bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐Event‐Camera Depth Estimation and Outlier Rejection by Refocused Events Fusion
Authors: Ghosh Suman , Gallego Guillermo
Published: September 2022

Event cameras are bio‐inspired sensors that offer advantages over traditional cameras. They operate asynchronously, sampling the scene at microsecond resolution and producing a stream of brightness changes. This unconventional output has sparked novel computer vision methods to unlock the camera's potential. Here, the problem of event‐based stereo 3D reconstruction for SLAM is considered. Most event‐based stereo methods attempt to exploit the high temporal resolution of the camera and the simultaneity of events across cameras to establish matches and estimate depth. By contrast, this work investigates how to estimate depth without explicit data association by fusing disparity space images (DSIs) originated in efficient monocular methods. Fusion theory is developed and applied to design multi‐camera 3D reconstruction algorithms that produce state‐of‐the‐art results, as confirmed by comparisons with four baseline methods and tests on a variety of available datasets.
Newborn screening for Fabry disease in Oregon: Approaching the iceberg of A143T and variants of uncertain significance
Authors: Viall Sarah , Dennis Anna , Yang Amy
Published: September 2022

Fabry disease newborn screening (NBS) has been ongoing in Oregon for over 41 months by first‐tier enzyme quantitation and second‐tier DNA testing. During that period the majority of abnormal referrals received (34/60) were for the presence of the controversial c.427G > A (p.Ala143Thr) aka A143T and the majority of non‐A143T referrals were for other variants of uncertain significance (17/60) resulting in at least 32 infants with an inconclusive case outcome even after clinical evaluation and/or diagnostic testing. To date there has been no significant family history or onset of symptoms in individuals with an inconclusive outcome. Based on our experience, we have developed a framework for approaching A143T and other variants of uncertain clinical significance in an attempt to balance sensitivity with the unnecessary medicalization of healthy infants.
Confounding factors of Alzheimer's disease plasma biomarkers and their impact on clinical performance
Authors: Pichet Binette Alexa , Janelidze Shorena , Cullen Nicholas , Dage Jeffrey L. , Bateman Randall J. , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Stomrud Erik , Mattsson‐Carlgren Niklas , Hansson Oskar
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Plasma biomarkers will likely revolutionize the diagnostic work‐up of Alzheimer's disease (AD) globally. Before widespread use, we need to determine if confounding factors affect the levels of these biomarkers, and their clinical utility.

Methods

Participants with plasma and CSF biomarkers, creatinine, body mass index (BMI), and medical history data were included (BioFINDER‐1: n = 748, BioFINDER‐2: n = 421). We measured beta‐amyloid (Aβ42, Aβ40), phosphorylated tau (p‐tau217, p‐tau181), neurofilament light (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP).

Results

In both cohorts, creatinine and BMI were the main factors associated with NfL, GFAP, and to a lesser extent with p‐tau. However, adjustment for BMI and creatinine had only minor effects in models predicting either the corresponding levels in CSF or subsequent development of dementia.

Discussion

Creatinine and BMI are related to certain plasma biomarkers levels, but they do not have clinically relevant confounding effects for the vast majority of individuals.

Highlights

Creatinine and body mass index (BMI) are related to certain plasma biomarker levels.

Adjusting for creatinine and BMI has minor influence on plasma‐cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) associations.

Adjusting for creatinine and BMI has minor influence on prediction of dementia using plasma biomarkers.
DNA‐Encoded Gold‐Gold Wettability for Programmable Plasmonic Engineering
Authors: Zhai Tingting , Zheng Haoran , Fang Weina , Gao Zhaoshuai , Song Shiping , Zuo Xiaolei , Li Qian , Wang Lihua , Li Jiang , Shi Jiye , Liu Xiaoguo , Tian Yang , Shen Jianlei , Fan Chunhai
Published: September 2022

Controlling the deposition and diffusion of adsorbed atoms (adatoms) on the surface of a solid material is vital for engineering the shape and function of nanocrystals. Here, we report the use of single‐stranded DNA (oligo‐adenine, oligo‐A) to encode the wettability of gold seeds by homogeneous gold adatoms to synthesize highly tunable plasmonic nanostructures. We find that the oligo‐A attachment transforms the nanocrystal growth mode from the classical Frank‐van der Merwe to the Volmer‐Weber island growth. Finely tuning the oligo‐A density can continuously change the gold‐gold contact angle (θ) from 35.1±3.6° to 125.3±8.0°. We further demonstrate the versatility of this strategy for engineering nanoparticles with different curvature and dimensions. With this unconventional growth mode, we synthesize a sub‐nanometer plasmonic cavity with a geometrical singularity when θ>90°. Superfocusing of light in this nanocavity produces a near‐infrared intraparticle plasmonic coupling, which paves the way to surface engineering of single‐particle plasmonic devices.
H+−H− Pairs in Partially Oxidized MAX Phases for Bifunctional Catalytic Conversion of Furfurals into Linear Ketones
Authors: Deng Qiang , Zhou Rong , Zhang Yong‐Chao , Li Xiang , Li Jiahui , Tu Shaobo , Sheng Guan , Wang Jun , Zeng Zheling , Yoskamtorn Tatchamapan , Edman Tsang Shik Chi
Published: September 2022

