bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traditional Chinese medicine invigorating the spleen and kidney promotes HBsAg seroclearance in the mouse model
Authors: Zeng Dan‐Yi , Chen Zhan , Hong Mei‐Zhu , Jiang Ling‐Ping , Chen Xiao‐Ning , Xue Han‐Xin , Pan Jin‐Shui , Zhu Yueyong
Published: July 2023

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often used as an adjuvant or alternative therapy for abnormal liver biochemistry or liver fibrosis associated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the role of TCM in HBsAg seroclearance remains unclear. We aimed at exploring the role and possible mechanisms of TCM in HBsAg seroclearance. Fifteen widely used TCM granules invigorating the spleen and kidneys were screened. C57BL/6J mice were administered daily with TCM granules by gavage for 1 week. The effect of TCM on the M1 polarization of macrophages was measured using a CD86 assay. According to the principles of formulating prescriptions, three single TCM with the most noticeable effect on M1 polarization, accompanied by two other TCM granules, were used to develop a TCM formula. The hepatitis B virus‐expressing mouse model was constructed by hydrodynamic injection of the pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid. Hepatitis B virus‐expressing mice were gavaged daily with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), TCM formula, or Codonopsis Radix, for 1 week. HBsAg, HBeAg, and hepatitis B virus DNA levels were measured. In addition, gut microbiota was profiled using 16S rDNA sequencing. Several TCM granules showed significant effects on M1 polarization. The TCM formula accelerated HBsAg seroclearance compared with the Codonopsis Radix and PBS groups. Intrahepatic M1 polarization, as indicated by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, was induced in the TCM formula and Codonopsis Radix groups. The abundance of Alloprevotella significantly increased in the TCM formula and Codonopsis Radix groups. These results demonstrate that the TCM formula for invigorating the spleen and kidney can accelerate HBsAg seroclearance. This effect can be attributed, at least in part, to M1 polarization of intrahepatic macrophages.
Azvudine therapy of common COVID‐19 in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Shang Shunlai , Fu Bo , Geng Yanqiu , Zhang Jian , Zhang Dawei , Xiao Fenglin , Sheng Zhaojun , Zhai Jingbo , Li Wenge , Chen Xiangmei , Zheng Chunfu , Li Qinggang
Published: July 2023

There is no antiviral study on hemodialysis patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), especially on the application of 2′‐deoxy‐2′‐β ‐fluoro‐4′‐azidocytidine (Azvudine, FNC) antiviral therapy. We conducted a multicenter observational study involving 1008 hemodialysis patients. After matching for age, sex, and other factors, 182 patients in the basic treatment group and 182 in the FNC group were included. The negative nucleic acid conversion rate of the FNC group was significantly higher than that of the basic treatment group, and viral loads, interleukin‐6, and C‐reactive protein were significantly lower than those of the basic treatment group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in liver function, renal function, or the number of adverse events between the two groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our study has provided novel evidence suggesting that the FNC scheme may be safe and effective compared to the basic treatment of hemodialysis patients with common COVID‐19.
Regional difference in precipitation seasonality over China from CMIP6 projections
Authors: Hu Dan , Tian Zhiping , Lang Xianmei , Jiang Dabang
Published: July 2023

Based on historical simulations and projections under two scenarios of the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5) provided by 32 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), we investigate the future precipitation seasonality changes over China by two indices, the dimensionless seasonality index (DSI) and the relative seasonality index (SI), and the associated physical mechanisms by moisture budget diagnosis. The results show that relative to the baseline period 1995–2014, the DSI is enhanced across almost all of China at the end of the 21st century, with stronger magnitudes in southeastern China and the southern Tibetan Plateau and weaker magnitudes in northwestern China, and national‐mean enhancements are 15% (7%–21%) and 23% (15%–29%) for the multimodel median (25th–75th percentile range across models) under the SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5 scenarios, respectively. Projected SI changes show large regional differences, with decreases in northern China and increase in southern China, leading to little change for the national mean. The DSI and SI changes are associated with uneven distributions of changes in absolute amounts and relative proportions of precipitation among seasons, respectively. Further analysis reveals that the contributions of different moisture budget terms to precipitation changes vary across seasons, resulting in changes in the seasonal distribution of precipitation and thus the DSI and SI changes. Specifically, the thermodynamic component of vertical moisture advection primarily determines the greater magnitude of increased precipitation in summer than in winter in most of China, resulting in the DSI change. The reduction in residual term dominates the diminished winter precipitation in southern China, leading to more precipitation concentrated in summer for given annual precipitation and thus the intensification in SI, while the opposite holds true in northern China.
High‐Dimensional Entanglement for Quantum Communication in the Frequency Domain
Authors: Cabrejo‐Ponce Meritxell , Muniz André Luiz Marques , Huber Marcus , Steinlechner Fabian
Published: July 2023

