bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultralow‐Power Vertical Transistors for Multilevel Decoding Modes
Authors: Zhang Qing , Li Enlong , Wang Yongshuai , Gao Changsong , Wang Congyong , Li Lin , Geng Dechao , Chen Huipeng , Chen Wei , Hu Wenping
Published: November 2022

Organic field‐effect transistors with parallel transmission and learning functions are of interest in the development of brain‐inspired neuromorphic computing. However, the poor performance and high power consumption are the two main issues limiting their practical applications. Herein, an ultralow‐power vertical transistor is demonstrated based on transition‐metal carbides/nitrides (MXene) and organic single crystal. The transistor exhibits a high JON of 16.6 mA cm−2 and a high JON/JOFF ratio of 9.12 × 105 under an ultralow working voltage of −1 mV. Furthermore, it can successfully simulate the functions of biological synapse under electrical modulation along with consuming only 8.7 aJ of power per spike. It also permits multilevel information decoding modes with a significant gap between the readable time of professionals and nonprofessionals, producing a high signal‐to‐noise ratio up to 114.15 dB. This work encourages the use of vertical transistors and organic single crystal in decoding information and advances the development of low‐power neuromorphic systems.
On‐Demand Polarization Controllable Liquid Crystal Laser
Authors: Ali Taimoor , Elston Steve J. , Lin Jia‐De , Morris Stephen M.
Published: November 2022

A polarization controllable band‐edge liquid crystal (LC) laser configuration is presented that provides on‐demand control of the polarization state of the laser using a four electrode in‐plane configuration to drive a nematic LC layer. By controlling the orientation of the electric field, and thus the orientation of the optic axis of the nematic LC, as well as the retardance, any laser polarization state (e.g., circular, elliptical) can, in principle, be created that is aligned along any desired direction in a plane perpendicular to the propagation direction. After calibrating the tuneable nematic device with a He‐Ne laser that has a well‐defined polarization state, control of the LC laser polarization is then demonstrated, where it is shown that different polarization states and orientations thereof can be obtained by changing the relative combination and amplitudes of the voltages applied to each of the four electrodes. It is found, however, that achieving a pure linear polarization state is challenging, which may indicate that the polarization from the LC laser is not a well‐defined circularly polarized state. These thin‐film LC lasers with full polarization control are potentially important for a variety of different applications ranging from the biomedical to the display industries.
Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells with Viewing‐Angle‐Independent Janus Structural Colors
Authors: De Chen Jing , Liu Hui‐Min , Ren Hao , Zhang Ye‐Fan , Hou Hong‐Yi , Li Yan‐Qing , Su Zisheng , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: November 2022

Semitransparent organic solar cells (STOSCs) hold great promise for applications ranging from building‐integrated photovoltaics to portable electronic devices, yet often challenging over the realization of color tunability. The structural colors generated by microcavity, subwavelength grating, or photonic crystals are highly dependent on the viewing angle, which limits the application of STOSCs in real scenarios. Herein, the spectrally selective substrates consisting of silica spheres‐based amorphous photonic crystals (APCs) are proposed to unify the optical spectra of STOSCs at different viewing angles. By optimizing the periodicity of APCs, STOSCs exhibit viewing‐angle‐independent reflection with colors varying from blue to pink. The synergetic interplay between the reflection of APCs and the absorption of active layer results in the Janus optical effect that the transmitted light is fixed at blue regardless of the reflected color. The STOSCs on flexible plastic retain the stable color even at bending state. These results pave the way for the potential application of colorful solar photovoltaic glass curtains.
Amplitude‐Controlled Electromagnetic Pulse Switching Using Waveguide Junctions for High‐Speed Computing Processes
Authors: MacDonald Ross Glyn , Yakovlev Alex , Pacheco-Peña Victor
Published: November 2022

Performing computational tasks with wave‐based devices is becoming a groundbreaking paradigm that can open new opportunities for the next generation of efficient analogue/digital computing systems. Decision‐making process for switching and routing of signals is fundamental for computing as it enables the transfer of information from one to many (or single) blocks within a system. Herein, a technique is proposed for the design of pulse‐based switching devices for the computing of fundamental decision‐making processes. Information is encoded from multiple channels as transverse electromagnetic (TEM) pulses of varying amplitudes and polarities propagating through interconnected parallel plate waveguides modeled as simple transmission lines. An in‐depth description of the technique is presented showing how switching and routing of information can be engineered by exploiting the linear splitting and superposition of multiple pulses traveling through waveguide junctions. To demonstrate the potential of the technique, two devices are developed: a comparator which can calculate the largest value between two real‐valued numbers and a pulse director which exploits the reciprocity of waveguide junctions to create a similar yet different performance of a traditional AND gate (emulating its performance via the analogue linear system). These findings may open new pathways for high‐speed electromagnetic pulse‐based computing systems.
Synthesis of Novel 3’,3’‐cyclic Dinucleotide Analogues Targeting STING Protein
Authors: Magand Jérémy , Roy Vincent , Meudal Hervé , Rose Stéphanie , Quesniaux Valérie , Chalupska Dominika , Agrofoglio Luigi A.
Published: November 2022

The Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) plays an important role in innate immunity by inducing type I interferons in response to sensing viral or bacterial cytosolic DNA. Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are known to activate STING. Here, we describe the synthesis and biological evaluation of two new 3’,3’‐CDN, in which the internucleotide linkages were replaced, respectively, by a 1,2,3‐triazole moiety (as more stable isosteres of phosphate linkers) and an unsaturated carbon chain (as flexibility can led to crucial binding affinity and specificity). Thus, CuAAC and macrocyclization by RCM are the two key steps.
Encapsulating Metal Nanoparticles into a Layered Zeolite Precursor with Surface Silanol Nests Enhances Sintering Resistance**
Authors: Li Ang , Zhang Yuyan , Heard Christopher J. , Gołąbek Kinga , Ju Xiaohui , Čejka Jiří , Mazur Michal
Published: November 2022

Supported metal nanoparticles are used as heterogeneous catalysts but often deactivated due to sintering at high temperatures. Confining metal species into a porous matrix reduces sintering, yet supports rarely provide additional stabilization. Here, we used the silanol‐rich layered zeolite IPC‐1P to stabilize ultra‐small Rh nanoparticles. By adjusting the IPC‐1P interlayer space through swelling, we prepared various architectures, including microporous and disordered mesoporous. In situ scanning transmission electron microscopy confirmed that Rh nanoparticles are resistant to sintering at high temperature (750 °C, 6 hrs). Rh clusters strongly bind to surface silanol quadruplets at IPC‐1P layers by hydrogen transfer to clusters, while high silanol density hinders their migration based on density functional theory calculations. Ultimately, combining swelling with long‐chain surfactant and utilizing metal‐silanol interactions resulted in a novel, catalytically active material—Rh@IPC_C22.
Combining Deep Eutectic Solvents with TEMPO‐based Polymer Electrodes: Influence of Molar Ratio on Electrode Performance**
Authors: Uhl Matthias , Geng Tanja , Schuster Philipp A. , Schick Benjamin W. , Kruck Matthias , Fuoss Alexander , Kuehne Alexander J. C. , Jacob Timo
Published: November 2022

For sustainable energy storage, all‐organic batteries based on redox‐active polymers promise to become an alternative to lithium ion batteries. Yet, polymers contribute to the goal of an all‐organic cell as electrodes or as solid electrolytes. Here, we replace the electrolyte with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of sodium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (NaTFSI) and N‐methylacetamide (NMA), while using poly(2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl‐oxyl methacrylate) (PTMA) as cathode. The successful combination of a DES with a polymer electrode is reported here for the first time. The electrochemical stability of PTMA electrodes in the DES at the eutectic molar ratio of 1 : 6 is comparable to conventional battery electrolytes. More viscous electrolytes with higher salt concentration can hinder cycling at high rates. Lower salt concentration leads to decreasing capacities and faster decomposition. The eutectic mixture of 1 : 6 is best suited uniting high stability and moderate viscosity.
Does Charge Influence the Response in Oxyanion Binding Europium(III) Complexes?
Authors: Hery Simon , Grenier Laura L. A. , Sørensen Thomas J.
Published: November 2022

Through the synthesis of a positively charged europium complex, with a structure derived from the DO2A (1, 4, 7, 10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐1, 7‐diacetic acid), we were able to explore the influence of charge on the interaction between coordinatively unsaturated lanthanide complexes and charged oxyanions. The data suggest that the positive charge of the lanthanide host does not allow better selectivity between the differently and negatively charged oxyanion guests. Although, binding constants seem greatly improved with charge for the α‐hydroxycarboxylates investigated here.
Antiparasitic activities of bimetallic N‐heterocyclic carbene gold(I) complexes with ferrocene ligands: Relevance of chlorido and phosphino ligands
Authors: Al Nasr Ibrahim S. , Weise Markus , Koko Waleed S. , Khan Tariq A. , Schobert Rainer , Biersack Bernhard
Published: November 2022

Gold(I) complexes carrying imidazole‐2‐ylidene ligands and ferrocene substituents were prepared. Their activities against protozoal Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii parasites were analyzed. Certain gold(I) complexes with chlorido and 1,1′‐bis(triphenylphosphino)ferrocene ligands revealed promising antiparasitic effects. The new chlorido complexes 5b and 5c showed high activities against T. gondii tachyzoites and L. major promastigotes while the new ferrocene‐bridged bis‐gold(I) complexes 8a and 8b were particularly active against L. major amastigotes and considerably selective as to toxicity results from Vero cells and macrophages.
Sleep problems in autism: Sex differences in the school‐age population
Authors: Estes Annette , Munson Jeffrey , St. John Tanya , Finlayson Robin , Pandey Juhi , Gottlieb Bridget , Herrington John , Schultz Robert T.
Published: November 2022

