bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lysosomal glycogen accumulation in Pompe disease results in disturbed cytoplasmic glycogen metabolism
Authors: Canibano‐Fraile Rodrigo , Harlaar Laurike , dos Santos Carlos A. , Hoogeveen‐Westerveld Marianne , Demmers Jeroen A. A. , Snijders Tim , Lijnzaad Philip , Verdijk Robert M. , van der Beek Nadine A. M. E. , van Doorn Pieter A. , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Brusse Esther , Pijnappel W. W. M. Pim , Schaaf Gerben J.
Published: September 2022

Pompe disease is an inherited metabolic myopathy caused by deficiency of acid alpha‐glucosidase (GAA), resulting in lysosomal glycogen accumulation. Residual GAA enzyme activity affects disease onset and severity, although other factors, including dysregulation of cytoplasmic glycogen metabolism, are suspected to modulate the disease course. In this study, performed in mice and patient biopsies, we found elevated protein levels of enzymes involved in glucose uptake and cytoplasmic glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscle from mice with Pompe disease, including glycogenin (GYG1), glycogen synthase (GYS1), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), glycogen branching enzyme 1 (GBE1), and UDP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP2). Expression levels were elevated before the loss of muscle mass and function. For first time, quantitative mass spectrometry in skeletal muscle biopsies from five adult patients with Pompe disease showed increased expression of GBE1 protein relative to healthy controls at the group level. Paired analysis of individual patients who responded well to treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) showed reduction of GYS1, GYG1, and GBE1 in all patients after start of ERT compared to baseline. These results indicate that metabolic changes precede muscle wasting in Pompe disease, and imply a positive feedforward loop in Pompe disease, in which lysosomal glycogen accumulation promotes cytoplasmic glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake, resulting in aggravation of the disease phenotype.
Low‐field MRI: Clinical promise and challenges
Authors: Arnold Thomas Campbell , Freeman Colbey W. , Litt Brian , Stein Joel M.
Published: September 2022

Modern MRI scanners have trended toward higher field strengths to maximize signal and resolution while minimizing scan time. However, high‐field devices remain expensive to install and operate, making them scarce outside of high‐income countries and major population centers. Low‐field strength scanners have drawn renewed academic, industry, and philanthropic interest due to advantages that could dramatically increase imaging access, including lower cost and portability. Nevertheless, low‐field MRI still faces inherent limitations in image quality that come with decreased signal. In this article, we review advantages and disadvantages of low‐field MRI scanners, describe hardware and software innovations that accentuate advantages and mitigate disadvantages, and consider clinical applications for a new generation of low‐field devices. In our review, we explore how these devices are being or could be used for high acuity brain imaging, outpatient neuroimaging, MRI‐guided procedures, pediatric imaging, and musculoskeletal imaging. Challenges for their successful clinical translation include selecting and validating appropriate use cases, integrating with standards of care in high resource settings, expanding options with actionable information in low resource settings, and facilitating health care providers and clinical practice in new ways. By embracing both the promise and challenges of low‐field MRI, clinicians and researchers have an opportunity to transform medical care for patients around the world.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 6
Elevated serum PAR‐1 levels as an emerging biomarker of inflammation to predict the dengue infection severity
Authors: Sibia Raminderpal Singh , Sood Ankita , Subedi Arshula , Sharma Anushya , Mittal Anirudh , Singh Gaaminepreet , Singh Thakur Gurjeet , Jaura Ravinder Singh , Goyal Sanjay
Published: September 2022

The present study was designed to check the serum levels of protease‐activated receptor (PAR‐1) in patients during different phases of dengue severity. Moreover, a correlation between serum PAR‐1 levels and hematological parameters, inflammatory cytokine levels, and liver functional changes was also determined. Based on the World Health Organization criteria, the study population was divided into: nonsevere dengue fever (DF; n = 30), severe dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF; n = 19), and severe dengue shock syndrome (DSS; n = 11). The platelet count (PLT) and hematocrit (HCT) were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer and liver function enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphate (ALP), bilirubin were checked by auto‐analyzer using diagnostic kits. Moreover, the levels of inflammatory mediators C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), and PAR‐1 were determined using respective ELISA kits. The HCT levels were elevated and platelet count decreased significantly during dengue complications (DHF and DSS) compared to the DF patients, while the levels of liver functional biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin remained elevated in DHF and DSS groups than in the corresponding DF group. Similarly, the inflammatory cytokine levels of CRP, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐17 in DHF and DSS subjects were markedly increased when observed against DF subjects. Notably, the PAR‐1 levels were significantly elevated in DHF and DSS groups than in the DF group and positively correlated with changes in HCT levels, inflammatory biomarkers, and liver enzymes. Our findings conclude that PAR‐1 levels persistently increased with the severity of the dengue infection and are strongly associated with various clinical manifestations. Thus, PAR‐1 levels can be used as a diagnostic marker for assessing dengue severity.
Nonconforming finite element formulation for the simulation of impedance cardiography
Authors: Kaltebacher Manfred , Badeli Vahid , Reinbacher‐Köstinger Alice
Published: September 2022

