bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband‐Tunable Third‐Harmonic Generation Using Phase‐Change Chalcogenides
Authors: Zhu Muliang , Abdollahramezani Sajjad , Li Chentao , Fan Tianren , Harutyunyan Hayk , Adibi Ali
Published: June 2022

Despite remarkable progress in passive nonlinear nanophotonics, dynamically controlled ultracompact nonlinear optical sources with high efficiency remain elusive. Nonvolatility, large refractive index contrast between amorphous and crystalline phases, low thermal threshold for crystallization, and particularly high‐third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility of phase‐change alloy Ge2Sb2Te5(GST) make it a promising candidate for active subwavelength metaphotonic structures for realization of third‐harmonic generation (THG) devices. Herein, a GST‐based asymmetric Fabry–Perot cavity is numerically designed and experimentally demonstrated to show a dynamically reconfigurable structure with a large shift of the THG resonant band. In addition, continuous resonant spectral shifting bridged by a precisely controlled semicrystalline phase of GST is realized. Tunable THG with the fundamental wavelength ranging from 1150 to 1400 nm is presented, which corresponds to a broadband THG source in the violet‐blue visible wavelength range. Herein, the potential of GST subwavelength structures as a reliable platform for realization of the broadband‐tunable frequency‐conversion sources for applications such as THG microscopy and optical communication is indicated.
Joint Radar and Communication Empowered by Digital Programmable Metasurface
Authors: Wan Xiang , Huang Zi Ai , Wang Jia Wei , Li Bai Yang , Wang Wen Hao , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: June 2022

Digital programmable metasurfaces (DPMs) can dynamically modulate electromagnetic waves in space, time, and frequency domains with powerful capabilities. In contrast, joint radar and communication (JRC) is an important avenue to use the electromagnetic waves universally and intelligently. Hence, combining DPM and JRC may produce a promising way to achieve universal and intelligent electromagnetic terminals. Herein, a mechanism of extremely flexible JRC based on DPM is proposed, in which DPM can improve the flexibility of JRC in processing multidimensional information, and JRC endows DPM with the capabilities of perception, expression, and cognition to promote its intelligent level. Three kinds of functions are explored to interpret the mechanism. First, encryption and decryption of wireless secure communications are realized through DPM; second, range profile imaging is accomplished by using DPM‐based biphase‐coded signals; and third, wireless communication and radar detection are simultaneously presented using DPM. The combination of DPM and JRC greatly decreases the complexity of signal processing and simplifies the architecture of the JRC system, and promotes the intelligent level of DPM.
Recent Advances in Microwave‐assisted Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Rahman Matiur , Ghosh Sumit , Bhattacherjee Dhananjay , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Kumar Bagdi Avik , Hajra Alakananda
Published: June 2022

The carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bond forming coupling reactions have a fundamental value for the organic chemistry, and, therefore, these reactions have been always among the most valuable and basic studies for the evolution of organic synthesis and are extensively used for the synthesis of practically valuable compounds. Currently, greener techniques have been pulled in the consideration of researchers due to the rising environmental concern. Nowadays, the modern synthetic chemists of both academia and industry are trying to design the desired target molecules by using eco‐friendly methods. In this context, microwave‐assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) is known as one of the most convenient and emerging technologies in synthetic chemistry. Microwave activation/heating is a very convenient technique from the viewpoint of green chemistry because it speeds up the reaction rates and provides a higher yield by reducing side reactions. The present review represents the literature survey from 2008 to 2021 that covers the latest trends of microwave‐assisted C−C and C−heteroatom bond forming coupling reactions with greener prospects.
Tailoring Phase Alignment and Interfaces via Polyelectrolyte Anchoring Enables Large‐Area 2D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Han Chenxu , Wang Yao , Yuan Jiabei , Sun Jianguo , Zhang Xuliang , Cazorla Claudio , Wu Xianxin , Wu Ziang , Shi Junwei , Guo Junjun , Huang Hehe , Hu Long , Liu Xinfeng , Woo Han Young , Yuan Jianyu , Ma Wanli
Published: June 2022

Ruddlesden–Popper phase 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit improved lifetime while still facing challenges such as phase alignment and up‐scaling to module‐level devices. Herein, polyelectrolytes are explored to tackle this issue. The contact between perovskite and hole‐transport layer (HTL) is important for decreasing interfacial non‐radiative recombination and scalable fabrication of uniform 2D perovskite films. Through exploring compatible butylamine cations, we first demonstrate poly(3‐(4‐carboxybutyl)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl)‐butylamine (P3CT‐BA) as an efficient HTL for 2D PSCs due to its great hydrophilicity, relatively high hole mobility and uniform surface. More importantly, the tailored P3CT‐BA has an anchoring effect and acts as the buried passivator for 2D perovskites. Consequently, a best efficiency approaching 18 % was achieved and we further first report large‐area (2×3 cm2, 5×5 cm2) 2D perovskite minimodules with an impressive efficiency of 14.81 % and 11.13 %, respectively.
Carbene‐Catalyzed Activation of C−Si Bonds for Chemo‐ and Enantioselective Cross Brook–Benzoin Reaction
Authors: Tang Chenghao , Wang Wei , Luo Guoyong , Song Chaoyang , Bao Zhaowei , Li Pei , Hao Gefei , Chi Yonggui Robin , Jin Zhichao
Published: June 2022