Clinically significant sleep problems affect up to 86% of the autistic population in school‐age. Sleep problems can have negative impacts on child cognition, behavior, and health. However, sex differences in the prevalence and types of sleep problems are not well understood in autism. To evaluate sex differences in sleep problems in the school‐age autistic population, we obtained parent‐report of sleep problems on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and conducted direct assessments to establish diagnosis and intellectual ability in 6–12‐year‐old children (autismn = 250; typical development [TD]n = 114). Almost 85% of autistic females demonstrated sleep problems compared to 65.8% of autistic males, 44.8% of TD females, and 42.4% of TD males; a statistically significant increase for autistic females. Autistic females demonstrated increased bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety, and sleepiness, and decreased sleep duration, but did not differ in sleep onset delay, night wakings, parasomnias, or disordered breathing compared with autistic males. Intellectual ability was not related to increased sleep problems. Higher anxiety scores were associated with more sleep problems for males but not females. In one of the first studies to evaluate sex differences in sleep in the school‐age, autistic population, autistic females demonstrated increased sleep problems compared to autistic males, TD females, and TD males. Current autism assessment and intervention practices may benefit from increased attention to sleep problems in autistic school‐age females and to anxiety in autistic males to enhance well‐being and behavioral and health outcomes.
Prepregnancy exposure to dietary arsenic and congenital heart defects
Authors: Suhl Jonathan , Conway Kristin M. , Rhoads Anthony , Langlois Peter H. , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Michalski Adrian M. , Oleson Jacob , Sidhu Alpa , Scholz Thomas D. , Kancherla Vijaya , Obrycki John , Mazumdar Maitreyi , Romitti Paul A. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Arsenic crosses the placenta and accumulates in fetal tissues. In the United States, diet is the predominant route of arsenic exposure, but epidemiologic data are sparse regarding this exposure and development of birth defects. Using data from a large case‐control study, we explored associations between maternal dietary arsenic exposure and congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most prevalent birth defects.

Methods

We used maternal self‐reported dietary assessments and arsenic concentration estimates in food items to estimate average daily exposure to dietary arsenic during the year before pregnancy for mothers of 10,446 unaffected control children and 6,483 case children diagnosed with CHDs. Using tertiles of dietary exposure to total arsenic (all species) and inorganic arsenic, we applied logistic regression analysis to estimate associations for middle and high tertiles, compared with the low tertile.

Results

Positive associations (odds ratio [OR] ≥ 1.2) for total arsenic were observed in both tertiles for perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) and high tertile only for double outlet right ventricle‐transposition of the great arteries (DORV‐TGA), partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR), and tricuspid atresia. Positive associations were also observed in both tertiles (tricuspid atresia) and high tertile only (DORV‐TGA, conoventricular VSD, PAPVR, and pulmonary atresia) for inorganic arsenic. Most remaining associations were near or below unity.

Discussion

Exploration of maternal dietary exposure to total and inorganic arsenic and CHDs produced few positive associations but was limited by available food item concentrations. Future research requires expanded collection of dietary data, improved estimates of concentrations, and consideration of nondietary sources of arsenic exposure.
Bilateral medial sacrospinous ligament suture for apical suspension through natural spaces: A single‐center study with low perioperative complications
Authors: OuYang Yinluan , Xu Wei , Li Fan , Chen Yiwen , Yuan Tao , Wu Xiaomei , Zhao Xiaofeng
Published: November 2022

Sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) is one of the most used native tissue approaches for apical suspension with a high rate of perioperative complications. This study aimed to review cases undergoing a modified SSLF and assess its perioperative adverse events. It was a retrospective study of 168 consecutive patients undergoing modified transvaginal SSLF at a single tertiary center from 2017 to 2021. The sutures were placed on the sacrospinous ligament (SSL) approaching the sacrum through natural spaces under direct vision. Moreover, it was performed bilaterally. Patient demographics and perioperative complications were reviewed. The median age was 65 years, and 85.7% (144/168) had stage III–IV prolapse. Among the 168 patients undergoing this modified SSLF, 161 were for uterovaginal prolapse, and seven were for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. 83.9% (135/161) patients were concomitant with hysterectomy, and 70.2% (118/168) were with anteroposterior colporrhaphy. The median operation time was 82 min (interquartile range [IQR], 61–100 min), and the median intraoperative blood loss was 50 ml (IQR, 30–50 ml). Two cases had pelvic hematoma, and both were cured after expectant treatment. No patient required a homologous blood transfusion, and none complained about buttock or lower limb pain 2 weeks postoperatively. Nor did injury of the ureters, bladder, or rectum occur intraoperatively. This modified transvaginal SSLF procedure was safe and had no severe perioperative complications.
Application of NGS molecular classification in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma: A supplement to traditional pathological diagnosis
Authors: Rao Qunxian , Liao Jianwei , Li Yangyang , Zhang Xin , Xu Guocai , Zhu Changbin , Tian Shengya , Chen Qiuhong , Zhou Hui , Zhang Bingzhong
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aims to demonstrate the advantages of NGS molecular classification in EC diagnosis and to assess whether molecular classification could be performed on curettage specimens and its concordance with subsequent hysterectomy specimens.

Methods

80 patients with hysterectomy specimens and 35/80 patients with paired curettage specimens were stratified as POLE mut, MSI‐H, TP53 wt, or TP53 abn group by NGS panel. Histotype, tumor grade, IHC results, and other pathological details were taken from original pathological reports.