Currently, less favorable C=O hydrogenation and weak concerted acid catalysis cause unsatisfactory catalytic performance in the upgrading of biomass‐derived furfurals (i.e., furfural, 5‐methyl furfural, and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural) to ketones (i.e., cyclopentanone, 2,5‐hexanedione, and 1‐hydroxyl‐2,5‐hexanedione). A series of partially oxidized MAX phase (i.e., Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC, Ti3SiC2) supporting Pd catalysts were fabricated, which showed high catalytic activity; Pd/Ti3AlC2 in particular displayed high performance for conversion of furfurals into targeted ketones. Detailed studies of the catalytic mechanism confirm that in situ hydrogen spillover generates Frustrated Lewis H+−H− pairs, which not only act as the hydrogenation sites for selective C=O hydrogenation but also provide acid sites for ring opening. The close intimate hydrogenation and acid sites promote bifunctional catalytic reactions, substantially reducing the reported minimum reaction temperature of various furfurals by at least 30–60 °C.
Helical Molecular Springs with Varying Spring Constants
Authors: Murphy Kyle E. , McKay Kyle T. , Schenkelberg Mica , Sharafi Mona , Vestrheim Olav , Ivancic Monika , Li Jianing , Schneebeli Severin T.
Published: September 2022

We report a general synthetic route toward helical ladder polymers with varying spring constants, built with chirality‐assisted synthesis (CAS). Under tension and compression, these shape‐persistent structures do not unfold, but rather stretch and compress akin classical Hookean springs. Our synthesis is adaptable to helices with different pitch and diameter, which allowed us to investigate how molecular flexibility in solution depends on the exact geometry of the ladder polymers. Specifically, we showed with molecular dynamic simulations and by measuring the longitudinal 1H NMR relaxation times (T1) for our polymers at different Larmor frequencies, that increasing the helix diameter leads to increased flexibility. Our results present initial design rules for tuning the mechanical properties of intrinsically helical ladder polymers in solution, which will help inspire a new class of robust, spring‐like molecular materials with varying mechanical properties.
A silicone diphenylsulfonate for improving the flame retardancy of polycarbonate
Authors: Song Xiaoqing , Xu Dehuan , Luo Zhonglin , Wang Biaobing
Published: September 2022

Silicone diphenylsulfonate (SDPSF) was synthesized via nucleophilic substitution reaction between dihydroxyalkyl‐terminated silicone oil and benzene sulfonyl chloride, and its chemical structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H NMR. The effect of SDPSF on the flame retardancy, thermal stability, combustion behavior, and mechanical properties of PC/SDPSF blends were investigated. The PC/2 wt% SDPSF blend achieved the UL‐94 (3 mm) V‐0 rating and limiting oxygen index value of 30.3% together with the lowest values of the total heat release (32.2 MJ/M2), peak heat release rate (239.5 kW/M2), CO production (0.48 kg/kg), and fire growth index (1.09 kW/s·m2). It demonstrated that the SDPSF improved evidently the flame retardancy and fire safety of the polycarbonate (PC) matrix. The blend also gave a slightly reduced tensile strength (60.0 MPa) and notched impact strength (57.0 kJ/m2). The TG‐FTIR spectra of the pyrolysis gases demonstrated that the SDPSF promoted the decomposition of PC matrix on advance to release much more nonflammable gases in the early combustion process, meanwhile, the analysis of the char residues confirmed that the SDPSF facilitated the formation of compact and continuous layers with higher graphitization degree to isolate the transfer of heat and combustible volatiles.
Estimation of fraction of drug metabolism by a single UDP‐glucuronosyl transferase enzyme using relative expression factor
Authors: Honda Tomoyo , Obuchi Wataru , Nishiya Yumi , Shibayama Takahiro , Watanabe Kengo , Watanabe Nobuaki
Published: September 2022

The estimation of the contributions of UDP‐glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) isoforms to the overall metabolism still suffers from technical difficulties due to limited information on enzyme levels in recombinant systems and specific inhibitors, unlike the case for cytochrome P450s (CYPs). The protein expression levels of UGT in both recombinant system microsomes (RM) and human liver microsomes (HLM) were quantified using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, and the relative expression factor (REF) value of HLM to recombinant microsomes was estimated to evaluate the fractions of drug metabolism by a single UGT enzyme (fmUGT) of UGT substrates. The REF values of UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A9, UGT2B4, UGT2B7, and UGT2B17 were 0.228, 0.0714, 0.0665, 0.420, 0.118, and 0.0442, respectively. fmUGTs in HLM were estimated for several typical UGT substrates utilizing these values and metabolic clearances in RM. These values were comparable to the reported values estimated by various methods. This study provided useful information on REF values, which promote a robust estimation of fmUGT values for UGT substrates when evaluating the contribution of UGT isoforms to total metabolic clearance.
Determination of thiram residues in fresh water using flow injection diperiodatonickelate(IV)–quinine chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Asghar Muhammad , Yaqoob Mohammad , Munawar Nusrat , Nabi Abdul
Published: September 2022