The first carbene‐catalyzed asymmetric chemoselective cross silyl benzoin (Brook–Benzoin) reaction has been developed. Key steps of this reaction involve activation of the carbon–silicon bond of an acylsilane by a chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst to form a silyl acyl anion intermediate. These acyl anions then undergo an addition reaction with indole aldehydes in a highly chemo‐ and enantioselective manner to afford α‐silyloxy ketones with excellent optical purities. The reaction mechanism of this cross Brook–Benzoin reaction was investigated through both experimental and computational methods. The chiral α‐hydroxy ketone derivatives obtained by this approach show promising, agrochemically interesting activity against harmful plant bacteria.
Improvement of mechanical properties and heat distortion temperature of polylactic acid by highly aromatic hyperbranched polyamide
Authors: Sun Jianjian , Huang Yansong , Jin Yujuan , Tian Huafeng , Men Shuang
Published: June 2022

The highly aromatic hyperbranched polyamide (HBPA) was synthesized and used as a modifier in order to enhance the physical performance of polylactic acid (PLA). The results showed that compared to the neat PLA, the tensile strength of the PLA/HBPA blends increased by 41.8%; fracture energy increased by 42.8% when the content of HBPA was 1.0 phr. The addition of HBPA can significantly improve the thermal deformation temperature of PLA. The polarized optical microscope images suggested that HBPA can act as a nucleating agent for PLA during the isothermal crystallization. This research indicated HBPA exhibits excellent reinforcing effect for PLA, due to the formation of hydrogen bonds and/or chemical crosslinking between HBPA and PLA.
Multi‐method geophysical investigation at Snow's Bend, a Mississippian platform mound
Authors: Plattner Alain M. , Filoromo Steven , Blair Elliot H.
Published: June 2022

Archaeological investigations of Mississippian platform mounds have traditionally required invasive excavation or coring. Excavations are damaging to sites, and in many cases, invasive or destructive research methods on Native American mounds are forbidden or inappropriate. Non‐invasive geophysical investigations avoid these issues but have their own challenges in terms of resolving the interior of the mound, particularly if electrically conductive materials, such as clay, are present. Here, we present a multi‐method non‐invasive geophysical approach using ground penetrating radar, electrical resistivity tomography, time‐domain induced polarization, and electrical resistance mapping to study the Mississippian platform mound at Snow's Bend (1TU2/3), a late Moundville II/III (ca. AD 1300 to 1520) site located near Moundville, Alabama. From our data, we interpreted at least two construction stages and found indications of remnants of summit architecture on each. The final, as well as earlier, construction stage of the mound had a two‐tier summit with a lower platform in the northern half of the mound. Summit buildings were identified on the lower platforms of each mound stage. We acknowledge that there is inherent uncertainty with any non‐invasive approach, but demonstrate the capabilities of geophysics for new understandings of the life‐histories of Mississippian platform mounds.
A Ratiometric Afterglow Response of Aluminium Ions in Methanol‐Water
Authors: Koga Ayumi , Kawaguchi Kaede , Maida Margarita Claudya , Kubo Yuji
Published: June 2022

An afterglow is beneficial as an emission signal in the field of displays and imaging probes. Here, boronic acid‐appended and spirolactam ring‐containing rhodamine dye 1 was synthesized and grafted onto the surface of room‐temperature phosphorescence‐active boronate nanoparticles (BPs), composed of polymeric 3‐benzo‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxa‐3,9‐diboraspiro[5.5]undecane. The resultant ensemble, 1@BP, exhibited a greenish afterglow. However, the addition of Al3+ into the dispersion solution with 1@BP led to a change in the afterglow to grass green as a result of Förster‐type energy transfer from the phosphorescent BP to the Al3+‐interacting rhodamine dye 1 on the surface. Based on the ratio of the two emission intensities, a linear response in the concentration range of 3.8–15.2 μM was observed, with a detection limit of 4.2 μM for Al3+. A metal ion‐dependent discernable color in afterglow was observed on a 1@BP‐coated filter paper, which would be useful for not only film‐based afterglow chemosensors but also encryption application.
Terrorism concern and persistence of negative attitudes towards Islam and Muslims
Authors: Vergani Matteo , Mansouri Fethi , Orellana Liliana
Published: June 2022

This study suggests that terrorism concerns can hinder the effect of prejudice reduction interventions based on education and outgroup knowledge. There is accordance in the literature that individuals who possess more knowledge about Muslim people and Islam are less likely to have anti‐Muslim prejudice. We conducted secondary analyses of data from a representative sample of Australians (N = 1,267), and we found that terrorism concerns moderate the relationship between anti‐Muslim prejudice and knowledge of Islam, wherein individuals with higher levels of terrorism concern have high anti‐Muslim attitudes regardless of their levels of knowledge. In an experimental study manipulating terrorism concerns, a national sample of 502 Australians was randomly allocated to watch a news video about ISIS or a video portraying Muslims positively. Individuals who watched the ISIS video had significantly higher anti‐Muslim attitudes and were significantly more likely to retain negatively framed information about Muslims than those who watched the positive video. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Antifungal Azole Derivatives Featuring Naphthalene Prove Potent and Competitive Cholinesterase Inhibitors with Potential CNS Penetration According to the in Vitro and in Silico Studies
Authors: Sari Suat , Akkaya Didem , Zengin Merve , Sabuncuoğlu Suna , Özdemir Zeynep , Alagöz M. Abdullah , Karakurt Arzu , Barut Burak
Published: June 2022