High‐dimensional photonic entanglement is a promising candidate for error‐protected quantum information processing with improved capacity. Encoding high‐dimensional qudits in the carrier frequency of photons combines ease of generation, universal single‐photon gates, and compatibility with fiber transmission for high‐capacity quantum communication. Recent landmark experiments have impressively demonstrated quantum interference of a few frequency modes, yet the certification of massive‐dimensional frequency entanglement has remained an open challenge. This study shows how to harness the large frequency‐entanglement inherent in standard continuous‐wave spontaneous parametric down‐conversion processes. It further reports a record certification of discretized frequency entanglement, combined with a novel approach for certification that is both highly efficient and nonlocally implementable. This technique requires very few measurements and does not require assumptions on the state. The work opens the possibility for utilizing this encoding in quantum communications and in quantum information science in general.
Topological Approach of Characterizing Optical Skyrmions and Multi‐Skyrmions
Authors: McWilliam Amy , Cisowski Claire M. , Ye Zhujun , Speirits Fiona C. , Götte Jörg B. , Barnett Stephen M. , Franke‐Arnold Sonja
Published: July 2023

The skyrmion number of paraxial optical skyrmions can be defined solely via their polarization singularities and associated winding numbers, using a mathematical derivation that exploits Stokes's theorem. It is demonstrated that this definition provides a robust way to extract the skyrmion number from experimental data, as illustrated for a variety of optical (Néel‐type) skyrmions and bimerons and multi‐skyrmions. This method generates not only an increase in accuracy, but also provides an intuitive geometrical approach to understanding the topology of such quasi‐particles of light and their robustness against smooth transformations.
A KEY LESSON FROM FRANCES HESSELBEIN THAT TRANSFORMED MY APPROACH TO LIFE AND LEADERSHIP
Authors: Caprino Kathy
Published: July 2023

The author, an international career and leadership coach, writer, speaker, and executive trainer, recounts her interview with Frances Hesselbein that appeared in her Forbes blog “Career Bliss.” Among Hesselbein’s quotes from the interview: “A great leader does not preach about their values; they live them. In the end, it is the quality and character of a leader that determines their performance and results.” The author writes that in “13 years of interviewing hundreds of top leadership and business experts, entrepreneurial gurus, writers, artists and others,” she discovered that they “chose to embark on identifying what they value most as a human being ‐ and who they wanted to be in the world – and became the living embodiment of that, for the betterment of themselves and others.”
REFLECTION ON FRANCES HESSELBEIN
Authors: Dilenschneider Robert L.
Published: July 2023

The author, who formed The Dilenschneider Group in 1991, is often referred to as the “Dean of American Public Relations Executives.” His tribute to Frances Hesselbein notes that they first met when he was a board member of the organization she co‐founded, the Drucker Foundation. “Every meeting,” he writes, “was full of her positive ideas. She always helped frame what really needed to be done and found ways to recognize and build relationships.” He concludes that “Frances Hesselbein laid a positive groundwork for what is happening in business and society today.”
LEADERSHIP ADVENTURES WITH FRANCES HESSELBEIN
Authors: Kuhl Joan
Published: July 2023

The author, a champion for girls’ leadership and advancing women working in business and sports organizations, writes about her friendship and collaboration with Frances Hesselbein, sparked initially by the author’s days in civic leadership, and student leadership at the University of Pittsburgh, and then meeting Frances afterwards in New York. “From that moment on,” the author writes, “I set regular meetings with Frances until I was asked to join her Leader to Leader Institute board – the evolution of the Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management. I had a strong history of board service in organizations that served girls: Girls Hope of Pittsburgh, Step up for Women, and as a volunteer with Girls on The Run and the Girl Scouts.” She also notes that “the personal moments only surpassed those instrumental leadership moments. Frances was a part of many significant personal milestones in my life, from marriage through motherhood.”
OPENING THE DOOR TO NEW LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP
Authors: Gentil Hortense le
Published: July 2023

The author, a global executive leadership coach, speaker, and author, writes about how she first met Frances Hesselbein as did many other leaders, through the pioneering executive coach Marshall Goldsmith. “Even though I’d been advocating for a more empathetic approach when coaching executives,” the author writes, “it was as if Frances brought into sharp focus something that had until then remained fuzzy, broadening and elevating my understanding of leadership to a spiritual level. With a few words, she had just unlocked a door in my mind.” The author’s tribute to Frances concludes: “She made everyone feel seen and heard, putting her ego aside to light a spark in others. The spark she lit in me profoundly shaped my perspective on leadership and my coaching practice. My hope is that I’m in turn unlocking doors for othersࣧdoors to becoming the best version of themselves.”
Respiratory signal estimation for cardiac perfusion SPECT using deep learning
Authors: Chen Yuan , Pretorius P. Hendrik , Lindsay Clifford , Yang Yongyi , King Michael A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Respiratory motion induces artifacts in reconstructed cardiac perfusion SPECT images. Correction for respiratory motion often relies on a respiratory signal describing the heart displacements during breathing. However, using external tracking devices to estimate respiratory signals can add cost and operational complications in a clinical setting.

Purpose

We aim to develop a deep learning (DL) approach that uses only SPECT projection data for respiratory signal estimation.