We present a nonconforming Finite Element (FE) formulation for the electro‐quasistatic case. The formulation allows a grid generation for each sub‐domain individually. At the nonconforming interfaces, we apply a Nitsche‐type mortaring, which can also be interpreted as a DG‐IP (Discontinuous Galerkin‐Internal Penalty) formulation. Thereby, the continuity of the electric potential and the electric flux in the discrete setting is guaranteed. The system matrix remains symmetric, and the necessary penalty factor can be chosen in a wide range without deteriorating the numerical solution. The application to impedance cardiography demonstrates the practical applicability, especially its advantage toward simplification of the grid generation.
Local and systemic metabolic adjustments to drought in maize: Hydraulic redistribution in a split‐root system
Authors: Werner Lena Maria , Hartwig Roman Paul , Engel Isabelle , Franzisky Bastian Leander , Wienkoop Stefanie , Brenner Martin , Preiner Julian , Repper Dagmar , Hartung Jens , Zörb Christian , Wimmer Monika Andrea
Published: September 2022

Background

It is yet unknown how maize plants respond to a partial root drying under conditions of a limited total water supply, and which adaptation mechanisms are triggered under these conditions.

Aims

The aims of this study were to assess whether partial root drying results in distinguishable local and systemic physiological and metabolic drought responses, and whether compensatory water uptake and/or alteration of root architecture occurs under these conditions.

Methods

Maize plants were grown in a split‐root system. When plants were 20 days old, the treatments ‘well‐watered’, ‘local drought’ and ‘full drought’ were established for a period of 10 days. Shoot length and gas exchange were measured non‐destructively, root exudates were collected using a filter system and biomass, relative water content, osmolality and proline content were determined destructively at final harvest.

Results

Local drought triggered stress responses such as reduced biomass, shoot length, relative water content and increased osmolality. Maintained root growth was systemically achieved by hydraulic redistribution rather than by altering root architecture. Local and systemic osmolyte adjustments contributed to this hydraulic redistribution.

Conclusions

Both local and systemic metabolic responses helped the plants to induce hydraulic redistribution, enhance water availability and in consequence plant water relations. This resulted in a surprisingly well‐maintained root growth even in the drought stressed root compartment.
Survival and failure modes of the Compress® spindle and expandable distal femur endoprosthesis among pediatric patients: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Tanaka Kara S. , Andaya Veronica R. , Thorpe Steven W. , Gundle Kenneth R. , Hayden James B. , Duong Yee‐Cheen , Avedian Raffi S. , Mohler David G. , Morse Lee J. , Zimel Melissa N. , O'Donnell Richard J. , Fang Andrew , Randall Robert Lor , Tran Tina H. , New Christin , Wustrack Rosanna L. ,   other members of Study Group FORCE
Published: September 2022

Background

Expandable endoprostheses can be used to equalize limb length for pediatric patients requiring reconstruction following large bony oncologic resections. Outcomes of the Compress® Compliant Pre‐Stress (CPS) spindle paired with an Orthopedic Salvage System expandable distal femur endoprosthesis have not been reported.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐institutional retrospective study of pediatric patients with distal femoral bone sarcomas reconstructed with the above endoprostheses. Statistical analysis utilized Kaplan–Meier survival technique and competing risk analysis.

Results

Thirty‐six patients were included from five institutions. Spindle survivorship was 86.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.7–93.5) at 10 years. Two patients had a failure of osseointegration (5.7%), both within 12 months. Twenty‐two (59%) patients had 70 lengthening procedures, with mean expansions of 3.2 cm (range: 1–9) over 3.4 surgeries. The expandable mechanism failed in eight patients with a cumulative incidence of 16.1% (95% CI, 5.6–31.5) at 5 years. Twenty‐nine patients sustained International Society of Limb Salvage failures requiring 63 unplanned surgeries. Periprosthetic joint infection occurred in six patients (16.7%). Limb preservation rate was 91% at 10 years.

Conclusions

There is a high rate of osseointegration of the Compress® spindle among pediatric patients when coupled with an expandable implant. However, there is a high rate of expansion mechanism failure and prosthetic joint infections requiring revision surgery.

Level of evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.
Evaluation and publication delay in Ibero‐American scientific journals
Authors: Zabala Jon , González‐Albo Borja , García‐García Ana , Garrido‐Domínguez Aurora , Vidal‐Liy José Ignacio , Álvarez‐Díez Luis R. , Hernando‐Tundidor Soledad , Mostazo‐Fernández Yara , Abejón Teresa
Published: September 2022

