bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zinc oxide based gas sensors and their derivatives: a critical review
Authors: Krishna Kurugundla Gopi , Umadevi Godavarti , Parne Saidireddy , Pothukanuri Nagaraju
Published: February 2023

The most extensively explored gas sensors are metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) materials owing to their high selectivity, stability, cost-effectiveness, and simple synthesis techniques.
Shape-controlled synthesis of one-dimensional cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals: methods and advances
Authors: Zhou Zi-Rong , Liao Zi-Hao , Wang Feng
Published: February 2023

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (MHP NCs) are emerging nanosemiconductor materials, this review summarized the advances on synthesis and optical properties of one-dimensional MHP NCs.
Dimensional expansion of 1D zigzag chains to a 2D two-fold interpenetrated metal–organic framework for adsorption of lanthanide cations and white light emission
Authors: Huang Mengyi , Liang Zhenxin , Huang Jinling , Zhang Shuyu , Wen Yuehong , Wu Xintao
Published: February 2023

A novel layered MOF with a 2D two-fold interpenetrated structure was rationally fabricatedviaa dimension expansion strategy and was utilized as the host matrix to encapsulate lanthanide hydrates for white-light emission.
Charge transport properties of ideal and natural DNA segments, as mutation detectors
Authors: Mantela Marilena , Lambropoulos Konstantinos , Simserides Constantinos
Published: February 2023

DNA sequences of ideal and natural geometries are examined, studying their charge transport properties as mutation detectors.
Phosphorous acid–assisted electrochemical α-tetrahydrofuranylation of sulfonamides and amides
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Liu Yuxiu , Song Hongjian , Wang Qingmin
Published: February 2023

We report an electrochemical protocol for the synthesis of hemiaminal ethers by phosphorous acid–assisted α-C(sp3)–H/N–H cross-coupling reactions of THF and sulfonamides or amides.
Regulation of cardiac function by cAMP nanodomains
Authors: Folkmanaite Milda , Zaccolo Manuela
Published: February 2023

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a diffusible intracellular second messenger that plays a key role in the regulation of cardiac function. In response to the release of catecholamines from sympathetic terminals, cAMP modulates heart rate and the strength of contraction and ease of relaxation of each heartbeat. At the same time, cAMP is involved in the response to a multitude of other hormones and neurotransmitters. A sophisticated network of regulatory mechanisms controls the temporal and spatial propagation of cAMP, resulting in the generation of signaling nanodomains that enable the second messenger to match each extracellular stimulus with the appropriate cellular response. Multiple proteins contribute to this spatiotemporal regulation, including the cAMP-hydrolyzing phosphodiesterases (PDEs). By breaking down cAMP to a different extent at different locations, these enzymes generate subcellular cAMP gradients. As a result, only a subset of the downstream effectors is activated and a specific response is executed. Dysregulation of cAMP compartmentalization has been observed in cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the importance of appropriate control of local cAMP signaling. Current research is unveiling the molecular organization underpinning cAMP compartmentalization, providing original insight into the physiology of cardiac myocytes and the alteration associated with disease, with the potential to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Here, we present an overview of the mechanisms that are currently understood to be involved in generating cAMP nanodomains and we highlight the questions that remain to be answered.
Revisiting the role of electron donors in lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase biochemistry
Authors: Hemsworth Glyn R.
Published: February 2023

The plant cell wall is rich in carbohydrates and many fungi and bacteria have evolved to take advantage of this carbon source. These carbohydrates are largely locked away in polysaccharides and so these organisms deploy a range of enzymes that can liberate individual sugars from these challenging substrates. Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are the enzymes that are largely responsible for bringing about this sugar release; however, 12 years ago, a family of enzymes known as lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) were also shown to be of key importance in this process. LPMOs are copper-dependent oxidative enzymes that can introduce chain breaks within polysaccharide chains. Initial work demonstrated that they could activate O2 to attack the substrate through a reaction that most likely required multiple electrons to be delivered to the enzyme. More recently, it has emerged that LPMO kinetics are significantly improved if H2O2 is supplied to the enzyme as a cosubstrate instead of O2. Only a single electron is required to activate an LPMO and H2O2 cosubstrate and the enzyme has been shown to catalyse multiple turnovers following the initial one-electron reduction of the copper, which is not possible if O2 is used. This has led to further studies of the roles of the electron donor in LPMO biochemistry, and this review aims to highlight recent findings in this area and consider how ongoing research could impact our understanding of the interplay between redox processes in nature.
Building Collaborative Capacity in Early Intervention Preservice Providers Through Interprofessional Education
Authors: Lieberman-Betz Rebecca G. , Brown Jennifer A. , Wiegand Sarah D. , Vail Cynthia O. , Fiss Alyssa L. , Carpenter Laura J.
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

Interprofessional practice within early intervention is underscored by policy, research, and recommended practices. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a brief interprofessional training on preservice speech-language pathology, early intervention/early childhood special education, physical therapy, and occupational therapy students' knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about teaming and collaboration. Students' satisfaction with and perspectives of the training were also examined.

