassessment method (CRM), Bayesian optimal interval (BOIN) design, modified toxicity probability interval (mTPI) method, and a design called PKLOGIT that models the effect of the AUC on toxicity. In case of considerable departure from the underlying drug effect mechanism, the performance of the design is shown to be comparable with that of the other designs. We illustrate the proposed design by applying it to the setting of a phase I trial of a γ‐secretase inhibitor in metastatic or locally advanced solid tumors. We also provide R code to implement the proposed design.
Tautomerism of cytosine, cytidine, and deoxycytidine: Proton transfer through water bridges
Authors: Stoyanova Nina , Enchev Venelin
Published: June 2022

Altogether six tautomers of cytosine and three tautomers of cytidine and deoxycytidine are studied theoretically in the gas phase and in a microhydrated environment. Their structures are optimized at MP2/6–31 + G(d,p) level. The relative energies of the isolated and the hydrated tautomers included the correction to higher correlation energy terms evaluated at the SCS‐MP2, MP4, and CCSD(T) levels. The free energies at 298 K and higher temperatures are based on the above‐mentioned relative energies and temperature‐dependent enthalpy terms and entropies evaluated at the MP2/6–31 + G(d,p) level. Theoretical predictions for the coexistence of five species for cytosine in the gas phase (canonical, trans‐ and cis‐enol‐amino, trans‐ and cis‐imino‐oxo forms) fully agree with recent experimental results. Five‐hydrated cytosine tautomeric forms of are investigated at CPCM/SCS‐MP2/6–31 + G(d,p) level to evaluate the interconversion barriers between them and to explain the coexistence, experimentally proven, of two amino‐oxo and one imino‐oxo tautomers of cytosine in aqueous solution. The presence of coordinated water molecules acting as a catalyst make the tautomerization processes quite easier. It appeared clear from the obtained data that the influence of the hydrogen‐bonded water molecules as well as the introduction of solvent effects in reducing the height of the tautomerization barriers for these five‐hydrated systems is quite substantial. Similar results are obtained for the tri‐hydrated cytidine and the 2‐deoxycytidine tautomeric forms. In aqueous solution of cytidine, syn‐ and syn‐clinal‐conformers оf the amino‐oxo tautomer should coexist with small amounts of syn‐ and syn‐clinal conformers оf imino‐oxo tautomer. For 2‐deoxycytidine an equilibrium has been found to exist between the syn‐ and anti‐conformers of the amino‐oxo and the imino‐oxo tautomers. The water‐assisted proton transfer reactions released through asynchronous concerted mechanism and the conformation of the sugar ring in nucleosides does not change during the tautomerization.
Enhanced gain‐scheduling fault estimation of discrete‐time Takagi–Sugeno nonlinear systems: A novel free matrix approach
Authors: Xie Xiangpeng , Wan Lei , Xia Jianwei
Published: June 2022

A novel gain‐scheduling fault estimation is developed on the direction of improving algorithm efficiency based on discrete‐time Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy models. Different from the traditional results in which the zero‐order free matrices are applied, a novel free matrix approach is proposed and the higher‐order free matrices are for the first time introduced in designing conditions of the fuzzy gain‐scheduling fault estimation observer. For each working mode, its proprietary properties about current‐time normalized fuzzy weighting functions are made full use and thus the anti‐interference ability of the developed fuzzy gain‐scheduling fault estimation observer is enhanced without any increase of either the consumed time of solving the required designing criterion or the number of gain scalars needed to be stored in random access memory of the computer in real time. It does provide a good chance to obtain equal or better results of fuzzy gain‐scheduling fault estimation with the usage of much less computing resource than before, which is much meaningful to the applications of theoretical methods. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of our developed free matrix approach are tested and validated by using performance comparisons on the benchmark example.
The path to sustainable municipal solid waste management: Do human development, energy efficiency, and income inequality matter?
Authors: Kocak Emrah , Baglitas Hayriye Hilal
Published: June 2022

This paper explores the economic, social, and technical dynamics affecting municipal solid waste (MSW) per capita in organisation for economic co‐operation and development (OECD) countries from 2003 to 2018. Static and dynamic panel data methods are followed for empirical analysis. According to the estimation results, there is an inverted‐U‐shaped relationship between economic growth and MSW. The turning point income level, where technological and structural effects occur, is calculated in the range of $20,000–$34,000. Human development and energy efficiency have mitigating effects on MSW. Energy efficiency and human development are critical for sustainable MSW management. Credit expansion has an increasing effect on MSW generation. Financial development draws attention as a negative indicator in sustainable waste management targets. All models confirm that income inequality has an increasing effect on MSW generation. In addition, poverty reduction is associated with an increase in MSW generation. Thus, income inequality and poverty reduction are a major constraint for sustainable MSW management. After all, the empirical findings of this paper can guide authorities in designing waste management policies.
Ion/Electron Redistributed 3D Flexible Host for Achieving Highly Reversible Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Jiang Huai , Zhou Yangen , Guan Caohong , Bai Maohui , Qin Furong , Yi Maoyi , Li Jie , Hong Bo , Lai Yanqing
Published: June 2022