Cholinesterase inhibition is of great importance in the fight against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Azole antifungals have come under the spotlight with recent discoveries that underline the efficacy and potential of miconazole and its derivatives against cholinesterase enzymes. In this study, we evaluated a library of azoles against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase using in vitro and in silico methods to identify potent inhibitors. Low micromolar IC50 values were obtained for imidazole derivatives, which were further tested and found potent competitive cholinesterase inhibitors via enzyme kinetics study. The active derivatives showed negligible toxicity in in vitro cytotoxicity tests. Molecular modeling studies predicted that these derivatives were druglike, could penetrate blood‐brain barrier, and tightly bind to cholinesterase active site making key interactions via the imidazole moiety at protonated state. Thus, current study identifies potent and competitive cholinesterase inhibitor azoles with minor toxicity and potential to pass into the central nervous system.
BioWF: A Naturally‐Fused, Di‐Domain Biocatalyst from Biotin Biosynthesis Displays an Unexpectedly Broad Substrate Scope
Authors: Richardson Shona M. , Harrison Peter J. , Herrera Michael A. , Wang Menglu , Verez Rebecca , Ortiz Gustavo Perez , Campopiano Dominic J.
Published: June 2022

The carbon backbone of biotin is constructed from the C7 di‐acid pimelate, which is converted to an acyl‐CoA thioester by an ATP‐dependent, pimeloyl‐CoA synthetase (PCAS, encoded by BioW). The acyl‐thioester is condensed with ʟ‐alanine in a decarboxylative, Claisen‐like reaction to form an aminoketone (8‐amino‐7‐oxononanoic acid, AON). This step is catalysed by the pyridoxal 5’‐phosphate (PLP)‐dependent enzyme (AON synthase, AONS, encoded by BioF). Distinct versions of Bacillus subtilis BioW (BsBioW) and E. coli BioF (EcBioF) display strict substrate specificity. In contrast, a BioW‐BioF fusion from Corynebacterium amycolatum (CaBioWF) accepts a wider range of mono‐ and di‐fatty acids. Analysis of the active site of the BsBioW : pimeloyl‐adenylate complex suggested a key role for a Phe (F192) residue in the CaBioW domain; a F192Y mutant restored the substrate specificity to pimelate. This surprising substrate flexibility also extends to the CaBioF domain, which accepts ʟ‐alanine, ʟ‐serine and glycine. Structural models of the CaBioWF fusion provide insight into how both domains interact with each other and suggest the presence of an intra‐domain tunnel. The CaBioWF fusion catalyses conversion of various fatty acids and amino acids to a range of AON derivatives. Such unexpected, natural broad substrate scope suggests that the CaBioWF fusion is a versatile biocatalyst that can be used to prepare a number of aminoketone analogues.
Unmasking acute aortic root dissection in otherwise stable atypical chest pain
Authors: Al‐Salman Akram , Awuah Dominic O. , Sedeeq Ann , Alkotob Mohammed L.
Published: June 2022

In the absence of typical features and risks for life‐threatening chest pain including aortic dissection, the obligation and urgency for their evaluation remains unimpeachable, more so when patients present in stable conditions suggestive of benign etiology. Better do the painstaking, rather than be undone by the pain.
Introduction to statistical, algorithmic and theoretical basis of principal components analysis
Authors: Brereton Richard G.
Published: June 2022

The difference between NIPALS and svd is discussed; the criteria for principal components based on maximum sum of squares and minimum residuals is described and illustrated via two small numerical examples.
Principal components analysis with several objects and variables
Authors: Brereton Richard G.
Published: June 2022

This article shows how to interpret the scores and loadings based around a simulated dataset, consisting of two groups of 10 objects in each group, and 5 variables, to demonstrate how principal components analysis (PCA) can be used to discriminate between the groups when individual variables cannot, and how the loadings can show which variables are most likely markers for each group.
KubeSC‐RTP: Smart scheduler for Kubernetes platform on CPU‐GPU heterogeneous systems
Authors: Harichane Ishak , Makhlouf Sid Ahmed , Belalem Ghalem
Published: June 2022

Heterogeneous systems composed of multiple CPUs and GPUs are progressively attractive as platforms for high performance computing because of their higher performance. Especially with the use of containers which are rapidly replacing virtual machines as the compute instance of choice in cloud‐based deployments such in Kubernetes clusters. The task scheduling in a heterogeneous environment became one of the most important issues considered by the platform providers. The ability to choose the appropriate device, CPU or GPU, has a direct impact on the performance of a particular system. It reduces total processing time and increases customer satisfaction. In heterogeneous systems, optimizing resource consumption is a critical aspect for cloud service providers. Adequate scheduling of an application implies optimization of its execution time, which results in resource consumption for the service provider. The development of algorithms for scheduling applications in heterogeneous computing systems has received a significant amount of attention in recent years. A variety of efforts are dedicated to the design of such scheduling algorithms. This article is one of those efforts. We present in this work, KubeSC‐RTP, a scheduler for Kubernetes environment using machine learning based on runtime prediction of the applications in order to better select the appropriate device, CPU or GPU.
TLR4 aggravates microglial pyroptosis by promoting DDX3X‐mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via JAK2/STAT1 pathway after spinal cord injury
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhang Fan , Xu Haocheng , Yang Haiyuan , Shao Minghao , Xu Shun , Lyu Feizhou
Published: June 2022

Background

Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) participates in the initiation of neuroinflammation in various neurological diseases, including central nervous system injuries. NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome‐mediated microglial pyroptosis is crucial for the inflammatory response during secondary spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the underlying mechanism by which TLR4 regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis after SCI remains uncertain.