Method:

A one-group, pretest–posttest design was used to examine differences in 36 students' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs around interprofessional practice after the training. Descriptive approaches were used to analyze student satisfaction data and focus group data in order to evaluate student perceptions of the interprofessional training.

Results:

A paired–samples
t
test showed preservice students demonstrated increased scores in self-perceived ability, value, and comfort in working with others after the training institute. Descriptive analyses illustrated students gained a richer knowledge and appreciation for other disciplines and perceived the practice of interprofessional collaboration as a valuable learning experience.

Conclusion:

The interprofessional training procedures, evaluation of impacts, and future directions are discussed.
MCR: Multilayer cross‐fusion with reconstructor for multimodal abstractive summarisation
Authors: Yuan Jingshu , Yun Jing , Zheng Bofei , Jiao Lei , Liu Limin
Published: February 2023

Multimodal abstractive summarisation (MAS) aims to generate a textual summary from multimodal data collection, such as video‐text pairs. Despite the success of recent work, the existing methods lack a thorough analysis for consistency across multimodal data. Besides, previous work relies on the fusion method to extract multimodal semantics, neglecting the constraints for complementary semantics of each modality. To address those issues, a multilayer cross‐fusion model with the reconstructor for the MAS task is proposed. Their model could thoroughly conduct cross‐fusion for each modality via layers of cross‐modal transformer blocks, resulting in cross‐modal fusion representations with consistency across modalities. Then the reconstructor is employed to reproduce source modalities based on cross‐modal fusion representations. The reconstruction process constrains the fusion representations with the complementary semantics of each modality. Comprehensive comparison and ablation experiments on the open domain multimodal dataset How2 are proposed. The results empirically verify the effectiveness of the multilayer cross‐fusion with the reconstructor structure on the proposed model.
Separability study of statistical features of RCS sequences extracted by sliding windows
Authors: Zhu Manqin , Hu Shengbo , Ye Lv
Published: February 2023

Statistical features are commonly used in radar target recognition tasks using radar cross section as the data source. The traditional statistical feature extraction way may not make better use of the data information, making the target classification results slightly worse. Here, a new sliding window segmentation method is proposed for extracting statistical features to improve the accuracy of the radar target classification task and investigate the separability of the statistical features extracted after sliding window segmentation. The results show that the separability of the statistical features extracted by our method is better than other traditional ways. The classification accuracy of using BP neural network, SVM and KNN classification algorithms is improved by about 10% compared with the traditional way.
A tri‐level optimization model for power systems defense considering cyber‐physical interdependence
Authors: Guo Yihao , Guo Chuangxin , Yang Jie
Published: February 2023

To seek the optimal defense strategy against malicious attacks, this paper proposes a novel defender–attacker–operator model applicable to the cyber‐physical power system. The proposed model considers the interdependence in functionality and topology of the cyber network and the power network as well as the cyber network's constraints. The defender aims to minimize the load curtailment caused by the attacker, while the latter intends to maximize the power loss. The operator in the bottom level takes corrective action to minimize the attack consequence. This tri‐level model is decomposed into a master problem and a subproblem, based on which the column‐and‐constraint generation algorithm is implemented to obtain the optimal solution. Comparative case studies based on IEEE RTS‐79 system are carried out to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed method, and to investigate the impact of the energy coupling strength, the topologically independent link and the defensive resource. The effectiveness of this model is validated by the sensitivity analysis.
On the use of combined surface integral equations for the analysis of high contrast penetrable objects
Authors: Nazari Moein , Moini Rouzbeh , Fortin Simon , Dawalibi Farid P.
Published: February 2023

Accurate solutions of electromagnetic scattering problems involving objects made of materials with large permittivity contrasts are considered. Problems are formulated with different commonly used combined surface integral equations (SIEs). All studied formulations are discretised through the method of moments with rooftop basis functions over flat quadrilaterals represented as bilinear surfaces, with razor‐blade functions being used for the testing procedure. The accuracy of the results is first investigated in detail for several frequencies and permittivity values using different numerical measures. It is shown that numerical instabilities may appear at frequencies corresponding to the physical resonances of the object, in particular in the near field and for large material parameter contrasts. The example of a dielectric resonator (DR) with cubic geometry is considered for the purpose of analysis, especially since to achieve smaller DR type antennas, it is necessary to use higher contrast materials. The accuracy of the combined surface integral equations to determine the natural resonant modes of the DR is investigated. It is found that the resonance modes can be accurately determined by exploring the radar cross section (RCS) of the DR in free space only if a proper combination of the electric and magnetic fields equations is applied.
A 0.9% calibration of the Galactic Cepheid luminosity scale based on Gaia DR3 data of open clusters and Cepheids
Authors: Reyes Mauricio Cruz , Anderson Richard I.
Published: February 2023