3D carbon frameworks are promising hosts to achieve highly reversible lithium (Li) metal anodes, whereas insufficient effects are attributed to their single electron conductivity causing local aggregating of electron/Li+ and uncontrollable Li dendrites. Herein, an ion/electron redistributed 3D flexible host is designed by lithiophilic carbon fiber cloth (CFC) modified with metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived porous carbon sheath with embedded CoP nanoparticles (CoP‐C@CFC). Theory calculations demonstrate the strong binding energy and plenty of charge transfer from the reaction between CoP and Li atom are presented, which is beneficial to in situ construct a Li3P@Co ion/electron conductive interface on every single CoP‐C@CFC. Thanks to the high ionic conductive Li3P and electron‐conductive Co nanoparticles, the rapid dispersion of Li+ and obviously reduced local current density can be achieved simultaneously. Furthermore, in situ optical microscopy observations display obvious depression for volume expansion and Li dendrites. As expected, a miraculous average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.96% over 1100 cycles at 3 mA cm‐2 and a low overpotential of 11.5 mV with prolonged cycling of over 3200 h at 20% depth of discharge are successfully obtained. Consequently, the CoP‐C@CFC‐Li||LiFePO4 full cells maintain a capacity retention of 95.8% with high CE of 99.96% over 500 cycles at 2 C and excellent rate capability.
In Situ Atomic‐Scale Observation of Electrochemical (De)potassiation in Te Nanowires
Authors: Liu Fang , Meng Jiashen , Wang Hong , Chen Shulin , Yu Ruohan , Gao Peng , Wu Jinsong
Published: June 2022

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have great potential in energy storage due to their high abundance and low cost of potassium resources. Tellurium (Te) is a promising PIB cathode due to its high volumetric capacity and good electronic conductivity. However, the electrochemical (de)potassiation mechanism of Te remains elusive due to the lack of an effective method of directly observing the dynamic reaction at atomic resolution. Here, the phase transformations of single crystal Te on (de)potassiation are clearly revealed by in situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Te undergoes a consecutive phase transformation during potassiation: from Te to K2Te3 in the initial potassiation, and then part of the K2Te3 to K5Te3 on further potassiation. The reaction has extremely high reversibility in the following depotassiation. By atomic‐scale observation, an anisotropic reaction mechanism where K+ intercalates into Te crystalline lattice preferentially through the (001) plane (having a large d‐spacing) is established during potassiation. While in the depotassiation process, K ions extract from the polycrystalline KxTe along the same diffusion path to form single crystal Te, indicating the potassium storage is highly reversible. The strong orientation‐dependent (de)potassiation mechanism revealed by this work provides implications for the future design of nanostructured cathodes for high‐performance PIBs.
Ru‐ and Cl‐Codoped Li3V2(PO4)3 with Enhanced Performance for Lithium‐Ion Batteries in a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Liang Minxia , Li Longgang , Cui Xiang , Qi Shuo , Wang Lei , Dong Hanghang , Chen Xianfei , Wang Yong , Chen Shuangqiang , Wang Guoxiu
Published: June 2022

Li3V2(PO4)3 (LVP) is a promising cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries, especially when used in a wide temperature range, due to its high intrinsic ionic mobility and theoretical capacity. Herein, Ru‐ and Cl‐codoped Li3V2(PO4)3 (LVP‐Rux‐Cl3x) coated with/without a nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) layer are synthesized. Among them, the optimized sample (LVP‐Ru0.05‐Cl0.15@NC) delivers remarkable performances at both room temperature and extreme temperatures (−40, 25, and 60 °C), indicating temperature adaptability. It achieves intriguing capacities (49 mAh g−1 at −40 °C, 128 mAh g−1 at 25 °C, and 123 mAh g−1 at 60 °C, all at 0.5 C), long cycle life (94% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 25 °C and 5 C), and high‐rate capabilities (up to 20 C). The structural evolution features and capacity loss mechanisms of LVP‐Ru0.05‐Cl0.15@NC are further investigated using in situ X‐ray diffraction (XRD) at different temperatures (−10, 25, and 60 °C) during redox reactions. Theoretical calculations elucidate that Ru‐ and Cl‐codoping can greatly improve the intrinsic diffusion coefficient of LVP by reducing its bandgap energy and lowering the energy barrier of lithium‐ion diffusion. In “all‐weather” conditions, the dual‐element co‐doping strategy is critical for increasing electrochemical performance.
Complete genome sequence and phylogenetic analysis of medicinal plant Abrus cantoniensis for evolutionary research and germplasm utilization
Authors: Xu Shiqiang , Li Fangping , Wu Bingqi , Mei Yu , Wang Jingming , Wang Jihua
Published: June 2022