Methods

We established an in vivo mouse model of SCI using TLR4‐knockout (TLR4‐KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice. The levels of pyroptosis, tissue damage and neurological function recovery were evaluated in the three groups (Sham, SCI, SCI‐TLR4‐KO). To identify differentially expressed proteins, tandem mass tag (TMT)‐based proteomics was conducted using spinal cord tissue between TLR4‐KO and WT mice after SCI. For our in vitro model, mouse microglial BV2 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharides (1 µg/ml, 8 h) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (5 mM, 2 h) to induce pyroptosis. A series of molecular biological experiments, including Western blot (WB), real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemical (IHC), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Dual‐Luciferase Reporter assay (DLA) and co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP), were performed to explore the specific mechanism of microglial pyroptosis in vivo and in vitro.

Results

Our results indicated that TLR4 promoted the expression of dead‐box helicase 3 X‐linked (DDX3X), which mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis after SCI. Further analysis revealed that TLR4 upregulated the DDX3X/NLRP3 axis by activating the JAK2/STAT1 signalling pathway, and importantly, STAT1 was identified as a transcription factor promoting DDX3X expression. In addition, we found that biglycan was increased after SCI and interacted with TLR4 to jointly regulate microglial pyroptosis through the JAK2/STAT1/DDX3X/NLRP3 axis after SCI.

Conclusion

Our study preliminarily identified a novel mechanism by which TLR4 regulates NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated microglial pyroptosis in response to SCI—providing a novel and promising therapeutic target for SCI.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Glucose in Glycopeptides**
Authors: Reintjens Niels R. M. , Yakovlieva Liubov , Marinus Nittert , Hekelaar Johan , Nuti Francesca , Papini Anna Maria , Witte Martin D. , Minnaard Adriaan J. , Walvoort Marthe T. C.
Published: June 2022

Selective modification of carbohydrate residues in glycopeptides is highly relevant as a tool in glycobiology. In particular, oxidation allows for subsequent ligation with a label or handle and can be effectuated enzymatically or chemically. Chemical oxidation of carbohydrate residues in glycopeptides is nearly invariably done using periodate cleavage, leading to aldehydes. In this work, we applied palladium‐catalyzed oxidation for the same purpose. The catalyst, [(neocuproine)PdOAc]2OTf2, developed for the site‐selective oxidation of mono‐ and oligosaccharides on preparative scale, proved suitable for the oxidation of glucose residues in a series of glucopeptides. Careful optimization of the reaction conditions is necessary to get acceptable conversions without excessive over‐oxidation of amino acid side‐chains, in particular threonine. The resulting carbonyl function can be used for an oxime‐ligation to biotin. A protocol for the analysis of the products using mass spectrometry is also reported.
Lid induced sloshing suppression and evaluation of wall stresses in a liquid storage tank including seismic soil‐structure interaction
Authors: Hernandez‐Hernandez Diego , Larkin Tam , Chouw Nawawi
Published: June 2022

Aboveground liquid storage tanks are often found on weak compressive soil due to their proximity to harbours and rivers. These soil conditions lead to a high probability of significant soil‐structure interaction (SSI) under earthquake loading. In strong earthquakes, the transient partial separation of the tank base from the supporting medium (uplift) and chaotic liquid sloshing often cause damage to the tank wall. This experimental research determines the simultaneous effects of SSI and the restriction of sloshing on the development of hoop and axial stresses in the tank wall. A low‐density polyethylene tank with two different supporting foundation conditions, that is rigid and flexible, was tested using a shake table. A high‐density foam floating lid was utilised as a barrier to the development of sloshing enabling evaluation of the contribution of sloshing to wall stress development. The maximum experimentally determined stresses are compared with those from a nonlinear elastic spring‐mass model. The results reveal that a flexible supporting medium reduces the development of stresses by increasing the occurrence of uplift compared to that when the tank lies on a rigid supporting medium. Furthermore, restricting chaotic sloshing decreases both the maximum stress and uplift. The spring‐mass model predicts the maximum stresses with more accuracy when the tank is on a flexible than on a rigid supporting medium.
Three‐dimensional nonlinear soil–structure interaction for Rayleigh wave incidence in layered soils
Authors: Nguyen Kien T. , Kusanovic Danilo S. , Asimaki Domniki
Published: June 2022