This study developed a simple flow injection (FI) method based on diperiodatonickelate(IV)–sulfuric acid reaction using chemiluminescence (CL) detection for the determination of thiram (THI) fungicide in fresh water using quinine as the sensitizer. The possible mechanism of the CL reaction was described using UV–Vis. absorption and CL spectra. Experimental variables were optimized by applying a univariate approach, and a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range of 1.0 × 10−3–2.0 mg L−1 (R2 = 0.9994, n = 9) with a limit of detection of 5.0 × 10−4 mg L−1 (S/N = 3) and an injection throughput of 200 h−1. This approach was successfully applied to determine THI in fresh water by using solid‐phase extraction and achieved a good recovery rate of 94%–110% with a relative standard deviation of 1.9%–3.7% (n = 4). The results obtained were compared with the reported FI‐CL and high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet methods, and the three methods did not differ significantly at the 95% confidence limit.
Freshen up before going public: Do environmental, social, and governance factors affect firms' appearance during the initial public offering?
Authors: Harasheh Murad
Published: September 2022

Going public (or initial public offering IPO) is a corporate strategic decision for value enhancement. Underpricing is a phenomenon related to going public and has been studied from a purely financial perspective. In this paper, we investigate whether underpricing incorporates sustainability performance pre‐IPO by establishing an original linkage between underpricing and ESG factors before the firm's listing on stock markets. Using informational asymmetries and quality signaling frameworks, we track the journey of going public by Italian Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from 2009 to 2017 and show how sustainability issues are incorporated into the IPO underpricing. We demonstrate that underpricing is strongly related to financial and sustainability variables only in the year just before the IPO, indicating better informational efficiency, quality signaling, and image‐improving practice. The post‐IPO stock return is less correlated with the firm's financial and ESG variables, suggesting that markets can incorporate such information into stock returns in the long run. This paper provides novel insights by delivering an original linkage between a firm's public listing attributes and sustainability performance, offering a temporal tracking of the SMEs before and after the IPO, emphasizing the role of sustainability in the IPO process.
Experiences of web‐based extended reality technologies for physics education
Authors: Zatarain‐Cabada Ramon , Barrón‐Estrada María L. , Cárdenas‐Sainz Brandon A. , Chavez‐Echeagaray María E.
Published: September 2022

Extended reality (XR) technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are being increasingly used for education and skill development through the development of interactive learning environments (ILEs) with XR implementations. For physics education, these ILEs with XR are capable of improving the visual representation of educational content, as well as stimulating the cognitive process of learning with interactive experiences. In this study, we focused on evaluating students' perceptions of the usage of web‐based XR technologies for education, through a learning tool that implements virtual reality and augmented reality environments, with the purpose of providing students the necessary didactic material to learn physics. An experimental process was carried out with a sample of 70 undergrad students who used FisicARtivo, a web‐based learning tool on kinematics and dynamics concepts that incorporates XR. After working with the tool, students completed a comprehensive survey about their motivational perceptions regarding the use of XR technologies for physics education. According to the results, both VR and AR showed significant effects on motivation. However, there was a higher positive impact on students' learning motivation when they used FisicARtivo in AR mode in comparison to VR mode.
A phase I trial of metformin in combination with vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide in children with relapsed or refractory solid and central nervous system tumors: A report from the national pediatric cancer foundation
Authors: Metts Jonathan L. , Trucco Matteo , Weiser Daniel A. , Thompson Patrick , Sandler Eric , Smith Tiffany , Crimella Jessica , Sansil Samer , Thapa Ram , Fridley Brooke L. , Llosa Nicholas , Badgett Thomas , Gorlick Richard , Reed Damon , Gill Jonathan
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients with relapsed and refractory solid and central nervous system (CNS) tumors have poor outcomes and need novel therapeutic options. Vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide (VIT) is a common chemotherapy regimen in relapsed pediatric tumors with an established toxicity profile. Metformin shows preclinical anti‐cancer activity through multiple pathways.

Methods

The objective of this Phase I trial was to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) of metformin in combination with VIT in children with relapsed and refractory solid and CNS tumors. A 3 + 3 design was used to test the addition of metformin at five dose levels (666, 999, 1333, 1666, and 2000 mg/m2/day). Therapy toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and radiologic response to treatment were evaluated.

Results

Twenty‐six patients (median age 13 years, range 2–18 years) were enrolled with 22 evaluable for toxicity. The most common diagnoses were Ewing sarcoma (n = 8), rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 3) and atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (n = 3). The MTD was exceeded at Dose Level 5 due to two dose‐limiting toxicities; both were Grade 3 diarrhea requiring prolonged hospitalization and intravenous fluids. The MTD was not determined due to study closure with less than six patients enrolled at Dose Level 4. Frequently observed toxicities were gastrointestinal (most notably diarrhea) and hematologic. Amongst 16 patients evaluable for best overall response, there was one complete response (Ewing sarcoma), three partial responses (Ewing sarcoma, glioblastoma multiforme, and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma), and five patients with stable disease.

