bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial outer membrane vesicles induce a transcriptional shift in arabidopsis towards immune system activation leading to suppression of pathogen growth in planta
Authors: Chalupowicz Laura , Mordukhovich Gideon , Assoline Nofar , Katsir Leron , Sela Noa , Bahar Ofir
Published: January 2023

Gram‐negative bacteria form spherical blebs on their cell periphery, which later dissociate from the bacterial cell wall to form extracellular vesicles. These nano scale structures, known as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), have been shown to promote infection and disease and can induce typical immune outputs in both mammal and plant hosts. To better understand the broad transcriptional change plants undergo following exposure to OMVs, we treated Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) seedlings with OMVs purified from the Gram‐negative plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and performed RNA‐seq analysis on OMV‐ and mock‐treated plants at 2, 6 and 24 h post challenge. The most pronounced transcriptional shift occurred at the first two time points tested, as reflected by the number of differentially expressed genes and the average fold change. OMVs induce a major transcriptional shift towards immune system activation, upregulating a multitude of immune‐related pathways including a variety of immune receptors. Comparing the response of Arabidopsis to OMVs and to purified elicitors, revealed that OMVs induce a similar suite of genes and pathways as single elicitors, however, pathways activated by OMVs and not by other elicitors were detected. Pretreating Arabidopsis plants with OMVs and subsequently infecting with a bacterial pathogen led to a significant reduction in pathogen growth. Mutations in the plant elongation factor receptor (EFR), flagellin receptor (FLS2), or the brassinosteroid‐insensitive 1–associated kinase (BAK1) co‐receptor, did not significantly affect the immune priming effect of OMVs. All together these results show that OMVs induce a broad transcriptional shift in Arabidopsis leading to upregulation of multiple immune pathways, and that this transcriptional change may facilitate resistance to bacterial infection.
Stagnation in quality of next‐generation sequencing assays for the diagnosis of hereditary hematopoietic malignancies
Authors: Roloff Gregory W. , Shaw Reid , O'Connor Timothy E. , Hathaway Feighanne , Drazer Michael W.
Published: January 2023

Hereditary hematopoietic malignancies (HHMs) are inherited syndromes that confer the risk of blood cancer development. With the rapid acceleration of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) into commercial biotechnology markets, HHMs are increasingly recognized by genetic counselors and clinicians. In 2020, it was demonstrated that most diagnostic test offerings for HHMs were insufficient for accurate diagnosis, failing to sequence the full spectrum of genetic events known to cause HHMs. We hypothesized the number of genes on commercially available HHM assay increased from 2020 to 2022, consistent with a more comprehensive sequencing approach. Here, we analyzed assays from eight commercial laboratories to determine the HHM‐related genes sequenced by these assays. We compared these assays with panels from 2020 to determine trends in sequencing quality. Most HHM diagnostic assays did not change and remain insensitive for the detection of all HHM‐related variants. Most (75%) HHM assays do not sequence CHEK2, the gene most frequently mutated in HHMs, and 25% of HHM assays does not sequence DDX41, the second most frequent HHM driver. The quality of HHM diagnostic assays stagnated despite the discovery of novel HHM‐related genes and prior work demonstrating heterogeneity in the quality of HHM testing. Most commercially available HHM tests remain insufficient.
Effect of Averaging Measurements From Multiple MRI Pulse Sequences on Kidney Volume Reproducibility in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Dev Hreedi , Zhu Chenglin , Sharbatdaran Arman , Raza Syed I. , Wang Sophie J. , Romano Dominick J. , Goel Akshay , Teichman Kurt , Moghadam Mina C. , Shih George , Blumenfeld Jon D. , Shimonov Daniil , Chevalier James M. , Prince Martin R.
Published: January 2023

Background

Total kidney volume (TKV) is an important biomarker for assessing kidney function, especially for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, TKV measurements from a single MRI pulse sequence have limited reproducibility, ± ~5%, similar to ADPKD annual kidney growth rates.

Purpose

To improve TKV measurement reproducibility on MRI by extending artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically segment kidneys on T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and steady state free precession (SSFP) sequences in axial and coronal planes and averaging measurements.

Study Type

Retrospective training, prospective testing.

Subjects

Three hundred ninety‐seven patients (356 with ADPKD, 41 without), 75% for training and 25% for validation, 40 ADPKD patients for testing and 17 ADPKD patients for assessing reproducibility.

Field Strength/Sequence

T2‐weighted single‐shot fast spin echo (T2), SSFP, and T1‐weighted 3D spoiled gradient echo (T1) at 1.5 and 3T.

Assessment

2D U‐net segmentation algorithm was trained on images from all sequences. Five observers independently measured each kidney volume manually on axial T2 and using model‐assisted segmentations on all sequences and image plane orientations for two MRI exams in two sessions separated by 1–3 weeks to assess reproducibility. Manual and model‐assisted segmentation times were recorded.

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman, Schapiro–Wilk (normality assessment), Pearson's chi‐squared (categorical variables); Dice similarity coefficient, interclass correlation coefficient, and concordance correlation coefficient for analyzing TKV reproducibility. P‐value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In 17 ADPKD subjects, model‐assisted segmentations of axial T2 images were significantly faster than manual segmentations (2:49 minute vs. 11:34 minute), with no significant absolute percent difference in TKV (5.9% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.88) between scans 1 and 2. Absolute percent differences between the two scans for model‐assisted segmentations on other sequences were 5.5% (axial T1), 4.5% (axial SSFP), 4.1% (coronal SSFP), and 3.2% (coronal T2). Averaging measurements from all five model‐assisted segmentations significantly reduced absolute percent difference to 2.5%, further improving to 2.1% after excluding an outlier.