This article analyses the review, acceptance and publication dates of a sample of 21,890 articles from 326 Ibero‐American scientific journals from all subject areas and countries included in the Latindex Catalogue 2.0 and published between 2018 and 2020 (freely available as an open access dataset). The aim is to discover evaluation and publication times. The evaluation process takes a median of 110 days, the publication process, a median of 82 days, and the whole process, a median of 224 days. Statistical differences are found according to periodicity, subject areas, countries, existence of a printed version and article type (Call for Papers or General articles). From the data we find that the delay in publication is longer than publishers themselves report to the DOAJ. STEM areas present the most similarity in publication patterns, having a higher number of evaluation days (Ed) than publication days (Pd); Arts and Humanities present the opposite pattern, with a higher Pd than Ed. In the case of Social Sciences, the times are similar. General articles and Call for Papers articles differ in terms of Ed, but not Pd, indicating that Call for Papers revisions are faster.
Enzymatic Sialylation of Synthetic Multivalent Scaffolds: From 3′‐Sialyllactose Glycomacromolecules to Novel Neoglycosides
Authors: Konietzny Patrick B. , Peters Hannelore , Hofer Marc L. , Gerling‐Driessen Ulla I. M. , de Vries Robert P. , Peters Thomas , Hartmann Laura
Published: September 2022

Sialoglycans play a key role in many biological recognition processes and sialylated conjugates of various types have successfully been applied, e.g., as antivirals or in antitumor therapy. A key feature for high affinity binding of such conjugates is the multivalent presentation of sialoglycans which often possess synthetic challenges. Here, the combination is described of solid phase polymer synthesis and enzymatic sialylation yielding 3′‐sialyllactose‐presenting precision glycomacromolecules. CMP‐Neu5Ac synthetase from Neisseria meningitidis (NmCSS) and sialyltransferase from Pasteurella multocida (PmST1) are combined in a one‐pot reaction giving access to sequence‐defined sialylated macromolecules. Surprisingly, when employing Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) as a buffer, formation of significant amounts of α‐linked Tris‐sialoside is observed as a side reaction. Further exploring and exploiting this unusual sialylation reaction, different neoglycosidic structures are synthesized showing that PmST1 can be used to derive both, sialylation on natural carbohydrates as well as on synthetic hydroxylated scaffolds.
YAP/Smad3 promotes pathological extracellular matrix microenviroment‐induced bladder smooth muscle proliferation in bladder fibrosis progression
Authors: Di Xing‐Peng , Jin Xi , Ai Jian‐Zhong , Xiang Li‐Yuan , Gao Xiao‐Shuai , Xiao Kai‐Wen , Li Hong , Luo De‐Yi , Wang Kun‐Jie
Published: September 2022

Fibrosis is a chronic inflammation process with excess extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition that cannot be reversed. Patients suffer from bladder dysfunction caused by bladder fibrosis. Moreover, the interactive mechanisms between ECM and bladder fibrosis are still obscure. Hence, we assessed the pivotal effect of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) on the proliferation of bladder smooth muscle in fibrosis process. We identified that stiff ECM increased the expression and translocation of YAP in the nucleus of human bladder smooth muscle cell (hBdSMC). Sequencings and proteomics revealed that YAP bound to Smad3 and promoted the proliferation of hBdSMC via MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in stiff ECM. Moreover, CUT and TAG sequencing and dual‐luciferase assays demonstrated that Smad3 inhibited the transcription of JUN. The YAP inhibitor CA3 was used in a partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) rat model. The results showed that CA3 attenuated bladder smooth muscle proliferation. Collectively, YAP binding with Smad3 in the nucleus inhibited the transcription of JUN, and promoted the proliferation of bladder smooth muscle through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The current study identified a novel mechanism of mechanical force induced bladder fibrosis that provided insights in YAP‐associated organ fibrosis.
Analysis of long‐time solution of chemotactic model with indirect signal consumption in three‐dimensional case
Authors: Hu Qiaoling
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we consider the following chemotaxis model with indirect signal consumption:

under the homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions for
and
in a bounded convex domain
with smooth boundary, where
is a given parameter. It is shown that for each
, the global weak solutions exist whenever the initial data
are sufficiently regular satisfying
and
. Moreover, it is proved that the global solution
converges to
in
as
. In particular, we extend the recent result of Liu–Li–Huang [Y Liu, Z Li and J Huang, Global boundedness and large time behavior of a chemotaxis system with indirect signal absorption, J. Differential Equations 269 (2020) 6365‐6399] to the nonlinear diffusion case.
A physical‐based model for on‐chip double‐layer spiral inductors with a ground shield
Authors: Yang Yintang , Lan Haokun , Zhang Jianqiang , Liu Maliang
Published: September 2022

A physical‐based analytical model for double‐layer inductors to reduce the on‐chip area occupied is presented. A simple DC inductance model is developed based on self‐inductance and mutual inductance of metal segments. A new method has been adopted to accurately estimate the nonuniform distribution of currents due to skin and proximity effects, and a ladder structure is used to characterize them. Dielectric and substrate electric effects are analyzed, and a ground shield is used to reduce losses. The effective inductance reduction due to the eddy current in the silicon substrate is modeled by a negative mutual inductance between the metal spiral lines and the substrate. All the model parameters can be calculated from the structure sizes and process parameters. On‐chip inductors with different parameters were fabricated for the verifications. The EM simulated results and measured results are in good agreement with the proposed model. Thus, it is suitable for different technologies. This model can facilitate the design and optimization of on‐chip inductors for RF IC applications.
Development of High‐Performance IGZO Backplanes for Displays
Authors: Hendy Ian , Brewer John , Muir Sean
Published: September 2022