Conclusions

The MTD of VIT with metformin was not determined due to premature study closure. We recommend an RP2D of Dose Level 4, 1666 mg/m2/day. Radiographic responses were seen in multiple tumor types. Further evaluation for efficacy could be investigated in a Phase II trial.
Unresectable and chemoresistant conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma on xeroderma pigmentosum treated by salvage radiation therapy: A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Maimouna Mané , Sofian Benkhaled , Latifatou Guèye , Joséphine Frédérique Mendouga Eyenga , Papa Macoumba Gaye , Mamadou Moustapha Dieng , Dirk Van Gestel
Published: September 2022

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a rare genetic disease, which vital prognosis is conditioned by the occurrence of cancers essentially of the skin and ocular surfaces, requiring an early and adapted management. Radiation therapy (RT) is a very effective modality in the therapeutic arsenal alongside surgery, but it remains underused as it is wrongly considered to be deleterious for these patients. In this article, we report the case of a 10‐years‐old girl with XP treated with external beam RT for a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the right ocular conjunctiva. The clinical tolerance was excellent and we obtained a good tumoral response. Therefore, the place of RT in these patients could/should be reconsidered, especially since these suspicions have still not been confirmed.
Hypopigmented penile fixed drug eruption
Authors: Ibekwe Perpetua U. , Ajibola Hafees O. , Babba Zainabb , Otokpa Grace , Solomon Raphael , Ukonu Bob A.
Published: September 2022

Fixed drug eruptions (FDE) are typically associated with residual hyperpigmentation or non‐pigmenting lesions. There is no distinctive histopathological feature; though, drug provocation tests (DPT) can be confirmatory within 7 days. We describe a patient with penile FDE associated with residual hypopigmentation, a prolonged refractory period to DPT and recurrent meatal stenosis.
Synchronous parathyroid carcinoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Ben Nacef Ibtissem , Khelifi Dayssem , Kalthoum Mehdi , Rojbi Imen , Riahi Ines , Mekni Sabrine , Ben Salah Mamia , Mchirgui Nadia , Khiari Karima
Published: September 2022

The simultaneous occurrence of parathyroid carcinoma and nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma is unusual. We report the case of 60‐year‐old woman who was found to have concurrent parathyroid carcinoma with severe clinical manifestations of primary hyperparthyroidism in addition to an incidental papillary thyroid carcinoma. Parathyroid hormone level was 569 pg/ml (normal range 10–65), and the serum calcium concentration was 13.83 mg/dl (normal range, 8.8–10.4). Preoperative investigation found a large 3 cm anterior cervical nodule suggestive of parathyroid adenoma. Total thyroidectomy and left parathyroidectomy were performed, and the final anatomopathological examination of the operative specimen concluded the coexistence of papillary microcarcinoma and parathyroid carcinoma. Although parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon cause of hypercalcemia, it should be considered when severe hypercalcemia is observed, and in case of coexistence of thyroid nodules. The possibility of both malignancies must also be considered since parathyroid and nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma rare cases have previously been reported.
In‐situ Integrated Plasmonic TiN@ZIF‐67 Composites for the Photoreduction of CO2into Solar Fuels: Insights into their Plasmonic Interaction and Mechanism
Authors: Becerra Jorge , Nair Gopalakrishnan Vishnu , Mohan Sakar , Nguyen D.‐T. , Do Trong‐On
Published: September 2022

Plasmonic materials (PMs) essentially equip the photocatalysts to harvest energy from visible light photons. Interestingly, these PMs also support the photocatalysts, which has been realized upon the advent of non‐noble metals‐based PMs. In this context, this study reveals an interesting feature of TiN@ZIF‐67 plasmonic composite photocatalysts towards CO2reduction under solar irradiation. The composite is prepared via anin‐situand direct integration process, where the plasmonic TiN nanoparticles are surface‐modified using 3‐aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane/H‐Imidazole‐2‐carbaldehyde in the former and polyvinylpyrrolidone in the latter process to construct the 1H2ImCHO‐TiN@ZIF‐67 and TiN/PVP@ZIF‐67 composites, respectively. The structural and functional properties in these composites are confirmed using XRD and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. It is observed from the TEM images that the in‐situ integration leads to deep‐surface attachments of TiN on ZIF‐67, which exerted a major impact in the CO2photoreduction. The 1H2ImCHO‐TiN@ZIF‐67 shows the simultaneous production of ∼0.11 and 0.15 mmol g−1 h−1of methanol and ethanol, respectively; whereas, the TiN/PVP@ZIF‐67 produces only ∼0.31 mmol g−1h−1of methanol. The obtained results demonstrate that developed in‐situ synthetic approach is promising for the synthesis of efficient plasmonic photocatalysts and the product formation during CO2photoreduction can be dependent on how PMs are integrated with the host photocatalysts.
How Wetting Properties Influence the Wear of Radial Lip Sealing Systems
Authors: Fricker Philipp , Baumann Matthias , Bauer Frank
Published: September 2022