We have conducted a search for open clusters in the vicinity of classical Galactic Cepheids based on high-quality astrometry from the third data release (DR3) of the ESA mission Gaia to improve the calibration of the Leavitt law (LL). Our approach requires no prior knowledge of existing clusters, allowing us to both detect new host clusters and cross-check previously reported associations. Our Gold sample consists of 34 Cepheids residing in 28 open clusters, including 27 fundamental mode and seven overtone Cepheids. Three new bona fide cluster Cepheids are reported (V0378 Cen, ST Tau, and GH Lup) and the host cluster identifications for three others (VW Cru, IQ Nor, and SX Vel) are corrected. The fraction of Cepheids occurring in open clusters within 2 kpc of the Sun is fCC,2 kpc = 0.088−0.019+0.029. Nonvariable cluster members allow us to determine cluster parallaxes to ∼7 μas in the range 12.5 < G < 17 mag, where recent studies found that parallax corrections by Lindegren et al. (2021, A&A, 649, A4, L21) are accurate and require no further offset corrections. By comparing Cepheids in MW clusters to Cepheids in the LMC, we confirm these independent results and the adequacy of the L21 corrections for the cluster members in this range. By combining cluster and field Cepheids, we calibrate the LL for several individual photometric passbands, together with reddening-free Wesenheit magnitudes based on Gaia and HST photometry, while solving for the residual offset applicable to Cepheid parallaxes, ΔϖCep. The most direct comparison of our results with the SH0ES distance ladder yields excellent (0.3σ) agreement for both the absolute magnitude of a 10 d solar metallicity Cepheid in the near-IR HST Wesenheit magnitudes, MH,1W = −5.914 ± 0.017 mag, and the residual parallax offset, ΔϖCep = −13 ± 5 μas. Despite the use of a common set of photometry, this is an important cross-check of the recent Hubble constant measurement by Riess et al. (2022a, ApJ, 938, 36) based on independently determined cluster membership and average parallaxes. Using the larger sample of 26 Gold cluster Cepheids and 225 MW Cepheids with recent Gaia DR3 astrometry and photometry, we determine MG,1W = −6.051 ± 0.020 mag in the optical Gaia Wesenheit magnitude at the sample average iron abundance of (⟨[Fe/H]⟩ = 0.069) and ΔϖCep = −22 ± 3 μas. Correcting to solar metallicity yields MG,1W = −6.004 ± 0.019 mag and ΔϖCep = −19 ± 3 μas. These results mark the currently most accurate absolute calibrations of the Cepheid luminosity scale based purely on observations of Milky Way Cepheids, and it is also the most precise determination of the residual Cepheid parallax offset at a significance of 6 − 7σ.
Assessment of soundscapes using self-report and physiological measures
Authors: Durbridge Simon , Murphy Damian Thomas
Published: February 2023

Soundscape studies evaluate the subjective and objective qualities of an environment and attempt to develop a holistic view of the interplay between the acoustic scene and the listener’s experience. Descriptors are used to express the perception of the acoustic environment, while further subjective and quantitative measures are used as indicators that represent features of the acoustic environment. The relationships between descriptors and indicators for a particular soundscape study are often identified by developing linear statistical models. This work describes an experiment to assess heart rate measures, including ultra short term heart rate variability, within the context of the predictor descriptor framework of a soundscape study. The aim of this work is to provide evidence in support of the psychophysiological basis of measures of affect in soundscape evaluation. In this study 15 participants evaluated a randomly ordered set of 8 soundscape recordings in a repeated measures directed listening experiment. Subjective evaluation of the soundscapes was performed using the self-assessment manikin and a sound classification survey. Participants’ heart rate was measured throughout the experiment with a Polar H10 ECG heart rate monitor. Statistically significant relationships were identified between indicators and descriptors that reflect results present in the literature. However, there were no significant interactions between heart rate measures and self-reported affect or classification scores. Future studies should focus on improving the selection of stimuli and the experiment methodology to boost the sensitivity of the experiment in light of small effect sizes.
Multi-Contextual Smart City Model for Service Interconnections
Authors: Walletzký Leonard , Carrubbo Luca , Ge Mouzhi , Schwarzová Zuzana , Bayarsaikhan Odonchimeg
Published: February 2023

The key issue of smart city development usually lies in the understanding of the complexity of the services’ structure. Thus, smart city models are developed to improve current outlooks on Smart City Services’ structure by using service-dominant logic and service science. However, the contextual changes are usually not fully considered in the existing smart city models. It is in turn difficult to catch the changes among the layers in the smart city model. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a complex and innovative structure of smart city services. The main contribution of the proposed approach is to consolidate the interconnection of services that is affected by the changing context. It will also lead to a better understanding of the complexity in a smart city. The presented conceptual model has a direct influence on the practical development of a smart city. Since every country and city approaches the services’ structure differently, the smart city model is derived with the lack of a common understanding of various smart cities. In the case of accepting our model as a common solution, the sharing of knowledge and information among cities and countries would be easier and more valuable. The paper also shows how the current knowledge in service-dominant logic and service science helps to develop a new practical approach to understanding the smart city structure.
Digitalisation for organisations in industry 4.0: A working example
Authors: Ryan Stephen , Margaria Tiziana
Published: February 2023