Data Conclusion

Measuring TKV on multiple MRI pulse sequences in coronal and axial planes is practical with deep learning model‐assisted segmentations and can improve TKV measurement reproducibility more than 2‐fold in ADPKD.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
In Situ Growth of Cyclodextrin‐Based Metal Organic Framework Air Filters for Reusable SO2 Adsorbent Applications
Authors: Kim Juran , Lee Jinwook , Kim Jooyoun
Published: January 2023

In situ growth of cyclodextrin‐based metal‐organic frameworks (CD‐MOFs) is investigated for the effective fabrication of MOF composites through the vapor diffusion method combined with O2 plasma treatment. The growth rate of γ‐CD‐MOFs on poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers (CD‐MOFs–PET) is determined for 136 h, and the CD‐MOFs‐PET with 24 h growth time shows the highest surface area without crystal deformation. The specific surface area of the CD‐MOFs‐PET with 24 h growth time is 142.88 m2 g−1, which is 235 times higher than the pristine PET fibers. The 24 h CD‐MOFs‐PET shows removal efficiencies higher than 99% for PM0.1 and higher than 95% for SO2 gas. The CD‐MOFs‐PET demonstrates high recovery of SO2 adsorption ability by the repeated adsorption‐desorption cycles, maintaining up to 90% of initial adsorption performance. This study intends to provide an informative discussion of the applicability of textile‐based CD‐MOFs and the development of reusable filters for the removal of SO2.
Analysis of p‐Laplacian Hadamard fractional boundary value problems with the derivative term involved in the nonlinear term
Authors: Ciftci Ceren , Yoruk Deren Fulya
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates a new class of p‐Laplacian boundary value problems of Hadamard type fractional differential equations. We emphasize that few works on Hadamard fractional boundary value problems include p‐Laplacian Hadamard type fractional differential equations with nonlinear terms involving Hadamard fractional derivatives of unknown functions. By means of the five functional fixed point theorem, multiple positive solutions are established for the p‐Laplacian Hadamard fractional boundary value problem. An example is constructed for illustration of the main result.
Palliative radiotherapy for children: Symptom response and treatment‐associated toxicity according to radiation therapy dose and fractionation
Authors: Sudmeier Lisa J. , Madden Nicholas , Zhang Chao , Brock Katharine , Esiashvili Natia , Eaton Bree R.
Published: January 2023

Background/objectives

Radiotherapy is an effective palliative treatment in advanced cancer. Shorter palliative treatment courses are recommended for adults, though pediatric data addressing treatment efficacy and toxicity according to radiation therapy (RT) dose and fractionation are limited.

Design/methods

Total 213 patients aged 21 years or younger receiving 422 palliative radiotherapy treatment courses from 2003 to 2016 were included. Symptom response and treatment‐associated toxicity were recorded and analyzed in relationship to demographic and treatment variables.

Results

Common diagnoses included sarcoma (32.5%), neuroblastoma (24.9%), leukemia/lymphoma (14.9%), and central nervous system tumors (10.9%). The most common indication for treatment was pain (46.7%). Patients received a median of 10 fractions, 2.5 Gy dose per fraction, and 21 Gy total dose. Number of RT fractions was five or less in 166 (39.3%), six to 10 fractions in 117 (27.2%), and 10 or more fractions in 139 (32.9%) of courses. Complete or partial pain relief was achieved in 85% (151 of 178 evaluable patients), including 77.8% receiving five or less fractions and 89.6% receiving more than five fractions. Highest toxicity was grade 1 in 159 (38.9%), grade 2 in 26 (6.4%), and grade 3 in two (0.5%) treatments. On multivariable analysis, RT delivered 30 or more days from death (OR 12.13, 95% CI: 2.13–69.2, p = .005) and no adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.54, p = .005) were significantly associated with pain response, and five or less fractions were significantly associated with lower toxicity (OR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06–0.97, p = .045).

Conclusions

Palliative RT courses of five or less fractions result in high rates of pain control and are associated with low toxicity in pediatric patients with cancer.
A study on modified fabric‐contained melamine/bentonite polyurethane foam: Pb2+ adsorption and mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Lin Jia‐Horng , Li Ting‐Ting , Wang Zhi‐Ke , Shiu Bing‐Chiuan , Lou Ching‐Wen
Published: January 2023

In this study, a porous composite foam with excellent adsorption property toward Pb2+ was obtained by combining modified polyester (PET) fabric with polyurethane (PU) foam and using melamine and bentonite as modifiers. The effects of bentonite content on the adsorption and mechanical property of the modified fabric were studied. Based on the position of the modified PET fabric in porous PU foam, the P‐PU and PU‐P‐PU composite foams are prepared, and the effects of the fabric‐foam interface structure on the mechanical properties and adsorption properties were investigated. Effects of different experimental conditions such as pH value, contact time and initial dye concentration on adsorption capacity were investigated, and kinetic and isotherm of adsorption were used to analyze the adsorption mechanism of Pb2+ by foam. It was found that the porous composite foam have outstanding mechanical property and high adsorption efficiency. The adsorption was well‐described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Thus, the porous composite foam has great promise in removing heavy metal ions from water.
Highly exo‐olefinic polyisobutene synthesized using a recyclable acid
Authors: Lewis Stewart P. , Damodaran Krishnan
Published: January 2023