The change in availability of Gen 8 front‐plane processing techniques for OLED provides the additional impetus behind demand for a metal‐oxide semiconductor TFT.
Analysis of 3‐nitropropionic acid in Fabaceae plants by HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Takács Orsolya , Nagyné Nedves Andrea , Boldizsár Imre , Höhn Mária , Béni Szabolcs , Gampe Nóra
Published: September 2022

Introduction

3‐Nitropropionic acid (3‐NPA) is a toxic compound that can accumulate in esterified form in the Fabaceae family. In the Lotae tribe, many species have been identified as 3‐NPA producers (e.g., Securigera varia), while some of the genetically close Lotae plants were formerly reported as 3‐NPA‐free (e.g., Lotus corniculatus and Anthyllis vulneraria). These plants are used as forage and have a tradition in ethnomedicine, also, the extracts of A. vulneraria are used in cosmetics.

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate the 3‐NPA content of these selected Fabaceae species and to develop a validated quantitative method to evaluate 3‐NPA concentrations in extracts of different herbal parts and cosmetic products.

Materials and Methods

A UHPLC‐ESI‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS method was applied for detection and identification of 3‐NPA derivatives in the form of glucose esters. For the quantitative analysis, an optimized sample processing method was developed. The free 3‐NPA content was determined using HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS.

Results

3‐NPA esters could be detected in all three species, but their quantity showed a high variation. S. varia contained 0.5–1.0 g/100 g of 3‐NPA, while in L. corniculatus samples only trace quantities were detectable, below the LOQ (25 ng/ml). Most of the A. vulneraria samples showed similarly low concentrations, but one sample had 3‐NPA levels comparable to S. varia. 3‐NPA could not be detected in the tested cosmetics containing A. vulneraria extracts.

Conclusions

Using highly sensitive analytical methods, new 3‐NPA‐containing species were identified. The developed validated quantitative method is suitable for the determination of 3‐NPA concentrations in herbal samples.
A G4 approach to computing the Hammett substituent constants σp, σm, σ−, σ+, and σ+m
Authors: Yett Ariana , Rablen Paul R.
Published: September 2022

By performing appropriate empirical scaling of G4 energy differences, it is possible to calculate Hammett substituent constants σp, σm, σ−, σ+, and σ+m with a typical accuracy (mean absolute error) of ±0.1. The procedure is straightforward and easily carried out by non‐experts using the Gaussian software package. Values are provided for 41 substituents of widely varying electronic character, including some reactive species for which experimental values are unavailable. Additionally, comparison of calculated and experimental values suggests that some previously published numbers might be significantly in error, particularly for some ionic, acidic, and/or basic substituents. Values are also provided for a newly defined substituent constant, σ−m.
Deciphering the role of (anti)aromaticity in cofacial excimers of linear acenes
Authors: Krishnan Akhilesh , Diaz‐Andres Aitor , Sudhakaran Keerthy P. , John Athira T. , Hariharan Mahesh , Casanova David
Published: September 2022

Excited state aromaticity is a stimulating area of research, widely used as a probe to describe and rationalize many photochemical phenomena. Herein, we review some of the recent findings of unprecedented aromatic stabilization in spin singlet excimer and through‐space aromatic character in triplet excimers of a series of linear [n]acenes, as paramount examples of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This review also provides insights on the aromatic stabilization profile of singlet benzene excimer formation, which can be related to antiaromaticity alleviation of the molecular (localized) S1 through exciton delocalization. The theoretical investigation of excimer stabilization using magnetic, electronic, and geometric aromatic indices manifested the presence of through‐space ring current in triplet cofacial excimers. The antiaromaticity of the sandwich (D6h) spin singlet and triplet benzene excimers was also investigated by decomposing the excimer wave function as a linear combination of local exciton (LE) and charge transfer (CT) diabats and by identifying the contribution of these terms to the nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) of the two 6‐membered rings. These results provide a detailed description of the unique (anti)aromatic properties in PAH excimers, establishing strong connection between this important chemical concept and the electronic structure intricacies of excimers.
The long road to a sustainable banana trade
Authors: Bebber Daniel P.
Published: September 2022

Societal Impact Statement

Bananas are the world's most popular dessert fruit and a staple starch crop for millions in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The banana export trade that supplies North America, Europe, and other wealthy nations has a history fraught with exploitation and conflict. The price of cheap bananas has been environmental degradation, violence, and poverty. Only recently have efforts to address the power imbalances in this trade been made. Voluntary certification schemes aim to address multiple sustainability issues, while research into biological control, accelerated plant breeding, and efficient irrigation will help prepare the industry for emerging threats from pests, diseases, and climate change.