Abrus cantoniensis Hance, a native medicinal plant in southern China, is officially recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Here, we presented the first high‐quality genome in Abrus genus, A. cantoniensis genome, as well as the detailed genomic information. The assembled genome size was 381.27 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 18.95 Mb, and 98.97% of the assembled sequences were anchored on 11 pseudochromosomes. The A. cantoniensis genome comprised 25,058 protein‐coding genes and 45.12% of the assemblies were repetitive sequences. Comparative genome analysis suggested that chromosome translocation and inversion played an important role in the differentiation of Abrus. In addition, 24 toxin‐related genes were identified, which formed two tandem gene clusters on chromosomes 2 and 3. The chromosome‐level genome of A. cantoniensis obtained in this work provides a valuable resource for understanding the evolution, active ingredient biosynthesis, and genetic improvement for A. cantoniensis and Abrus species.
SU(3) breaking effects in B and D meson lifetimes
Authors: King Daniel , Lenz Alexander , Rauh Thomas
Published: June 2022

Abstract

In the heavy quark expansion (HQE) of the total decay rates of Bs and $$ {D}_s^{+} $$

D
s
+

mesons non-perturbative matrix elements of four quark operators are arising as phase space enhanced contributions. We present the first determination of ms effects to the dimension six matrix elements of these four quark operators via a heavy quark effective theory (HQET) sum rule analysis. In addition we calculate for the first time eye contractions of the four quark operators as well as matrix elements of penguin operators. For the perturbative part we solve the 3-loop contribution to the sum rule and we evaluate condensate contributions. In this study we work in the strict HQET limit and our results can also be used to estimate the size of the matrix element of the Darwin operator via equations of motion.
New oscillation and scattering constraints on the tau row matrix elements without assuming unitarity
Authors: Denton Peter B. , Gehrlein Julia
Published: June 2022

Abstract

The tau neutrino is the least well measured particle in the Standard Model. Most notably, the tau neutrino row of the lepton mixing matrix is quite poorly constrained when unitarity is not assumed. In this paper, we identify data sets involving tau neutrinos that improve our understanding of the tau neutrino part of the mixing matrix, in particular ντ appearance in atmospheric neutrinos. We present new results on the elements of the tau row leveraging existing constraints on the electron and muon rows for the cases of unitarity violation, with and without kinematically accessible steriles. We also show the expected sensitivity due to upcoming experiments and demonstrate that the tau neutrino row precision may be comparable to the muon neutrino row in a careful combined fit.
Photoaging: UV radiation-induced inflammation and immunosuppression accelerate the aging process in the skin
Authors: Salminen Antero , Kaarniranta Kai , Kauppinen Anu
Published: June 2022

Background

Excessive exposure of the skin to UV radiation (UVR) triggers a remodeling of the immune system and leads to the photoaging state which is reminiscent of chronological aging. Over 30 years ago, it was observed that UVR induced an immunosuppressive state which inhibited skin contact hypersensitivity.

Methods

Original and review articles encompassing inflammation and immunosuppression in the photoaging and chronological aging processes were examined from major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.

Results

Currently it is known that UVR treatment can trigger a cellular senescence and inflammatory state in the skin. Chronic low-grade inflammation stimulates a counteracting immunosuppression involving an expansion of immunosuppressive cells, e.g., regulatoryTcells (Treg), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), and regulatory dendritic cells (DCreg). This increased immunosuppressive activity not only suppresses the function of effector immune cells, a state called immunosenescence, but it also induces bystander degeneration of neighboring cells. Interestingly, the chronological aging process also involves an accumulation of pro-inflammatory senescent cells and signs of chronic low-grade inflammation, called inflammaging. There is also clear evidence that inflammaging is associated with an increase in anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities which promote immunosenescence.

Conclusion

It seems that photoaging and normal aging evoke similar processes driven by the remodeling of the immune system. However, it is likely that there are different molecular mechanisms inducing inflammation and immunosuppression in the accelerated photoaging and the chronological aging processes.
Meniscus Sign in Patients with Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke does not Predict Outcome
Authors: Miranda André , Abdelnaby Ramy , Araújo André , Rodrigues Marta , Battistella Valeria , Roriz José Mário , Rodrigues Carmélia , Wiesmann Martin , Schulz Jörg B. , Nikoubashman Omid , Reich Arno , Ribeiro Manuel , Pinho João
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The angiographic appearance of the occlusion site was suggested to influence outcomes of stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) who undergo endovascular treatment (EVT). We aimed to study the impact of the meniscus sign (MS) on outcomes of stroke patients with anterior circulation LVO.