Scandium(III) and ytterbium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate are active for the terminationless polymerization of moderate reactivity olefins (β‐pinene, isobutene, styrene) in conjunction with a variety of initiators (e.g., Brønsted acids, halogens, and carbocation synthons). Neither Lewis acid requires chlorinated/toxic solvents to operate. The Yb congener is quantitatively recovered by aqueous extraction, reactivated by dehydration, and maintains its activity after multiple reuses. Both acids produce good yields (up to ~100%) of polyisobutene with an average exo‐olefinic end‐group content for Sc(OTf)3 of 86% (Alfa Asear) and 75% (Aldrich), and 94% for Yb(OTf)3 (Aldrich). The molecular weights of poly(β‐pinene) and polyisobutene made by scandium(III) and ytterbium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate, respectively, in combination with methanol are quite favorable at ambient temperature.
Signatures of Topological Surface State and Unconventional Magnetotransport Properties in Elemental Ruthenium
Authors: Singha Ratnadwip , Sarkar Shuvam , Ghosh Arup , Roy Shubhankar , Barman Sajal , Balal Mohammad , Barman Sudipta Roy , Mandal Prabhat
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the pursuit of new topological materials has created a vast and ever growing catalogue of compounds. However, the example of elemental topological metals is still rather limited. So far, the non‐trivial topological states have been probed in only a handful of elements and that too rarely in a transition metal. By combining the angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and magnetotransport measurements, here, ruthenium (Ru) is experimentally confirmed to be a topological metal, validating a recent theoretical prediction. The ARPES data for Ru(0001) provide evidence of the topological surface state related to the bulk Dirac node. Ru also exhibits a prominent planar Hall effect, thus further indicating its Dirac semimetallic nature. Large electron and hole mobilities are estimated, which are comparable to several topological semimetals. The non‐trivial nature of electronic band of Ru is also supported by the large non‐saturating transverse magnetoresistance.
In‐situ application of colloidal activated carbon for PFAS‐contaminated soil and groundwater: A Swedish case study
Authors: Niarchos Georgios , Ahrens Lutz , Kleja Dan Berggren , Leonard Gareth , Forde Jim , Bergman Jonny , Ribeli Erik , Schütz Matilda , Fagerlund Fritjof
Published: January 2023

Soil and groundwater contamination by per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been a significant concern to human health and environmental quality. Remediation of contaminated sites is crucial to prevent plume expansion but can prove challenging due to the persistent nature of PFAS combined with their high aqueous mobility. In this case study, we investigated the potential of colloidal activated carbon (CAC) for soil stabilization at the pilot scale, aiming to entrap PFAS and prevent their leaching from soil into groundwater. Monitoring of the site revealed the presence of two potential sources of PFAS contamination at concentrations up to 23 μg L−1 for ∑11PFAS in groundwater. After CAC application, initial results indicated a 76% reduction of ∑11PFAS and high removal rates for long‐chain PFAS, such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid. A spike in concentrations was noticed 6 months after injection of CAC, showing a rebound of the plume and a reduction of treatment effectiveness. Based on long‐term monitoring data, the treatment effectiveness for ∑11PFAS dropped to 52%. The rebound of concentrations was attributed to the plume bypass of the barrier due to the presence of high conductivity zones, which likely occurred because of seasonal changes in groundwater flow directions or the CAC application at the site. This demonstrates the need for a detailed and accurate hydrogeological understanding of contaminated sites before designing and applying stabilization techniques, especially at sites with high geologic and hydrologic complexity. The results herein can serve as a guideline for treating similar sites and help avoid potential pitfalls of remedial efforts.
Lower Diffusion‐Induced Stress in Nano‐Crystallites of P2‐Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/2Ti1/6O2 Novel Cathode for High Energy Na‐ion Batteries
Authors: Sengupta Abhinanda , Kumar Ajit , Barik Gayatree , Ahuja Aakash , Ghosh Jit , Lohani Harshita , Kumari Pratima , Bhandakkar Tanmay K. , Mitra Sagar
Published: January 2023

P2‐type Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/2Ti1/6O2 (NMTNO) cathode is a preeminent electrode material for Na‐ion batteries owing to its open prismatic framework, air‐moisture stability, inexpensiveness, appealing capacity, environmental benignity, and Co‐free composition. However, the poor cycling stability, sluggish Na‐ion kinetics induced in bulk‐sized cathode particles, cracking, and exfoliation in the crystallites remain a setback. To outmaneuver these, a designing strategy of a mechanically robust, hexagonal nano‐crystallites of P2‐type Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/2Ti1/6O2 (NMTNOnano) electrode via quick, energy‐efficient, and low‐cost microwave‐irradiated synthesis is proposed. For the first time, employing a unified experimental and theoretical approach with fracture mechanics analysis, the mechanism behind the enhanced performance, better structural stability, and lower diffusion‐induced stress of NMTNOnano compared to micro‐sized Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/2Ti1/6O2 is unveiled and the electrochemical shock map is predicted. The NMTNOnano cathode provides 94.8% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 0.1 C with prolonged performance for 1000 cycles at 0.5 C. The practical viability of this cathode, tested in a full cell against a hard carbon anode delivered 85.48% capacity retention at 0.14 mA cm−2 after 200 cycles. This work bridges the gap in correlating the microstructural and electrochemical properties through experimental, theoretical (DFT), and fracture mechanics analysis, thereby tailoring efficient cathode with lower diffusion‐induced stress for high‐energy Na‐ion batteries.
Surface Stoichiometry Control of Colloidal Heterostructured Quantum Dots for High‐Performance Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Tao Yi , Tang Zikun , Bao Dequan , Zhao Haiguang , Gao Zhenqiu , Peng Mingfa , Zhang Hao , Wang Kanghong , Sun Xuhui
Published: January 2023