Increased wear on radial lip seal systems is observed when sealing modern lubricants, such as polyglycols and esters. This can impair the function of the sealing system and ultimately lead to leakage. This work, carried out within the AiF research project “Welleneinlauf” (wear of counter faces) [1], shows methods to identify and predict excessive wear of radial lip sealing systems based on their wetting properties and pumping rate. The knowledge gained will support users by providing faster and more cost‐effective testing methods early in the design process, thus enables a significant increase in the service life of radial lip sealing systems.
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of dupilumab in patients with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis: 2‐year experience
Authors: Fujiwara Chisako , Uchiyama Akihiko , Inoue Yuta , Ishikawa Mai , Motegi Sei‐ichiro
Published: September 2022

Objective

Dupilumab has been deemed highly effective for atopic dermatitis (AD). However, there have been no reports performing a combination analysis with hematological data and improvement rates pertaining to the continued use of dupilumab for up to 2 years in real world. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using dupilumab for up to 2 years in 9 patients with AD at our hospital.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD treated by dupilumab, and 9 of them treated for 2 years. Changes in the severity scoring, pruritus numerical rating scale (NRS), patient‐oriented eczema measure (POEM), serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), eosinophils, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at Week 0, 2, 4, 16, 48, 72, and 96 of those patients were investigated, and we studied features of the patients who had any adverse events (AEs).

Results

Investigator’s global assessment (IGA), eczema area and severity index (EASI), body surface area (BSA), NRS, POEM, and serum levels of LDH were significantly decreased from Week 4 onwards to Week 96 compared with baseline condition. Serum levels of TARC and LDH were significantly decreased from Week 4 onwards to Week 96. Regarding 9 patients who were treated with dupilumab for up to 2 years, serum levels of TARC and eosinophils decreased without statistical significance. The serum levels of IgE significantly decreased at Week 72, 96 compared with the baseline. Regarding as AEs, ocular symptoms were the most frequently observed (15/36, 41.2%), and there were no cases of discontinuation due to AEs.

Conclusions

Treatment with dupilumab was well tolerated and showed improvements in AD for at least 2 years.
Migration and emissions of selenium during chemical looping combustion of coal
Authors: Kang Huifen , Ma Jingjing , Guo Xintong , Han Ziheng , Hao Jian , Guo Qingjie
Published: September 2022

Selenium is one of the most volatile toxic elements in coal, and its emissions must be strictly controlled. Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is a clean and efficient technology for coal. Herein, the iron‐based oxygen carrier (OC) was used as an adsorbent to study the migration and emissions of selenium during the CLC of coal. Due to the oxidation and adsorption of selenium by iron‐based OC, most of the selenium was retained in OC or distributed in the CO2 stream. The proportion of gaseous selenium released into the atmosphere was less than 10%—significantly lower than that from the traditional combustion process of coal, which had a value of 91.79%. The presence of OC increased the distribution phase of selenium, promoted the conversion of gaseous selenium to solid selenium, and reduced selenium emissions in flue gas. During CLC of coal, the fuel reactor (FR) temperature and the number of OC re‐oxidation cycles played an important role in the emissions and retention of selenium. The increasing FR temperature increased the gaseous selenium in the CO2 stream, reduced the particulate selenium absorbed by OC, and reduced the selenium emissions in the atmosphere. After 10 continuous CLC cycles, the selenium concentration in OC increased from 0.889 to 8.20 mg kg−1. The continuous cycling of CLC could realize the enrichment of selenium from coal to OC. Furthermore, the migration and transformation mechanism of selenium during CLC was deduced by experiments and thermodynamic simulation. This research provides a suitable reference for reducing selenium emissions and developing CLC technology.
Organization of the corticotropin‐releasing hormone and corticotropin‐releasing hormone‐binding protein systems in the central nervous system of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus
Authors: Sobrido‐Cameán Daniel , González‐Llera Laura , Anadón Ramón , Barreiro‐Iglesias Antón
Published: September 2022