Bananas are the world's favorite dessert fruit, a staple starch crop for millions, and an important source of income for producers across the tropics and subtropics. Bananas evolved and diversified as giant perennial herbs of open habitats within the humid forests of Southeast Asia and West Oceania and were domesticated around 7000 years BP through a series of hybridization events. This review considers the journey from rainforest riversides to intensively managed monoculture plantations, focussing on the Cavendish banana that comprises nearly the entire global export trade. Climate change increasingly threatens economic sustainability in several major producer regions, requiring responses such as efficient irrigation systems to maintain productivity and water security. Pests and diseases are spreading globally and have severe direct impacts on production as well as indirect impacts via harm to ecological and human health caused by pesticides. New pest and disease management methods employing biological controls and enhancing soil health and new plant breeding techniques must be developed and implemented. The banana production and trade system has been characterized by power imbalances between international firms that own plantations and supply the market and the local agricultural workers who cultivate and harvest the fruit. Voluntary certification schemes have been developed to address the numerous environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues faced by the industry. There are indications, from research on biological disease control to new deals on wages and benefits for banana workers, that change is slowly coming to the global banana trade.
A pilot study to examine association of BMI with functional class and 6 min walk distance in idiopathic and heritable PAH: Possible association with estrogen metabolism
Authors: MacLean Margaret R. , Pandya Divya , Swietlik Emilia M. , Denver Nina , Mair Kirsty , Morrell Nicholas W. , Gräf Stefan ,   National Cohort Study for Idiopathic and Heritable Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Consortium
Published: September 2022

The hypothesis that a relationship exists between body mass index (BMI), functional class, and 6 min walk distance (6MWD) in Group 1‐pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was examined. Analysis of data from the UK National Cohort Study for heritable pulmonary arterial/idiopathic PAH suggests increased BMI is a predictor of worse functional class and shorter 6MWD; increased body‐weight in mice and man may be associated with increased estrogen metabolism.
Overcoming non‐convexity of the robust nonlinear output feedback problem: An adaptive linear matrix inequality solution
Authors: Quintana Daniel , Estrada‐Manzo Victor , Bernal Miguel
Published: September 2022

This article presents a novel solution for adaptive output feedback of uncertain nonlinear systems; it uses nonlinear controller and observer structures to drive a time‐varying function as a Lyapunov one, thus guaranteeing asymptotic stability of the system states and observation error. Exact convex modeling of available terms and polytopic embedding of unavailable ones in the Lyapunov function dynamics, allow linear matrix inequalities to be used, thus overcoming former difficulties over the non‐convex nature of the problem. Moreover, the proposal incorporates a recently appeared factorization to get rid of approximate solutions based on Lipschitz bounds and persistence of excitation. The methodology is successfully put at test against related works in a variety of examples.
Growth, emissions, and climate finance nexus for sustainable development: Revisiting the environmental Kuznets curve
Authors: Han Songhee , Jun Hannah
Published: September 2022

This article examines the relationship between growth, emissions, population density, renewable energy consumption, urban population, and climate finance using a panel data for 141 countries between 1990 and 2015. The study revisits the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis by focusing specifically on the developing country context. In the first analysis, the growth‐emissions nexus is explained with three panel regression models. The second part investigates whether international support for developing countries, particularly climate finance on mitigation, is effective for a subpanel of 103 countries between 2002 and 2015. The EKC hypothesis is generally valid in quadratic specification, while the EKC is largely not found with clustered data and cubic polynomial functions. The effects of mitigation aid vary by dataset, implying that simply increasing mitigation aid may not be enough to reduce emissions in developing countries.
Synthesis of Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) Metal Complexes Derived from a Hydrazone Schiff Base: Electrochemical Behavior and Comprehensive Biological Studies
Authors: Patil Priyanka R. , Javarappa Rangaswamy , Kumar A. C. , Naik Nagaraja
Published: September 2022

The present study deals with the synthesis of (E)‐N’‐(2,5‐dimethoxybenzylidene)‐2‐hydroxybenzohydrazide, a hydrazone Schiff base ligand (HY) and its metal complexes [Co(HY)2, Ni(HY)2, Zn(HY)2].2H2O. The structure of the synthesized ligand was characterized by physico‐chemical analytical and spectral techniques. The electrochemical behavior of HY and its complexes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Infrared spectral data suggested that HY acts as a tridentate ligand with ONO as the donor atoms. Molar conductivity data showed that all the complexes were non‐electrolytic in nature and octahedral geometry of the complexes was confirmed by UV‐visible spectrum. TGA studies of the complexes gave a clear idea about the coordination sphere and the process of degradation. Further, HY and its complexes were screened for their in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activities. Among the synthesized complexes, Ni(II) and Zn(II) metal complexes showed prominent antioxidant activity investigated through their scavenging effect on DPPH radical, anticancer activity against MCF‐7 and HeLa cancer cells. The molecular docking into P53 cancer mutant protein (PDB ID: 5AB9) was done for the optimization of the investigated compounds as potential cancer cell inhibitors. The observed data infer that all the complexes show promising antimicrobial activity against all of the tested bacterial and fungal species compared to the parent ligand HY.
Design of g‐C3N4/BaBiO3 Heterojunction Nanocomposites for Photodegradation of an Organic Dye and Diclofenac Sodium under Visible Light via Interfacial Charge Transfer
Authors: Kulhary Dinesh , Singh Satyendra
Published: September 2022