Results

The correlation analysis of 80 patients with hysterectomy specimens between NGS molecular classification and clinicopathological characters displayed that the POLE mut group was associated with EEC (87.5%) and TP53 abn subtype was correlated to a later stage (Stage II–IV, 47.6%), G3 (76.2%), serous histology (61.9%) and myometrial invasion ≥50% (47.6%). A favorable concordance (31/32, 96.9%) was shown in MSI analysis and MMR IHC results, and the agreement rate of p53 IHC and TP53 mutation was 81.5% (53/65). Compared with the p53 IHC abnormal group, the TP53 mutation group had a higher correlation with high‐risk factors. A high level of concordance (31/35, 88.0%) of NGS molecular classification was achieved between curettage specimens and hysterectomy specimens while grade and histotype (including unclassified group) from curettage specimens and hysterectomy specimens showed only moderate levels of agreement, 54.3% (19/35) and 68.6% (24/35), respectively.

Conclusion

NGS molecular classification achieved on curettage samples showed high concordance with the final hysterectomy specimens, demonstrating superior to the conventional pathological assessment of grade and histotype and potential utilization in clinical practice.
Regional anesthesia as a safe option in patient with limb girdle muscular dystrophy undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy: A case report and case review
Authors: Devkota Sagar , Shrestha Sangeeta , Gurung Tara , Shrestha Saurav
Published: November 2022

Regional anesthesia can be a very safe option in patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy undergoing lower abdominal surgeries as general anesthesia and volatile anesthetic agents are associated with increased risk of malignant hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis.
Revised Bell Particle‐Particle Drag Model of Bicomponent Cohesive Particles in a Fluidized Bed
Authors: Chen Juhui , Zheng Zhijie , Li Dan , Zhang Zongyun , Zhao Chenxi , Liu Xiaogang , Sun Yongguo , Han Changliang , Yu Guangbin
Published: November 2022

In the framework of the two‐fluid model, the kinetic theory of cohesive particle flow is applied to bicomponent cohesive particle flow. Based on the Bell particle‐particle drag model, the revised Bell particle‐particle drag model is presented for the bicomponent cohesive particle flow, considering the impact of the particle surface energy on the collision process. The flow characteristics of a mixture of Geldart group A particles and ultrafine particles were studied. The results show that the simulated elutriation rate is in good agreement with the experimental data, which verifies the effectiveness of the cohesive particles drag model.
Tribological Performances of Diamond‐Like Carbon Coatings for Hydraulic Applications
Authors: Kapsiz Murat , Geffroy Stefan , Holzer Achill , Schmitz Katharina
Published: November 2022

The tribological performance of contacts within hydraulic pumps over a wide range of conditions is essential for the sustainability of mobile hydraulic systems. To reduce the energy consumption of hydraulic systems, mechanical losses and wear rates need to be reduced. Additionally, materials containing lead must also be replaced due to their environmental impact. In this study, the performance of different lead‐free combinations of hydrogenated diamond‐like carbon (hydr. DLC) coatings were investigated. For this purpose, the tribological behavior of hydr. DLC (Balinit DLC), ceramic‐doped hydr. DLC (Balinit C), and ceramic bond‐coated hydr. DLC (Balinit DLC Star) coatings on a nitride steel substrate were compared in tribometer tests.
NMR Investigation of Protein‐Carbohydrate Interactions: The Recognition of Glycans by Galectins Engineered with Fluorotryptophan Residues
Authors: Lete Marta G. , Franconetti Antonio , Bertuzzi Sara , Delgado Sandra , Azkargorta Mikel , Elortza Félix , Millet Oscar , Jiménez‐Osés Gonzalo , Arda Ana , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús
Published: November 2022

Fluorine (19F) incorporation into glycan‐binding proteins (lectins) has been achieved and exploited to monitor the binding to carbohydrate ligands by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Galectins are a family of lectins that bind carbohydrates, generally with weak affinities, through a combination of intermolecular interactions including a key CH‐π stacking involving a conserved tryptophan residue. Herein, Galectin‐3 (Gal3) and Galectin‐8 (Gal8) with one and two carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs), respectively, were selected. Gal3 contains one Trp, whereas Gal8 contains three, one at each binding site and a third one not involved in sugar binding; these were substituted by the corresponding F‐Trp analogues. The presence of fluorine did not significantly modify the affinity for glycan binding, which was in slow exchange on the 19F NMR chemical‐shift timescale, even for weak ligands, and allowed binding events taking place at two different binding sites within the same lectin to be individualized.
Durch Wartung zur Anlage von morgen
Authors: Schulze Tania
Published: November 2022

Instandhaltung ist ein wichtiger Teil der gesamten Anlagenstrategie. Wie kann Instandhaltung digitalisiert werden, welche Hürden müssen gemeistert werden und warum ist die Automation so wichtig für die Anlage der Zukunft? Mobile, digitale Werkzeuge in der Instandhaltung sind ein erster Schritt in die Digitalisierung von Anlagen.
Intelligente Rohrleitungssysteme in der Prozessindustrie
Authors: Walter Antoine
Published: November 2022