Digitalisation and Industry 4.0 is changing the landscape of traditional industries and how they operate. Regulation, sustainability and staff shortages are challenging companies to alter their behaviour and business processes. It is now becoming essential for small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) to adapt to this change. This paper showcases how digitalisation can help with these new requirements by examining a case study with specific interest in collecting, monitoring and analysing data. The application was created for an SME registered in Ireland, and it will be used to showcase the difference between normal coding and low code development in the creation of these apps. This comparison is important because low code development will become essential for organisations in order to create novel IT-based approaches that will be used for the digital transformation of their specific business. Along with describing and reflecting on this process, we will also explain how this application is linked with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how companies can integrate these goals in their business and IT choices.
Smart small villages conceptualization based on the capabilities co-elevation for smart citizens
Authors: Baldi Giovanni , Megaro Antonietta
Published: February 2023

Smart Cities represent a new paradigm, a new smart and sustainable urban model that is empowered by increasingly sophisticated technologies applied in various sectors of city ecosystem to enable actors to co-create value. The main actors to be engaged in this transformation process are the citizens who in turn can represent multiple actors simultaneously within the urban environment and are actively involved in economic, social and political life. For this reason, this conceptual paper aims to point out the effective smart city patterns enabling factors. This topic can be very issued in small towns where there are numerous structural, cultural and demographical barriers that inhibit their use from every day-life to urban settings of an increasingly digitized Public Administration. After framing cities as smart service systems and given the issues regarding the citizens’ predisposition and ability to use technologies, with effects in terms of value co-creation, smart citizens and capabilities co-elevation have been outlined as drivers. An illustrative case involving a smart tourism app (PayTourist) in a small town in Southern Italy (Castellabate) is proposed to outline the factors that influence the technology acceptance by citizens and the ways to foster a capabilities co-elevation path. It would be appropriate for scholars and practitioners to adopt the service innovation roadmap to design and map the development of smart cities through the capabilities upskilling of actors involved.
Digital technologies for promoting the inclusion of workers with disabilities: A brief investigation
Authors: Varriale Luisa , Briganti Paola , Volpe Tiziana , Minucci Giovanni
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the role and function of digital technologies within firms, widely believed to make them much more sustainable and promote the social inclusion of people with disability (PWD) at the workplace, especially those with cognitive disability or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the last thirty years, and more recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, technological change related to digital transformation, hence the adoption and diffusion of digital technologies, has impacted every field and sector in private and professional life, both positively and negatively. Undoubtedly, our ways of working and quality of life have been improved by digital technologies which are able to overcome geographical, physical, and social barriers. Yet there are negative effects in some domains and for certain categories of people, like those with disabilities or special needs. Within the well-known phenomenon of digital divide, people may be totally excluded due to their limited digital skills or lack of access to technological tools. After a brief review of the literature on the topic, adopting a multiple case study method, we investigate several firms operating in different economic sectors in one specific country, namely Italy, where there is a significant presence of PWD, mostly with ASD, who face challenges in being recruited and working within organizations. Our qualitative research, investigating the role and function of digital technologies in supporting and promoting the inclusion of PWD at workplace, provides some stimulating insights for future studies.
Resilient leadership in the food service sector in Lebanon
Authors: Harb Bissane , Sidani Dina , Veglianti Eleonora
Published: February 2023

For the past two years, the Lebanese socio-economic crisis has had disastrous effects on the hospitality industry especially the food Service sector. During high adversity and incredibly challenging times, leaders must develop and nurture resilience in the organizations. Resilience may be the attribute that is most needed today by Lebanese leaders since they ought to be more responsive and more attuned to the unprecedented difficult conditions in the country. Based on the Duchek (2020) model of organizational resilience, and the crisis management approach, this qualitative research study focuses on gaining insight and understanding about the managers/owners’ perceptions of events and circumstances affecting their industry, and how they have adjusted to the challenges raised simultaneously by the worst economic crisis in the country and by the spread of Covid-19 around the world. The authors of the study utilized semi-structured interviews to collect and analyze the study data. The findings reveal that pursuing resilience is a process based on the interactions between organizational resilience capabilities and crisis management tasks, and it is mainly characterized by three phases: anticipation of potential threats, coping with disruption and adapting to the new reality.
COVID-19: Kollateralschäden in der Kopf-Hals-Onkologie und Präventivmaßnahmen für künftige Pandemien
Authors: Wilhelm Christian , Radeloff Katrin , Scherzad Agmal , Scheich Matthias , Hagen Rudolf
Published: February 2023