Methods

A modified U‐Net was implemented that takes temporally finely sampled SPECT sub‐projection data (100 ms) as input. These sub‐projections are obtained by reframing the 20‐s list‐mode data, resulting in 200 sub‐projections, at each projection angle for each SPECT camera head. The network outputs a 200‐time‐point motion signal for each projection angle, which was later aggregated over all angles to give a full respiratory signal. The target signal for DL model training was from an external stereo‐camera visual tracking system (VTS). In addition to comparing DL and VTS, we also included a data‐driven approach based on the center‐of‐mass (CoM) strategy. This CoM method estimates respiratory signals by monitoring the axial changes of CoM for counts in the heart region of the sub‐projections. We utilized 900 subjects with stress cardiac perfusion SPECT studies, with 302 subjects for testing and the remaining 598 subjects for training and validation.

Results

The Pearson's correlation coefficient between the DL respiratory signal and the reference VTS signal was 0.90, compared to 0.70 between the CoM signal and the reference. For respiratory motion correction on SPECT images, all VTS, DL, and CoM approaches partially de‐blured the heart wall, resulting in a thinner wall thickness and increased recovered maximal image intensity within the wall, with VTS reducing blurring the most followed by the DL approach. Uptake quantification for the combined anterior and inferior segments of polar maps showed a mean absolute difference from the reference VTS of 1.7% for the DL method for patients with motion >12 mm, compared to 2.6% for the CoM method and 8.5% for no correction.

Conclusion

We demonstrate the capability of a DL approach to estimate respiratory signal from SPECT projection data for cardiac perfusion imaging. Our results show that the DL based respiratory motion correction reduces artefacts and achieves similar regional quantification to that obtained using the stereo‐camera VTS signals. This may enable fully automatic data‐driven respiratory motion correction without relying on external motion tracking devices.
Graphical modeling of causal factors associated with the postoperative survival of esophageal cancer subjects
Authors: Ren Shangsi , Beeche Cameron A. , Iyer Kartik , Shi Zhiyi , Auster Quentin , Hawkins James M. , Leader Joseph K. , Dhupar Rajeev , Pu Jiantao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To clarify the causal relationship between factors contributing to the postoperative survival of patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

A cohort of 195 patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer between 2008 and 2021 was used in the study. All patients had preoperative chest computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography‐CT (PET‐CT) scans prior to receiving any treatment. From these images, high throughput and quantitative radiomic features, tumor features, and various body composition features were automatically extracted. Causal relationships among these image features, patient demographics, and other clinicopathological variables were analyzed and visualized using a novel score‐based directed graph called “Grouped Greedy Equivalence Search” (GGES) while taking prior knowledge into consideration. After supplementing and screening the causal variables, the intervention do‐calculus adjustment (IDA) scores were calculated to determine the degree of impact of each variable on survival. Based on this IDA score, a GGES prediction formula was generated. Ten‐fold cross‐validation was used to assess the performance of the models. The prediction results were evaluated using the R‐Squared Score (R2 score).

Results

The final causal graphical model was formed by two PET‐based image variables, ten body composition variables, four pathological variables, four demographic variables, two tumor variables, and one radiological variable (Percentile 10). Intramuscular fat mass was found to have the most impact on overall survival month. Percentile 10 and overall TNM (T: tumor, N: nodes, M: metastasis) stage were identified as direct causes of overall survival (month). The GGES casual model outperformed GES in regression prediction (R2 = 0.251) (p < 0.05) and was able to avoid unreasonable causality that may contradict common sense.

Conclusion

The GGES causal model can provide a reliable and straightforward representation of the intricate causal relationships among the variables that impact the postoperative survival of patients with esophageal cancer.
Effect of carbon fiber and thermoplastic resin on laminates under lightning and dielectric strength tests
Authors: Saenz Ernesto , del Rio Marcos , Venegas Pablo
Published: July 2023

The incorporation of carbon fiber (CF) and thermoplastic resin in wind turbine rotor‐blade represents a challenge for lightning events because CF conducts electricity and the behavior of thermoplastic resins is not well known. A comparative study with laminates with epoxy or thermoplastic resins was performed, using lightning and dielectric strength tests. Lightning tests revealed that resins behaved similarly; the current preferentially flowed in fiber direction and in zones with high contact between fibers (e.g., criss‐crossed fibers at panel edges); the level of through‐thickness damage was inversely related to panel thickness; current flow did not affect the tensile properties in fiber direction, but produced a drop in bending strength; the adequate integration of earth terminals in CF laminates was critical for a proper lightning discharge. In dielectric tests, it was concluded that panels with glass fiber covering CF laminates behaved as through‐thickness insulators; the thermoplastic reduced the laminate's dielectric strength, while the incorporation of CF, or laminate aging in a salt spray chamber showed no difference. Electrical resistance tests showed that the results were not dependent on the type of resin, but on the level of fiber‐to‐fiber and fiber‐to‐terminal contact. The lowest linear resistance was obtained in the longitudinal fiber direction, followed by the transverse and through‐thickness ones.
Self‐healing polymers containing nanomaterials for biomedical engineering applications: A review
Authors: Mollajavadi Mohammad Yasin , Tarigheh Fatemeh Forghan , Eslami‐Farsani Reza
Published: July 2023