Manipulating the separation and transfer behaviors of charges has long been pursued for promoting the photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation based on II–VI quantum dot (QDs), but remains challenging due to the lack of effective strategies. Herein, a facile strategy is reported to regulate the recombination and transfer of interfacial charges through tuning the surface stoichiometry of heterostructured QDs. Using this method, it is demonstrated that the PEC cells based on CdSe‐(SexS1−x)4‐(CdS)2 core/shell QDs with a proper Ssurface/Cdsurface ratio exhibits a remarkably improved photocurrent density (≈18.4 mA cm−2 under one sun illumination), superior to the PEC cells based on QDs with Cd‐rich or excessive S‐rich surface. In‐depth electrochemical and spectroscopic characterizations reveal the critical role (hole traps) of surface S atoms in suppressing the recombination of photogenerated charges, and further attribute the inferior performance of excessive S‐rich QDs to the impeded charge transfer from QDs to TiO2 and electrolyte. This work puts forward a simple surface engineering strategy for improving the performance of QDs PEC cells, providing an efficient method to guide the surface design of QDs for their applications in other optoelectronic devices.
Synergistically Accelerating Adsorption‐Electrocataysis of Sulfur Species via Interfacial Built‐In Electric Field of SnS2‐MXene Mott–Schottky Heterojunction in Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Chen Li , Yue Liguo , Wang Xinying , Wu Shangyou , Wang Wei , Lu Dongzhen , Liu Xi , Zhou Weiliang , Li Yunyong
Published: January 2023

Developing efficient heterojunction electrocatalysts and uncovering their atomic‐level interfacial mechanism in promoting sulfur‐species adsorption‐electrocatalysis are interesting yet challenging in lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs). Here, multifunctional SnS2‐MXene Mott–Schottky heterojunctions with interfacial built‐in electric field (BIEF) are developed, as a model to decipher their BIEF effect for accelerating synergistic adsorption‐electrocatalysis of bidirectional sulfur conversion. Theoretical and experimental analysis confirm that because Ti atoms in MXene easily lost electrons, whereas S atoms in SnS2 easily gain electrons, and under Mott–Schottky influence, SnS2‐MXene heterojunction forms the spontaneous BIEF, leading to the electronic flow from MXene to SnS2, so SnS2 surface easily bonds with more lithium polysulfides. Moreover, the hetero‐interface quickly propels abundant Li+/electron transfer, so greatly lowering Li2S nucleation/decomposition barrier, promoting bidirectional sulfur conversion. Therefore, S/SnS2‐MXene cathode displays a high reversible capacity (1,188.5 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C) and a stable long‐life span with 500 cycles (≈82.7% retention at 1.0 C). Importantly, the thick sulfur cathode (sulfur loading: 8.0 mg cm−2) presents a large areal capacity of 7.35 mAh cm−2 at lean electrolyte of 5.0 µL mgs−1. This work verifies the substantive mechanism that how BIEF optimizes the catalytic performance of heterojunctions and provides an effective strategy for deigning efficient bidirectional Li‐S catalysts in LSBs.
Linker‐Based Bandgap Tuning in Conductive MOF Solid Solutions
Authors: Choi Ji Yong , Wang Minyan , Check Brianna , Stodolka Michael , Tayman Kyle , Sharma Sandeep , Park Jihye
Published: January 2023

Herein, the synthesis of Cu3(HAB)x(TATHB)2‐x (HAB: hexaaminobenzene, TATHB: triaminotrihydroxybenzene) is reported. Synthetic improvement of Cu3(TATHB)2 leads to a more crystalline framework with higher electrical conductivity value than previously reported. The improved crystallinity and analogous structure between TATHB and HAB enable the synthesis of Cu3(HAB)x(TATHB)2‐x with ligand compositions precisely controlled by precursor ratios. The electrical conductivity is tuned from 4.2 × 10−8 to 2.9 × 10−5 S cm−1 by simply increasing the nitrogen content in the crystal lattice. Furthermore, computational calculation supports that the solid solution facilitates the band structure tuning. It is envisioned that the findings not only shed light on the ligand‐dependent structure–property relationship but create new prospects in synthesizing multicomponent electrically conductive metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) for tailoring optoelectronic device applications.
MoS2 Passivated Multilayer Graphene Membranes for Li‐Ion Extraction From Seawater
Authors: Chang Won Jun , Jang Suhee , Kim Minjoo , Kim Yelim , Jeong Dae Yeop , Kim Beomju , Kim Jin Myung , Nam SungWoo , Park Won Il
Published: January 2023

Abundant Li resources in the ocean are promising alternatives to refining ore, whose supplies are limited by the total amount and geopolitical imbalance of reserves in Earth's crust. Despite advances in Li+ extraction using porous membranes, they require screening other cations on a large scale due to the lack in precise control of pore size and inborn defects. Herein, MoS2 nanoflakes on a multilayer graphene membrane (MFs‐on‐MGM) that possess ion channels comprising i) van der Waals interlayer gaps for optimal Li+ extraction and ii) negatively charged vertical inlets for cation attraction, are reported. Ion transport measurements across the membrane reveal ≈6‐ and 13‐fold higher selectivity for Li+ compared to Na+ and Mg2+, respectively. Furthermore, continuous, stable Li+ extraction from seawater is demonstrated by integrating the membrane into a H2 and Cl2 evolution system, enabling more than 104‐fold decrease in the Na+ concentration and near‐complete elimination of other cations.
Implantable and biodegradable closed‐loop devices for autonomous electrotherapy
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Mehvish Darakhshan , Yang Hui
Published: January 2023