A novel series of the heterojunctions g‐CN/BBO(x) of g‐C3N4 (g‐CN) nanosheets decorated with spherical particles of BaBiO3 (BBO) were designed to enhance photocatalysis through interfacial charge transfer. The synthesized g‐CN/BBO(x) nanocomposites were characterized by various techniques such as XRD, FTIR, TEM, and SEM. Rhodamine B (RhB) dye and diclofenac sodium drug were taken as the model pollutants for the degradation under visible light. BBO facilitates the photocatalytic reaction after accepting electrons from the g‐CN. The g‐CN/BBO(30%) nanocomposite exhibits the best photocatalytic activity, which is 6.5 and 5 times higher than BBO and g‐CN, respectively. The enrichment in photodegradation is attributed to the combined effects of improved dye adsorption, visible light absorption, mobility of photogenerated carriers, and facial separation of electrons and holes (e−, h+) as supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). This study provides new insight into the engineering, design, and stability of the g‐CN/BBO(x) heterojunction nanocomposite, as well as on its application and plausible mechanism for removal of harmful and detrimental pollutants such as RhB dye and diclofenac sodium drug under visible light.
An Alcohol‐Soluble N‐Annulated Perylene Diimide Cathode Interlayer for Air‐Processed, Slot‐Die Coated Organic Photovoltaic Devices and Large‐Area Modules
Authors: Hoff Anderson , Gasonoo Akpeko , Pahlevani Majid , Welch Gregory C.
Published: September 2022

Cathode interlayers (CILs) in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are actively being researched as they are critical for device stability and performance. Herein, N‐annulated perylene diimide with a 2‐ethyl‐hexyl side chain (PDIN‐EH) is demonstrated, which is facile to synthesize as compared with conventional CILs such as PFN‐Br, exhibits solubility, and subsequent processability from ethanol. The PDIN‐EH is evaluated as a CIL in an air‐processed, slot‐die coated OPV consisting of PEDOT:PSS as the hole transport layer, PM6:Y6C12 as the bulk heterojunction, and top silver cathode electrode. All the organic layers are slot‐die coated from green solvents and devices achieve a power convention efficiency of more than 12%, a result that is among the best reported under ambient conditions for printed OPVs. Microscopy images reveal that the PDIN‐EH affords smooth film formation when slot‐die coated on top of PM6:Y6C12 bulk heterojunction for an improved contact with the Ag electrode. Furthermore, the fabrication of large‐area OPV modules on glass and flexible (polyethylene terephthalate) substrates is successfully demonstrated, with five cells connected in series achieving efficiency over 7% and open‐circuit voltage over 3.5 V. Herein, useful guidelines for achieving fully printed organic electronic devices from green solvents at a potential industrial scale are provided.
“Security Gap” as a metric for enterprise business processes
Authors: Mukherjee Preetam , Sengupta Anirban , Mazumdar Chandan
Published: September 2022

Security is becoming an indispensable factor for the well‐being of an enterprise. Enterprises are making huge investments to fulfill the demand for security. A big challenge faced by an enterprise while securing itself is to find the gap between the demand for security and the actual security status. Finding out a consistent metric for measuring this gap can enable security administrators to utilize the allocated funds more appropriately. Popular control gap analysis methods practiced in enterprises are mostly subjective in nature and results in imprecise measurements. To address this issue, a novel security metric “Security Gap” is introduced in this paper. This metric finds out the business process‐level insecurity from the security requirements and the estimated security. The methodology uses business process modeling, attack graph modeling, and relevant base metrics to compute Security Gap.
Thermal Fatigue Behavior of AISI H13 Hot Work Tool Steel Produced by Direct Laser Metal Deposition
Authors: Pellizzari Massimo , Massignani Daniel , Amirabdollahian Sasan , Deirmina Faraz
Published: September 2022

Direct laser metal deposition (DLMD) is an additive manufacturing technique getting growing attention thanks to the possibility of producing very complex parts in a short time and in a cost‐effective manner. The possible applications of this technology are tools with conformal cooling channels and claddings for dies and molds reparation. One of the damaging mechanisms of tools is thermal fatigue (TF) cracking, leading to surface deterioration and, consequently, the processed parts. Herein, the TF behavior of DLMD‐H13 submitted to two different heat treatments, namely direct tempering (T) and quenching and tempering (QT), is investigated. T does not significantly change the solidification microstructure after DLMD, whereas QT produces a more homogenous tempered martensite microstructure. A customary laboratory test is developed to induce TF damage under a cyclic temperature variation between 630 and 60 °C. The results evidence that the T‐H13 has a slightly better TF resistance with respect to QT‐H13 due to the higher tempering resistance of T‐H13 with respect to QT‐H13. Thus, according to TF test results, direct tempering can be preferred to quench and tempering since the elimination of quenching can decrease the costs of production as well as distortions‐related issues, increasing the competitiveness of DLMD.
Alterations in Heart Rate Variability and Electroencephalogram during20‐MinuteExtremely Low Frequency Electric Field Treatment in Healthy Men during theEyes‐OpenCondition
Authors: Shinba Toshikazu , Nedachi Takaki , Harakawa Shinji
Published: September 2022