We propose a methodology to analyze three‐dimensional (3D) nonlinear soil–structure interaction (SSI) problems for Rayleigh (R) wave incidence in horizontally layered soils. The methodology comprises of two steps: (i) we calculate the free‐field displacement histories of the layered soil subjected to incident R wave using thin‐layer method (TLM) and (ii) we compute the effective input forces using domain reduction method (DRM) and simulate the responses of the structure and its vicinity using finite element analysis. Through a comprehensive verification study, we find good agreement with published research on SSI problems that implement boundary elements in the free‐field; as well as on layered media problems with no structures that implement the propagator matrix technique and TLM. The agreement is consistently good for homogeneous and layered soils in 2D and 3D. Finally, we illustrate the capability of the methodology through a nonlinear analysis of a 12‐story building on a two‐layer soil overlaying a homogeneous halfspace, subjected to R wave incidence. The presented example highlights the influence of incident wave azimuth on measures of the building response, such as peak acceleration, inter‐story drift ratio, and rocking motions.
Performance assessment of biomass–geothermal configuration energy resources for cooling and power generation
Authors: Xu Jian , Yao Yanfei , Ehyaei M. A. , Ahmadi Abolfazl
Published: June 2022

The emission of greenhouse gases from fossil fuels is the main environmental impact of energy resources. Moving toward the use of renewable energy resources is the only solution to tackle these problems. In this paper, a configuration of the hybrid biomass and geothermal energy resource is examined for cooling and electricity generation. In this study, water as a geothermal working fluid is heated up due to combustion of syngas produced in a digester and produce power in a steam turbine. So, the remaining heat of this geofluid runs an absorption chiller for cooling production. The results reveal that the energy and exergy efficiencies of this proposed cycle are 30.8% and 15.5%, respectively. Moreover, the economic analysis of this cycle concludes that the payback period is 2.8 years and the simple payback period for this configuration is 2.6 years. Moreover, the highest exergy destruction rate of 52.4% belongs to the absorption refrigeration cycle. Whereas the lowest exergy destruction of the steam line is the lowest value of 17.4%.
Evaluation of research and development subsidies and fossil energy tax for sustainable development using computable general equilibrium model
Authors: Moosavian Seyed Farhan , Borzuei Daryoosh , Zahedi Rahim , Ahmadi Abolfazl
Published: June 2022

Policy‐making in improving the quality of the environment and social welfare and increasing the rate of economic growth to achieve sustainable development has been considered by policymakers in recent years. Punitive policies such as taxes on fossil energy consumption and incentive policies such as subsidies for investment in research and development are among the policies used to achieve sustainable development goals. In this study, using a computable general equilibrium model, two scenarios of subsidy to investment in research and development and subsidy with the taxation of fossil fuels, to double the ratio of investment in research and development GDP have been considered. First, the subsidy rate required to invest in research and development to achieve this goal is determined, and then, the economic, welfare, and environmental effects of the policies implemented are examined. This study shows that in the first scenario, the subsidy rate required to invest in research and development to achieve this goal is 10.74% and in the second scenario is 10.21%. Meanwhile, the required tax rate in the second scenario is estimated at 2.5% of fossil energy consumption. The results show that both the fossil energy tax policy and the research and development subsidy policy are able to reduce energy consumption, air pollution, and social welfare. The reduction in welfare in both scenarios is regardless of the social benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydrothermal silicification and its impact on Lower–Middle Ordovician carbonates in Shunnan area, Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Ye Ning , Li Yingtao , Huang Baiwen , Xi Binbin , Jiang Hong , Lu Ziye , Chen Qianglu , You Donghua , Xu Jin
Published: June 2022

The Shunnan area is a newly discovered hydrocarbon field in Shuntuoguole lower uplift, in which the host rocks are Lower–Middle Ordovician carbonates. The carbonate reservoirs are well affected by hydrothermal silicification with well‐preserved intercrystalline pore of replacement quartz and megaquartz cements. Based on the petrography, pore types, and diagenetic processes, this research evaluated the reservoir quality and re‐constructed the porosity evolution in different diagenetic stages. Samples are collected from 7‐cored wells distributed along NNE‐ or ENE‐trending sinistral strike‐slip faults. Nine types of lithofacies were identified in the study area, including mudstone, bioclast wackestone, peloidal bioclast packstone, boundstone, peloidal grainstone, ooid grainstone, slightly silicified limestone (silica less than 25%), strongly silicified limestone (silica around 50%), and chert. Chert has better porosity (average 21.3%) and permeability (average 44.7 mD) than other lithofacies. The main reservoir pores are mainly developed in forms of fractures, intercrystalline replacement quartz and dissolved vugs. The porosity evolution shows that the primary porosity was limited due to cementation and compaction, and the earlier secondary porosity was occlusive as a result of coarse calcite cementation. Therefore, the precursor limestones may be tight, and the reservoir quality of the Lower–Middle Ordovician carbonates was controlled by hydrothermal silicification. During the hydrothermal silicification event, the burial depth of the Lower–Middle Ordovician carbonates was more than 3,000 m and their stratum temperature was higher than 120°C, representing a deep burial condition. The statistical data of porosity‐depth/temperature trends for carbonates suggest that the early secondary pores would be significantly reduced when the burial temperature reaches 100°C (or depth of strata reaches 3,000 m). Therefore, the dissolved vugs in strongly silicified limestone or hydrothermal chert are caused by hydrothermal silicification and not inherited from precursor carbonate rocks.
Bödewadt flow of non‐Newtonian fluid with single‐walled TiO2 nanotubes suspensions
Authors: Shaw Sachin , Ramesh Katta , Azam Muhammad , Nayak Manoj Kumar
Published: June 2022