In der chemischen Prozessindustrie müssen Rohrleitungssysteme sehr hohe und spezifische Anforderungen erfüllen. Sie bilden ein Netzwerk, in dem zahlreiche Sensoren die Produktqualität sicherstellen können. Komplettlösungen aus Rohren, Ventilen und dem passenden Regelsystem unterstützen einen Anbieter für mobile Wasseraufbereitungsanlagen – auch weil Kunststoffrohre die Mobilität der Anlagen erleichtern.
Insight into the Interaction of Furfural with Metallic Surfaces in the Electrochemical Hydrogenation Process
Authors: Lenk Thorben , Rabet Sahar , Sprick Miriam , Raabe Gabriele , Schröder Uwe
Published: November 2022

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of furfural on metal surfaces has become an important research subject due to the potential of the reaction product 2‐methylfuran as a renewable energy resource. Identifying effective determinants in this reaction process requires a thorough investigation of the complex electrode‐electrolyte interactions, which considers a variety of the influential components. In this work, in operando electrochemical Raman Spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics simulations were utilized to investigate different characteristics of the interface layer in the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of furfural. Hereby, the influence of applied potentials, electrode material, and electrolyte composition were investigated in detail. The studied parameters give an insight into furfural's binding situation, molecular orientation, and reaction mechanism.
Polyaniline‐ZnO−NiO Nanocomposite Based Non‐enzymatic Electrochemical Sensor for Malathion Detection
Authors: Chufamo Jikamo Samuel , Haile Habtemariam Tesfaye , Heliso Dolla Tarekegn
Published: November 2022

An electrochemical sensor based on polyaniline‐ZnO−NiO (PANI‐ZnO−NiO) nanocomposite was developed for the non‐enzymatic detection of malathion. The structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of the as‐prepared nanocomposite were studied by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the nanocomposite based sensor was first evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV). Under optimum conditions, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was further utilized for malathion detection, which proved the PANI‐ZnO−NiO/GCE electrode as an effective electrochemical sensor. The developed electrochemical sensor showed a low detection limit of 1.0×10−8 M with a wider linear range of 10 to 70 nM for malathion.
Parallel imports under a manufacturer rebate and a price freeze: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Birg Laura
Published: November 2022

I study the effect of a change in the mandatory manufacturer rebate and a price freeze on wholesale prices for pharmaceuticals on competition by parallel imports. First, I analyze the effect of a manufacturer rebate on competition by parallel imports in a two‐country model. Second, I exploit a policy reform in Germany in 2010 that increased the manufacturer rebate by 10 percentage points. Using a data set with prescription drugs with competition from parallel imports, I estimate the effect of the change in the manufacturer rebate on competition by parallel imports. The model predicts that an increase in the manufacturer rebate increases the market share of parallel imports. The rebate decreases the manufacturer's revenues from domestic distribution. In response, the manufacturer lowers the wholesale price for a foreign distributor, resulting in a competitive advantage for and an increase in the market share of parallel imports. The estimation shows that the increase in the manufacturer rebate by 10 percentage points has increased the market share of parallel imports by approximately 18%–35% and has increased the number of importers by up to 17%.
The efficacy of pharmacological interventions to improve cognitive and behavior symptoms in people with dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Takramah Wisdom K. , Asem Livingstone
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Dementia is becoming a major global public health menace in the aging population affecting 47 million people globally. Dementia has no cure and effective interventions. Treatment of dementia is a big problem. The most common symptomatic medications for cognition, behavior, and global functioning among patients with dementia currently are cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. However, Information on the effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia is conflicting and controversial. Thus, this makes it difficult for decision‐makers, healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers to decide on the most effective intervention. The current meta‐analysis sought to investigate the efficacy of pharmacologic interventions to improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms in people with living dementia.

Methods

This current systematic review and meta‐analysis used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. The Cochrane MEDLINE, Database of Systematic Reviews, and other databases were thoroughly searched for relevant studies. We selected Studies such as randomized controlled trials published in English with a sample size of at least 20 subjects. We selected and applied the random‐effects meta‐analysis as the most preferred model because of the heterogeneity across studies. The computation of the weighted effect size was based on the result from the test of heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty‐two studies were finally used in the meta‐analysis. The study subjects who received donepezil 5 mg/day, donepezil 10 mg/day, and galantamine 24 mg/day had improved cognition symptoms (ADAS‐cog) score of −1.46 (95% CI = −2.24, −0.68, z = 3.67, p < 0.001), −2.31 (95% CI = −3.30, −1.31, z = 5.45, p < 0.001) and −3.04 (95% CI = −4.16, −1.92, z = 5.31, p < 0.001) respectively.