Our previous study examined the neural effects of extremely low frequency electric field (ELF‐EF) using electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) measurement and revealed that the theta power of EEG increases during 1‐min EF treatment (30 kV and 50 Hz). In the present study, the effects of a longer treatment duration were assessed. EF was applied between two electrodes, one above the head and the other under the feet, for 20 min to 10 healthy men sitting on a chair. Occipital EEG and HRV were measured in the eyes‐open condition. Power spectrum analysis showed that during the EF treatment, the power of alpha and theta rhythms as well as the low frequency component of HRV increased, and the heart rate decreased. These effects did not persist after the end of EF treatment. It is suggested that ELF‐EF treatment alters not only the brain activity but also the autonomic activity reflected in HRV. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Vision Zero in Workplaces
Authors: Zwetsloot Gerard I. J. M. , Kines Pete
Published: September 2022

Unsafe and unhealthy working conditions contribute to more than 2.3 million deaths globally each year. Vision Zero (VZ) in workplaces presents the challenge to prevent all serious accidents and work-related sickness and disease. Companies and other organizations play a key role, in the development and implementation of VZ, and are supported by international organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the International Social Security Association (ISSA). VZ in workplaces has a long history and several roots, which explain the variety in its application. It is both conceptually and practically closely associated with the development of a broad prevention culture, focusing on the safety, health, and well-being of the workforce as an integrated part of business. VZ in workplaces has developed quickly since the Seoul Declaration (2008), whereby global occupational safety and health leaders and representatives of national governments expressed their will to create a worldwide culture of prevention. In particular, the ISSA launched a global VZ strategy and campaign in 2017, which now (in 2021) runs in more than 80 countries. VZ policies and strategies for both road traffic and workplaces are overlapping and can strengthen each other, as roads are an important place of work in many jobs. The implementation of VZ in workplaces should be regarded as a commitment strategy, based on genuine commitment of both top leaders and all personnel. It is important that VZ in workplaces is understood as a vision and a long-term ambition, not as a target. Proactive leading indicators are therefore more important for VZ than lagging indicators, such as accident frequencies.
Incompatibility of Frequency Splitting and Spatial Localization: A Quantitative Analysis of Hegerfeldt’s Theorem
Authors: Finster Felix , Paganini Claudio F.
Published: September 2022

We prove quantitative versions of the following statement: If a solution of the $$1+1$$

1
+
1

-dimensional wave equation has spatially compact support and consists mainly of positive frequencies, then it must have a significant high-frequency component. Similar results are proven for the $$3+1$$

3
+
1

-dimensional wave equation.
Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy versus abdominal sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse: long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Oudheusden Anique M. J. , Eissing Josephine , Terink Ivon M. , Vink Maarten D. H. , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Bongers Marlies Y. , Coolen Anne-Lotte W. M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) versus abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) for vaginal vault prolapse (VVP).

Methods

Long-term follow-up of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (SALTO trial). A total of 74 women were randomly assigned to LSC (n=37) or ASC (n=37). Primary outcome was disease-specific quality of life, measured with validated questionnaires. Secondary outcomes included anatomical outcome, composite outcome of success, complications, and retreatment.

Results

We analyzed 22 patients in the LSC group and 19 patients in the ASC group for long-term follow-up, with a median follow-up of 109 months (9.1 years). Disease-specific quality of life did not differ after long-term follow-up with median scores of 0.0 (LSC: IQR 0–17; ASC: IQR 0–0) on the “genital prolapse” domain of the Urogenital Distress Inventory in both groups (p = 0.175). Anatomical outcomes were the same for both groups on all points of the POP-Q. The composite outcome of success for the apical compartment is 78.6% (n = 11) in the LSC group and 84.6% (n = 11) in the ASC group (p = 0.686). Mesh exposures occurred in 2 patients (12.5%) in the LSC group and 1 patient (7.7%) in the ASC group. There were 5 surgical reinterventions in both groups (LSC: 22.7%; ASC: 26.3%, p = 0.729).

Conclusions

At long-term follow-up no substantial differences in quality of life, anatomical results, complications, or reinterventions between LSC and ASC were observed. Therefore, the laparoscopic approach is preferable, considering the short-term advantages.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Register NTR6330, 18 January 2017, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/5964
Buckwheat hull, a valuable bakery product ingredient: assessment of bioaccessible phenolics and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Bączek Natalia , Haros Claudia Monika , Wronkowska Małgorzata
Published: September 2022