Implantable electronic devices as a valuable biomedical tool are used to treat chronic diseases. However, traditional pacemakers exist a serious risk of complications. A biodegradable, closed‐loop sensor‐actuator system is developed for cardiac rhythm monitoring. This system could achieve autonomous electrotherapy.
Porous Graphene Produced by Carbothermal Shock for Green Electromagnetic Interference Shielding in Both Microwave and Terahertz Bands
Authors: Zhou Congli , Zhang Kun , Sun Xiao , Zhao Xingchuan , Zheng Kaiwen , Mi Jiawei , Qing Fangzhu , Wen Qiye , Li Xuesong
Published: January 2023

The prospect of graphene‐based shielding materials in the form of fillers is limited by the cumbersome preparation of graphene. Herein, defect‐tunable porous graphene prepared by carbothermal shock using low‐value sucrose as a precursor is proposed as an effective shielding filler. The resultant porous graphene exhibits 32.5 dB shielding efficiency (SE) and 2.5–18 GHz effective bandwidth at a mass loading of 20 wt%, competing with the shielding performance of graphene fillers prepared by other methods. Particularly, defect‐rich graphene synthesized by increasing voltage and prolonging time shows increased electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption, echoing the current concept of green shielding. In addition, the strategy of controlling the discharge conditions to improve the absorption by the shield is developed in the terahertz band. The average SE and reflection loss of the samples in the THz band (0.2–1.2 THz) exhibit 40.7 and 15.9 dB at filler loading of 5 wt%, respectively, achieving effective shielding and absorption of THz waves. This work paves a new way for low‐cost preparation of graphene for EM interference shielding fillers. Meanwhile, it supplies a reference for the shielding research of the upcoming applications integrating multiple EM bands (such as sixth‐generation based integrated sensing and communication).
AI‐BRAFV600E: A deep convolutional neural network for BRAFV600E mutation status prediction of thyroid nodules using ultrasound images
Authors: Xi Chuang , Du Ruiqi , Wang Ren , Wang Yang , Hou Liying , Luan Mengqi , Zheng Xuan , Huang Hongyan , Liang Zhixin , Ding Xuehai , Luo Quanyong , Shen Chentian
Published: January 2023

Background: The BRAFV600E mutation is a valuable indicator for thyroid cancer diagnosis. This study aimed to develop a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) model based on ultrasound images to predict the BRAFV600E mutation status of thyroid nodules.

Methods: The ultrasound images were obtained from four hospitals between January 2017 and January 2022. We trained and validated the DCNN model based on the primary set from center 1 (979 images, 528 patients). The DCNN network consists of Conv block, Downsample block, Gaussian error linear unit, Global Average Polling, and Full Connected. The predictive performance of this model was evaluated by using areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in four independent test sets from center 1 to center 4 (531 images, 282 patients). Heatmaps were used to visualize the most predictive regions of each image. Specimens obtained through fine‐needle aspiration or surgery were used to detect the BRAFV600E mutation.

Results: The DCNN model achieved encouraging predictive performance by fivefold cross‐validation (AUC 0.95) in the primary set. This performance was further confirmed in the independent internal test set (AUC 0.93) and three independent external test sets (AUC 0.84–0.88). The deep learning score revealed significant differences between BRAFV600E‐mutant and BRAFV600E‐wild‐type groups (all test sets p < .001). The heatmaps visualized the most predictive region located inside or alongside the thyroid nodules.

Conclusion: A DCNN model with encouraging predictive performance was developed based on ultrasound images to predict the BRAFV600E mutation status of thyroid nodules.
Analytic functions and Nash functions along curves
Authors: Kucharz Wojciech , Kurdyka Krzysztof
Published: January 2023

Let X be a real analytic manifold. A function $$f :X \rightarrow \mathbb {R}$$

f
:
X
→
R

is said to be curve-analytic if it is real analytic when restricted to any locally irreducible real analytic curve in X. We prove that every curve-analytic function with subanalytic graph is actually real analytic. To accomplish this task, we give a criterion for an arc-analytic function to be real analytic. A function is called arc-analytic if it is real analytic along any parametric real analytic arc. We also obtain analogous results for Nash manifolds and Nash functions, in which case the assumption of subanalyticity is superfluous.
Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung (MmgB) in der ambulanten medizinischen Versorgung: Barrieren beim Zugang und im Untersuchungsablauf
Authors: Wellkamp Randi , de Cruppé Werner , Schwalen Susanne , Geraedts Max
Published: January 2023

Hintergrund und Ziel

Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung (MmgB) weisen eine erhöhte Morbidität auf. Ihr Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung könnte ein Einflussfaktor sein. In Deutschland existieren hierzu nur wenige Daten. Die vorliegende Arbeit geht der Frage nach, welche Barrieren und förderlichen Aspekte für MmgB bei der Inanspruchnahme der ambulanten Versorgung bestehen. Dabei wird ihre eigene Perspektive berücksichtigt sowie die der begleitenden Angehörigen und der Hausärzt:innen.