Conclusion

The current meta‐analysis suggests significant benefits of cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil (5 and 10 mg/day) and galantamine on cognitive symptoms.
Thermal‐induced Buckling analysis of microbeams with intermediate support under thermal load based on modified couple stress theory
Authors: Wang Fengjuan
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the buckling of microbeams with variable cross‐sections and middle supports in a thermal environment. Based on classical theories and modified couple stress, the size‐dependent behavior of the microbeam is modeled, and the intermediate support is simulated elastically. A temperature‐dependent relationship will also be assumed for the material properties of the microbeam. The governing equations will be derived using Hamilton's principle based on the modified Couple stress theory and the nonlinear thermal field. Using an analytical approach, buckling loads and deformation of microbeams will be determined. The accuracy of the answers will be investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method used and the correctness of the results obtained. A comparison will be made between the obtained results and the results available in the scientific literature to prove the accuracy of the formulation and the method used. A parametric study will then be conducted to determine the effect of boundary conditions, the flexibility of the middle support, temperature distribution, and geometric characteristics on the buckling loads of microbeams.
Research progress on the effects and mechanisms of anesthetics on neural stem cells
Authors: Zhang Ji , Chang Quan‐Yuan , Rizzello Loris , Wu You
Published: November 2022

Exposure to anesthetic drugs has been proven to seriously affect developing animals in terms of neural stem cells' (NSCs') proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This can severely hamper the development of physiological learning and memory skills. Studies on the effects of anesthetics on NSCs' proliferation and differentiation are thus reviewed here, with the aim to highlight which specific drug mechanisms are the least harmful to NSCs. PubMed has been used as the preferential searching database of relevant literature to identify studies on the effects and mechanisms of NSCs' proliferation and differentiation. It was concluded that propofol and sevoflurane may be the safest options for NSCs during pregnancy and in pediatric clinical procedures, while dexmedetomidine has been found to reduce opioid‐related damage in NSCs. It was also found that the growth environment may impact neurodevelopment even more than narcotic drugs. Nonetheless, the current scientific literature available further highlights how more extensive clinical trials are absolutely required for corroborating the conclusion drawn here.
A decreased number of circulating regulatory T cells is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li He‐Tong , Zhang Sheng‐Xiao , Zhang Jia‐Qi , Cheng Ting , Liu Yan , Liu Hong‐Qi , Hao Min , Chen Jun‐Wei
Published: November 2022

Objective

As an autoimmune disease affecting women of reproductive age, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is linked to adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. However, the status of peripheral lymphocytes in SLE patients with different pregnancy outcomes is unclear. This retrospective cross‐sectional study explored the relationship between lymphocyte subpopulations and pregnancy outcomes in married SLE female patients.

Methods

The absolute numbers of peripheral T, helper T (Th)1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T (Treg), B, and natural killer (NK) cell subpopulations from 585 female SLE patients and 91 female healthy controls (HCs) were assessed. We compared the lymphocyte subpopulations in SLE patients with HCs and analyzed the absolute number and ratio of Treg cells according to pregnancy outcome in SLE patients.

Results

SLE patients had decreased numbers of T, B, NK, Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells and an imbalance in pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cells (p < .05), as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes. In abortion patients, the number of Treg cells (p = .008) decreased, leading to an imbalance in effector T and Treg cells. The ratio of Treg cells was higher in SLE patients with nulliparity than in those with one or two parities.

Conclusions

The absolute numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations in SLE patients decreased, which was associated with abortion and parity (p < .05). These results suggest that a loss of immune tolerance mediated by Tregs triggers pregnancy loss.
Emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant and strategies for tackling the infection
Authors: Wu Yan , Long Yiyin , Wang Feng , Liu Wei , Wang Yuliang
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Nowadays, emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron, the novel highly mutated VOC, has quickly spread as the dominant variant in over 190 countries worldwide through the first part of 2022, which is influencing the infectivity, transmissibility, pathogenicity, and severity of COVID‐19 pandemic. Additionally, clinical cases and experimental studies have reported that Omicron variant likely leads to weakened immune protection elicited by infection, antibody therapies, and vaccines. The new wave, from late February, 2022, was escalated abruptly by higher levels of transmission of Omicron BA.2 sublineage in China.

Methods and Results

Following a systematic database search, this review summarizes the salient features of Omicron sublineages, and their impact on transmissibility, disease severity as well as the efficacy of the available vaccines and treatment against the Omicron.

Conclusion

We hope this study will provide a scientific reference for alleviating the burden of COVID‐19.
Germline RUNX1 variants in paediatric patients in a French specialised centre
Authors: Liu Cécile , Ballerini Paola , Nguyen Guillaume , Mincheva Zoia , Copin Bruno , Bouslama Boutheina , Leverger Guy , Petit Arnaud , Favier Rémi , Lapillonne Hélène , Boutroux Hélène
Published: November 2022

Familial platelet disorder with associated myeloid malignancy (FPD‐MM; OMIM 601399) is related to germline RUNX1 mutation. The pathogenicity of RUNX1 variants was initially linked to FPD‐MM phenotype, but the discovery of new variants through the expansion of genetic explorations in leukaemia is questioning this assertion. In this study, we add 10 families with germline RUNX1 variant explored at Armand Trousseau Hospital for leukaemia diagnosis or thrombocytopenia, to the 259 described so far. Detailed description of their personal and family history of haematological pathologies allows identifying three phenotypes related to germline RUNX1 variants: thrombocytopenia and/or malignant haematological disease with family history of haematological diseases, thrombocytopenia with no family history of haematological diseases and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with no family history of haematological diseases. In the latter phenotype, ALL characteristics involving RUNX1 suggest the implication of germline variants in the onset of the malignancy.
Weighted inequalities for discrete iterated kernel operators
Authors: Gogatishvili Amiran , Pick Luboš , Ünver Tuğçe
Published: November 2022