Der Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie führte zu enormen Herausforderungen für die globale Gesundheitsversorgung, da rasch Kapazitäten und Ressourcen für die Behandlung von COVID-19-Patienten zur Verfügung gestellt werden mussten. Dadurch kam es auch zu Einschränkungen bei der Versorgung onkologischer Patienten mit Kopf-Hals-Malignomen. Diese Übersichtsarbeit fasst die Entwicklung der Tumorinzidenzen während der Pandemie, die international erarbeiteten Richtlinien zur Versorgung von Patienten mit Kopf-Hals-Malignomen und Studien zur Verzögerung onkologischer Therapien sowie der Mortalität zusammen. Darüber hinaus werden Auswirkungen auf die psychische Gesundheit der Patienten, die psychosozialen Folgen sowie ethische Fragen beleuchtet. Perspektivisch werden Präventivmaßnahmen für derartige negative Kollateraleffekte bei künftigen Pandemien am Beispiel eines Konzepts für eine Applikationssoftware (App)-basierte digitale Betreuung von Patienten mit Kopf-Hals-Tumoren diskutiert.
The Role of Cerclage in Subsequent Pregnancy following Previable Prelabor Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Yoeli Rakefet , Mazaki-Tovi Shali , Bart Yossi , Fishel Bartal Michal , Plaschkes Roni , Sebag Diklah , Chauhan Suneet P. , Sibai Baha M. , Meyer Raanan , Kassif Eran
Published: February 2023

Objective This study aimed to ascertain the outcomes associated with a cervical cerclage among individuals with a history of previable prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM).

Study Design This study was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single tertiary center between 2011 and 2021. We included individuals with a history of previable (before 24 weeks) PROM and the subsequent viable pregnancy. Women with multifetal gestation, preterm birth (PTB) or cerclage in previous gestation, or abdominal cerclage after trachelectomy were excluded. Primary outcome was PTB rate (delivery <37 weeks). Recurrence of preterm PROM and adverse composite maternal and neonatal outcomes (CMO and CNO) were evaluated as secondary outcomes. CMO included any of the following: suspected chorioamnionitis, endometritis, red blood cell transfusion, uterine rupture, unplanned hysterectomy, or death. CNO included any of the following: previable PTB (<24 weeks of gestation), bronchopulmonary dysplasia, grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, mechanical ventilation, seizures, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or death.

Results During the study period, 118 individuals had a history of previable PROM and a documented subsequent pregnancy, out of which 74 (62.7%) met inclusion criteria. Nineteen (25.7%) of eligible individuals underwent a cerclage for prior previable PROM and were compared with controls (n = 55, 74.3%). Women who underwent a cerclage had higher rates of PTB < 37 weeks (63.2 vs. 10.9%, p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR]: 14.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.97–49.35) and < 34 weeks (21.1 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.03; OR: 7.07, 95% CI: 1.18–42.39) compared with those without cerclage. Furthermore, recurrent preterm PROM and previable PTB rates were higher among patients who underwent cerclage. The survival curve further indicated that individuals with cerclage delivered earlier. CMO and CNO rates were similar in those with and without cerclage.

Conclusion Cerclage placement in individuals with prior previable PROM was associated with higher rates of recurrent preterm PROM and PTB.

Key Points
Regioselective Synthesis of 3,4-Disubstituted Isoxazoles by Using a Chalcone-Rearrangement Strategy
Authors: Maegawa Tomohiro , Nakamura Akira , Kine Tohko , Uenishi Haruna , Maki Yuri , Kase Yasuhito , Takagi Mayo
Published: February 2023

We have developed a regioselective synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted isoxazoles by using a chalcone-rearrangement strategy. The reaction of β-ketoacetals with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and pyridine afforded the corresponding 3,4-disubstituted isoxazoles via isoxazolines or oximes. Depending on the substrate, another disubstituted isomer was also obtained under our optimized conditions, and a reaction mechanism for each transformation is proposed.
Hetero-Diels–Alder Addition of Ethyl 2-Nitrosoacrylate to (Z)-Prop-1-enyl Ethers. Stereoselective Synthesis of a Precursor to Sacubitril
Authors: Gallos John K. , Stathakis Christos I. , Zisopoulou Stavroula A. , Andreou Thanos , Koftis Theocharis V.
Published: February 2023

A novel, conceptually distinct synthesis of a key precursor to sacubitril, an antihypertensive drug, is presented. The well-demonstrated hetero-Diels–Alder addition of in situ generated nitrosoalkenes to electron-rich enol ethers was engaged to establish the required functionalities with controllable relative stereochemistry. An asymmetric variant of the enol ether enabled access to the target molecule in enantiopure form.
Catalyst- and Additive-Free Electrochemical CO2 Fixation into Morita–Baylis–Hillman Acetates
Authors: Bertuzzi Giulio , Bandini Marco , Brunetti Andrea
Published: February 2023