Methods

Based on two prospective registries of acute ischemic stroke, we selected patients with carotid‑T, M1 or M2 occlusion who underwent EVT. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected from the registries or from individual records. Two independent observers blinded to outcomes assessed the presence of MS in digital subtraction angiography before thrombectomy. Angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with and without MS were compared.

Results

We included 903 patients, with median age of 78 years, 59.8% were male, median baseline NIHSS was 14 and 39.5% received intravenous thrombolysis. Patients with MS (n = 170, 18.8%) were more frequently female, presented with higher NIHSS scores and more frequently underwent intravenous thrombolysis. Presence of MS was significantly associated with cardioembolic etiology. Successful reperfusion, number of passes, first pass effect, procedural time, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, in-hospital mortality and favorable 3‑month functional outcome were similar in the groups of patients with and without MS. In the multivariable analyses, MS was not associated with successful reperfusion (odds ratio, OR = 1.08, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.76–1.55), first pass effect (OR = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.48–1.92) or favorable 3‑month outcome (OR = 1.40, 95%CI = 0.88–2.24).

Conclusion

The presence of MS in acute ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who undergo EVT does not appear to influence angiographic or clinical outcomes.
A comprehensive efficiency evaluation of conventional and ablation sand casting on the example of the AlSi7Mg alloy impeller
Authors: Hafeez Faisal , Ahmed Naveed , Ali Muhammad Asad , Farooq Muhammad Umar , AlFaify Abdullah Yahia , Rehman Ateekh Ur
Published: June 2022

Ablation sand casting is a new technology for casting aluminum alloys which helps to achieve superior cooling trends during the solidification and results in eutectic microstructure, reduced degree of defects, and improved mechanical attributes. To further enhance the functionality, water-soluble binder-based sand molds are used in conjunction with appropriate control over process parameters for specialized applications such as complex and thin-walled impeller manufacturing. In this regard, the influence of key process parameters including binder ratio (BR), sand grain fineness number (AFS number), and pouring temperature (PT) is investigated thoroughly on the mechanical characteristics (ultimate tensile strength and hardness) and dimensional accuracy of the thin-walled impeller. Ablation sand casting revealed exceptionally enhanced mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy as compared to conventional sand casting. The AFS number and binder ratio were most significant for controlling the dimensional accuracy. Multi-response optimization through Grey Relational Analysis reveals the optimal setting PT = 800 ℃, ASF number = 45, BR = 5% for lower dimensional deviation, higher hardness, and ultimate tensile strength through conventional sand casting. While for ablation case, the optimal conditions PT = 850 ℃, ASF number = 40, BR = 9% are attained against desired attributes. The attributes are significantly improved through ablated sand casting, dimensional accuracy 31.6%, hardness 58.9% and ultimate tensile strength 41.82%, and fractography analysis depicted the ductile fracture surface. The current technology is drawing attention of industry because of its potential in producing castings with superior mechanical properties and improved internal integrity.
Bone Turnover Marker Profiling and Fracture Risk in Older Women: Fracture Risk from Age 75 to 90
Authors: Ivaska Kaisa K. , McGuigan Fiona E. , Malmgren Linnea , Gerdhem Paul , Johansson Helena , Kanis John A. , Akesson Kristina E.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

A major challenge in osteoporosis is to identify individuals at high fracture risk. We investigated six bone turnover markers (BTMs) to determine association with specific fracture types; the time-frame for risk prediction and whether these are influenced by age at assessment.

Methods

Population-based OPRA cohort (n = 1044) was assessed at ages 75, 80, 85 and fractures documented for up to 15 years. Six BTMs were analyzed at each time-point (N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen, PINP; total osteocalcin, OC; bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, BALP; C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX; tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, TRAcP5b; urinary osteocalcin). Hazard ratios (HR) for any, major osteoporotic, vertebral and hip fractures were calculated as short (1, 2, 3 years) and long-term risk (5, 10, 15 years).

Results

At 75 year, high CTX levels were associated with an increased risk of all fractures, including major osteoporotic fractures, across most time-frames (HRs ranging: 1.28 to 2.28). PINP was not consistently associated. Urinary osteocalcin was consistently associated with elevated short-term risk (HRs ranging: 1.83–2.72). Other BTMs were directionally in accordance, though not all statistically significant. BTMs were not predictive for hip fractures. Association of all BTMs attenuated over time; at 80 year none were associated with an increased fracture risk.

Conclusion

CTX, urinary OC and TRAcP5b are predictive for fracture in a 1 to 3 year, perspective, whereas in the long-term or above age 80 years, BTMs appear less valuable. Resorption markers, particularly CTX, were more consistently associated with fracture risk than formation markers in the very elderly.