We develop a new method that enables us to solve the open problem of characterizing discrete inequalities for kernel operators involving suprema. More precisely, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions under which there exists a positive constant C such that
holds for every sequence of nonnegative numbers where U is a kernel satisfying certain regularity condition, and and are fixed weight sequences. We do the same for the inequality
We characterize these inequalities by conditions of both discrete and continuous nature.
Stability of nonswirl axisymmetric solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Nowakowski Bernard , Zajączkowski Wojciech M.
Published: November 2022

The existence of global regular axisymmetric solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations without swirl and in a finite axisymmetric cylinder is proved. The solutions are such that norms bounded with respect to time are controlled by the same constant for all
. Assuming that the initial velocity and the external force are sufficiently close to the initial velocity and the external force of a nonswirl axisymmetric solutions, we prove existence of global regular axisymmetric solutions which remain close to the nonswirl axisymmetric solution for all time. In this sense, we have stability of nonswirl axisymmetric solutions. However, to prove this, we need a smallness condition on the angular component of vorticity of the external force for the nonswirl solution.
Electrically small asymmetric coplanar strip‐fed metamaterial‐inspired antenna for WLAN and satellite‐based applications
Authors: Pillai Prathibha N. , Pandeeswari Ramasamy
Published: November 2022

This article presents an electrically small asymmetric coplanar strip (ACS)‐fed metamaterial‐inspired antenna for multiband operation. The design employs a simple monopole, a set of rectangular split ring resonator (SRR), an inverted U‐shaped stub, and a rectangular complimentary split ring resonator (CSRR) in the ground plane to realize four operating bands. The antenna operates at 2.46, 5.8, 6.78, and 10.46 GHz with a bandwidth of 270 MHz, 340 MHz,180 MHz, and 1.16 GHz, respectively. The proposed structure has an electrical size of at 2.46 GHz. The experimental results are found to be in close proximity to the simulated ones. The presented electrically small antenna possesses a radian sphere (ka) of 0.68 and achieves an adequate gain of 2.37dBi with requisite radiation characteristics suitable for WLAN and satellite‐based applications.
Wavelet subband discriminator for efficient unsupervised chest X‐ray image restoration
Authors: Song Joonyoung , Ye Jong Chul
Published: November 2022

Background

Chest X‐ray (CXR) images are commonly used to show the internal structure of the human body without invasive intervention. The quality of CXR is an important factor as it affects the accuracy of a clinical diagnosis. Unfortunately, it is difficult to always get good quality CXR scans due to noises and scatters.

Purpose

Recently, wavelet directional CycleGAN (WavCycleGAN) has shown promising results in image restoration tasks by removing noise and artifacts without sacrificing high‐frequency components of the input image. Unfortunately, WavCycleGAN directly reconstructs wavelet directional images that require a wavelet transform in both the training and test phases, resulting in additional processing steps and unnatural artifacts originating from the wavelet domain image. In addition, WavCycleGAN can only process artifact‐related subbands, so it is difficult to apply WavCycleGAN when different levels of artifacts are present in all subbands. To address this, here we present a novel unsupervised CXR image restoration scheme with similar or even better artifact removal performance than WavCycleGAN in spite of wavelet transform being only applied in the training phase.

Methods

We introduce a novel wavelet subband discriminator which can be combined with CycleGAN or switchable CycleGAN, where wavelet transform is applied only in the training phase for discriminators to match the distribution of wavelet subband components. In our framework, the image restoration network can be still applied in the image domain to prevent unnatural artifacts of the wavelet domain image with the help of the image‐domain cycle‐consistency loss. In addition, using wavelet subband discriminator makes it possible to remove artifacts in all subbands by utilizing frequency‐specific wavelet subband discriminators.

Results

Through extensive experiments for noise and scatter removal in CXRs, we confirm that our method provides competitive performance compared to existing approaches without additional processing steps in the test phase. Furthermore, we show that our wavelet subband discriminator combined with the switchable CycleGAN can provide the flexibility by generating different levels of artifact removal.

Conclusions

The proposed wavelet subband discriminator can be combined with the existing CycleGAN or switchable CycleGAN structures to construct an efficient unsupervised CXR image reconstruction. The advantage of our wavelet subband discriminator‐based CXR image restoration is that, unlike traditional WavCycleGAN, it does not require any additional processing steps in the testing phase and does not generate unnatural artifacts originating from the wavelet domain image. We believe that our wavelet subband discriminator can be applied to various CXR image applications.
Quadrature transceive wireless coil: Design concept and application for bilateral breast MRI at 1.5 T
Authors: Puchnin Viktor , Jandaliyeva Aigerim , Hurshkainen Anna , Solomakha Georgiy , Nikulin Anton , Petrova Polina , Lavrenteva Anna , Andreychenko Anna , Shchelokova Alena
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Development of a novel quadrature inductively driven transceive wireless coil for breast MRI at 1.5 T.