The electrochemical carboxylation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) acetates with CO2 is presented. The process proceeds in the absence of transition-metal catalysts and relies on the cathodic reduction of MBH acetates to generate nucleophilic anions that are able to trap low-pressure CO2. Valuable succinate derivatives are obtained (20 examples) in high yields (up to 90%) and with excellent functional group tolerance. A remarkable substrate-controlled (electronic nature) regioselectivity of the transformation is documented along with a mechanistic rationale based on control experiments.
Successful Treatment of a COVID 19-Associated Multisystem Thrombotic Event in a Young Patient in a Neurocritical Care Unit
Authors: Lakshminarasimhaiah Geetha , Rao Ridhi
Published: February 2023

This case report describes a young patient with no comorbidities, who presented with two systemic thrombotic events within 24 hours of admission. She presented with a right middle cerebral artery territory infarct and developed an inferior wall myocardial infarction soon after. The hypotension was refractory to inotropes and required emergency intra-aortic balloon pump insertion. She was evaluated for prothrombotic states and other causes of stroke in young. However, the workup for the same was negative. Coronavirus disease-2019 immunoglobulin G antibody titer and inflammatory markers were found to be extremely elevated, which suggested recent severe infection. This case report throws light on the multidisciplinary management of thrombotic events, most probably secondary to coronavirus infection.
Clinical Relevance of Fungi in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Schwarz Carsten
Published: February 2023

In cystic fibrosis, a new era has started with the approval and use of highly effective cystic fibrosis transport regulator (CFTR) modulator therapy. As pulmonary function is increasing and exacerbation rate significantly decreases, the current meaning of fungal pulmonary diseases is questioned. During the past couple of decades, several studies have been conducted regarding fungal colonization and infection of the airways in people with cystic fibrosis. Although Aspergillus fumigatus for filamentous fungi and Candida albicans for yeasts remain by far the most common fungal species in patients with cystic fibrosis, the pattern of fungal species associated with cystic fibrosis has considerably diversified recently. Fungi such as Scedosporium apiospermum or Exophiala dermatitidis are recognized as pathogenic in cystic fibrosis and therefore need attention in clinical settings. In this article, current definitions are stated. Important diagnostic steps are described, and their usefulness discussed. Furthermore, clinical treatment strategies and recommendations are named and evaluated. In cystic fibrosis, fungal entities can be divided into different subgroups. Besides colonization, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, bronchitis, sensitization, pneumonia, and aspergilloma can occur as a fungal disease entity. For allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and aspergilloma, clear indications for therapy exist but this is not the case for sensitization or colonization. Different pulmonary fungal disease entities in people with cystic fibrosis will continue to occur also in an era of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy. Whether the percentage will decrease or not will be the task of future evaluations in studies and registry analysis. Using the established definition for different categories of fungal diseases is recommended and should be taken into account if patients are deteriorating without responding to antibiotic treatment. Drug–drug interactions, in particular when using azoles, should be recognized and therapies need to be adjusted accordingly.
Effect of Solvent Extracts of Tephrosia vogelii Leaves and Stem on Lipid Profile of Poloxamer 407-Induced Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Bawa Inalegwu , Uti Daniel Ejim , Itodo Matthew Ocheleka , Umoru Grace Ufedo , Zakari Suleiman , Obeten Uket Nta
Published: February 2023

Introduction There are claims by traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria and valuable scientific reports that the leaves of Tephrosia vogelii (TV) hook are used for the treatment of various diseases; however, there is paucity of information on it used in the management of cardiovascular complications despite the rich presence of phytochemicals. This study aimed at investigating effects of solvents extracts of TV leaves and stem on lipid profile of poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

Materials and Methods Varying doses of the solvent extracts (water, ethanol, and acetic acid) of plant material were administered to experimental animals (Albino Wistar rats) induced with hyperlipidemia using poloxamer 407 (P-407).

Results The results of the phytochemical screening of leaves and stem revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phlobatannins, and flavonoids in powdered sample of leaves and stem of TV. Aqueous extract of the leaves had the highest yield (18.21 ± 1.12%), while acetic acid extract of stem had the lowest yield (7.21 ± 1.21%). The cholesterol and triacylglycerol level of rats induced with P-407 was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than normal rats. This study showed that aqueous extract at 50mg/kg body weight significantly (p≤0.05) lower cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerol levels. Indices of cardiovascular function atherogenic coefficient, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, and cardioprotective index were positively modulated by the treatment.

Conclusion The study indicated that the aqueous leaves extract of TV possesses antihyperlipidemic effects and may explains why it has been found to be useful in the management of cardiovascular diseases by traditional medicine practitioners.
Acute Retropharyngeal Abscess in Libyan Children: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Alougly Shirin , Alhsony Alia , Elarwah Aisha , Elbragathy Suliman
Published: February 2023

Background A retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is a deep neck infection that considers a medical emergency because of the possibility of serious complications including life-threatening upper airway obstruction, mediastinitis, and sepsis.