Methoden

In dieser Querschnittstudie wurden mittels Fragebögen MmgB in 3 Werkstätten für behinderte Menschen sowie deren Angehörige und Hausärzt:innen befragt. Die Daten wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet und die Antworten der MmgB und der Angehörigen teststatistisch verglichen. Die inhaltliche Gliederung folgt dem Modell nach Cantrell (Erkennen eines Behandlungsbedarfs, Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung, Untersuchungsablauf).

Ergebnisse

MmgB teilen Beschwerden ihren Angehörigen mit, die sie oft zu Arztbesuchen begleiten. Barrieren sind eher organisatorischer als räumlicher Art. Die Behandlungssituation ist teilweise durch Ängste, Unruhe oder auch das Nichtzulassen von Untersuchungen erschwert. Schwierig ist es, erfahrene Praxen zu finden. Daher wünschen sich Angehörige Listen mit solchen Praxen und medizinische Versorgungszentren für MmgB. Die Sicht der MmgB und ihrer Angehörigen zeigt kaum Unterschiede. Hausärzt:innen geben den erhöhten Behandlungsaufwand, Wunsch nach Fortbildung und angemessener Vergütung an.

Diskussion

Die Angehörigen spielen in der medizinischen Versorgung von MmgB eine wichtige Rolle. Schwierigkeiten in der Versorgung können aus den spezifischen, erhöhten Anforderungen im Umgang mit MmgB entstehen, die sich organisatorisch äußern. Es bedarf einer aktiven Bereitschaft zur Inklusion.
Hybrid simultaneous laser- and ultrasonic-assisted machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: Dominguez-Caballero Javier , Ayvar-Soberanis Sabino , Kim Jin , Roy Anish , Li Lin , Curtis David
Published: January 2023

The machinability of Ti-6Al-4V alloy has been a constant challenge in the industry, although the material is widely used in the aerospace and medical industries due to its mechanical properties, particularly its strength-to-weight ratio. The current research presents a hybrid laser- and ultrasonic-assisted machining (LUAM) technique to improve the machinability of Ti-6Al-4V alloy in a turning process. This is compared with ultrasonic-assisted machining (UAM), laser-assisted machining (LAM), and convectional turning (CT). The results reveal that UAM and LAM can reduce the cutting forces and surface roughness (Ra) compared to the CT. However, these are achieved mainly at the lowest range of cutting speeds. The hybrid LUAM process demonstrates process improvement with wider range of cutting speeds and depths of cut, which is achieved due to the combined force reduction and thermal softening effect by the hybrid process.
Endosialin-positive tumor-derived pericytes promote tumor progression through impeding the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Lu Tong , Zhang Jiayu , Lu Shiqi , Yang Fa , Gan Lunbiao , Wu Xinjie , Song Hongtao , Liu Shaojie , Xu Chao , Han Donghui , Yang Bo , Wen Weihong , Qin Weijun , Yang Lijun
Published: January 2023

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy can be effective against clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), but many patients show no benefit. Tumor-derived pericytes (TDPs) may promote tumor progression by influencing T cells and are an immunotherapy target; however, they may comprise functionally distinct subtypes. We aimed to identify markers of tumor-promoting TDPs and develop TDP-targeting strategies to enhance ICB therapy effectiveness against ccRCC.

Methods

We analyzed the relationship between endosialin (EN) expression and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration in ccRCC tumor samples using flow cytometry and in a ccRCC-bearing mice inhibited for EN via knockout or antibody-mediated blockade. The function of ENhigh TDPs in CTL infiltration and tumor progression was analyzed using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data from ccRCC tissue-derived TDPs and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data from an online database. The role of EN in TDP proliferation and migration and in CTL infiltration was examined in vitro. Finally, we examined the anti-tumor effect of combined anti-EN and anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) antibodies in ccRCC-bearing mice.

Results

High EN expression was associated with low CTL infiltration in ccRCC tissues, and inhibition of EN significantly increased CTL infiltration in ccRCC-bearing mice. RNA-seq and scRNA-seq analyses indicated that high EN expression represented the TDP activation state. EN promoted TDP proliferation and migration and impeded CTL infiltration in vitro. Finally, combined treatment with anti-EN and anti-PD-1 antibodies synergistically enhanced anti-tumor efficacy.

Conclusion

ENhigh TDPs are in an activated state and inhibit CTL infiltration into ccRCC tissues. Combined treatment with anti-EN and anti-PD-1 antibodies may improve ICB therapy effectiveness against ccRCC.
Geospatial Analysis of Accessibility to Surgical Care, a Brazilian Local Perspective
Authors: Oliveira Trindade Bruna , Brandão Gabriela R. , Bueno Motter Sarah
Published: January 2023

Background

Surgical care has been neglected and recently discussed by the World Health Organization as a necessary component of health care. Situations that distance individuals and medical services are of particular concern. We aim to estimate the distance a patient who lives in a municipality without a general surgeon would have to travel to access surgical care; and to describe the geographical distribution of the surgical workforce.

Methods

We obtained the surgical data from DATASUS, from IBGE, the information regarding the classification of each municipality and its location, and FEPAM, the road network. We performed the geoprocessing analysis on QGIS and the statistical analysis on SPSS.

Results

The Rio Grande do Sul state had 496 municipalities, of which 69.4% were rural, with a mean of 9.19 general surgeons per overall municipality. A total of 237 cities had no general surgeons, of which 89.45% were in rural ones. There was a significant difference in the number of surgeons per municipality between rural and urban ones. We found a mean of 22.09 surgeons per 100,000 population. The mean distance traveled by a patient to a municipality with general surgeons available was 30.25 km, with a minimum of 2.46 km and a maximum of 268.22 km.