In this study, the bioaccessible total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) of commonly consumed bakery products enriched with raw (BH) or roasted (RBH) buckwheat hull were evaluated. The soluble and insoluble fractions obtained after in vitro enzymatic digestion of mixed rye/wheat bread with 4% of RBH (BRBH), wheat bread with 3% of BH (BBH), and their control counterparts were separated (C-BRBH and C-BBH, respectively). The addition of buckwheat hull, raw and roasted, significantly increased the values of analyzed parameters compared to control samples. Before the digestion, the highest values of TPC and AC were found for bread with 4% of RBH. After in vitro digestion of the bakery products, the content of TPC and AC in the soluble fraction was 75–90% higher compared to the values found in the undigested fraction. Generally, a decrease in the bioaccessibility index of enriched bakery products compared to control samples was observed. The obtained results indicate that buckwheat by-products may be used as a valuable ingredient for commonly used bakery products. Also, it was shown that the in vitro digestion model may be of relevance in assessing the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in commonly used bakery products.
Alignment philosophy influences trochlea recreation in total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study using image-based robotic technology
Authors: Shatrov Jobe , Coulin Benoit , Batailler Cécile , Servien Elvire , Walter Bill , Lustig Sebastien
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The ability of kinematic alignment (KA) to consistently restore trochlea anatomy in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is unknown despite recreation of constitutional anatomy being its rationale for use. The purpose of this study was to assess if alignment choice in TKA effects the ability to restore the native trochlea groove.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-two consecutive patients undergoing robotic-assisted TKA using the MAKO image-based robotic platform had simulated femoral components placed according to kinematic, mechanical and functional alignment principals. Implant position and trochlea restoration between groups were compared. Restoration was assessed by shift (medial–lateral) and depth relative to the native groove from three consistent points; full extension (0°), mid-flexion (30°–40°) and deep flexion (70°–80°).

Results

Three hundred and sixty-six alignment options were analysed. Femoral alignment was significantly different between groups. Of KA, 13.1% compared to 3.3% of FA plans were outside safe coronal boundaries. The trochlear groove was translated the most by MA compared to KA and FA (full extension, MA 7.84 ± 1.99 mm lateral to the native groove, KA 6.40 ± 2.43 mm and FA 6.88 ± 1.74 mm, p ≤ 0.001). In full extension, FA most closely restored the trochlear groove depth in all three positions of flexion.

Conclusion

Alignment philosophy led to significant differences in trochlea groove recreation. A kinematically placed femoral component led to positioning considered unsafe in over 13% of cases. A functionally placed femoral component most closely restored trochlea depth in all three positions of flexion.
The hybrid number of a ploidy profile
Authors: Huber K. T. , Maher L. J.
Published: September 2022

Polyploidization, whereby an organism inherits multiple copies of the genome of their parents, is an important evolutionary event that has been observed in plants and animals. One way to study such events is in terms of the ploidy number of the species that make up a dataset of interest. It is therefore natural to ask: How much information about the evolutionary past of the set of species that form a dataset can be gleaned from the ploidy numbers of the species? To help answer this question, we introduce and study the novel concept of a ploidy profile which allows us to formalize it in terms of a multiplicity vector indexed by the species the dataset is comprised of. Using the framework of a phylogenetic network, we present a closed formula for computing thehybrid number(i.e. the minimal number of polyploidization events required to explain a ploidy profile) of a large class of ploidy profiles. This formula relies on the construction of a certain phylogenetic network from the simplification sequence of a ploidy profile and the hybrid number of the ploidy profile with which this construction is initialized. Both of them can be computed easily in case the ploidy numbers that make up the ploidy profile are not too large. To help illustrate the applicability of our approach, we apply it to a simplified version of a publicly available Viola dataset.
Distinct coral reef habitat communities characterized by environmental DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Dugal Laurence , Thomas Luke , Meenakshisundaram Abinaya , Simpson Tiffany , Lines Rose , Colquhoun Jamie , Jarman Simon , Meekan Mark
Published: September 2022

Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots, places of high endemicity and provide essential services to billions of people globally. With increasing threats to these reefs worldwide, there is a need to implement faster, more efficient ways to monitor spatial and temporal patterns of biodiversity. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding offers a promising tool to address this issue, as it has revolutionized our ability to monitor biodiversity from complex environmental samples such as seawater. However, the capacity for eDNA to resolve fine scale shifts in community composition across habitats in seascapes is yet to be fully explored. Here, we applied eDNA metabarcoding using the rRNA 18S Universal eukaryote assay to explore differences in community profiles between samples collected from the lagoon and reef slope habitats across more than 170 km of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area in Western Australia. We recovered 2061 amplicon sequence variants that comprised of 401 taxa spanning 14 different metazoan phyla such as cnidarians, poriferans, molluscs, algae, worms, and echinoderms. Our results revealed strong clustering of samples by habitat type across the length of the reef. Community dissimilarity (beta diversity) between samples collected from the reef slope and lagoon habitats was high and was driven largely by a strong rate of spatial turnover, indicating a distinct set of taxa representing each reef zone community. We also detected a strong pattern of isolation by distance within our slope samples, suggesting that communities are spatially stratified across the length of the reef. Despite high connectivity due to regular flushing of the lagoon environment, our results demonstrate that metabarcoding of seawater eDNA from different habitats can resolve fine scale community structure. By generating multi-trophic biodiversity data, our study also provided baseline data for Ningaloo from which future changes can be assessed.