Materials and Methods We present our experience in Benghazi Children's Hospital, describing the clinical presentations, diagnostic workup, management, and the outcome of four children presented during the time period between November 2017 and November 2021 as cases of RPA secondary to penetrating trauma to the posterior pharyngeal wall either due to ingestion of a foreign body or due to manipulation of tonsils by the traditional therapist.

Results All cases presented with fever, poor feeding, and hyperextension of the neck. All were diagnosed by ultrasound and they needed surgical drainage of RPA, as they did not improve with medical treatment alone.

Conclusion A high index of suspicion is necessary for the early diagnosis and treatment of RPA. Two of our cases were presented following the manipulation of tonsils by a traditional therapist, so we attempted to emphasize this life-threatening consequence after traditional therapy, as well as the unnecessary morbidity and mortality associated with this ongoing traditional treatment in our country.
Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding—Efficacy and Biomechanics in Management of Cleft Lip and Palate: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Alkhames Hussain M. , Kodali Murali Venkata Rama Mohan , Nasir Elwalid Fadul , Hassan Mohamed , Kodali Unati Sai
Published: February 2023

Presurgical infant orthopaedics (PSIO) appliances are used in the management of cleft lip and palate. Frequently, among all PSIO appliances utilized is presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) appliance. In this review, we looked for the application of the NAM appliance, its efficacy, and biomechanics. A comprehensive search strategy was performed in two databases (Google Scholar and PubMed) for articles using NAM in the treatment plan of patients with cleft lip and palate. Six articles were included in this study with one randomized control trial, two retrospective, and three case reports studies. The studies reveal the NAM is efficient as a presurgical modality treatment for complete cleft lip and palate with multiple benefits, including reducing surgical scars and alveolar gap, used as feeding plate, improve nasal contour, and decreased the number of rectifying surgical procedure.
Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination on the Levels of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies in COVID-19 Naive, Hybrid, and Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Recovered Indian Individuals
Authors: Deepika Gujjarlapudi , Adarsh Singamsetty , Sadhana Yelamanchili , Srihitha Mahavadi , Veeraiah Namburu , Reddy Duvvur Nageshwar
Published: February 2023

Introduction Vaccination has shown to be protective against severe coronavirus disease 2019 by various studies. However, the vaccine efficacy was demonstrated to be less against the emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Both vaccine- and infection-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 may prevent reinfection and severity. Our study aims to assess and compare the humoral response in heterogeneous population based on infection and vaccination status along with hybrid immunity.

Methods A retrospective, observational study of 2,545 adults was conducted. The study groups comprised of group I (n = 309) naive with a single dose of vaccination, group II (n = 357) infected and unvaccinated, group III (n = 590) completely vaccinated with two doses of vaccine, group IV (n = 70) booster dose, group V (n = 602) with hybrid immunity (pre-vaccination infection), and group VI (n = 617) with breakthrough infection (post-vaccination infection). Data pertaining to demographic details, clinical presentations, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies immunoglobulin G (IgG), neutralizing antibodies by anti SARS-CoV-2 sVNT (surrogate virus neutralization test), S1/S2IgG, S-RBD (receptor-binding domain), and ChAdOx1-nCov-19 (Covishield) vaccination were retrieved from electronic health records.

Results The mean levels of neutralizing antibodies of group V were S1/S2, RBD (10.5/14.3 times), and sVNT (84.44%) and group VI had S1/S2, RBD (11.4/11.8 times), and sVNT (78.07%) when compared to group III. We also observed a statistically significant higher immune response in group V and VI than group I and II. A higher percentage (18.2%) of group II individuals had severe disease when compared to group V and VI (6.5/10.8%).

Conclusion A single dose of ChAdOx1 vaccine gives robust antibody responses in previously infected individuals and may confer long-term hybrid immunity following booster vaccination.
Gamma-ray imaging of inertial confinement fusion implosions reveals remaining ablator carbon distribution
Authors: Geppert-Kleinrath V. , Hoffman N. , Birge N. , DeYoung A. , Fittinghoff D. , Freeman M. , Geppert-Kleinrath H. , Kim Y. , Meaney K. , Morgan G. , Rubery M. , Tafoya L. , Wilde C. , Volegov P.
Published: February 2023

The joint LANL/LLNL nuclear imaging team has acquired the first gamma-ray images of inertial confinement fusion implosions at the National Ignition Facility. The gamma-ray image provides crucial information to help characterize the inertially confined fuel and ablator assembly at stagnation, information that would be difficult to acquire from neutron or x-ray observations. Gamma imaging visualizes both gamma radiation emitted directly in deuterium–tritium (DT) fusion reactions as well as gamma rays produced when DT fusion neutrons scatter inelastically on carbon nuclei in the remaining ablator of the fuel capsule. The resulting image provides valuable information on the position and density of the remaining ablator and potential contamination of the hot spot—a powerful diagnostic window into the capsule assembly during burn.
Electrochemical activities of Fe2O3-modified microelectrode for dopamine detection using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Sato Nicha , Ohta Yasumi , Haruta Makito , Takehara Hironari , Tashiro Hiroyuki , Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Jongprateep Oratai , Ohta Jun
Published: February 2023