Materials that can recover the function of lost or damaged parts, called self‐healing materials, have attracted attention due to their wide usage in different fields such as water refinery, coatings, robotics, and especially, biomedical applications. Depending on whether the self‐healing component is added to the polymer or is inherent to the polymeric matrix, the self‐healing properties of the polymeric materials can be classified into extrinsic and intrinsic self‐healing. Hydrogels are one of the most used polymers in self‐healing applications for various purposes, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, etc. Nanoparticles can endow some essential features to hydrogels, such as improving mechanical properties, more efficient healing ability, conductivity, and antibacterial and magnetic features. In the current study, various biomedical applications of self‐healing polymers using nanoparticles are discussed in detail, showing the impact of addition of nanoparticles. Perfect antibacterial properties with the addition of copper sulfide or silver nanoparticles were achieved. In addition, enhancing compression modulus up to three times and endowing conductivity to the hydrogel as the effect of carbon nanotube addition and better mechanical properties caused by graphene oxide and iron oxide nanoparticles were reported. These are just a few examples of the results achieved by adding nanoparticles to the self‐healing polymers described in this study.
Advances of SIRT4 in cancer metabolism and therapy
Authors: Yue Xiaohan , Shi Yulu , Luo Qing
Published: July 2023

The Sirtuins family consists of SIRT1‐SIRT7, which belong to class III of the histone deacetylases, a family of highly conserved NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide)‐dependent enzymes expressed in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. In addition to having ADP‐ribosyltransferase, NAD+‐dependent deacetylase, lipoamide, and long‐chain deacetylase activities, it can also regulate the function of substrate proteins through ADP‐ribosylation, diacylation, and long‐chain deacylation. These enzyme activities also confer many critical biological functions on SIRT4, making SIRT4 involved in many mitochondrial energy metabolic processes, such as promoting insulin secretion, participating in the glycolytic process in concert with glycolysis inhibitors, inhibiting glutamate dehydrogenase from regulating glutamine metabolism, and participating in reactions such as DNA damage. Because SIRT4 has such diverse functions, it plays a role in the metabolism and treatment of tumors. Here, we review the progress of SIRT4 research in tumor metabolism and therapy.
Genome and evolution of Prosopis alba Griseb., a drought and salinity tolerant tree legume crop for arid climates
Authors: Kong Wenqian , Liu Min , Felker Peter , Ewens Mauricio , Bessega Cecilia , Pometti Carolina , Wang Jinpeng , Xu Peng , Teng Jia , Wang Jinyu , Wang Xiyin , Jiao Yuannian , Alabady Magdy S. , Thibaud‐Nissen Françoise , Masterson Patrick , Qiao Xin , Paterson Andrew H.
Published: July 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Society anticipates a world in which more food and fiber must be produced at warmer temperatures, which, on the contrary, have greater constraints on the use of water and fertilizers. Tree legumes are often the climax vegetation on the semi‐arid and arid lands, covering ~25% of the planet, but the knowledge of their genomes is limited. A draft genome sequence for Prosopis alba, a salt and heat tolerant tree that is able to fix nitrogen under harsh conditions, yields new clues about its adaptations. Its rich genetic and ecological diversity makes Prosopis well‐suited to the investigation of gene functions important to its own greater utilization and/or the improvement of climate resilience of other crops.

In arid lands that comprise 41% of the Earth's surface and are growing, tree legumes are often the climax vegetation. Now found in much of arid America, Prosopis alba is a salt‐tolerant nitrogen‐fixing tree native to Argentina.

We present a Prosopis alba genome assembly that is 707 Mb in size, comprising of 6087 contigs of up to 2,077,851 bp in length and of ~359.3 Mb (50.8%) being repetitive elements dominated (20.3%) by long terminal repeats (LTR) retrotransposons. Among a total of 57,572 coding sequences (CDS), 42,475 are putative protein coding genes with median length of 2748 bp. The Prosopis alba genome shares the legume‐common tetraploidy (LCT) but has not reduplicated, evolving 3.5% and 23.1% faster than Phaseolus vulgaris and Glycine max, respectively, since the LCT.

The 50 most expanded gene families include many that are involved in ion homeostasis, perhaps related to drought and/or salt adaptation, together with photosynthetic genes carbonic anhydrase (CA), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and malic enzyme and gene families involved in circadian clock systems, synthesis of brassinosteroids, auxin and gibberellin. Some expanded gene families include members showing molecular signatures of positive selection, as do numerous multi‐copy orthologous groups with features associated with pathogen resistance and single‐copy orthogroups related to drought and salt stress response, root and root hair development, nodulation, heavy metal detoxification and stay‐green habit.