The expression of the corticotropin‐releasing hormone (PmCRH) and the CRH‐binding protein (PmCRHBP) mRNAs was studied by in situ hybridization in the brain of prolarvae, larvae, and adults of the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus. We also generated an antibody against the PmCRH mature peptide to study the distribution of PmCRH‐immunoreactive cells and fibers. PmCRH immunohistochemistry was combined with antityrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry, PmCRHBP in situ hybridization, or neurobiotin transport from the spinal cord. The most numerous PmCRH‐expressing cells were observed in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus‐paraventricular nucleus and in the superior and medial rhombencephalic reticular formation. PmCRH expression was more extended in adults than in larvae, and some cell populations were mainly (olfactory bulb) or only (striatum, ventral hypothalamus, prethalamus) observed in adults. The preopto‐paraventricular fibers form conspicuous tracts coursing toward the neurohypophysis, but many immunoreactive fibers were also observed coursing in many other brain regions. Brain descending fibers in the spinal cord mainly come from cells located in the isthmus and in the medial rhombencephalic reticular nucleus. The distribution of PmCRHBP‐expressing neurons was different from that of PmCRH cells, with cells mainly present in the septum, striatum, preoptic region, tuberal hypothalamus, pretectum, pineal complex, isthmus, reticular formation, and spinal cord. Again, expression in adults was more extended than in larvae. PmCRH‐ and PmCRHBP‐expressing cells are different, excluding colocalization of these substances in the same neuron. Present findings reveal a complex CRH/CRHBP system in the brain of the oldest extant vertebrate group, the agnathans, which shows similarities but important divergences with that of mammals.
Unsupervised ensemble based deep learning approach for attack detection in IoT network
Authors: Shahnawaz Ahmad Mir , Mehraj Shah Shahid
Published: September 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) has altered living by controlling devices/things over the Internet. IoT has specified many smart solutions for daily problems, transforming cyber‐physical systems (CPS) and other classical fields into smart regions. Most of the edge devices that make up the Internet of Things have very minimal processing power. To bring down the IoT network, attackers can utilize these devices to conduct a variety of network attacks. In addition, as more and more IoT devices are added, the potential for new and unknown threats grows exponentially. For this reason, an intelligent security framework for IoT networks must be developed that can identify such threats. In this paper, we have developed an unsupervised ensemble learning model that is able to detect new or unknown attacks in an IoT network from an unlabeled dataset. The system‐generated labeled dataset is used to train a deep learning model to detect IoT network attacks. Additionally, the research presents a feature selection mechanism for identifying the most relevant aspects in the dataset for detecting attacks. The study shows that the suggested model is able to identify the unlabeled IoT network datasets and DBN (Deep Belief Network) outperform the other models with a detection accuracy of 97.5% and a false alarm rate of 2.3% when trained using labeled dataset supplied by the proposed approach.
Assessment of the Delay in Novel Anticancer Drugs between China and the United States: A Comparative Study of Drugs Approved between 2010 and 2021
Authors: Luo Xingxian , Du Xin , Li Zhuangqi , Qian Feng , Yang Yue
Published: September 2022

Access to anticancer drugs has been a critical health issue in China for many years. We retrospectively analyzed the novel anticancer drugs approved in the United States (US) between 2010 and 2021 to assess the evolving landscape of the drug lags in China by taking Japan and the European Union (EU) as comparisons. The absolute and relative lags of drug initial approval (DIA) and indication approval were calculated between China (or Japan/European Union) and the US based on the US approval date of novel agents, the duration was divided into 2010–2015 and 2016–2021. Overall, 123 (244 indications) new molecular entities (NMEs) approved in the United States were included, of which 58 (94 indications), 72 (128 indications), and 99 (170 indications) NMEs were also approved in China, Japan, and the European Union, respectively. The absolute lags of DIA and indications for approval in China improved dramatically in 2016–2021 compared with 2010–2015. Similarly, the relative DIA and indication approval lags in China decreased significantly in 2016–2021. The median review lags for DIA of China in 2016–2021 were comparable to Japan but dramatically lower than that of the European Union. Nevertheless, China had significantly longer median submission lags for DIA (28 months) in 2016–2021 than that of Japan (6 months) and the European Union (1 month). Although the absolute and relative lags of anticancer drugs in China had been initially addressed, 53% of NMEs and 61% of indications were still not approved for cancers in China compared with the United States. Therefore, China should adopt steps to further reduce drug lags.
Development of Meso‐Substituted Heterocyclic BODIPY‐Based Polymeric Nanoparticles for Pathogen Inhibition using Photodynamic Therapy**
Authors: Kirar Seema , Reddy Yeddula Nikhileshwar , Chand Banerjee Uttam , Bhaumik Jayeeta
Published: September 2022

In this work, a series of novel small fluorophores, meso‐substituted heterocyclic BODIPYs were designed and synthesized as phototherapeutic agents. Boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dyes are promising chromophores and currently used as a sensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, BODIPY as an organic photosensitizer (PS), suffers from poor hydrophilicity resulting in low efficiency in biological applications. To overcome these problems, biopolymer (gelatin) based nanoparticles are developed to incorporate BODIPYs, to achieve phototherapeutic nanoagents (BODIPY‐GNPs) in the aqueous system. More importantly, BODIPY‐GNPs have better in vitro physicochemical properties in the aqueous medium than native BODIPYs. The BODIPY‐GNPs were further explored for their photo‐inhibition activity towards Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and fungi using LED as the light source. These BODIPY molecules also showed the ability to intercalate the DNA in vitro. This study provides a new avenue to design therapeutic agents for biomedical applications in photodynamic therapy.
Self‐Assembled Networks for Regulating Lithium Polysulfides in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhihua , Liu Yilin , Ni Junze , You Yingying , Cai Yingying , Zhang Hanping
Published: September 2022

Inhibiting the shuttle effect caused by soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) is of importance for lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries. Here, a strategy was developed to construct protective layers by self‐assembly networks to regulate the LiPSs. 2,5‐Dichloropyridine (25DCP) holds two kinds of functional groups. Among them, the two C−Cl bonds were nucleophilic substituted by S in LiPSs to form long chains. The pyridine N interacted with Li in other LiPSs via Li bonds to form a short chain. As a result, the long chains were cross‐linked by the short chain to form an insoluble network. The as‐prepared network covered the sulfur electrode interface to suppress the shuttle effect of the subsequently generated LiPSs. Furthermore, 25DCP improved the redox dynamics by changing the energy level and electronic structure of the sulfur species. Therefore, the Li−S batteries with 25DCP exhibited good electrochemical performance. This work provides a feasible strategy for regulating the LiPSs.
An enhanced master–slave control for accurate load sharing among parallel standalone AC microgrids
Authors: Govind D. , Suryawanshi H. M. , Nachankar P. P. , Narayana Chintalpudi L. , Singhal Ankit
Published: September 2022