The present study analyzes the boundary layer flow behavior of single‐walled Titania nanotube (SWTNT)–water nanofluid over a rotating disk. The main motivation behind such an investigation is that single‐walled Titania nanotubes (SWTNTs) exhibit significant results due to their extensive applications, low cost, high thermal conductivity, dielectric properties, and photocatalytic activities compared to prevalently existing single‐walled carbon nanotubes. The radial and azimuthal slip conditions are implemented. Fourth order Runge–Kutta method along with the shooting technique is applied to obtain the appropriate numerical solution. The relevant outcomes include the fact that the Casson fluid parameter controls the radial velocity of SWTNT‐water nanofluid and radial and tangential slip parameters exhibit the same trend of radial velocity in the presence of SWTNT in the base fluid. The descending trend of radial velocity is due to a rise in the Casson fluid parameter in the range . The ranges of other parameters influencing the flow behavior are . The non‐Newtonian fluid model helps in controlling the momentum transfer of SWTNT‐water nanofluid. Boundary layer flow of SWTNT‐water nanofluid due to radial stretching is the novelty of our study. The present work may be extended to the Darcy and non‐Darcy medium, which is beyond the scope of our work.
First‐trimester screening for pre‐eclampsia and small for gestational age: A comparison of the gaussian and Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithms
Authors: Serrano Berta , Bonacina Erika , Rodo Carlota , Garcia‐Manau Pablo , Sanchez‐Duran María Ángeles , Pancorbo María , Forcada Cristina , Murcia María Teresa , Perestelo Ana , Armengol‐Alsina Mireia , Mendoza Manel , Carreras Elena
Published: June 2022

Objective

Pre‐eclampsia (PE) and small for gestational age (SGA) can be predicted from the first trimester. The most widely used algorithm worldwide is the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm. The recently described Gaussian algorithm has reported excellent results although it is unlikely to be externally validated. Therefore, as an alternative approach, we compared the predictive accuracy for PE and SGA of the Gaussian and FMF algorithms.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study was conducted at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona) with 2641 singleton pregnancies. The areas under the curve for the predictive performance for early‐onset and preterm PE and early‐onset and preterm SGA were calculated with the Gaussian and FMF algorithms and subsequently compared.

Results

The FMF and Gaussian algorithms showed a similar predictive performance for most outcomes and marker combinations. Nevertheless, significant differences for early‐onset PE prediction favored the Gaussian algorithm in the following combinations: mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) with pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A, MAP with placental growth factor, and MAP alone.

Conclusions

The first‐trimester Gaussian and FMF algorithms have similar performances for PE and SGA prediction when applied with all markers within a routine care setting in a Spanish population, adding evidence to the external validity of the FMF algorithm.
Lung cancer detection by using probabilistic majority voting and optimization techniques
Authors: Sünnetci Kubilay Muhammed , Alkan Ahmet
Published: June 2022

The number of people dying from lung cancer in the world is increasing day by day. Therefore, early diagnosis of lung cancer holds a prominent position for the recovery of patients. Chest computed tomography scan images that are clinical adjuncts are used in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Herein, the proposed method automatically diagnoses lung cancer using machine learning algorithms, probabilistic majority voting, and optimization techniques. The paper uses images from Adenocarcinoma Left Lower Lobe, Large Cell Carcinoma Left Hilum, Normal, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma Left Hilum subjects. 80% and 20% of these images are used in the training and validation set, respectively, and there are 1000 images in the data set. For each image used in the study, image features are extracted using the Bag of Features method (2000 features). Linear Discriminant, Optimizable Support Vector Machine, and Optimizable K‐Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifiers are trained using these features. Afterward, the new image label is estimated in two steps. First, if the two or three classifier outputs are the same, the image label is detected using the majority voting technique. Second, if the classifier outputs are not the same, the image label is determined according to the most successful classifier, Optimizable KNN. To better experience the majority voting technique used in the proposed method, its detailed theoretical framework is given in the study. Additionally, the Graphical User Interface application of the proposed method has been designed to save time and reduce the workload of expert radiologists. From the results, it is seen that the Accuracy (%), Error (%), Sensitivity (%), Specificity (%), Precision (%), F1 Score (%), Matthews Correlation Coefficient, and Kappa of the proposed method are equal to 99.2837, 0.007163, 99.2571, 99.9139, 99.3486, 99.2816, 0.98738, and 0.94965 respectively.
Microbial community roles and chemical mechanisms in the parasitic development of Orobanche cumana
Authors: Xi Jiao , Lei Beilei , Liu Yong‐Xin , Ding Zanbo , Liu Jiaxi , Xu Tengqi , Hou Lijun , Han Siqi , Qian Xun , Ma Yongqing , Xue Quanhong , Gao Jinming , Gu Jie , Tiedje James M. , Lin Yanbing
Published: June 2022