Coupling genomics‐based clues about possible causes of its striking physiological adaptations with rich diversity in ecological context offers means to further investigate functional roles of specific Prosopis genes/alleles.
Preparing the assimilation of the future MTG‐IRS sounder into the mesoscale numerical weather prediction AROME model
Authors: Coopmann O. , Fourrié N. , Chambon P. , Vidot J. , Brousseau P. , Martet M. , Birman C.
Published: July 2023

The infrared sounder (IRS) instrument is an infrared Fourier‐transform spectrometer that will be on board the Meteosat Third Generation series of the future European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellite's geostationary satellites. It will measure the radiance emitted by the Earth at the top of the atmosphere using 1,960 channels. The IRS will provide high spatial‐ and temporal‐frequency four‐dimensional information on atmospheric temperature and humidity, winds, clouds, and surfaces, as well as on the chemical composition of the atmosphere. The assimilation of these new observations represents a great challenge and opportunity for the improvement of numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecast skill, especially for mesoscale models such as the Applications de la Recherche à l'Opérationnel à Méso‐Echelle (AROME) at Météo‐France. The objectives of this study are to prepare for the assimilation of the IRS in this system and to evaluate its impact on the forecasts when added to the currently assimilated observations. By using an observing system simulation experiment constructed for a mesoscale NWP model. This observing system simulation experiment framework makes use of synthetic observations of both IRS and the currently assimilated observing systems in AROME, constructed from a known and realistic state of the atmosphere. The latter, called the “nature run”, is derived from a long and uninterrupted forecast of the mesoscale model. These observations were assimilated and evaluated using a 1 hr update cycle three‐dimensional variational data assimilation system over 2‐month periods, one in the summer and one in the winter. This study demonstrates the benefits that can be expected from the assimilation of IRS observations into the AROME NWP system. The assimilation of only 75 channels over oceans increases the total amount of observations used in the AROME three‐dimensional variational data assimilation system by about 50%. The IRS impact in terms of forecast scores was evaluated and compared for the summer and winter periods. The main findings are as follows: (a) over both periods the assimilation of these observations leads to statistically improved forecasts over the whole atmospheric column; (b) for the summer‐season experiment, the forecast ranges up to 48 hr are improved; (c) for the winter‐season experiment, the impact on the forecasts is globally positive but is smaller than the summer period and extends only to 24 hr. Based on these results, it is foreseen that the addition of future IRS observations in the AROME NWP systems will significantly improve mesoscale weather forecasts.
On computation of degree based entropy measures for terpyridine complex nanosheet
Authors: Renai P. Noah Antony Daniel , Roy S.
Published: July 2023

On comparing the various approaches in determining entropy measures, Shannon's strategy plays a significant role in computing information entropy, as it involves the analysis and quantification of the data's information transmission and complexity in diverse fields of science. By considering the essentiality of information‐theoretic entropy and its future implications for physicochemical and biological aspects, this manuscript focuses on investigating a standard variant of Shannon's approach for computing entropy measures using certain degree‐based topological indices for a particular Terpyridine Complex () structure namely, Terpyridine Complex Nanosheet (). In addition, from the computational analysis of entropy measures, compared to other entropies, the entropies measured using Zagreb and hyper‐Zagreb indices exhibit a higher level of significance, which has potential applications in QSPR and QSAR analysis.
Robustness analysis of gain‐scheduled Model Predictive Control for Linear Parameter Varying systems: An Integral Quadratic Constraints approach
Authors: Morato Marcelo M. , Normey‐Rico Julio E. , Sename Olivier
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we evaluate the robustness qualities of Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithms applied for Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) systems. Specifically, we analyzegain‐scheduledLPV MPC schemes, that is, those that use model predictions based on the LPV scheduling variables available at each sampling instant. Accordingly, we extend previous results on finite‐horizon robustness analysis of linear time‐variant (LTV) systems, employing Integral Quadratic Constraints (IQCs) to describe the input‐output behavior of prediction uncertainties. We provide two main novelties in our formulation: (i) we propose a parameter‐dependent Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) inequality to describe the existence and feasibility of the LPV MPC control inputs; and (ii) we model the uncertainties that arise due to the unavailability of the scheduling trajectory along the prediction horizon as a bounded interconnection in the form of a Linear Fractional Transformation (LFT). Accordingly, we use dissipativity arguments (‐hard IQCs) in order to compute robust induced gains of the closed‐loop system (specifically, the and ‐to‐Euclidean metrics), taking into account the MPC prediction uncertainties. We also generate the set of reachable states from a given initial condition. A benchmark example is used to illustrate the proposed analysis procedure.
Exploring the acid–base surface properties of vivianite crystals in aqueous solution
Authors: Hong Tianqiu , Wei Lin , Li Ziyue , Wang Yuanhui , Zhang Qiang , Luo Lei , Zhang Tingting , Li Ruolan , Tang Yiming
Published: July 2023