Conclusions

Disparities are associated with the geospatial distribution of surgical care in the Rio Grande do Sul state. The surgical workforce and the distance a patient travels are irregular geographically. This study is the start of inspiring other similar studies about geospatial surgical analysis.
Tuning the properties of NBR/BaFe11.5Co0.5O19: a road toward diverse applications
Authors: Ateia Ebtesam E. , Elsayed Kareem , El-Nashar D. E.
Published: January 2023

The present work aims to synthesize and designate 50% BaFe11.5Co0.5O19 /50% NBR nanocomposite with enhanced physical properties. First, the BaFe11.5Co0.5O19 hexaferrite was successfully synthesized by the citrate auto-combustion technique. Composite nanoparticles were synthesized by melt mixing technique in a Brabender Plasticorder. The structure and morphology of the samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The average crystallite size is nearly 35 nm. The high values of Ms for BFCO can be clarified by Fe3+–O–Fe3+ super-exchange interaction in the present system. An investigation has found that substitution in M-type hexaferrite systems alters the valence states of Fe3+ ions to Fe3+ ions at the 2A sites (Ateia et al. in Appl Phys A 128: 884, 2022). This causes an enhancement of super-exchange interactions that improves the hyperfine field at 2b and 12 k sites. The switching field distribution was computed and reported. Tensile strength (T.S), Young’s modulus (E), hardness (H) and Rheometric characteristics were enhanced after the addition of BFCO nanoparticles to NBR polymer. The obtained data from the present study revealed that the incorporation of 50% of BaFe11.5Co0.5O19 hexaferrite with 50% of NBR rubber enhanced the physico-mechanical and magnetic characteristics of the prepared composites. This indicates that hexaferrites achieve not only appropriate magnetic properties for the prepared composites, but also strengthen the rubber matrix. The originality of this investigation is clarified by emphasizing the magnetization of NBR and to accentuate the good mechanical properties of the investigated nanocomposites.
Aerodynamic vs. frictional damping in primary flight feathers of the pigeon Columba livia
Authors: Deng K. , Schaber C. F. , Kovalev A. , Rajabi H. , Dai Z. D. , Gorb S. N.
Published: January 2023

During flight, vibrations potentially cause aerodynamic instability and noise. Besides muscle control, the intrinsic damping in bird feathers helps to reduce vibrations. The vanes of the feathers play a key role in flight, and they support feathers’ aerodynamic function through their interlocked barbules. However, the exact mechanisms that determine the damping properties of the vanes remain elusive. Our aim was to understand how the structure of the vanes on a microscopic level influences their damping properties. For this purpose, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to explore the vane’s microstructure. High-speed videography (HSV) was used to record and analyze vibrations of feathers with zipped and unzipped vanes upon step deflections parallel or perpendicular to the vane plane. The results indicate that the zipped vanes have higher damping ratios. The planar surface of the barbs in zipped vanes is responsible for aerodynamic damping, contributing 20%–50% to the whole damping in a feather. To investigate other than aerodynamic damping mechanisms, the structural and material damping, experiments in vacuum were performed. High damping ratios were observed in the zipped vanes, even in vacuum, because of the structural damping. The following structural properties might be responsible for high damping in feathers: (i) the intact planar surface, (ii) the interlocking of barbules, and (iii) the foamy inner material of the barb’s medulla. Structural damping is another factor demonstrating 3.3 times (at vertical deflection) and 2.3 times (at horizontal deflection) difference in damping ratio between zipped and unzipped feathers in vacuum. The shaft and barbs filled with gradient foam are thought to increase the damping in the feather further.
Utility of isolated-check visual evoked potential technique in dysthyroid optic neuropathy
Authors: Luo Ban , Liu Rong , Wang Shanluxi , Hu Weikun , Li Yunping , Tong Boding , Zhang Hong , Qi Xin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To analyze the utility of isolated-check visual evoked potential (icVEP) for discriminating between eyes with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) and eyes with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) but not DON.

Methods

Forty-three eyes with TAO but not DON (as non-DON), fifty-three eyes with DON, and sixty healthy eyes (as controls) were included. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity, refraction, color vision test, intraocular pressure measurement, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy, RAPD, exophthalmometry measurements, pVEP test, icVEP test, standard automated perimetry, and clinical activity score classification of TAO, as well as demographic information, were collected and analyzed.

Results

In the DON group, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) value of icVEPs decreased significantly compared with that of the non-DON group as well as control (p < 0.05). The SNR values under 8%, 16% and 32% depth of modulation (DOM) were significantly negatively correlated with BCVA (p < 0.05, r =  − 0.9 ~  − 0.6), papilledema (Y/N) (p < 0.05, r =  − 0.8 ~ 0.4) and DON (Y/N) (p < 0.001, r =  − 0.7 ~  − 0.5). The 8% DOM of icVEP had the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) (0.842) for discriminating DON from non-DONs. Meanwhile, decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that patients clinically benefit most from 8% DOM of icVEP. Furthermore, the 8% DOM of icVEP combing with papilledema (Y/N) and BCVA (Model 1) has significantly larger AUC than the 8% DOM of icVEP (p = 0.0364), and has better clinical benefit in DCA analysis.