Orobanche cumana Wallr. is a holoparasite weed that extracts water and nutrients from its host the sunflower, thereby causing yield reductions and quality losses. However, the number of O. cumana parasites in the same farmland is distinctly different. The roots of some hosts have been heavily parasitized, while others have not been parasitized. What are the factors contributing to this phenomenon? Is it possible that sunflower interroot microorganisms are playing a regulatory role in this phenomenon? The role of the microbial community in this remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the rhizosphere soil microbiome for sunflowers with different degrees of O. cumana parasitism, that is, healthy, light infection, moderate infection, and severe infection on the sunflower roots. The microbial structures differed significantly according to the degree of parasitism, where Xanthomonadaceae was enriched in severe infections. Metagenomic analyses revealed that amino acid, carbohydrate, energy, and lipid metabolism were increased in the rhizosphere soils of severely infected sunflowers, which were attributed to the proliferation of Lysobacter. Lysobacter antibioticus (HX79) was isolated and its capacity to promote O. cumana seed germination and increase the germ tube length was confirmed by germination and pot experiments. Cyclo(Pro‐Val), an active metabolite of strain HX79, was identified and metabolomic and molecular docking approaches confirmed it was responsible for promoting O. cumana seed germination and growth. And we found that Pseudomonas mandelii HX1 inhibited the growth of O. cumana in the host rhizosphere soil. Our findings clarify the role of rhizosphere microbiota in regulating the parasite O. cumana to possibly facilitate the development of a new weed suppression strategy.
ggClusterNet: An R package for microbiome network analysis and modularity‐based multiple network layouts
Authors: Wen Tao , Xie Penghao , Yang Shengdie , Niu Guoqing , Liu Xiaoyu , Ding Zhexu , Xue Chao , Liu Yong‐Xin , Shen Qirong , Yuan Jun
Published: June 2022

The network analysis has attracted increasing attention and interest from ecological academics, thus it is of great necessity to develop more convenient and powerful tools. For that reason, we have developed an R package, named “ggClusterNet,” to complete and display the network analysis in an easier manner. In that package, ten network layout algorithms are designed to better display the modules of microbiome network (randomClusterG, PolygonClusterG, PolygonRrClusterG, ArtifCluster, randSNEClusterG, PolygonModsquareG, PolyRdmNotdCirG, model_Gephi.2, model_igraph, and model_maptree). For the convenience of the users, many functions related to microbial network analysis, such as corMicor(), net_properties(), node_properties(), ZiPiPlot(), random_Net_compate(), are integrated to complete the network mining. Furthermore, the pipeline function named network.2() and corBionetwork() are also added for the quick achievement of the network or bipartite network analysis as well as their in‐depth mining. The ggClusterNet is publicly available via GitHub (https://github.com/taowenmicro/ggClusterNet/) or Gitee (https://gitee.com/wentaomicro/ggClusterNet) for users' access. A complete description of the usages can be found on the manuscript's GitHub page (https://github.com/taowenmicro/ggClusterNet/wiki).
Skeletal Disease Acquisition in Fibrous Dysplasia: Natural History and Indicators of Lesion Progression in Children
Authors: Szymczuk Vivian , Taylor Jocelyn , Michel Zachary , Sinaii Ninet , Boyce Alison M.
Published: June 2022

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare mosaic disorder resulting in fractures, pain, and disability. Bone lesions appear during childhood and expand during skeletal growth. The rate at which FD lesions progress and the biochemical determinants of FD lesion formation have not been established, making it difficult to investigate and implement preventative therapies. The purpose of this study was to characterize FD lesion progression in children, and to identify clinical variables associated with progressive disease. Clinical data and imaging from an ongoing natural history study at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) were reviewed. 99m-Technetium methylene diphosphonate (99Tc-MDP) scans were used to determine Skeletal Burden Score (SBS), a validated quantitative scoring system. FD progression rate was determined by the change in the SBS in each patient per year. Thirty-one children had serial 99Tc-MDP scans, with a median age at first scan of 6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4–8, range 2–10), and median follow-up 1.1 years (IQR 1.1–2.1, range 0.7–11.2). The median FD progression rate for the total group was 2.12 SBS units/year (IQR 0.81–2.94, range 0.05–7.81). FD progression rates were highest in children under age 8 years and declined with age (p = 0.03). Baseline disease severity was associated with subsequent disease progression (p = 0.009), with the highest FD progression rates in patients with moderate disease (baseline SBS 16–30), and lowest progression rates in those with severe disease (SBS ≥50). Serum levels of the bone formation marker osteocalcin were positively correlated with subsequent FD progression rate (p = 0.01, R = 0.58). There was no association between FD progression and baseline endocrinopathies, fractures, or surgery rates. FD lesions progress during childhood, particularly in younger children and those with moderate involvement. Osteocalcin may potentially serve as a biomarker for progressive disease. These findings may allow clinicians to investigate preventative therapies, and to identify children with FD who are candidates for early interventions. Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Identification of Known and Novel Long Noncoding RNAs Potentially Responsible for the Effects of Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Genomewide Association Study (GWAS) Loci
Authors: Abood Abdullah , Mesner Larry , Rosenow Will , Al-Barghouthi Basel M. , Horowitz Nina , Morgan Elise F. , Gerstenfeld Louis C. , Farber Charles R.
Published: June 2022