The acid–base surface properties of vivianite crystals highly affect the adsorption capacity of vivianite for heavy metals and organic matters in aqueous solution. Therefore, the aim of the study was to innovatively explore and quantify the acid–base surface characterization of vivianite crystals in aqueous solution. It was found that the two surface active adsorption sites (≡POH and ≡FeOH) and five surface species thereof (i.e., ≡PO, ≡POH, ≡FeOH, ≡FeO−, and ≡FeOH2+) underwent surface reaction on vivianite crystals. Moreover, the active surface site and point of zero charge of vivianite crystals were 18 sites/nm2 and pH 5.9. Importantly, constant capacitance model was successfully employed to model the titration data, from which the distribution of surface species as function of pH and surface reaction constants were also accurately derived. The finding herein can be applied for plausible modeling molecular‐scale adsorption of the impurities on vivianite surface.
Sub‐30 nm 2D Perovskites Patterns via Block Copolymer Guided Self‐Assembly for Color Conversion Optical Polarizer
Authors: Park Youjin , Han Hyowon , Lee Hyeokjung , Kim Sohee , Park Tae Hyun , Jang Jihye , Kim Gwanho , Park Yemin , Lee Jiyeon , Kim Dongjun , Kim Jiwon , Jung Yeon Sik , Jeong Beomjin , Park Cheolmin
Published: July 2023

Despite the remarkable advances made in the development of 2D perovskites suitable for various high‐performance devices, the development of sub‐30 nm nanopatterns of 2D perovskites with anisotropic photoelectronic properties remains challenging. Herein, a simple but robust route for fabricating sub‐30 nm 1D nanopatterns of 2D perovskites over a large area is presented. This method is based on nanoimprinting a thin precursor film of a 2D perovskite with a topographically pre‐patterned hard poly(dimethylsiloxane) mold replicated from a block copolymer nanopattern consisting of guided self‐assembled monolayered in‐plane cylinders. 1D nanopatterns of various 2D perovskites (A′2MAn−1PbnX3n+1,A′ = BA, PEA, X = Br, I) are developed; their enhanced photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields are approximately four times greater than those of the corresponding control flat films. Anisotropic photocurrent is observed because 2D perovskite nanocrystals are embedded in a topological 1D nanopattern. Furthermore, this 1D metal‐coated nanopattern of a 2D perovskite is employed as a color conversion optical polarizer, in which polarized PL is developed. This is due to its capability of polarization of an incident light arising from the sub‐30 nm line pattern, as well as the PL of the confined 2D perovskite nanocrystals in the pattern.
Development and Perspectives: Multifunctional Nucleic Acid Nanomedicines for Treatment of Gynecological Cancers
Authors: Korzun Tetiana , Moses Abraham S. , Diba Parham , Sattler Ariana L. , Olson Brennan , Taratula Olena R. , Pejovic Tanja , Marks Daniel L. , Taratula Oleh
Published: July 2023

Gynecological malignancies are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. Due to delayed presentation, gynecological cancer patients are often referred late in the disease's course, resulting in poor outcomes. A considerable number of patients ultimately succumb to chemotherapy‐resistant disease, which reoccurs at advanced stages despite treatment interventions. Although efforts have been devoted to developing therapies that demonstrate reduced resistance to chemotherapy and enhanced toxicity profiles, current clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory due to treatment resistance and unfavorable off‐target effects. Consequently, innovative biological and nanotherapeutic approaches are imperative to strengthen and optimize the therapeutic arsenal for gynecological cancers. Advancements in nanotechnology‐based therapies for gynecological malignancies offer significant advantages, including reduced toxicity, expanded drug circulation, and optimized therapeutic dosing, ultimately leading to enhanced treatment effectiveness. Recent advances in nucleic acid therapeutics using microRNA, small interfering RNA, and messenger RNA provide novel approaches for cancer therapeutics. Effective single‐agent and combinatorial nucleic acid therapeutics for gynecological malignancies have the potential to transform cancer treatment by giving safer, more tailored approaches than conventional therapies. This review highlights current preclinical studies that effectively exploit these approaches for the treatment of gynecological malignant tumors and malignant ascites.
Plasticizing Effectiveness and Characteristics of Different Mono‐Alcohols, Di‐Alcohols, and Polyols for Starch‐Based Materials
Authors: Alee Mahafooj , Fu Jun , Duan Qingfei , Yang Mao , Liu Hongsheng , Zhu Jian , Xianyang Bao , Chen Ling , Yu Long
Published: July 2023

The effectiveness of various alcohols as plasticizers for starch‐based materials is studied. Specifically, the impact of molecular structures, such as the number of hydroxyl groups, molecular weights, and chemical structures of these compounds, on the performance of starch‐based films is studied. Several alcohols are used, including mono‐alcohols (propanol, butanol, pentanol, and hexanol), di‐alcohols (ethylene glycol, propanediol, butanediol, and pentanediol), and polyols (glycerol, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol). Tensile testing and DSC, TGA, DMA, XRD, and SEM characterization of the starch film are used to assess plasticizing effectiveness. Alcohols with a low number of ─OH groups, such as mono‐alcohols, are not retained in the starch matrix because their compatibility with starch is low. The presence of a long alkyl chain in the alcohol reduces compatibility with the starch matrix even more. This type of material has low or no plasticizer efficiency. Di‐alcohols are more compatible with starch, especially those with short alkyl chains like ethylene glycol. Polyols with many ─OH groups are more compatible with starch. The effectiveness of these alcohols as starch plasticizers is proportional to the number of ─OH groups present. All alcohols, whether liquid or solid, must facilitate water′s action.
Investigating the behavior of an innovative butterfly‐shaped damper: An experimental and numerical study
Authors: Van Chung Nguyen , Ghamari Ali
Published: July 2023