With the advancement of power electronic converters over the last few decades, the capability to integrate solar photovoltaics, wind, diesel generators, batteries, ultracapacitor, and electric vehicles with standalone networks or utility grids has increased. For the reliable operation of standalone networks, accurate load sharing among these sources is required. As a result, several load sharing schemes with inherent merits and related demerits are presented in the literature. This work intends to address shortcomings of earlier reported control schemes with the inheritance of associated merits using the proposed control scheme. The proposed enhanced Master–Slave control, with advanced droop control scheme, is illustrated for Master voltage source inverter with resistive line impedance and improves the steady‐state response by improving voltage and frequency profile. It reduces the voltage drop caused by load effect and droop effect, allowing the voltage and frequency regulation during load changes and distinct load conditions such as balanced linear load, unbalanced linear load, and balanced nonlinear load in standalone alternating current (AC) microgrids. Furthermore, Slave voltage source inverters independently compensate for local load demand. This paper presents precise current control and voltage control design methodology and a mathematical model for voltage control and their performance analysis in time and frequency domain. Finally, the proposed enhanced Master–Slave control for accurate load sharing among parallel standalone AC microgrids validated using real‐time simulator and experimental results is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
A novel scan pattern for reconfiguration of partially shaded photovoltaic arrays for maximum power extraction
Authors: Raj Rayappa David Amar , Naik Kanasottu Anil
Published: September 2022

Reconfiguration plays an indispensable role in augmenting the output of the photovoltaic (PV) array under partial shading conditions. Various reconfiguration schemes have been proposed in the literature to disperse the shade in partially shaded PV arrays. Nevertheless, most of these schemes can be employed only for less‐rated arrays, are not compatible with all array sizes, fails in effective shade dispersion over the entire array, and so forth. To overcome these shortcomings, a calligraphy‐based diagonal scan pattern is proposed to reconfigure the PV array to improve the row currents of the PV array thereby reducing the mismatch between them. The superiority of the proposed scheme is examined by comparing it with conventional Series‐Parallel, Total‐Cross‐Tied, and the existing image processing based‐Chaotic Baker Map, Odd‐Even, and Odd‐Even‐Prime configurations. Besides, the system is extensively studied for various symmetrical 9 × 9, 8 × 8, 4 × 4, and unsymmetrical 8 × 6 PV arrays under 34 distinct shading cases with various performance indices. An experimental laboratory prototype model of a 4 × 4 PV array reconfiguration system is developed and studied under distinct shading conditions. Subsequently, an inclusive economic analysis is also conducted, and it is noted that there is a notable enhancement in electricity units and revenue generation by executing the proposed reconfiguration scheme.
Diet energy density estimated from isotopes in predator hair associated with survival, habitat, and population dynamics
Authors: Rode Karyn D. , Taras Brian D. , Stricker Craig A. , Atwood Todd C. , Boucher Nicole P. , Durner George M. , Derocher Andrew E. , Richardson Evan S. , Cherry Seth G. , Quakenbush Lori , Horstmann Lara , Bromaghin Jeffrey F.
Published: September 2022

Sea ice loss is fundamentally altering the Arctic marine environment. Yet there is a paucity of data on the adaptability of food webs to ecosystem change, including predator–prey interactions. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are an important subsistence resource for Indigenous people and an apex predator that relies entirely on the under‐ice food web to meet its energy needs. In this study, we assessed whether polar bears maintained dietary energy density by prey switching in response to spatiotemporal variation in prey availability. We compared the macronutrient composition of diets inferred from stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in polar bear guard hair (primarily representing summer/fall diet) during periods when bears had low and high survival (2004–2016), between bears that summered on land versus pack ice, and between bears occupying different regions of the Alaskan and Canadian Beaufort Sea. Polar bears consumed diets with lower energy density during periods of low survival, suggesting that concurrent increased dietary proportions of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) did not offset reduced proportions of ringed seals (Pusa hispida). Diets with the lowest energy density and proportions from ringed seal blubber were consumed by bears in the western Beaufort Sea (Alaska) during a period when polar bear abundance declined. Intake required to meet energy requirements of an average free‐ranging adult female polar bear was 2.1 kg/day on diets consumed during years with high survival but rose to 3.0 kg/day when survival was low. Although bears that summered onshore in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea had higher‐fat diets than bears that summered on the pack ice, access to the remains of subsistence‐harvested bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) contributed little to improving diet energy density. Because most bears in this region remain with the sea ice year round, prey switching and consumption of whale carcasses onshore appear insufficient to augment diets when availability of their primary prey, ringed seals, is reduced. Our results show that a strong predator–prey relationship between polar bears and ringed seals continues in the Beaufort Sea. The method of estimating dietary blubber using predator hair, demonstrated here, provides a new metric to monitor predator–prey relationships that affect individual health and population demographics.
Microbial electrosynthesis for CO2conversion and methane production: Influence of electrode geometry on biofilm development
Authors: De la Puente Celia , Carrillo‐Peña Daniela , Pelaz Guillermo , Morán Antonio , Mateos Raúl
Published: September 2022