Osteoporosis, characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), is the most common complex disease affecting bone and constitutes a major societal health problem. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified over 1100 associations influencing BMD. It has been shown that perturbations to long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) influence BMD and the activities of bone cells; however, the extent to which lncRNAs are involved in the genetic regulation of BMD is unknown. Here, we combined the analysis of allelic imbalance (AI) in human acetabular bone fragments with a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) colocalization analysis using data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project to identify lncRNAs potentially responsible for GWAS associations. We identified 27 lncRNAs in bone that are located in proximity to a BMD GWAS association and harbor single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) demonstrating AI. Using GTEx data we identified an additional 31 lncRNAs whose expression was associated (false discovery rate [FDR] correction < 0.05) with BMD through TWAS and had a colocalizing eQTL (regional colocalization probability [RCP] > 0.1). The 58 lncRNAs are located in 43 BMD associations. To further support a causal role for the identified lncRNAs, we show that 23 of the 58 lncRNAs are differentially expressed as a function of osteoblast differentiation. Our approach identifies lncRNAs that are potentially responsible for BMD GWAS associations and suggest that lncRNAs play a role in the genetics of osteoporosis. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Indications for ordering thyroid‐stimulating hormone in noncritically ill adult inpatients—A Delphi consensus recommendation
Authors: Surendran Anasuiya , Lubchansky Stephanie , Epp Riley , Luthra Meera , Sovran Steven , Punthakee Zubin
Published: June 2022

Background

Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) is ordered commonly among inpatients, but the possibility of nonthyroidal illness syndrome challenges interpretation.

Objective

Our objective was to obtain Canadian consensus on appropriate indications for ordering TSH in the first 48 h following presentation of a noncritically ill internal medicine patient.

Design, Setting and Participants

Canadian endocrinologists with inpatient expertise were invited via snowball sampling to an online 3‐round Delphi study. Main Outcome and Measures using a 6‐point Likert scale, they rated 58 indications on appropriateness for measuring TSH in medical inpatients. These indications included clinical presentations, signs, and symptoms. Items that reached consensus and agreement (≥80% of participants selecting a rating of 5 or 6 on the Likert scale) were tabulated and dropped after each round. Qualitative analysis of comments identified additional contextual considerations as themes.

Results

There were 45 participants (academic setting: 84%) representing 8 provinces (Ontario: 64%). Rounds 2 and 3 were completed by 42 and 33 participants, respectively. Nine indications reached consensus and agreement: presumed myxedema coma, presumed thyroid storm, atrial fibrillation/flutter, euvolemic hyponatremia, proptosis, adrenal insufficiency, hypothermia, thyroid medication noncompliance, and goiter. There was also agreement that two contextual considerations identified in thematic analysis, including a recent abnormal outpatient TSH, and the presence of other findings of thyroid dysfunction, would significantly change some mid‐range responses.

Conclusions

Canadian experts agreed upon nine specific indications for ordering an inpatient TSH, with others requiring consideration of previous TSH measurement and clinical context.
Sequential paired covariance for improved visualization of mass spectrometry imaging datasets
Authors: Pace Crystal L. , Garrard Kenneth P. , Muddiman David C.
Published: June 2022

Untargeted analyses in mass spectrometry imaging produce hundreds of ion images representing spatial distributions of biomolecules in biological tissues. Due to the large diversity of ions detected in untargeted analyses, normalization standards are often difficult to implement to account for pixel‐to‐pixel variability in imaging studies. Many normalization strategies exist to account for this variability, but they largely do not improve image quality. In this study, we present a new approach for improving image quality and visualization of tissue features by application of sequential paired covariance (SPC). This approach was demonstrated using previously published tissue datasets such as rat brain and human prostate with different biomolecules like metabolites and N‐linked glycans. Data transformation by SPC improved ion images resulting in increased smoothing of biological features compared with commonly used normalization approaches.
Contribution of the Ultrasound Techniques in the Evaluation of Knee Joint Damage in the Case of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zhong Yan‐Fen , Ye Gui‐Hong , Li Zhi‐Xian , Chen Yuan‐Yuan , Li Xi‐Gui , Wen Jing , Wu Ji
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This is a prospective study to evaluate the clinical value of high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS), superb microvascular imaging (SMI), and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiation of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and highly active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Twenty PVNS patients and 24 active RA patients were selected to undergo HFUS, SMI, and CEUS examinations. The characteristics of HFUS, SMI, and CEUS in PVNS and RA were compared, and the differential diagnosis performances of HFUS, SMI, and CEUS in PVNS and RA were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

There were statistically significant in joint effusion, synovial thickness, synovial morphology, synovial echo, synovial vessel shape, synovial enhanced direction, and enhanced pattern between PVNS and RA (P < .05). However, no statistically significant were found in bone erosion, synovial boundary, blood signal grading of synovium, synovial enhanced strength, and CEUS quantitative parameters (including PI, TTP, S, MTT, and AUC) (P > .05). The AUC of HFUS, SMI, and CEUS for differential diagnosis PVNS and RA were 0.832, 0.675, and 0.817, respectively. The AUC of HFUS + SMI, HFUS + CEUS, SMI + CEUS, HFUS + SMI + CEUS were 0.923, 0.940, 0.817, and 0.940, respectively. The AUC of HFUS + SMI and HFUS + CEUS was higher than that of each alone (P < .05).

Conclusions

HFUS, SMI, and CEUS can be used as supplementary methods for diagnosis and differential diagnosis in PVNS and active RA. What is more, the combination of HFUS + SMI and HFUS + CEUS was suggested.