The concentrically braced frame (CBF) suffered from low dissipating energy capacity although it pertains to a high lateral elastic stiffness and ultimate strength. To overcome the shortcoming, in this paper, an innovative damper made of two butterfly‐shaped plates installed at the end of the diagonal member of the CBF was considered experimentally and numerically. Also, the required equations were presented to design the system. In an experimental study, the damper showed stable hysteresis loops without any degradation in stiffness and strength up to a rotation of 12% (0.12 rad). This rotation capacity is 50% greater than the AISC limitation. Also, the numerical study indicated that by increasing the angle of main plates, the structural parameters are improved as ultimate strength (Fu), 47% to 90%; stiffness (K), 64% to 97%; energy absorption (E), 23% to 11%; and overstrength (Ω), 59% to 96%. By reduction of the damper's height, the parameters Fu, K, E, and Ω are increased by 47% to 76%, 23% to 64%, 49% to 93%, and 23% to 27%, respectively. Moreover, although the geometry of the damper affected the elastic stiffness, the stiffness in the nonlinear zone was independent of the geometry of the damper. Correspondingly, the slenderness limitations were suggested as 15 for height to thickness ratio and 22 for wide to thickness ratio.
Integrative multi‐omics analyses of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) roots and leaves reveal how the halophyte land plant copes with sea water
Authors: Mueller Heike M. , Franzisky Bastian L. , Messerer Maxim , Du Baoguo , Lux Thomas , White Philip J. , Carpentier Sebastien Christian , Winkler Jana Barbro , Schnitzler Joerg‐Peter , El‐Serehy Hamed A. , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Al‐Harbi Naif , Alfarraj Saleh , Kudla Jörg , Kangasjärvi Jaakko , Reichelt Michael , Mithöfer Axel , Mayer Klaus F. X. , Rennenberg Heinz , Ache Peter , Hedrich Rainer , Geilfus Christoph‐Martin
Published: July 2023

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is able to grow and complete its life cycle while being rooted in highly saline soils. Which of the many well‐known salt‐tolerance strategies are combined to fine‐tune this remarkable resilience is unknown. The precise location, whether in the shoot or the root, where these strategies are employed remains uncertain, leaving us unaware of how the various known salt‐tolerance mechanisms are integrated to fine‐tune this remarkable resilience. To address this shortcoming, we exposed date palm to a salt stress dose equivalent to seawater for up to 4 weeks and applied integrative multi‐omics analyses followed by targeted metabolomics, hormone, and ion analyses. Integration of proteomic into transcriptomic data allowed a view beyond simple correlation, revealing a remarkably high degree of convergence between gene expression and protein abundance. This sheds a clear light on the acclimatization mechanisms employed, which depend on reprogramming of protein biosynthesis. For growth in highly saline habitats, date palm effectively combines various salt‐tolerance mechanisms found in both halophytes and glycophytes: “avoidance” by efficient sodium and chloride exclusion at the roots, and “acclimation” by osmotic adjustment, reactive oxygen species scavenging in leaves, and remodeling of the ribosome‐associated proteome in salt‐exposed root cells. Combined efficiently as in P. dactylifera L., these sets of mechanisms seem to explain the palm's excellent salt stress tolerance.
From Sounds to Letters to Words to Sentences to Genres: Oral Language and Writing
Authors: Traga Philippakos Zoi A. , Secora Kristen
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this paper is to explain how teachers can build on children's oral language resources to support writing. Thus, we offer recommendations and specific examples for classroom applications that connect oral language with written expression. Specifically, we provide examples on the transition from phonemic awareness to phonics to word writing to sentence writing, and to oral and written responses that address genre expectations. Specifically, we address sentence rehearsals, sentence expansion, and sentence combining that teachers can model and collaboratively conduct so learners use oral language as a vehicle for written production and communication with readers.
Diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in prenatal agenesis of corpus callosum: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mustafa H. J. , Barbera J. P. , Sambatur E. V. , Pagani G. , Yaron Y. , Baptiste C. D. , Wapner R. J. , Brewer C. J. , Khalil A.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To determine the incremental diagnostic yield of exome sequencing (ES) after negative chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in cases of prenatally diagnosed agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) and to identify the associated genes and variants.

Methods

A systematic search was performed to identify relevant studies published up until June 2022 using four databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library. Studies in English reporting on the diagnostic yield of ES following negative CMA in prenatally diagnosed partial or complete ACC were included. Authors of cohort studies were contacted for individual participant data and extended cohorts were provided for two of them. The increase in diagnostic yield with ES for pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants was assessed in all cases of ACC, isolated ACC, ACC with other cranial anomalies and ACC with extracranial anomalies. To identify all reported genetic variants, the systematic review included all ACC cases; however, for the meta‐analysis, only studies with ≥ three ACC cases were included. Meta‐analysis of proportions was employed using a random‐effects model. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using modified Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy criteria.