Electromethanogenesis is a process of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) in which electroactive microorganisms reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce methane (CH4), using a cathode as an electron donor. The efficiency of this reaction is greatly determined by the establishment of a robust microbial community on the biocathodes, which eventually affects the global performance of the bioreactor. Moreover, the development of the biofilm depends on several characteristics of the electrodes, more specifically their material and geometry. Since electrode geometry is a crucial parameter, this study aims at evaluating the sole influence of the electrode shape by installing carbon‐based electrodes with two different constructions (brush and carbon felt) of biocathodes in an electromethanogenic reactor for CO2capture. The overall performance of the reactors showed coulombic efficiencies around 100%, with high‐quality biogas reaching methane concentrations above 90%. The results reveal that the electrode geometry affects the individual biocathode performance, and the carbon brush showed a bigger contribution to current generation and electrical capacitance, exhibiting higher peak hydrogen production compared to the carbon felt, which could be reflected in higher CO2capture and methane generation. Both geometries showed a greater proliferation of archaea over bacteria (between 53 and 85%), which was more significant on the brush than on the carbon felt. Archaea community was dominated byMethanobacteriumin carbon felt electrodes and codominated withMethanobrevibacterin brush electrodes, while bacteria analyses showed a very similar community for both geometries. © 2022 The Authors.Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technologypublished by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Landslide susceptibility mapping of Noklak Town, Nagaland, North‐east India using bivariate statistical method
Authors: Jamir Mademshila , Chang Chongpongnungba Nokendangba , Jamir Imlirenla , Thong Glenn T. , Walling Temsulemba
Published: September 2022

The increasing frequency of landslides has become a matter of concern in Nagaland, a north‐eastern state of India. Noklak town, the administrative headquarter of the Noklak district in the eastern part of Nagaland bordering Myanmar, is also affected by slope stability issues. A major landslide in 1980 caused major damage to parts of the township. The problem has grown in magnitude and influence over the last four decades, damaging an area of about 1.84 km2 and several households. Slope movements have caused immense distress to the local populace by posing a constant threat to nearly one‐fourth of the town's built‐up area, roads, and cultivated tracts. Surface instability has also hampered India's Act East policy with South‐east Asian countries by disrupting the sole motorable route to the International Trade Centre at Dan (Pangsha), between India and Myanmar. A landslide susceptibility map (LSM) was generated using the Bivariate Yule coefficient (Yc) method. The LSM delineates the study area into three categories, with 23%, 23%, and 54% in high, moderate, and low susceptible zones, respectively. This was superimposed with elements such as buildings, population, roads, and cultivated tracts to assess the effects of landslides on the population and infrastructure. From the present study, it is estimated that 334 buildings, 1235 people, 2.99 km of roads, and 8 ha of cultivated landfall lie within the moderately and highly susceptible zones. Considering the rapid developmental activities that will ensue with the recent upgradation of the subdivision to that of the district, the data generated will be useful for urban sprawl and land use planning, to minimise and mitigate the loss of life and property due to landslides.
Performance evaluation index system in public hospitals: The Delphi technique in nursing
Authors: Li Ying , Xu Duo , Chen Weiwei , Yu Lan , Wu Zheng
Published: September 2022

Aims

To establish a general performance evaluation index system for nursing managers in public hospitals of Wenzhou city.

Background

Head nurses' performance plays a critical role in the development and operation of hospitals. Owing to the lack of accuracy and defects in the current evaluation system in Mainland China, there is an urgent need to develop a systematic performance evaluation index system for nursing managers.

Methods

A systematic review of literature, two rounds of expert consultation using the Delphi techniques, and empirical analyses were performed. In this study, a total of 20 experts in nursing‐related fields were invited to provide reliable comments on the evaluation system. The index system was modified twice during the Delphi consultation, followed by a questionnaire (n = 113) to test the suitability of the system created for public hospitals in Wenzhou.

Results

Both rounds of the consultation showed high response rates of 20 experts. A consensus of over 70% was reached for most indicators in the first round, while a 100% consensus was achieved for the modified index system in the second round. The results of the questionnaire for the modified index system were 100%, 98.23%, 100%, 96.46%, and 93.80% in terms of scientificity, public welfare, importance, measurability, and feasibility, respectively.

Conclusion

A suitable index system with 4 first‐level indicators, 10 second‐level indicators, and 37 third‐level indicators was generated to assess head nurses' performance in public hospitals, thereby enhancing their cohesion and competitiveness.

Implications for Nursing Management

The modified performance evaluation index system serves as the cornerstone for the successful development of public hospitals and the provision of high‐quality services for patients.