Dopamine (DA) is the most important neurotransmitter involved in motor control. Abnormalities in neurotransmitter levels may indicate brain disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and depression. Herein, electrochemical sensors containing metal oxide nanoparticles were fabricated for detecting DA. Specifically, iron oxide nanoparticles were applied onto a flexible polyimide substrate to obtain a flexible microelectrode and their DA detection performance was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The electrochemical performance of the fabricated sensor was evaluated via fast-scan cyclic voltammetry conducted in a DA solution at concentrations between 0 and 50 nM. The peak current corresponding to the oxidation reaction of the Fe2O3-modified microelectrode for DA was observed at an applied potential of 0.49 V. The modified microelectrode exhibited a DA response with a high sensitivity of 34.14 nA/μm2 nM and a low limit of detection of 8.76 nM. In vivo experiments were performed using a freely moving mouse. Notably, 15 min after nicotine injection, the current increased considerably. The peak current corresponded to a 10 nM concentration in the calibration curve. The co-detection of DA and serotonin was also analyzed. The results showed that only the oxidation peak of DA appeared upon applying a triangular voltage waveform. Therefore, the proposed detector is capable of overcoming the drawbacks associated with conventional detectors and can be integrated with other implantable devices.
Single-phase continuum soft elastic metamaterial design based on variable boundary conditions through topology optimization
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Wenhai , Qin Ling , Wang Jiyao
Published: February 2023

Wide bandgaps are challenging to achieve in the low-frequency regime. Herein, we develop a mode conversion-based method that considers variable boundary conditions. Based on this method, a soft single-phase continuum elastic metamaterial is designed. Unlike the previous method, which needs to balance design trade-offs such as bending and shearing stiffness, mass, and moment of inertia, this method provides a pure bending stiffness-based design with frequency-dependent boundary conditions. Furthermore, for weight reduction, we perform topology optimization for the unit cell components (i.e., the plate and mass block). The boundary conditions of the plate can be regarded as either being clamped on one end at a low frequency or clamped on both ends at a high frequency. The fundamental eigenfrequency and bandgap are thus maximized. Finally, we experimentally validate the proposed design and successfully achieve a lightweight metamaterial with wide bandgaps at low frequencies.
Skin wound healing improvement in diabetic mice through FTIR microspectroscopy after implanting pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Vazquez-Zapien Gustavo J. , Martinez-Cuazitl Adriana , Granados-Jimenez Alejandra , Sanchez-Brito Miguel , Guerrero-Ruiz Melissa , Camacho-Ibarra Alejandro , Miranda-Ruiz Misael A. , Dox-Aguillón Ian S. , Ramirez-Torres Jesus A. , Mata-Miranda Monica M.
Published: February 2023

Diabetes is a chronic degenerative disease that carries multiple complications. One of the most important complications is the diabetic cutaneous complications, such as skin lesions, ulcerations, and diabetic foot, which are present in 30%–70% of the patients. Currently, the treatments for wound healing include growth factors and cytokines, skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and skin grafts. However, these treatments are ineffective due to the complex mechanisms involved in developing unhealed wounds. Considering the aforementioned complications, regenerative medicine has focused on this pathology using stem cells to improve these complications. However, it is essential to mention that there is a poor biomolecular understanding of diabetic skin and the effects of treating it with stem cells. For this reason, herein, we investigated the employment of pluripotent stem cells (PSC) in the wound healing process by carrying out morphometric, histological, and Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) analysis. The morphometric analysis was done through a photographic follow-up, measuring the lesion areas. For the histological analysis, hematoxylin & eosin and picrosirius red stains were used to examine the thickness of the epidermis and the cellularity index in the dermis as well as the content and arrangement of collagen type I and III fibers. Finally, for the FTIRM analysis, skin cryosections were obtained and analyzed by employing a Cassegrain objective of 16× of an FTIR microscope coupled to an FTIR spectrometer. For this purpose, 20 mice were divided into two groups according to the treatment they received: the Isotonic Salt Solution (ISS) group and the PSCs group (n = 10). Both groups were induced to diabetes, and six days after diabetes induction, an excisional lesion was made in the dorsal area. Furthermore, using microscopy and FTIRM analysis, the skin healing process on days 7 and 15 post-skin lesion excision was examined. The results showed that the wound healing process over time, considering the lesion size, was similar in both groups; however, the PSCs group evidenced hair follicles in the wound. Moreover, the histological analysis evidenced that the PSCs group exhibited granulation tissue, new vessels, and better polarity of the keratinocytes. In addition, the amount of collagen increased with a good deposition and orientation, highlighting that type III collagen fibers were more abundant in the PSCs. Finally, the FTIR analysis evidenced that the PSCs group exhibited a faster wound healing process. In conclusion, the wounds treated with PSCs showed a more rapid wound healing process, less inflammatory cellular infiltration, and more ordered structures than the ISS group.