Methods

A quadrature wireless coil (HHMM‐coil) design has been developed as a combination of two linearly polarized coils: a pair of ‘metasolenoid’ coils (MM‐coil) and a pair of Helmholtz‐type coils (HH‐coil). The MM‐coil consisted of an array of split‐loop resonators. The HH‐coil design included two electrically connected flat spirals. All the wireless coils were coupled to a whole‐body birdcage coil. The HHMM‐coil was studied and compared to the linear coils in terms of transmit and SAR efficiencies via numerical simulations. A prototype of HHMM‐coil was built and tested on a 1.5 T scanner in a phantom and healthy volunteer. We also proposed an extended design of the HHMM‐coil and compared its performance to a dedicated breast array.

Results

Numerical simulations of the HHMM‐coil with a female voxel model have shown more than a 2.5‐fold increase in transmit efficiency and a 1.7‐fold enhancement of SAR efficiency compared to the linearly polarized coils. Phantom and in vivo imaging showed good agreement with the numerical simulations. Moreover, the HHMM‐coil provided good image quality, visualizing all areas of interest similar to a multichannel breast array with a 32% reduction in signal‐to‐noise ratio.

Conclusion

The proposed quadrature HHMM‐coil allows the ‐field to be significantly better focused in the region‐of‐interest compared to the linearly polarized coils. Thus, the HHMM‐coil provides high‐quality breast imaging on a 1.5 T scanner using a whole‐body birdcage coil for transmit and receive.
Being wheelchair‐bound and being bedridden: Two concept analyses
Authors: Schirghuber Johannes , Schrems Berta
Published: November 2022

Aim

Analysis of the concepts and development of a conceptual definition of being wheelchair‐bound and being bedridden.

Design

Concept analysis.

Methods

Walker and Avant´s concept analysis method was used. A thematic analysis guided the determination of the attributes, antecedents and consequences.

Results

Being wheelchair‐bound and being bedridden are defined as permanent states in which people are bound to an object. Being passively bound to a wheelchair and being bedridden both mean an increasing restriction of the life‐space. Being passive wheelchair‐bound often represents a preliminary stage to being bedridden. Both concepts have six attributes: in need of help, powerlessness, life‐space confinement, mobility limitation, endurance and weakness. They differ in the main feature maintaining an independent sitting position. Physical immobility and physiological instability are antecedents with the following influencing factors: illness, complexity, burden, endogenous/exogenous booster. The consequences are the progression of inactivity and all related physical and psycho‐social problems.
Simultaneous Enhancement of Magnetothermal and Photothermal Responses by Zn, Co Co‐Doped Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Xiang , Yang Tianyu , Liu Ruoshui , Wu Di'an , Tian Daming , Zhou Tianshi , Yan Haitao , He Shuli , Zeng Hao
Published: November 2022

Reducing nanoparticle (NP) dosage for hyperthermia therapy has remained a great challenge. In this work, efficiencies of alternating current (AC) magnetic field and near‐infrared (NIR) heating are simultaneously enhanced by Zn and Co co‐doping of magnetite NPs. The optimum magnetic anisotropy for maximized loss power under each magnetic field is achieved by tuning the doping concentration. The specific loss power of Zn0.3Co0.08Fe2.62O4@SiO2 NPs reaches 2428 W g−1 under an AC field of 27 kA m−1 at 430 kHz; 12 296 W g−1 under NIR laser irradiation at 808 nm and 2.5 W cm−2; and an unprecedented value of 14 724 W g−1 under dual mode. These values far exceed what has been achieved previously in iron oxide NPs. Ex vivo experiments on sacrificial mice show that while the NP dosage is substantially reduced to that used for magnetic resonance imaging, the surface body temperature of the mice reaches 50 °C after exposure to both AC field and laser irradiation under field parameters and laser intensity below safety limits. This nanoplatform is thus promising for multi‐modal local hyperthermia therapy.
Recent advances in 2D organic−inorganic heterostructures for electronics and optoelectronics
Authors: Khan Jahangir , Ahmad Rana Tariq Mehmood , Tan Junyang , Zhang Rongjie , Khan Usman , Liu Bilu
Published: November 2022

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials show outstanding properties such as dangling bond‐free surfaces, strong in‐plane while weak out‐of‐plane bonding, layer‐dependent electronic structures, and tunable electronic and optoelectronic properties, making them promising for numerous applications. Integrating 2D inorganics with organic materials to make van der Waals heterostructures at the 2D thickness limit has created new platforms for fabricating on‐demand multifunctional devices. To further broaden the limited choices of 2D inorganic‐based heterostructures, a wide range of available 2D organic materials with tunable properties have opened new opportunities for designing large numbers of heterostructures with 2D inorganic materials. This review aims to attract the attention of researchers toward this emerging 2D organic−inorganic field. We first highlight recent progress in organic−inorganic heterostructures and their synthesis and then discuss their potential applications, such as field‐effect transistors, photodetectors, solar cells, and neuromorphic computing devices. In the end, we present a summary of challenges and opportunities in this field.