Results

A total of 28 studies, encompassing 288 prenatally diagnosed ACC cases that underwent ES following negative CMA, met the inclusion criteria of the systematic review. We classified 116 genetic variants in 83 genes associated with prenatal ACC with a full phenotypic description. There were 15 studies, encompassing 268 cases, that reported on ≥ three ACC cases and were included in the meta‐analysis. Of all the included cases, 43% had a P/LP variant on ES. The highest yield was for ACC with extracranial anomalies (55% (95% CI, 35–73%)), followed by ACC with other cranial anomalies (43% (95% CI, 30–57%)) and isolated ACC (32% (95% CI, 18–51%)).

Conclusions

ES demonstrated an incremental diagnostic yield in cases of prenatally diagnosed ACC following negative CMA. While the greatest diagnostic yield was observed in ACC with extracranial anomalies and ACC with other central nervous system anomalies, ES should also be considered in cases of isolated ACC. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Prediction by uterine artery Doppler screening of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates at 19–24 weeks' gestation
Authors: Tai Y.‐Y. , Lee C.‐N. , Juan H.‐C. , Lin M.‐W. , Liao J.‐C. , Li H.‐Y. , Lin S.‐Y. , Poon L. C.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates are at increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. We aimed to investigate the performance of uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) at 19–24 weeks' gestation to predict the delivery of a SGA neonate in a Chinese population.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data obtained between January 2010 and June 2018. Doppler ultrasonography was performed at 19–24 weeks' gestation. SGA was defined as birth weight below the 10th centile according to the INTERGROWTH‐21st fetal growth standards. The performance of UtA‐PI to predict the delivery of a SGA neonate was assessed using receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC)‐curve analysis.

Results

We included 6964 singleton pregnancies, of which 748 (11%) delivered a SGA neonate, including 115 (15%) women with preterm delivery. Increased UtA‐PI was associated with an elevated risk of SGA, both in neonates delivered at or after 37 weeks' gestation (term SGA) and those delivered before 37 weeks (preterm SGA). The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for UtA‐PI were 64.4% (95% CI, 61.5–67.3%) and 75.8% (95% CI, 69.3–82.3%) for term and preterm SGA, respectively. The performance of combined screening by maternal demographic/clinical characteristics and estimated fetal weight in the detection of term and preterm SGA was improved significantly by the addition of UtA‐PI, although the increase in AUC was modest (2.4% for term SGA and 4.9% for preterm SGA).

Conclusions

This is the first Chinese study to evaluate the role of UtA‐PI at 19–24 weeks' gestation in the prediction of the delivery of a neonate with SGA. The addition of UtA‐PI to traditional risk factors improved the screening performance for SGA, and this improvement was greater in predicting preterm SGA compared with term SGA. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Hybrid Models
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

Hybrid models that combine aspects of the Digital OEM and the Digital Equipment Operator are more often the norm than the exception. Nevertheless, differentiating between these two roles can be very helpful for understanding many of the different concepts associated with them. This chapter looks at hybrid models in more detail, following again the why, what, how structure from the Introduction (Fig. 10.1).
Development Life-Cycle Perspective
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

The development lifecycle of an AIoT-enabled product or solution usually includes a number of different sub-elements, which need to be brought together in a meaningful way. This chapter discusses this for both products and solutions.
Trust & Security
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

Digital Trust (or trust in digital solutions) is a complex topic. When do users deem a digital product truly trustworthy? What if a physical product component is added, as in smart, connected products? While security is certainly a key enabler of Digital Trust, there are many other aspects that are important, including ethical considerations, data privacy, quality and robustness (including reliability and resilience). Since AIoT-enabled products can have a direct, physical impact on the well-being of people, safety also plays an important role (Fig. 28.1).
Quality Management
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

Quality Management (QM) is responsible for overseeing all activities and tasks needed to maintain a desired level of quality. QM in Software Development traditionally has three main components: quality planning, quality assurance, and quality control. In many agile organizations, QM is becoming closely integrated with the DevOps organization. Quality Assurance (QA) is responsible for setting up the organization and its processes to ensure the desired level of quality. In an agile organization, this means that QA needs to be closely aligned with DevOps. Quality Control (QC) is responsible for the output, usually by implementing a test strategy along the various stages of the DevOps cycle. Quality Planning is responsible for setting up the quality and test plans. In a DevOps organization, this will be a continuous process (Fig. 30.1).
Predictive Maintenance for Hydraulic Components (Bosch Rexroth)
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

Predictive Maintenance has long been the holy grail of the IoT. However, experience has also shown that successfully implementing predictive maintenance for industrial use cases is harder than one might think, from finding a sustainable business model to actually delivering the technical implementation. This case study provides an account of a successful predictive maintenance implementation for hydraulic systems from the perspective of Bosch Rexroth, a leading supplier in this field (Fig. 33.1).
Digital Twin 101
Authors: Slama Dirk
Published: July 2023

Digital Twins are a digital representation of real-world physical entities. They help manage complexity and establish a semantic layer on top of the more technical layers. This in turn can make it easier to realize business goals and implement AI/ML solutions using machine data. This chapter provides an overview, some concrete examples, as well as a discussion in which situations the Digital Twin approach should be considered for an AIoT initiative (Fig. 4.1).