Conclusions

The SNR of 8% DOM from icVEP may represent a significant ancillary diagnostic method for DON detection. Furthermore, icVEP combined with papilledema (Y/N) and BCVA should be considered as a diagnostic model in future clinical practice.
The impact of leg position on muscle blood flow and oxygenation during low-intensity rhythmic plantarflexion exercise
Authors: Marume Kyohei , Mugele Hendrik , Ueno Ryo , Amin Sachin B. , Lesmana Heru Syarli , Possnig Carmen , Hansen Alexander B. , Simpson Lydia L. , Lawley Justin S.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Resistance training (RT) is an effective countermeasure to combat physical deconditioning whereby localized hypoxia within the limb increases metabolic stress eliciting muscle adaptation. The current study sought to examine the influence of gravity on muscle oxygenation (SmO2) alongside vascular hemodynamic responses.

Methods

In twelve young healthy adults, an ischemic occlusion test and seven minutes of low-intensity rhythmic plantarflexion exercise were used alongside superficial femoral blood flow and calf near-infrared spectroscopy to assess the microvascular vasodilator response, conduit artery flow-mediated dilation, exercise-induced hyperemia, and SmO2 with the leg positioned above or below the heart in a randomized order.

Results

The microvascular vasodilator response, assessed by peak blood flow (798 ± 231 mL/min vs. 1348 ± 290 mL/min; p < 0.001) and reperfusion slope 10 s of SmO2 after cuff deflation (0.75 ± 0.45%.s-1 vs.2.40 ± 0.94%.s-1; p < 0.001), was attenuated with the leg above the heart. This caused a blunted dilatation of the superficial femoral artery (3.0 ± 2.4% vs. 5.2 ± 2.1%; p = 0.008). Meanwhile, blood flow area under the curve was comparable (above the heart: 445 ± 147 mL vs. below the heart: 474 ± 118 mL; p = 0.55) in both leg positions. During rhythmic exercise, the increase in femoral blood flow was lower in the leg up position (above the heart: 201 ± 94% vs. below the heart: 292 ± 114%; p = 0.001) and contributed to a lower SmO2 (above the heart: 41 ± 18% vs. below the heart 67 ± 5%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Positioning the leg above the heart results in attenuated peak vascular dilator response and exercise-induced hyperemia that coincided with a lower SmO2 during low-intensity plantarflexion exercise.
Tracing the evolution of the plant meiotic molecular machinery
Authors: Thangavel Gokilavani , Hofstatter Paulo G. , Mercier Raphaël , Marques André
Published: January 2023

Meiosis is a highly conserved specialised cell division in sexual life cycles of eukaryotes, forming the base of gene reshuffling, biological diversity and evolution. Understanding meiotic machinery across different plant lineages is inevitable to understand the lineage-specific evolution of meiosis. Functional and cytogenetic studies of meiotic proteins from all plant lineage representatives are nearly impossible. So, we took advantage of the genomics revolution to search for core meiotic proteins in accumulating plant genomes by the highly sensitive homology search approaches, PSI-BLAST, HMMER and CLANS. We could find that most of the meiotic proteins are conserved in most of the lineages. Exceptionally, Arabidopsis thaliana ASY4, PHS1, PRD2, PRD3 orthologs were mostly not detected in some distant algal lineages suggesting their minimal conservation. Remarkably, an ancestral duplication of SPO11 to all eukaryotes could be confirmed. Loss of SPO11-1 in Chlorophyta and Charophyta is likely to have occurred, suggesting that SPO11-1 and SPO11-2 heterodimerisation may be a unique feature in land plants of Viridiplantae. The possible origin of the meiotic proteins described only in plants till now, DFO and HEIP1, could be traced and seems to occur in the ancestor of vascular plants and Streptophyta, respectively. Our comprehensive approach is an attempt to provide insights about meiotic core proteins and thus the conservation of meiotic pathways across plant kingdom. We hope that this will serve the meiotic community a basis for further characterisation of interesting candidates in future.
Effect of preparation size on the removal of accumulated hard-tissue debris from the mesial root canal system of mandibular molars using SWEEPS technology
Authors: Rödig Tina , Westbomke Valerie , Haupt Franziska , Münster Marc , Baxter Steffi
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study assessed the influence of preparation size on the efficacy of shock wave–enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS) and conventional irrigation (CI) on removal of accumulated hard tissue debris (AHTD) from isthmus-containing mandibular molars using micro-computed tomographic analysis.

Materials and methods

Sixty extracted mandibular molars with two mesial canals connected by an isthmus were selected. Canals were shaped with Mtwo instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany) up to sizes 25/.06, 40/.04 or 40/.06 (n = 20), and specimens were distributed into 2 final irrigation groups (n = 10): SWEEPS and CI. Roots were scanned at a resolution of 10.5 µm before and after preparation and final irrigation. Data sets were co-registered, and the percentage reduction of AHTD calculated for each specimen was statistically compared using analysis of variance with a of 5% significance level.

Results

The preparation size did not significantly influence the percentage reduction of AHTD (p < 0.05), whereas the final irrigation technique had a significant effect on debris removal (p < 0.05). A significant reduction of AHTD was achieved after final irrigation in all groups (p < 0.05); however, SWEEPS was associated with a significantly greater percentage reduction of debris than CI (p < 0.05). None of the specimens presented a completely clean isthmus.

Conclusions

Removal of AHTD was not significantly affected by the preparation size. SWEEPS was associated with significantly less debris than CI.

Clinical relevance

SWEEPS performed significantly better than CI regarding the removal of AHTD from isthmus-containing mandibular molars irrespective of the preparation size.